Chapter 3

My heart clenched, and I held her tightly. After a series of violent impacts and jolts, seawater instantly surged into the cabin. Everyone began to scramble in panic. I unbuckled Fatima's seatbelt and stumbled with her towards the emergency exit.

"Are there any injured?" A rescue team member announced through a megaphone, "We don't have enough life rafts at the moment. We need to prioritize getting the injured to treatment first, then we'll rescue everyone in batches!"

I hastily raised my hand, about to speak. But Ryan, from behind me, clapped a hand over my mouth. He glared at me ferociously. "Chloe and I are getting on the boat first! That old hag can forget about taking our spot!"

I struggled to break free from his grip, my eyes icy. "You cowardly, shameless bastard! Get out of my way!" I shoved him away and, supporting Fatima, moved forward. "This lady has severe panic attacks and needs immediate hospitalization. Any further delay and she could suffocate to death!"

Chloe looked at me with venomous malice. "You're so selfish! There are so many people here waiting to be rescued, why should we save a half-dead old woman first?!"

These words instantly caused a stir among the already terrified crowd.

"Let us healthy ones go first! Why should someone who's about to die get priority?"

"Save whoever you can! She's practically dead, why take up a spot?"

"Exactly! Save us first, or we'll all report you!"

I stared at them in disbelief. Beside me, Fatima's face turned ashen, equally despairing. "You! All of you!"

The rescue personnel were just people doing a job for money; a single complaint could cost them dearly. They exchanged glances, then gritted their teeth. "Alright! You go first!"

Chloe and Ryan smirked victoriously, casting a mocking glance my way before heading straight for the life raft. Seeing this, several men nearby, terrified of being left behind, pushed everyone aside in a mad scramble to jump onto the boat.

I looked at the woman leaning on my shoulder, my heart seizing. "Fatima! Don't you dare fall asleep!" My gaze turned to the rescuers, full of pleading. "I can stay, give up my spot, but you *must* take her. Otherwise, someone will die!"

They exchanged glances, looking from me, who wouldn't budge an inch, to the passengers who were practically desperate to rush forward. Unsure what to do.

"They can complain, and so can I. If someone actually dies because of this, how will you deal with the fallout?"

The oldest rescuer pondered for a moment, then glanced at the weak woman behind me. "Alright, help her up!"

I sighed in relief, quickly helping her onto the rescue boat. Just as I turned to leave, she gripped my clothes tightly. Seeing this, Chloe immediately sneered. "Didn't you say you'd give up your spot? Now you're regretting it, aren't you?"

Her cold, sinister gaze fixed on me, and she began to fan the flames. The agitated crowd instantly ignited. "Get off the boat! You hag! Or I'll kill you!"

My heart hardened. I pulled my clothes free and was about to leave when Chloe spoke up again from behind me. "You can't leave either!" she said, looking at the puzzled rescuers. "What if this old hag dies on the way? So she has to come with us." Before anyone could protest, she interrupted again. "But she gave up her spot, so just tie her to the back of the lifeboat," she said, her eyes like a venomous snake, glaring at me savagely. "Drag her back!"