Tabitha's POV
The next day, I went back to the company. I didn't know how Sonia dealt with Harry last night after I left. As soon as I walked in, I realized something different about Sonia. She was wearing a Hermes scarf. She was haggard, even though she tried to cover it with the thick foundation on her face. The second she saw me, she glared at me fiercely, like a vicious coyote in the desert. To my surprise, she went back to her office without saying a word. I took my glass and went to the tea room to fetch some water. As soon as I stepped inside, I saw some people talking with their heads down separated quickly, and they looked at me secretly non-stop. I knew what they were talking about, of course. Even those in Group B, who I didn't know well, stopped and teased me when they saw me, "Group C is so full of promising talents. Ms. Mendoza took her to one dinner party, and the deal was sealed. She's quite something." "You mean she's quiTabitha's POVI enjoyed the furious, embarrassed look on Sonia's face.Then I chuckled, saying, "I learn from the best. You messed with me first. Or I wouldn't show them to anyone. After all, it'd do me no good. Too bad that you're so heartless."I sighed, deliberately looking sad, "You slept with Mr. Watson and made everyone think it was me. You know what? I've got no interest in being the scapegoat."Then I knocked on the desk. "What do you suggest I should do?""Tabitha, you see, it was just a slip of the hand. I had no idea this would happen. How about this? You'll get a share of the deal this time," Sonia immediately said fawningly.I was just bluffing. In fact, I thought it was the one behind the scenes rather than Sonia who did this.The one was always lurking in the dark, spying on me 24/7.I snorted, "You really think I give a damn about that?""What do you want then? What's done is done. It's too late to withdraw the photos."
Tabitha's POVI didn't want Daphne to think Derek was the reason why I was here.If I got kicked out of the company, my investigation would be ruined.Given my current situation, I didn't know how long I had left. I had to seize every chance I got.Thinking that, I quickly got up and wanted to leave through the side door. Too bad Daphne was already here and saw me."Excuse me. Miss?"I walked faster as soon as I heard her phony voice.However, Emma dragged me back in order to impress Daphne. What a dumbass!"Why were you running? Didn't you hear the future Mrs. Greenwood was talking to you?"I felt speechless for a second. Emma had no idea how awkward things would be if I was face-to-face with Daphne."Sorry. She has only joined us recently. She was in a hurry to the bathroom."Emma was "kind" enough to explain for my sake.Daphne said, "Raise your head."I had no choice but to look up. Our eyes met, and immediately, D
Tabitha's POVIf it were in the past, I would have walked to him to check on his wound or give him a head massage.But today, I didn't.Even if our separation was the result of someone's plan, and even if he had nothing to do with Dad being hospitalized, he was already part of my past.I had to get used to the fact that I'd spend the rest of my life without Derek.While standing respectfully aside, I said calmly, "Mr. Greenwood, I've brought the proposals."Derek didn't open his eyes. Frowning, he said, "Come here."I walked up to him with the plans. "I'll read them if you're tired."I used to do this when Derek was busy.He would rest while I read beside him, and then he would tell me his decision and leave me to handle it.In the next second, he looked up, grabbed my wrist, and pulled me gently. I fell into his embrace.He furiously asked me to piss off last night, and now, he did this, which caught me off guard.I was st
Tabitha's POVRight after I finished speaking, I felt Derek's hands on my waist tighten.I continued hastily, "I want you to back me up."In the next second, he kissed my lips.It was a fierce kiss, leaving me no room to escape.All of a sudden, Alvin's voice came from outside. "Miss Sutton, Alpha Derek is in the middle of something."She was back already? How come?She hated my guts. If she saw me with Derek, she'd definitely turn the Greenwood Group upside down.I was very clear about my goal here. Daphne mustn't stand in my way and ruin my plan.A bit panicking, I pushed Derek's chest.Too bad that he seemed no intention of letting go of me, though she was about to barge in.Outside, she said impatiently, "What? Do I need permission to see my fiancé? Move!"My heart was beating so fast, and I felt butterflies in my stomach. I tried to break free from Derek's embrace with all my might.Derek was crazy! Since h
Tabitha's POVI tried to look at Rebecca more clearly, but her back was to me, so all I could see was her thin body.She was even wearing a sun hat that covered most of her face. I meant, come on. We were indoors. Why would she need a sun hat?Soon, she finished cleaning the windows and was about to wipe the bookcase.What if she saw me?I was initially here to report on my work to Derek. If she saw me now, they wouldn't believe me no matter what I said.Distressed, I quickly picked up my phone and texted Derek.His phone buzzed on the desk, yet he didn't even raise his head. Seemed he already knew I'd text him.I bet he did this on purpose!Having no other option, I had to dial his number. Yet he simply glanced at the phone screen and then lowered his head.Shit!I was so anxious, and on the contrary, he was acting all cool as if nothing had ever happened.Even Daphne sensed something wrong. She looked at him, saying, "Der
Tabitha's POVSoon, everyone in the department knew Daphne had slapped me.Meanwhile, Derek left me in full charge of the project, and a warning was issued in all the chat groups.Those who weren't stupid sensed something off.Given that it was Alvin who had arranged for me to work here, they now suspected that instead of Alvin, Derek was the one backing me up!My colleagues in Group C were terrified the second they realized that.No one dared to compete with me for the project anymore. They were practically waiting in line to fawn me up.Emma placed the latte I had asked for respectfully on my desk with an ingratiating smile."Tabitha, here's the latte I bought for you. It's precisely how you wanted it. Easy on the sugar, no ice. Oh, and I got you an afternoon tea as well."The exquisite pastries filled my desk. Everyone else looked at her with disdain.As I glanced at her, she continued, "I was ignorant. Please forgive me. If you n
Derek's POV"I don't think it's any business competitor. After all, all the bidding projects this year are quite normal. Then... If it isn't for commercial interests, why are these cameras here?" Rolf pondered."Find out every single person who has been in my office this past year," I said."I'm on it. We can surely trace the person down.""Too late," I smiled coldly. "The cameras are here. Don't you think that person has already seen us? But..."I took out my lighter, and with a sound, a flame ignited."Someone's still here. Right?"The sky gradually darkened, and everyone in the office had already left.As I stood outside the office, I saw Tabitha. She was alone, working overtime.She stretched lazily on her seat, rubbed her stiff neck, and then turned off the lights and left.I restrained my aura and had Leo conceal his presence. Then I followed her.She walked quickly towards the elevator.I immediately followed up.
Tabitha's POVAfter I got home, I checked the trackers again. The one at the garbage disposal center was already gone, and the rest were still right where they had been.Lucian's phone was still turned off. I sighed.I was getting closer and closer to the truth, yet there was always something blocking my sight. I had no idea how to get rid of it.One good thing, though. The project went well. My plan passed the screening, and the company and I set a meeting time.I dressed up in a suit specifically. When I entered the door, I felt that my palms were perspiring.Pushing open the door, I smiled gracefully, "Hi there. I'm Tabitha Hartley, from the Greenwood Group."The good-looking young man wearing a white suit sitting smiled, too, "Hi, Tabitha. We meet again."I was stunned. "Jasper?"Only then did I realize. "The general manager of Austin Group is you actually?""Yeah." Jasper shrugged helplessly.Then I immediately asked, "Did
Third person's POV"Tabitha, how long have you known Lucian? Do you understand his background? Or rather, since he is neither a relative nor an acquaintance, why would he help you? There is no such thing as unselfish kindness in this world. Most of it is mixed with interests. Do you think he has ulterior motives towards you?"Tabitha was taken aback by Derek's series of questions and didn't know how to answer for a moment, only able to stammer, "I...""Tabitha, we have known each other for many years and understand each other well. Lucian helped us take care of the children, and we should be grateful to him. But if you want to leave with him, are you sure this is the right path? Think not only for yourself but also for the children. What they really want is a stable life or a wandering one?"Derek's ability to control people's hearts was too strong. With just a few words, he hit Tabitha's soft spot - the children."If it's because of me that you've come to t
Third person's POVBoth of them avoided discussing heavy topics during the meal. It wasn't until after finishing eating that Tabitha picked up a napkin, wiped the corners of her mouth, and then broached the main subject."What are your plans?" Tabitha asked."Tabitha, I've already found some clues about Jasper, but with the news of you being alive spreading, it's not safe to stay in Seattle anymore. I won't insist on you staying by my side, but at least you need to protect yourself and the children's safety. How about going to Hawaii? It's very safe there," Derek said sincerely."Do you want me to hide there for the rest of my life?" Tabitha frowned and questioned."At least for now, until I find out her identity..." Derek explained."As long as I don't show up, she will never reveal herself. Am I supposed to hide forever?" Tabitha interrupted him.Tabitha put down the small spoon in her hand, looked at Derek seriously, and said, "Derek, let's be f
Third person's POVTabitha closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as if trying to calm her emotions. After a while, she opened her eyes again and asked, "Were you also involved that night on the boat?""Yes," Derek replied without hesitation."Is Wilmot your man?" Tabitha's voice carried a hint of doubt.Derek paused for a moment, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes, before slowly answering, "Yes, I was just too worried about you, so I had him go to protect you.""Then do you know what we..." Tabitha's words were cut short as Derek suddenly slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a stop on the side of the road.He turned to look at Tabitha, his eyes filled with sincerity and urgency, and said, "Tabitha, I am very clear about what happened that night. He was there to help you."Tabitha did not believe Derek's words. Her eyes were filled with anger and disappointment as she shouted, "Wilmot disappeared as soon as he came back. Forrest told me last night that he was dying. Was that y
Third person's POVDerek never expected that as soon as Tabitha returned, he would receive a call from Gloria.On the other end of the line, Gloria's voice came through, "Tabitha wants to see you."Hearing this, Derek's heart sank, and he sighed, thinking to himself, 'I knew it. I couldn't hide it from her.'On an evening with snowflakes drifting down, the sky was shrouded in gloom, and the snow fell gently, covering the entire world in a silver-white veil.Tabitha wrapped her coat tightly and saw Derek again.Since her staged death, Tabitha had only seen Derek through news reports.Now, as she approached him, she was surprised to find that he had become much thinner, his figure appearing particularly frail.Derek was dressed in a black coat, leaning quietly against the car. In just a minute, snowflakes began to fall on his head, accumulating a thin layer of white snow.Tabitha took a deep breath, calming her emotions, and then walked towards Derek.Looking at Derek, her eyes carried
Third person's POVGloria held Helios on her lap, skillfully peeling a grape and feeding it to him, her experience with children evident."Feeling better now that it's out," she said, watching the child play quietly nearby.Tabitha casually inquired, "Why did you hold back on the day we met, only to tell me today?"Gloria had her excuse ready, responding, "You had just returned to the States, and I didn't know your situation. I was afraid it would cause you trouble."Tabitha peeled a few more grapes before setting them aside when Helios indicated he'd had enough.She then looked at Gloria and said slowly, "You weren't afraid of causing me trouble. You were afraid I would leave, weren't you?"Gloria was taken aback, about to argue, but Tabitha saw through her, "Every time you lie, you subconsciously avert your gaze, fearing I'll see through you."Gloria, in a fit of exasperation, covered her face with a blanket, "You two are tru
Third person's POVDerek's face contorted with pain as he continued, "After Tabitha faked her death, I suspected what had happened. I was torn at the time, wanting to bring her back, but I also understood that doing so would only repeat past mistakes. So, I protected her within my control and waited silently. Gloria, I swear, I won't hurt her again."A hint of pleading appeared on Derek's face as he went on, "I'm asking for your help not out of selfishness. Tabitha's illness isn't fully healed, her body hasn't recovered, and with two children in tow, she wouldn't be able to protect herself if danger arises."Gloria had never seen Derek so humble.She remembered how Derek had always approached her with a condescending attitude four years ago.Derek continued, "You are Tabitha's friend, and your starting point should be considering her safety, right? If I wanted to harm her, I could just bring her back directly, so why would I go through the trouble
Third person's POVThe two children were a blend of their parents. The girl resembled Derek, while the boy took after Tabitha, which was quite different from their brother, Kyrian.Derek thought to himself that if Kyrian knew he had two younger siblings, he would be thrilled.But when he considered his relationship with Tabitha, he sighed deeply, filled with regret for his past actions.At that moment, Alvin approached swiftly and reported, "Just received news from the island. Noah is taking Ayla away, and Lucian's direction also leads to the island. He plans to take Tabitha away."Derek, with his hands behind his back and a furrowed brow, spoke with a melancholic expression, "Lucian intends to take more than just Ayla—Tabitha as well. She has always sought opportunities to leave me, and this presents her with an excellent chance.""What should we do? Should we stop him now? Otherwise, with his capabilities, if he truly takes Tabitha a
Third person's POVPlans... Tabitha's original goal had been to find her two children and Jasper.The children were found, but Jasper was without a trace.However, she couldn't search aimlessly without a target.Thinking of Derek's anxious appearance last night, it was clear he still had feelings for her.Gloria's text warning Tabitha to be careful of Derek came to Tabitha's mind again.Tabitha felt she had overlooked some subtle details. What exactly had she missed?It seemed a key point was missing, and once found, it would connect all the events."I don't know. I just wanted to find the children, but I didn't expect to court death. And Derek's attitude towards me is ambiguous. Outside this cabin, I don't know what awaits me," Tabitha said, her face full of entanglement.Seeing her struggle, Lucian took a big gulp of mineral water and mustered the courage to say, "Have you severed ties with him?"Tabitha nodded,
Third person's POVDerek had painstakingly built up Tabitha's trust by posing as Wilmot.He knew that if she ever discovered his true identity, her anger would be immense, and the trust he had spent half a year constructing would crumble entirely.Derek continued, "Send someone to discreetly protect her without revealing themselves. Ayla is still on the island. Tabitha will go to see her."Rolf nodded in agreement, "Understood."Derek added with caution, "Remember, Lucian has a strong ability to detect surveillance, so do not get too close."Rolf responded, "Yes, Alpha Derek. We will handle it immediately."Turning to Alvin, Derek instructed, "Investigate the identities of those deceased men thoroughly."Derek pondered whether Tabitha's survival had been leaked, perhaps when she was seen on the boat.The assailants had been ruthless, and if not for Lucian's timely arrival, Tabitha could have been in grave danger. He had