Tabitha's POV
I 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
Tabitha's POV"Sure." I gave Jasper all of Dad's reports, and he examined them carefully.Time passed by slowly. After quite a while, he looked up at me.There was something different in his gaze."Tabitha, perhaps there's still hope for John. If Matthew's doing the surgery, chances are, John's gonna make it."I sighed, "Yeah. If Matthew is doing the surgery. Too bad that I've tried almost everything, but he's still nowhere to be found.""Don't worry. I'll help with my connections."Standing by the bed, I wiped Dad's body with a warm towel. "I don't know if Dad can wait that long.""I'm sure he can."I turned and met Jasper's eyes shimmering with an inexplicable determination.After we came out of the hospital, he was energetic and bubbly again. "Why don't you buy me some dinner? I'm starving.""Sure. What's in your mind?"I grew up wishing I had a sibling. To me, the sweet Jasper was like my little brother."There's a
Third person's POVAs soon as Tabitha stepped out of the house, the biting winter wind hit her face like a knife, stinging her skin.Just as Derek had said, everything had been arranged."Tabitha, the helicopter is ready. You can leave now.""Thank you.""However, the helipad is a bit far. You'll need to walk there.""That's fine," Tabitha waved it off.Wrapped in a thick down jacket, she buried her face in the hood. She felt as though someone was watching her, but she didn't dare look back.She was afraid that if she turned around, she wouldn't be able to leave. In her heart, she kept repeating, Don't look back. Just keep walking.Behind the curtains, Derek held Kyrian, who was crying silently. Kyrian reached out toward the empty air, as if trying to grab the hem of Tabitha's coat."Dad, I don't want Mom to leave. Will she abandon me?""No, she loves you. How could she abandon you? She's just leaving for a
Third person's POVThough he was just a child and didn't fully understand what had happened between Tabitha and Derek, he knew one thing—he loved Tabitha and wanted her to be happy."If this makes you happy, I don't mind. I'm just scared... scared you'll leave me," Kyrian said, his voice trembling slightly."Silly boy, didn't I tell you? You and your siblings are my most precious treasures. I love you so much, and I'll visit you often," Tabitha said gently.Then, she noticed the cord around Kyrian's neck and gently pulled it out. It was the small lock she'd designed for him years ago."I made this for you. It's engraved with my hopes for you, 'May you grow up happy and healthy every day.'"Kyrian reached out his hand. "Mom, you can't lie to me. You have to come see me again."Their fingers hooked together in a pinky promise, and Tabitha smiled softly."Okay, I promise. When you're a little older, we'll live together, alri
Third person's POVIn such a short time, Kyrian had already figured out his place in Tabitha's heart. He knew exactly where her soft spots were and used his natural childlike tears as a "weapon" to try to keep her from leaving.Though this might not make Tabitha happy, she couldn't bring herself to refuse him.What parent could say no to a child crying for candy?Especially when that child was the one she owed so much to, the one she wanted to give the entire world to.But he didn't want the world. He just wanted Tabitha to stay."I..." Tabitha started to speak, but Kyrian cut her off."Mom, I love you so much, and you love me, and my siblings too. I already don't have a complete family. Do you want my siblings to grow up without a dad, only imagining what he looks like, envying other kids' happy families? Mom, haven't you heard? A happy, complete childhood can heal a person for life, but an incomplete one takes a lifetime to heal."
Third person's POV"Back then was back then. Now is now. But I promise you, no matter what happens, I'll always love you," Tabitha said softly, gently stroking Kyrian's head. Her hand brushed through his soft fur, the warmth of a mother's love flowing through her touch.Kyrian's voice was small, tinged with hope. "Mom, can you spare a little love for Dad? He's actually kind of pitiful."His eyes showed sympathy for Derek. In his heart, both his parents were his greatest loves, and he longed for a complete family."There are plenty of people in this world who love your dad. He doesn't need mine," Tabitha replied, her tone carrying a hint of stubbornness. Despite her lingering feelings for Derek, the pain of the past made it hard for her to forgive."But to Dad, you're like oxygen to a fish. A fish can't live without oxygen," Kyrian said, snuggling closer to Tabitha.He pressed his body against hers, as if clinging to her love would make it st
Third person's POVKyrian obediently climbed over and was immediately pulled into Tabitha's embrace.From here, they could see the beautiful scenery outside. Kyrian realized that the training grounds looked completely different from this angle—probably because his mother was by his side.Tabitha smiled softly, her voice warm. "I chose your name. You were born with all my love.""Mom, you must have loved Dad a lot back then," Kyrian said, looking up with curious eyes."Yes, very much," Tabitha admitted honestly. "No matter how I feel about your dad now, you are my precious child, born after seven months of carrying you. Your dad took you away, and I didn't even know you existed. That's why I missed so many years of your life. But you need to know, I thought about you every single day. There wasn't a moment when I didn't miss you or wonder about you. I love you more than anyone in the world."Kyrian's mood brightened, a happy smile sprea
Third person's POVKyrian watched nervously as Tabitha cleaned and dressed his wounds.He didn't dare breathe too loudly, his eyes glued to her every move. His gaze was filled with dependence and longing.Every now and then, he'd glance quickly at Derek, his eyes questioning, desperate for reassurance that this wasn't a dream."Dad, is Mom really back?" His voice trembled, carrying the fragility and hope unique to a child.Derek reached out and gently tapped his nose. "Silly boy, she's really here."Kyrian's tense body relaxed slightly, and a shy smile crept onto his face.When Tabitha applied the ointment a little too firmly, he winced but stayed silent.His hands gripped the hem of his shirt, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He was afraid that if he cried out in pain, Tabitha might leave.In his heart, he thought, As long as Mom stays, this pain is nothing.Kyrian had always been well-behaved, but n
Third person's POVAzazel was furious.To be honest, he hadn't planned to take things this far with Kyrian.He showed Kyrian some respect, but deep down, he knew most of the children here were orphans with no one to rely on.He'd been provoking Kyrian because he refused to fall in line. After all this time, Kyrian still wouldn't listen to him.Azazel had wanted to teach him a lesson and assert his dominance in front of the others.But Kyrian was tougher than he'd expected. Instead of backing down, he even fought back with a fierce determination that burned in his eyes.What's wrong with him? Why won't he give up?"You're dead, brat," Azazel snarled, raising his fist to deliver a crushing blow to Kyrian's head."Stop!"Kyrian closed his eyes, bracing for the impact his small body couldn't possibly withstand. But the blow never came.A hand shot out, gripping Azazel's wrist.Everyone turned to see Tabitha, breathless from running.Thankfully, she'd made it in time.What she didn't know
Third person's POVKyrian had barely taken a few bites when a tall boy walked over and flipped his tray onto the floor, sneering, "Go on, eat that."Tabitha's fists clenched in anger. "How can they bully him like this? He's already struggling!"Derek held her back. "Tabitha, don't act rashly. This place isn't just about physical training for him."Tabitha frowned. "Then what else is he here for?"Derek explained, "For people like us, growing up means training alongside peers who'll become your most trusted allies—like Alvin and Rolf. These are the people who'd take a bullet for you on the battlefield. If Kyrian grows up sheltered, handed a team of strangers, do you think they'd truly respect or protect him? One wrong move, and he could end up dead."Tabitha's anger began to fade. "What are you saying?"Derek's tone grew serious. "He's not just training his body. He's learning to lead, to earn the loyalty of these kids. They'll b
Third person's POVThe car slowly emerged from the underground garage, breaking through the darkness into the open air.The streets were adorned with mistletoe trees, people bustling about in preparation for Christmas."It's been years since we celebrated together," Derek said suddenly, his voice tinged with nostalgia."Yeah." In those days when survival was all that mattered, Tabitha hadn't had the luxury of thinking about holidays."It's the last day of the year. Where are you taking me?" Tabitha glanced at Derek."You'll see."The car wound its way out of the city, into the countryside. Snowflakes danced in the air, painting the world in white.The road grew steeper, the landscape wilder. Soon, there were no buildings in sight—just endless trees and snow.Tabitha gripped the armrest as the car jolted over uneven terrain. After what felt like hours, they reached a remote valley deep in the mountains. Even their p