Derek's POVMy fingers tapped absently on the table as if their rhythm held some hidden significance.I thought, 'Look, they're finally showing their true colors.'As soon as Barclay said that, the gaze of everyone in the conference room instantly focused on him.Some people showed a look of sudden realization, while others had faces full of anger and doubt.And I, who was at the center of thi
Derek's POVDuring the short break, I was extremely busy. Alvin and Rolf were not around, so I had to handle many things myself.Spike was temporarily brought over by me. Considering the shareholder vote in half an hour, he wasn't afraid."I really feel it's not worth it, Alpha Derek. You have been wholeheartedly devoted to the company for these years so that the Greenwood Group is able to develop so well. These people are actually repaying kindness with enmity," Spike said angrily.
Derek's POVWe were half-brothers, sharing the same father. Only one of us experienced our father's love and had a childhood filled with parental care.As for me, I grew up without any affection, yet I came to control the Black Thorn Pack and eighty percent of the Greenwood Group's assets.We were born on the same day, at the same time, both as premature infants. I arrived just five minutes before him, yet our lives took drastically different paths.Ambrose stayed outside th
Derek's POVMy grandfather was very strict with me, but he also always protected me well.My grandfather never revealed the whole truth to me. He simply said that my father couldn't fully assume the role of Alpha due to some critical issues, so he concentrated on preparing me for the position instead.Back then, I innocently believed my father was genuinely occupied with the pack's matters.I had no idea that he had another family and other lovers outside.I always assumed that everyone was as loyal to their mate as the werewolf world I was familiar with dictated, where mates shared a profound and unbreakable bond.When I was still oblivious to many things, that little boy Zander seemed to know me inside out.That time, Zander and the other kids smeared cake on me.My face, arms, neck, and body, none of them were spared.Their mocking laughter filled my ears, but I turned a deaf ear and just stared at Ambrose.I thought he would pick me up tenderly or stop other kids from teasing me.
Derek's POVThe vote hadn't even started yet, but there was already a tense undercurrent between Zander and me.The senior executives around us seemed to have made a pact, dividing into two groups and taking their respective sides.Although Zander was a bastard, he had all of Ambrose's love.After my father founded a new enterprise and joined a new pack, Zander was also a legitimate potential successor to the Alpha of the Black Thorn Pack.Unfortunately, my grandfather, Alpha Elliott, did not acknowledge this grandson and even rejected his own son.He even went so far as to erase Ambrose's name from the family tree.Of course, the grudge between Zander and me was a matter of the Greenwood family, so naturally, others wouldn't want to get involved.But now that it concerned the future of the Greenwood Group, these executives were starting to take sides.As for this power struggle between the illegitimate and legitimate heirs, everyone else was keeping their distance, afraid that the fa
Derek's POVTabitha was different from usual. She had deliberately put on light makeup and tied up her hair.She was wearing a lake-blue wool coat paired with sapphire earrings.Her fair neck was both elegant and noble.She walked towards me gracefully in high heels. Although not as glamorous as at an awards dinner, she looked fresher and more elegant.In terms of looks, she was unmatched even among the stars in showbiz. And when it came to her temperament, she was truly one of a kind.I was also completely captivated when I saw her in person for the first time, let alone Zander.This woman exuded charisma as if she were a statue of a deity, sacred and inviolable. It was the first time I felt a woman could be described as divine.I got up and walked toward her, extending my hand to her. "Why didn't you tell me before coming?"Tabitha also naturally placed her hand in mine, and our hands, both wearing wedding rings, held together.Tabitha had grown comfortable with me now, a far cry fr
Tabitha's POVA loud noise suddenly echoed in the conference room.I saw Derek instantly furious, as he kicked Zander's chair.His strength was like a ferocious beast on the attack, and with the help of the pulleys below, he moved so fast that he left a blur.By the time I realized what happened, Zander had already been kicked against the wall and ended up sprawled on the floor, looking utterly embarrassed.The onlookers hurriedly helped him up in a flustered manner, "Zander, are you okay?"It was clear that Derek was really furious. He had smashed the chair to pieces.If it weren't for the chair bearing too much force, it would have been Zander who was shattered to pieces."I'm fine," Zander said with a strained smile that didn't quite reach his eyes like it usually did.Barclay's face turned pale, and he snapped, "I didn't expect you two to be so ruthless!"He didn't dare to vent his anger directly at Derek, so he turned to me. "Ms. Hartley, today is the shareholders' voting meeting
Zander's POVI had tried every and had already gained the support of almost half of the shareholders.Derek was supposed to fall today!How did it become like this?I asked to see the voting results, only to find out that the people I had won over, especially those major shareholders, were all standing on Derek's side!Those who had promised to support me had all turned their backs on me.And some of them even transferred their shares to Tabitha.Now, Tabitha held almost ten percent of the Greenwood Group's shares!All my efforts over the years had ended in vain.This was a huge blow to me, and I couldn't figure out what went wrong exactly!I had known those people for a long time.And I knew they were Derek's trusted followers. Thus, I showed my utmost sincerity just to win them over.They also clearly indicated that they were willing to defect. But afraid of letting Derek find their betrayal, we only reached a verbal agreement.Originally, we had agreed that once Derek was removed,
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