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,
Derek's POVAfter going back to my office, I explained the situation to Tabitha.Actually, I had known for a long time that Zander was secretly bribing my men, so I decided to turn his trick to my own use.I let my men find a time to "betray" me, gaining Zander's trust.Zander fell into the trap, and I took the chance to find the moles.When listening, Tabitha kept her mouth open in shock.She said, "Just a few days ago, I read a post about the real business wars. They said the worst thing they've done was to secretly unplug their rival company's internet cables or something."Hearing this, I reached out and scratched her nose dotingly, "Don't be too surprised."Tabitha stammered, "Well, actually, you can tell me more about your business. I feel like a useless person in this matter."Seeing her being so considerate and adorable, I couldn't help but smile, "I don't really want you to get involved in all of this mess."Tabitha pouted and asked, "The Greenwood Group's problem has been so
Third person's POVStanding in the underground garage, Zander looked at his phone with a sullen face, as he got a call from an unknown number.He answered the call, his voice cold, "If it's some trifle, I advise you to keep your mouth shut.""I'm calling to offer you a deal.""Oh?""I know you've lost a lot of money over the years. I can offer you a deal worth a billion dollars. What do you say?""Enlighten me."The person on the other end of the line said slowly, "Help me kill Tabitha, and I'll give you a billion."Tabitha's POVIn Derek's office.I looked at Derek and asked, "What's wrong? Did you find anything?"Not long after Derek left, someone called me here.Derek replied with a faint smile, "Not yet. But this farce is about to end. Would you wanna go watch a good show?"I blinked, asking, "Can I?""Of course. The person who should apologize is not you, but them."Later, after taking care of the company's affairs, Derek personally drove me to the seaside.It was dusk now, and I
Sally's POVI was Sally.Seeing that face, somewhat similar to my own, I knew it was Tabitha.She was the true love of Derek's life.It was not until now that I realized Derek wasn't disinterested in women. He had been waiting for Tabitha to appear for the past decade.He never explained this to me because I had never caught his eye, and there was no need or obligation for him to do so.I had been delusional, striving alone out of his sight, even fantasizing daily about what it would be like to stand by his side.After being rejected by him, I was so devastated that I cried my heart out and did many extreme things.Looking back, I felt like a clown, while the woman by his side was both elegant and noble.What I lost to her was not just appearance but also demeanor.Seeing her legs, unharmed and perfect, only fueled my anger. Why was fate so cruel to let me meet Derek?I roared inside, filled with jealousy and frustration."You're awake?" Derek asked lazily from his seat. "Tell me, who
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
Third person's POVForrest's voice was laced with worry, "Ms. Hartley, where are you now?"Tabitha had already settled her wages with Forrest before sending the children to the island. She couldn't fathom why he would contact her at this juncture.She couldn't help but feel puzzled.Tabitha inquired, "What's wrong?"Forrest replied, "Wilmot's had an accident. You need to come see him."Tabitha was still trying to make sense of Derek's appearance at the bar when she heard about Wilmot's predicament, and her heart immediately filled with worry.She quickly asked, "What happened to him?"Forrest explained, "Wilmot was already ill recently, and he drank a lot tonight. He's suffered from alcohol poisoning and has been taken to the hospital. He keeps asking to see you, Ms. Hartley. Where are you? Can you come to see him?"Tabitha thought to herself that even if she knew her current location, she couldn't just tell anyone.
Third person's POVTwo more gunshots rang out, the shooter's aim dead on as two more men fell to the ground.Tabitha saw a tall figure standing deep in the alley, shrouded in a cloak, making it impossible to discern who it was.Tabitha's mind raced with questions. Was he a friend or foe?The man removed his hat, revealing the distinctive totem mask beneath.Tabitha stared in disbelief and uttered, "Lucian, why are you here?""Long story. Come with me," Lucian said, grabbing Tabitha's hand and leading her away.They didn't get far before Tabitha glanced back to see Derek and Leopold rushing out of a bar together.Surprise washed over Tabitha. How could Derek be here?Her blood seemed to freeze. 'When did he return?'Lucian pulled Tabitha into a dilapidated black car that passed right in front of Derek.Leaning against the car window, Tabitha gazed at Derek, lost in thought.'If Leopold had arranged to
Third person's POVLeopold carefully compared the photos. Although the person in the photos was dressed differently and had a different appearance, the body shape and the action of holding things with the left hand were identical.Derek became alert, thinking to himself, "People like us are more sensitive than ordinary people. Such photos wouldn't catch the attention of most, but I've noticed something.""Where's the negative?" Derek asked."I'll have it sent over right away," Leopold replied."And Tabitha?" Derek inquired again."Don't worry, she followed me to the bar. She's in the lobby outside. I have my bodyguards keeping an eye on her," Leopold said.Tabitha had been following Leopold for several days, and Derek, concerned about his own people being exposed, asked Leopold's men to watch her.She maintained a simple daily routine without any issues.However, the photos now revealed to Derek that someone was tracking
The next day, Tabitha began to investigate Leopold's movements meticulously.For several days, she did not dare to slack off. Gloria, who had recently suffered a miscarriage, had been recuperating in Leopold's home, not venturing out.A tight-lipped woman handled the daily tasks of shopping, cooking, and cleaning.Despite Tabitha's attempts to get close to her, she couldn't extract any information.As a week passed, it had been half a month since Gloria's miscarriage, and by her nature, she should soon be able to go out.On the sixth day of tracking Leopold, he called Derek out for drinks.He rubbed his temple, looking troubled, "Your mate, doesn't she think she's disguising herself well?"With that, Leopold threw out a stack of photos, all of which were taken while Tabitha was following him.Tabitha's curious little head appeared adorable in the photos."Or do you think I'm so idle that I play house with her every day?"