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 POVTabitha's first reaction was not anger. Instead, she wondered why there wasn't a single normal person around Derek.What about this girl who bore a resemblance to her?Derek was clearly furious, with veins bulging on his forehead. He called out to stop Baldwin.Baldwin, drenched in sweat yet looking respectful, said, "Alpha Derek, I apologize. We checked her chat and call logs and found nothing suspicious. However, I have located the original video."Derek approached the gasping girl on the floor. "Tell me, what exactly did you talk about with Zander?""Nothing worth mentioning," Sally sneered. "The biggest mistake of my life was meeting you."Derek felt speechless.For the first time, he realized how terrifying being lovestruck could be.He had thought that Sally would reveal the truth out of gratitude for his help, but she showed no appreciation at all, blaming him even in her dire situation.Her heart and mind were consumed by Derek, much to Baldwin's frustration
Derek's POVTabitha didn't seem to be bothered. On the contrary, she looked quite calm, which showed a stark contrast compared to the woman on the floor.The moment the door closed, Sally seemed to understand why I chose Tabitha.But it was already late.The door shut her piercing voice out.She had no future anymore. She destroyed with her own hands a marriage with a man who truly loved her.I didn't let go of Tabitha's hand, not even after we went back to the car.Since Tabitha woke up, the things I was worried about didn't happen, but Tabitha's personality had completely changed.She was way too calm. Even when she saw other women approaching me, she no longer showed any jealousy. She had lost the sense of possessiveness she used to have.Yet the good news was that she no longer rejected my kindness towards her.Overall, her emotions were very stable, so stable that it even scared me a little."Tabitha, don't you have any questions for me?"In the darkness, I initiated the conversa
Derek's POVThe public opinion changed all of a sudden.To the surprise of Internet users, Lisa turned out to be someone who frequently intervened in other couples' relationships and acted as a homewrecker.She was no good kind. Besides, all the people who she had bullied before spoke up.Some were diagnosed with depression and had to spend their whole life to cure themselves.Some committed suicide. And their grey-haired parents showed the photo of their kid in front of the camera, listing all the wrongdoings Lisa had done to their kid.Lisa's teacher, classmates, and neighbors all stood up to tell the story of her life.Makeup artists, stylists, and some basic-level staff in the showbiz all complained about Lisa's arrogance and rudeness.What was most jaw-dropping was that several cleaners and waiters all claimed to have been defrauded by Lisa in the same way.The conflicts between Lisa and Tabitha were exposed that day, and even the au
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