Derek's POV"Look at you guys, getting all lovey-dovey right under my nose."Elliott appeared out of nowhere.With a sudden blush, Tabitha leaped away, putting space between us as if she were a student unexpectedly caught in puppy love."Alright, alright. It's been so long since you tied the knot. Why are you still as shy as a little girl? I won't tease you anymore. Seeing how harmoniously you get along, Erin can rest in peace. Derek, come here and play a game of chess with
Derek's POVI had considered this possibility before. Deep down in my heart, it was the thing I feared the most."The efficacy of this medicine is very stable. I won't give her a chance to remember it."Elliott said, "There's nothing that's set in stone, but for now, your priority should be to deal with Daphne's issues and stop her from making more trouble. Given how things have unfolded, you need to minimize the damage as quickly as possible. Moreover, it would be ideal if Tabitha could get pregnant sooner." I frowned and replied, "Tabitha has had two pre
Tabitha's POVAs soon as I spoke, Kelsey's face fell. She pouted unhappily at Andrea and complained, "Mrs. Greenwood, see how she is? How can she be so crass? I was merely trying to show kindness..."Andrea had been sitting on the sidelines, watching the drama unfold. She probably did not expect that she'd get caught in the crossfire."Show your kindness?" she scoffed, setting her fork down and dabbing her mouth gracefully. "I'm not seeing any kindness in you. You've been nothing but critical of Tabitha's family. It's clear to me you're lacking in manners.
Tabitha's POVI looked at Kelsey's incredulous look, and I was also a little surprised in my heart.She probably couldn't believe that Andrea would say such words.From her expression and reaction, I guessed that she must have been filled with shock and grievance in her heart at that moment."Mrs. Greenwood, do you really hate me so much? But these past two years, it was clear that you also liked me."
Tabitha's POVAndrea and I went shopping together, and the feeling was subtle.This was the first time in my life that I went shopping with my mother-in-law.I witnessed what it meant to be a local magnate. With a closet full of unworn clothes back home, Andrea casually waved her hand and bought yet another stack without a second thought.I was not sure if I used to spend money extravagantly in the past, but now seeing these prices, I really felt the pinch.
Tabitha's POVIn front of me was a face I didn't recognize. This girl had delicate eyebrows and eyes, but there was no sense of familiarity about her, so she likely wasn't someone I knew.Yet, the way she looked at me, it was like she knew me."Do you know me?" I asked proactively.The expression on her face returned to calm, with a hint of a smile. "Let's say we're acquainted."She rose to he
Tabitha's POVI could tell something was off, but Andrea's indifferent attitude made me withdraw all my curiosity.I simply nodded politely at the woman and said, "Excuse me, please."The woman affectionately took my hand and said, "You must be Tabitha, right? I've seen the news back home. You and Derek are quite a match. Together, you two are like a picture-perfect couple."I looked at her in confusion, and she immediately took the initiative to introduce herself, "Look at
Third person's POVTabitha was concerned that Andrea's condition, which had only just begun to improve, might be worsening again. She watched the expressions of the three people with anxious eyes.Ambrose suddenly noticed Andrea's presence, and his eyes rested on her briefly before he averted his gaze.His gaze was intricate, defying a simple emotional label.
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?"