Third person's POV
In this social circle, it was well known that Baxter Rios was always keen on various entertainment activities and was notorious for his indulgence in them.
The Rios family was wealthy and had a deep foundation that left many in awe. However, when it came to certain matters, Mr. Rios was known to be particularly stubborn.
Derek was deeply concerned. He really didn't want to get entangled with the Rios family.
He was well aware that once things got out of control, the elder of the Rios family, Spike Rios, would become an extremely troublesome problem.
Standing in the corner, his brows furrowed and his eyes filled with worry, he occasionally looked warily towards the direction of the bidding.
At this moment, Derek's hands unconsciously clenched and relaxed, his inner unease surging like tidal waves.
At this time, only Mr. Rios was still continuously raising the bid, and just for the cost of unmasking, it had soared all
Third person's POVThe intense spotlight shone directly on Tabitha's face, highlighting her slender figure and accentuating the delicate depth of her features.Derek, who had always known of Tabitha's exceptional beauty, nearly lost his breath at the sight of her under the spotlight, his heart pounding with a mix of awe and admiration.Tabitha's eyes were adorned with silver contacts, a touch that transformed her entire aura, setting her apart from the woman he knew.The subtle shimmer of glitter on her exposed skin conjured images in Derek's mind of a mysterious mermaid stranded on the shore."Damn it, I should have kept bidding," Baxter muttered, his face a mix of annoyance and regret.The person beside him quickly offered consolation, "Mr. Rios, while the woman is indeed stunning, she's not an innocent young girl, as you can see from the age of her daughter. It's just a kiss; what does it matter? Once you have her in your grasp, you can d
Third person's POVHer words, laced with provocation and temptation, were like adding fuel to the fire, causing the flames of Derek's long-suppressed anger to burn even more fiercely.Matilda seemed to be walking further and further down a dangerous path from which there seemed to be no return.Forrest did his best to hold Derek back, preventing him from acting impulsively, while silently praying for Matilda.His demeanor was akin to lighting a stick of incense that foretold impending misfortune for her.He knew all too well that the higher she climbed, the harder her fall would be.Under Matilda's inflammatory rhetoric, the crowd began a new round of fierce bidding.This round was significantly more intense than before. The starting price was set at ten million dollars, but it doubled rapidly as if by magic, soaring to forty million dollars in the blink of an eye and continuing to rise like a rocket.The giant electronic scree
Third person's POVThe entire venue erupted into an uproar as if a bomb had been detonated, shockwaves rippling through the crowd.Minds raced with speculation—where had this ultra-wealthy individual come from, willing to spend a staggering three hundred million dollars on a woman?Was this person out of his mind?This was Derek's first time bidding, and Matilda, who had been eagerly anticipating a chance to mock him after the auction, was caught off guard by the swift turn of events.Three hundred million dollars—did he even comprehend the magnitude of such a sum?"Sir, we have very strict penalties on this ship for the act of bidding falsely," Matilda warned through gritted teeth, her tone laced with a hint of menace.Derek calmly lowered his head, quickly wrote out a check, and held it between his fingers with an air of composure. "Here's three hundred million dollars."There was a bank on the ship, operating aro
Third person's POVDespite the overwhelming sense of shame, Tabitha found herself with little choice in the urgency of the moment.Her only thought was to shield her face, unwilling to let anyone catch a glimpse.The long dress cascaded down like a waterfall, making her appear as a wounded mermaid, pitifully appealing.Derek strode forward with determined steps, swiftly leading her away from the venue.Forrest followed closely behind, carefully holding Ayla and matching their pace."Get the doctor over here right away," Derek commanded urgently."Yes, Alpha Derek," Forrest responded promptly.Derek's mind was a whirlwind of turmoil. His desire for Tabitha was undeniable, but not under the current humiliating and perilous circumstances.Moreover, he was uncertain about the exact nature of the drugs Matilda had administered to Tabitha and the potential harm they might inflict.As the doctor conducted a thorough exam
Third person's POVForrest's eyes widened in sudden realization, his voice tense as he spoke, "Alpha Derek, you don't mean the ship's owner is..."He cast a wary glance around, checking for any surveillance cameras.Derek nonchalantly extinguished his cigarette, his tone affirmative. "Relax, I disabled all the cameras around us as soon as we boarded. Yes, it's him. He's determined to see me dead."A salty sea breeze swept over them, raising goosebumps on Forrest's skin.He had only ever known to follow Derek's orders, completely unaware of the intricate web of schemes and calculations hidden beneath.What kind of difficult and perilous situation was Derek in?Besides the discord within his family, he also faced fierce competition and endless machinations in his professional life."Alpha Derek, how should we proceed now?" Forrest asked, his face etched with confusion.Derek's gaze was deep and dark, his voice as cold as i
Third person's POVAs Tabitha spoke, her face flushed a deep red.Had it not been for the immense willpower forged through her chemotherapy, she would have lost control long ago.Derek gazed at her, a mix of shyness and allure, and despite knowing the drugs were to blame, his heart still raced uncontrollably."Alright, I'll turn away and not look at you," Derek slowly turned his head towards the window.In the pitch-black darkness, the sea appeared particularly gloomy and oppressive.The approaching roar of helicopter blades grew louder in the sky, signaling that the true revelry of the night was about to begin.About ten minutes later, Derek suddenly heard a soft moan from behind him.He quickly turned to see Tabitha, her face rosy and flushed, not only her hair and body drenched, but her eyes as well, as if misted over with steam, glistening and red-rimmed at the corners, exuding an irresistible, fatal sex appeal."Are
Derek's POVI held her quietly, without any intention of pressuring her.I knew she was in immense pain and turmoil, and all I wanted was to help her escape this predicament."Ms. Hartley, we can discuss everything else later. The most pressing matter at hand is to resolve your current difficult situation. I understand you are an innocent woman, unwilling to submit easily to others. Still, the circumstances leave us with no other options," I took a deep breath and continued, "I can promise you solemnly that I will not disclose a word of what happens tonight to anyone. After tonight, everything will return to how it was, as if nothing had happened. If you don't have special feelings for me, I can... find someone else for you, like Forrest or..."Before I could finish, she reached out and gently covered my mouth with her hand, her eyes slightly reproachful. At that moment, my heart fluttered with a hint of panic."If there really is no other choice,
Third person's POV"Don't bite. It hurts," the words echoed in Tabitha's mind, bringing back a memory from the past.When she first started her relationship with Derek, she had no sex experience.At that time, she found it extremely embarrassing to make any noise during their moments of intimacy, so she would always tightly bite her lips, refusing to let out a sound.It was on an unforgettable day when the man gently turned her chin, whispering these words into her ear.Tabitha vividly remembered that night as one filled with passion and madness.At this moment, she was completely unaware of how enticing she appeared.Her eyes covered with a silver scarf, the man slowly lifted her chin, forcing her to raise her head, revealing her long, swan-like neck.Her once neat dress slipped from her shoulders, exposing arms as white as snow and sexy, charming collarbones, with fine glitter on her skin twinkling a mysterious light in the d
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
Third person's POVTabitha had been his most promising student. As a freshman, she'd become his assistant, shadowing him in clinics and even observing surgeries.He had placed his highest hopes in her, demanding perfection during her training.To him, Tabitha was a once-in-a-generation talent—he was merely her starting point, not her ceiling.Dr. Fairbanks had been both a mentor and father figure to her. And she had let him down."Is Dr. Fairbanks… doing alright?" Tabitha asked quietly.Alban's voice turned cold. "No. He says he once had a student who made him proud—until she threw away her future for a man."Tears welled up in Tabitha's eyes.She still remembered the day she submitted her withdrawal letter. Dr. Fairbanks rushed to the school, still wearing his surgical scrubs with a scalpel clutched in his hand.At first, he thought something catastrophic had happened—had her family gone bankrup