Third person's POV
After the mercenaries had plundered the ship's wealth, they swaggered away without a care.
As dawn approached, Tabitha, still in the throes of sleep, was quietly transferred amidst the chaos.
Derek, freshly groomed and composed, gently opened the door to a burst of invigorating sea breeze, the wind's caress gradually dispersing the gloom that had long lingered in his heart.
The entire ship, except for the level they occupied, was in disarray. Ninety percent of the passengers had already disembarked, and the remaining ten percent were their own people. Over a hundred enforcers, tightly bound with ropes, huddled on the ground in disarray.
Matilda, released from her restraints by Alvin, rushed downstairs with urgency. The restaurant, dance floor, luxury boutiques, and entertainment venues were all reduced to chaotic ruins.
Stumbling and falling into the wreckage, Matilda's tears flowed as she lamented, "It's gone. Everything
Third person's POVTabitha wasn't sure how long she had been asleep, but she gradually woke from her slumber in a daze.She moved her fingers, and the numbness and weakness spread throughout her body as if every muscle was silently protesting the previous ordeal.Before even opening her eyes, her body felt as if it was being pricked by fine needles, with waves of soreness following one after another.However, a strange coolness emanated from a certain part of her body, which instantly brought her back to her senses.She slowly lifted the covers and, upon seeing the unfamiliar yet soft and comfortable pajamas, was taken aback before a blush crept onto her cheeks.She subconsciously clenched her legs, her mind involuntarily recalling the previous ambiguous scenes, thinking to herself, "He was so meticulous..."The bed was filled with a faint scent, a mix of some cleaning products and a masculine aroma, suggesting that the man had meticu
Third person's POVForrest's account seemed flawless at first glance, but Tabitha's heart was filled with doubts.This was not a small sum. It was three hundred million dollars, not three thousand or thirty thousand.Moreover, before the auction, no one could predict the final price, so the amount Wilmot would need to borrow would certainly far exceed three hundred million.Orson, though well-off, could hardly come up with hundreds of millions in liquid funds.Besides, she and he were merely friends, not lovers.And how could he have access to mercenaries?It wasn't that Orson couldn't do these things, but everything seemed unlikely for him.Yet, aside from Orson, who else could have lent a helping hand?It couldn't be Derek... As soon as she thought of him, Tabitha shook her head.Derek was supposedly still in Africa. He couldn't have rushed over so quickly.Even if it were him, he would have taken her awa
Third person's POVOrson let out a sigh, resignedly saying, "Alright. Alright. I'll send you the account number later, but you must think this through.""I have thought it through. Orson, I truly appreciate all your help over the past year," Tabitha expressed her gratitude.Without him, she would not have been able to reach this point, nor would she have been able to reunite with her daughter.Compared to her previous life, which was hopeless and bleak, she had now gained surprises and happiness.Orson was at a loss for words, not knowing how to explain everything to her, so he accepted her thanks. "You don't need to thank me. I haven't done anything particularly special. In any case, you must be careful in everything you do."After hanging up the phone, Orson realized that his palm was already soaked with sweat.Theodora hurriedly leaned over, her face full of concern as she asked, "How is it? Tabitha didn't suspect you, did she?"
Third person's POVThe smile on Rolf's face vanished instantly, his expression becoming solemn as he asked, "Alpha Derek, are you worried he will retaliate against you?""He has deduced my identity through Tabitha. I have touched on his core interests this time. Do you think he will tolerate it easily? Just as a snake would strike at the most vulnerable part of its enemy, he will surely seize my weakness," Derek said in a deep tone."Alpha Derek, your weakness is Tabitha. He is very likely to target her," Rolf warned with concern.Derek's eyes were deep and complex, as if containing endless thoughts. He spoke slowly, "When I married her and chose to keep it a secret, it was out of concern that if my identity were ever revealed, it might bring her a lot of trouble and danger. But after so many twists and turns, she was still exposed and seized by others. Now, in addition to her enemies, my identity may become the biggest threat she faces.""What sho
Third person's POVAt the top of the Empire Building, a man furiously smashed the coffee utensils in front of him to smithereens."The estimated loss this time is 18.7 billion dollars," his assistant reported, his body trembling with fear.The cost of the massive luxury cruise ship, along with its luxurious decorations, had consumed several billion, and the various weapons, medical equipment, cargo, antiques, and treasures on board were worth nearly 20 billion dollars in fixed assets."In addition to the huge financial loss, we have also lost customers," the assistant continued."Where is Matilda?" the man asked coldly."Matilda's body was not found on the ship. She must have been taken away. Many guests are now demanding compensation, and the amount has reached several billion. Boss, how should we respond?"The man roared in anger, "Ignore them.""But if we don't compensate, won't we anger everyone?" the assistant cautiously i
Third person's POVThe bodyguard moved with the speed and agility of a hunting cheetah, leaping over various obstacles on the rooftop, his hair whipping wildly in the fierce wind, and his clothes flapping loudly.His arms swung forcefully, each stride carrying a powerful impact, and just in the nick of time, he extended his thick, tightly muscled arm and grabbed Gloria's slender wrist with an iron grip."Miss Bennett, please don't make things difficult for us. If anything happens to you, we won't be able to account for it to Alpha Leopold," the bodyguard said anxiously, his forehead veins bulging, and beads of sweat rolling down his cheeks."Pah, as long as I abandon my moral bottom line, you can't bind me with so-called responsibilities. I couldn't fight him while I was alive; when I get to hell, I will pray to Satan to grant me the most terrifying power. I will become the most evil demon and will definitely make Alpha Leopold and you guys pay! Hey, you
Third person's POVAt the sound of the voice, Gloria's pupils dilated sharply, her face filled with terror and confusion. "Am I hallucinating? Why would I receive a call from heaven before I even get there?" Her body involuntarily shrank back, leaning against the bodyguard, her hands clutching his arm tightly."What heaven? Gloria, where are you? It's me. I'm not dead," Tabitha's voice carried a hint of urgency, her words spreading through the cold air with a tremor and ethereal quality.Gloria looked at the bodyguard, her eyes wide. "Did you hear what she said?" Her eyes were filled with anticipation and unease, her lips trembling slightly.The bodyguard, regardless of who was on the other end, noticed the drastic change in Gloria's expression and quickly played along, "She said she's not dead and asked where you are. What heaven?"He raised his voice a bit so that those around could hear.Gloria shot the bodyguard a fierce look, as if her
Third person's POV Gloria, still in her high heels, hurried towards Tabitha, arms wide open, and enveloped her in a tight embrace. "Tabitha, you scared the hell out of me. I really thought you..." Gloria's voice trembled, betraying a hint of fear she couldn't quite hide. "Sorry, it was an emergency," Tabitha responded, patting Gloria's back. Gloria held her close, scrutinizing her with a pained expression. "How thin you've become. Haven't you been eating properly? You're skin and bones." Tabitha reached out and pinched Gloria's cheek, smiling. "Don't talk about me. Look at you, busy with work, I bet?" Gloria's eyes flickered with a moment of discomfort. She turned her head, forcing an awkward expression. "Of course, I'm a corporate hotshot now." She tried to sound proud, but a touch of bitterness welled up inside her. "I always said you were the best," Tabitha looked at her, her eyes filled with encouragement. They stood there, hugging for a long time, catching up. Gloria the
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?"