Tabitha's POV
I was kinda excited.Tucker was all white when he was born, but his front paws had these black spots. I used to joke that it looked like he was wearing gloves."Never thought I'd go from being scared of dogs to being a dog person. By the way, I have a ton of videos of Tucker. Would you like to watch them?" Jasper asked.I nodded, and we headed over to sit on a circular sofa."I can tell you've taken good care of Tucker. He's not young anymore, but he's still so lively, and his coat looks smooth," I couldn't help exclaiming while watching the video.He was just a puppy when he left the Silver Moon Pack. How time flew!Jasper smiled and said, "Tucker's a good boy. He loves hanging under the cherry tree, like he's waiting for someone. I never knew who it was, but now I guess it's you."I stared at Tucker in the video, feeling a bit teary.My fingers slid across the cold screen, like I was feeling Tucker's soft fur."MaybeDerek's POVWhen Daphne and I entered the foyer, I immediately noticed Tabitha.She asked me to prepare a gown for her, so I picked out a white dress, but she didn't wear it.Instead, she was wearing a deep blue gown, exactly the same as Daphne's.I knew she saw the style of the dress I had prepared for Daphne and did this on purpose.But I just couldn't take my eyes off her.She prepared more than a dress. Her hair was carefully fixed back with hair gel, and a white veil was on her head.The veil was transparent, dotted with sparkling diamonds on it. It looked dazzling when the light was shed on it.Besides, she wore a pair of diamond earrings, simple yet elegant.She was like a rose in the rain—beautiful but desolate, attracting people to get closer, but threatening them with her thorns.My gaze followed her involuntarily.Just as I was talking to Leo, Daphne walked over.She had a blunt displeasure on her face. "Lo
Tabitha's POVThe hopping dinner party was stifling to me.I noticed that Derek gazed at me and Jasper occasionally and that something was hidden in his eyes.I was worried that Derek might misunderstand and even find fault with Jasper at the sight of our interaction.Feeling a bit uneasy, I turned around, preparing to leave.But Jasper, seemingly sensing my intention, caught up with me."Tabitha, are you hungry? Let's go grab something to eat." Jasper's voice was gentle and concerned.I looked in the direction he pointed, and it was a restaurant.The buffet restaurant offered a wide variety of food and separate private rooms.It could isolate external disturbances, including Derek's surveillance.Considering my situation, it seemed like a good choice.So I nodded in agreement.Soon we arrived at the cafeteria. The abundant viands, ranging from fresh seafood to exquisite desserts, made people drool.I chose some vegeta
Tabitha's POVI immediately understood why someone tried to drug me.As I took the Nightshade Grass, I couldn't control my shift.When the effect wore off, I would return to human form. But by then, my clothes were already destroyed.It was in Derek's castle, so I had no spare clothes with me. If Jasper and I were seen naked by others, I could explain nothing but get humiliated.With humans among the guests, I couldn't possibly say that I had just shifted.Besides, If Derek were to find out, he would definitely hurt Jasper out of anger.Thinking of this, I quickly said to Jasper, "Try to control your wolf."He nodded, but his breathing was already heavy. "Tabitha, I... I've tried my best."Just at that moment, Jasper's body began to change, with his wolf about to take over.He crawled on the ground, his claws extended, his bones cracking.Then he let out a painful roar.His shifting has started!My heart tightened. If
Derek's POVTabitha didn't look well.She seemed to be affected by the Nightshade grass.I wanted to take her away, but her pitiful, innocent gaze held me in place.I couldn't move my feet, as my wolf urged me to get closer to her.She tugged my clothes, and as I bent down, she directly hooked her arms around my neck.It caught me off guard.I wondered, 'How long has it been since I last saw her smile like this?'Clean and beautiful, like a flower in the rain, washing away all dirt and hatred.'It just makes me fall for her once again.'She whispered softly in my ear, "Would you stay here and rest with me for a while?"Her voice was so enticing that I couldn't resist. So I stayed.Worried about Tabitha, I came there in a hurry without even taking off my earbud.Then, as she was safe and sound, I finally started paying attention to the sound coming from the earbud.I listened, sitting on the carpet, with Tabitha in
Derek's POV"You don't trust me at all, right?" I instinctively asked.Later, I saw a mocking expression on Tabitha's face.I knew that my question was unnecessary.Tabitha was so clever that she figured out who was behind it when she discovered Nightshade Grass in the drink.She also knew that I would come to save her.Just now, she was playing for time by greeting me and pretending to sprain her foot.Now, Lyrique was being held captive, able to deliver the message to Daphne.Daphne's goal would fall through.I looked at Tabitha with mixed feelings.I didn't mean that I'd spare Daphne, but Tabitha would get herself targeted by the public if she kept this up.I kept hearing Daphne's voice in my earphones.She happily invited many people to have a meal together.Then I heard a familiar voice, it was Tabitha's mother, Holly.She affectionately called out Daphne's name.Holly was very kind to Daphne, but I knew
Tabitha's POVWhen Daphne came in with her entourage, I wanted to look up and see her reaction.But the hand pressing on the back of my head was like an iron clamp, not allowing me to move even a bit. It was infuriated.I wondered, 'It must feel terrible to be lifted high and then dropped hard.'Just a moment ago, she was Mrs. Greenwood, the envy of everyone.'But then she became a pitiful laughingstock.'Soon, the words of Derek's affair at his son's birthday party would spread. That was exactly what I wanted—to ruin Derek and Daphne's reputation!'As I expected, there was already a chorus of laughter echoing around us."I really thought Derek spoiled her to the moon.""This is such a slap in the face. If my boyfriend dares to cheat, I'll go give him and his mistress a slap each.""Tsk, if your husband were Derek, would you do the same? To be Mrs. Greenwood is everyone's envy. I can imagine your regretful tears if he dumps you
Tabitha's POVI didn't recognize the person in this photo. It was unfamiliar.But according to my good memory, I had seen this person somewhere before.Where?"What's wrong? Do you think of something?" whispered Obadiah.A flash of light crossed my mind. Bruto Street in the southern district.The day I went to look for Vilda.She rushed towards me like a mad person.At that time, I ran across the street and when I turned around, I saw someone behind Vilda."I..." I was about to say but swallowed it, afraid of being heard.I hurriedly said to Obadiah, "Alpha Obadiah, you have helped me a lot this time. Can you help me check again? I suspect that I am being followed by someone."I would be exposed if I made a move. But nobody would suspect Obadiah.Obadiah got it immediately.He was about to leave. With a polite smile, he said, "Okay, see you later.""Okay."After Obadiah left, I recalled the incident involving
Derek's POV Leaving Tabitha, I headed to the private lounge on the second floor. I didn't know why, but recalling the expression on Tabitha's face before I left made me uneasy. If it weren't for dealing with Daphne's mess, I definitely wouldn't leave Tabitha's side. I felt like staying with her, protecting her. Walking into the reception room, I saw Daphne causing havoc and tearing the place apart. She stopped only when she saw me walk in. "Derek, what did it mean? You held Tabitha in your arms in front of everyone?!" Daphne shouted at me, her eyes filled with doubt and anger. I looked at her coldly. "Daphne, you planned all of this, and now you question me?" My voice was calm, but every word carried undeniable authority. "I just wanted to expose her true nature!" Daphne defended, but her voice had already lost its edge. "Expose her? You are only bringing shame on yourself," I replied with disdain in my tone. "Do you think you can ac
Third person's POVTabitha closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as if trying to calm her emotions. After a while, she opened her eyes again and asked, "Were you also involved that night on the boat?""Yes," Derek replied without hesitation."Is Wilmot your man?" Tabitha's voice carried a hint of doubt.Derek paused for a moment, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes, before slowly answering, "Yes, I was just too worried about you, so I had him go to protect you.""Then do you know what we..." Tabitha's words were cut short as Derek suddenly slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a stop on the side of the road.He turned to look at Tabitha, his eyes filled with sincerity and urgency, and said, "Tabitha, I am very clear about what happened that night. He was there to help you."Tabitha did not believe Derek's words. Her eyes were filled with anger and disappointment as she shouted, "Wilmot disappeared as soon as he came back. Forrest told me last night that he was dying. Was that y
Third person's POVDerek never expected that as soon as Tabitha returned, he would receive a call from Gloria.On the other end of the line, Gloria's voice came through, "Tabitha wants to see you."Hearing this, Derek's heart sank, and he sighed, thinking to himself, 'I knew it. I couldn't hide it from her.'On an evening with snowflakes drifting down, the sky was shrouded in gloom, and the snow fell gently, covering the entire world in a silver-white veil.Tabitha wrapped her coat tightly and saw Derek again.Since her staged death, Tabitha had only seen Derek through news reports.Now, as she approached him, she was surprised to find that he had become much thinner, his figure appearing particularly frail.Derek was dressed in a black coat, leaning quietly against the car. In just a minute, snowflakes began to fall on his head, accumulating a thin layer of white snow.Tabitha took a deep breath, calming her emotions, and then walked towards Derek.Looking at Derek, her eyes carried
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