Tabitha's POV
Inside the gift box was a phone watch in the shape of a bear.
I didn't need it now.
More than a decade ago, I asked Holly to buy me the most popular phone watch in the shape of a bear if I topped the final exam.
The day my results came out, however, I saw her leaving with that man.
It had been years. I didn't know exactly how I felt when I saw the late gift.
I charged it up and wore it on my wrist.
That night, I fell asleep while stroking the watch, happy as a kid who had finally received the candy she had been yearning for.
It was dawn, and a new day began.
I had to go to the hospital early in the morning for various checkups.
It was sunny today. I looked out and silently cheered myself on.
I'd be fine. Definitely.
I packed my things and was just about to go out when I saw a familiar number flashing on my phone screen.
It was Albert. Seeing that, I paused.
During this time, I had thought about inviting him out and continuing to find out the truth through him.
Yet I didn't wanna spook anyone, so I had never done anything.
Surprisingly, he called me.
I pressed the button to answer the phone. "Hello, Albert."
"Ms. Hartley, where are you? You asked me to look into Elena. I've found something!"
The anxiety in his tone sounded genuine.
I asked tentatively, "What is it?"
"I found her phone. It's just that it's broken. I figured I gotta ask you, as you were interested."
"I heard her place was rented to someone else, and her body was burned. Where did you get her phone? And if it's broken, how do you know it's hers?"
I thought clearly and quickly grasped the key points.
Albert fell silent.
My guess was, he figured I'd be excited and anxious when I heard the news.
But he was wrong. I calmly pointed out the problems, which caught him off guard.
While he was trying to come up with some excuse, I said, "I don't know what you're up to, but my dad supported you. Without him, you wouldn't be where you are today. I'm not asking you to repay him. But at least you shouldn't bite the hand that feeds you."
He sneered.
"Sure enough, you know."
I had been keeping Lucian's words in mind. He said before he left, "Don't tip our hand before I get back."
Derek was gonna get engaged today, and Albert called me on the same day. What did he want?
"Albert, I don't know who you work for, but everyone should have a conscience. If you're doing this for money, might as well work with me. I can pay you double or even more."
"Alright then. Meet me at Street Park Café. Let's talk."
"I've got something to do today. If you really have something, let's meet another day. As for the money... You can name your price."
"I take it that you won't come out today."
"Sorry."
"Well, guess we're done talking then. Ms. Hartley, mark my words. There's no way out for you."
He hung up the phone before I could say anything. I closed my eyes, realizing that I couldn't hide it anymore.
Apparently, the mastermind behind the scenes was no longer satisfied with lurking in the dark. The person now wanted to confront me head-on.
I sighed helplessly. Why today of all days?
My gut told me something big was about to happen.
I had already stepped away from Derek as far as I could. And that still wasn't good enough for that person?
Fortunately, Lucian had arranged for someone to protect Dad before leaving. It was a bit pricey, but at least Dad was safe.
On the contrary, I wasn't.
I didn't fall for Albert's bait, and I was pretty sure some other traps were waiting for me.
But I had to go for treatment today.
What should I do?
I stared at the door, obsessed with the thought that there was danger lurking behind it.
Before I knew it, my palms were sweaty.
I took out my phone and instinctively wanted to find someone.
Even I didn't realize that Derek was the first person I called.
I quickly pressed the button to end the call.
One second before that, I heard his voice so clearly.
"Hello?" His voice was as deep as ever.
I was stunned. He picked up this fast on the day he was getting engaged?
It took me a while to react. He got impatient and said, "Speak."
Speak?
What should I say?
Shall I ask him to come over together with several of his men to protect me?
A few days back, I made it clear to him that I wanted nothing to do with him anymore. What was more, he was gonna get engaged today. Saying so would make him think I was putting on an act and reminding him not to forget about me.
So, after I came back to my senses, I said, "Congratulations on your engagement."
We weren't even in the same room, but somehow, I found the atmosphere between us strangely eerie and terrifying.
Derek sounded very displeased. "That's what you wanna say?"
Now that I had already congratulated him, I had to bite the bullet and continue.
I collected myself and said, "Yeah. It's a joyful day today. Feel like I should congratulate you and give you my blessing."
Derek gritted his teeth. "Thanks."
He hung up the phone right after that. Listening to the sound of the line being disconnected, I sighed helplessly.
He was the one getting engaged. How come I ended up sounding like the one forcing him to get engaged?
One thing was certain, though. I mustn't let him know about what was going on here. If I ruined the engagement party... Forget about Daphne, Holly alone would be enough of a headache.
Coincidentally, Jasper called. My hopes were lit up at once.
"Jasper."
"Morning, Tabitha."
"Can you come pick me up?" I asked cautiously.