Derek's POV
I said coldly, "I have extremely important matters to attend to right now. If you have any questions, please talk with my assistant."
I was about to leave when Samuel stepped forward and blocked my way.
"Sorry, Mr. Greenwood, besides the murder case, there are also accusations of tax evasion and other issues within your company. You must come with us for an investigation."
At this critical moment, someone was trying to use these things to hold me back.
I was originally calm but started to get impatient. "You can discuss anything with my lawyer and assistant. Step aside."
Samuel took out the handcuffs directly. "Mr. Greenwood, if you don't cooperate, we will have to take strong measures. The law enforcement recorder is filming. Please follow the rules."
"I said, get out of the way!" I raised my hand, about to attack Samuel, but he didn't dodge, as if waiting for me to lose my temper.
Alvin quickly stepped forward to stop me and gave me a signal. "Mr. Greenwood, they are acting according to the rules. You can go first. I'll handle the rest."
In this troubled time, how could it be so coincidental to have tax evasion issues? Obviously, someone was deliberately manipulating things from behind, aiming to make the situation even more tricky.
Whenever I got involved in Tabitha's affairs, I tended to lose my sanity. If I were to be charged with assaulting a police officer at this time, things would become even more complicated.
I regained my composure. I couldn't afford to make a mistake now.
"Alright, handle it for me."
"Please rest assured," Alvin had just responded when Samuel stopped him.
"Sorry, Mr. Snider, you also need to come with us for an investigation. Besides tax issues, there are also accusations of accounting fraud and other illegal activities within your company."
I could no longer suppress the cold aura emanating from me, and I grabbed Samuel by the collar.
"Don't think that I didn't recognize you, Samuel. Stop throwing your weight around here!"
Our eyes met, filled with a fiery tension.
"I thought you had a selective memory, but it seems you remember quite clearly. I warned you not to fall into my hands."
"Mr. Greenwood!" Alvin coughed, afraid that any friction between Samuel and me at this moment could be used against us.
I glanced at the activated law enforcement recorder. It was clear Samuel came prepared.
Despite my terrible mood, thinking of the bodyguards arranged for Tabitha, I figured she would be safe for the time being.
I suppressed my anger and said, "Lead the way."
"Mr. Greenwood, please."
Tabitha's POV
Zola and I arrived at the mall.
Although Zola earned a decent salary, she lived frugally and used all her money to support her family. She hardly ever splurged on herself in such places.
"Tabitha, really, there's no need. The things here are outrageously expensive. It's much more convenient to buy things online, and it's not pricey either."
I smiled, "Zola, don't refuse. It is my heartfelt gesture. Consider it as an early New Year's gift for you."
"How can I accept that?"
"Don't stand on ceremony. Didn't you just have a grandson? As an elder, I haven't had the chance to see him yet. Buying some gifts for him should be okay, right?"
Zola chuckled, "Then I'd like to say thank you on his behalf."
We arrived at the baby section. At a glance, it was filled with all sorts of delicate, pastel-colored baby clothes.
I unconsciously reached out and touched my flat belly.
"Tabitha, are you okay?"
I came back to my senses and said, "I'm fine. Go pick out what you want. I'll pay today."
"Then I won't hold back."
Zola happily rushed into the clothing area.
I watched as those expectant fathers and mothers picked out baby items, and a pang of sadness welled up in my heart.
I was supposed to have babies too.
"Waaaa..."
Suddenly, a baby's cry echoed in my ear.
My maternal instincts compelled me to look up instinctively.
A man, wrapped in a thick down jacket and wearing a mask, was pushing a double stroller.
He picked up the crying baby boy and patiently cooed to calm him down.
Despite his large stature, he handled the task quite adeptly.
But just as he calmed one down, the other little one started to cry as well. On impulse, I walked towards them.