Derek's POV
I took the shaken Tabitha back home.
Standing in the living room, Tabitha paused for a moment before suddenly speaking up, "Derek, today I encountered..."
I was busy. My attention was diverted by the constant ringing of my phone, which had been persistent throughout the drive. Just as she began to explain, another call came through, cutting her off mid-sentence.
"Okay, I'll come over right away," I said after finishing the call and looked at Tabitha. "Tabitha, what did you want to tell me just now? What happened at the mall?"
Tabitha let out a deep sigh, her shoulders slumping as if the weight of the day had finally settled on them. "It's nothing important. Go ahead and handle your business. Just make sure to come back early."
"Okay," I replied, gently ruffling her hair before heading out.
Her hesitant demeanor left a knot of concern in my stomach, but I knew I had urgent matters that couldn't be delayed.
I sank into the back seat of the car, the overcast sky reflecting my gloomy mood.
With Rolf and Alvin still detained and now this incident with Tabitha, I was feeling particularly distraught.
I had been monitoring the direction of online public opinion.
"Alpha Derek, with things escalating like this, shouldn't we consider some damage control?"
I kept fiddling with the ring on my finger. “No need. As long as there's no solid evidence, no one will believe it. Besides...”
I stopped short, catching a glimpse of my own reflection in the rearview mirror. My face was icy, filled with a cold, murderous intent.
"I also want to find out who's behind all this chaos. Let them stir things up. They've had it too easy for too long."
Spike nodded in agreement, saying nothing.
"Sunset Mansion is right ahead," I murmured.
My team had already tracked down the mastermind behind the assassination attempt, and to my surprise, it turned out to be an old acquaintance.
Sunset Mansion, nestled along the coastline, was a relic from the last century. Its architectural style was brimming with romantic French charm.
In summer, it was a picturesque spot, but in the winter, beneath the dark, brooding clouds, it took on an eerie, solitary feel.
As I entered the courtyard, I noticed a woman standing sideways to me, wrapped in a long woolen coat, sipping coffee with an air of elegance.
The white porcelain cup and her bright red nails created a striking contrast.
Despite the fierce sea breeze, the woman's face remained serene, contrasting with the harsh weather.
Hearing my footsteps, she turned her head toward me as I approached.
The black coat outlined my well-built figure.
Sally, her makeup impeccably done, greeted me with a soft smile. "Alpha Derek, it's been a long time."
Her voice carried a hint of familiarity and warmth.
I bypassed the niceties and got straight to the point. "Where is the evidence?"
Sally chuckled softly. "You're still as blunt as ever. Since you're here, why not sit down and have a cup of coffee?"
"No need. I'm pressed for time. Just show me the evidence." Sensing my impatience, Sally pulled out a few photos from her Hermes bag and tossed them toward me. "Take a look."
The photos were fragmented and torn, but when pieced together, they vaguely revealed a tall man in a cleaner's uniform with his arm around Lisa's neck, her legs dangling.
It was the clearest evidence to clarify the misunderstanding.
"Is this enough to negotiate with you?" Sally set her coffee cup down, resting her chin on her hand with a lazy demeanor.
Only then did I take a seat. The photos were deliberately torn and difficult to discern, showing Sally's caution. "Tell me your terms," I said.