Third person's POV
Derek gazed at the starry sky, a bitter and helpless smile playing on his lips.
"If she is really alive. Of course, I can find her and bring her back. But it would only replay the past tragedies, dragging her into the abyss of pain again. Staying by my side, she is like a delicate flower in an exquisite crystal vase, brilliant for a moment, but withering quickly. Perhaps... letting go is the best choice for her, allowing her to bloom freely."
Rolf and Alvin heard Derek say this for the first time, their eyes filled with disbelief.
"Alpha Derek, can you really let Tabitha leave?"
"Once, I only wanted to keep her by my side. But the subsequent accidents made everything go terribly wrong. Tabitha hates me deeply. If this is what she wishes, then I am willing to fulfill it."
Derek sighed softly, "These are just my speculations, without concrete evidence. First, confirm whether she is still alive, check her phone's location information and Orson's every move over the past seven days. Be careful not to alert them."
"Understood, Alpha Derek."
"Are you going back now?"
Derek shook his head, "If Tabitha is still alive, she will definitely pay attention to my actions. I don't want her to be frightened. I'll stay here for a few more days."
Derek, in a state of madness, would have undoubtedly searched desperately for her body, so how could he give up so easily?
He knew Tabitha, and Tabitha, in turn, knew him.
But he never thought that one day he would choose to let her leave just to protect her.
In the following days, the salvage operation continued. Alvin made some discoveries, as well.
"Tabitha's phone was last located by the sea. It should now be at the bottom of the sea. I specifically investigated Orson's recent activities. He still goes to work and back home on time. After work, he accompanies his girlfriend, Theodora Weaver, for shopping, dining, and watching movies. Everything seems normal."
"The more normal he is, the more suspicious he becomes. All of this is a show for us, to prevent me from being suspicious."
"That's right. I also found that he withdrew a large sum of cash recently. In this era, who would carry so much cash around? I suspect this money was prepared for Tabitha."
"Any clues about Tabitha's whereabouts?"
"Not yet. I have checked all records of transportation. If Tabitha left, we should have known immediately. Do you think she might have left by sea? She could have sailed out of territorial waters in these days."
Derek shook his head, "No, Tabitha hasn't left."
"Alpha Derek, why are you so certain?"
"Firstly, the most dangerous place is often the safest. If Orson wants to send Tabitha out to sea, he cannot use overt channels, so it must be through those hidden passages, which will narrow our search range. Tabitha was captured once. So she won't take risks lightly. For her, I am like a devil. If captured again, she knows I won't let her go easily, so she must ensure everything is perfect before acting."
"Secondly, Tabitha's condition is still very weak. She cannot withstand a long journey. Especially at sea, where the weather is unpredictable and not conducive to recovery. If problems arise, medical attention cannot be sought in time. So the sea route is the least likely option for her."
"Alpha Derek, so what's your opinion?"
"She is still here. If you can't find clues from Orson, start with the Weaver family. Renting a house can easily expose one's identity. Tabitha might be staying in a house belonging to the Weaver family."
"And what about you?"
"I will go back and continue the pretense. Remember, if you find her, do not act rashly. Do not alert them. Also, do not stop searching for Jasper. Try to protect her discreetly."