Third person's POV
At the top of the Empire Building, a man furiously smashed the coffee utensils in front of him to smithereens.
"The estimated loss this time is 18.7 billion dollars," his assistant reported, his body trembling with fear.
The cost of the massive luxury cruise ship, along with its luxurious decorations, had consumed several billion, and the various weapons, medical equipment, cargo, antiques, and treasures on board were worth nearly 20 billion dollars in fixed assets.
"In addition to the huge financial loss, we have also lost customers," the assistant continued.
"Where is Matilda?" the man asked coldly.
"Matilda's body was not found on the ship. She must have been taken away. Many guests are now demanding compensation, and the amount has reached several billion. Boss, how should we respond?"
The man roared in anger, "Ignore them."
"But if we don't compensate, won't we anger everyone?" the assistant cautiously inquired.
"Do you think even if we compensate everyone, they will board our ship again?" the man retorted.
The assistant paused for a moment and replied, "No."
"Most of the people who boarded are hypocrites. Would these people dare to demand compensation from us openly?" the man said scornfully.
"Those demanding compensation are from the underworld," the assistant responded.
"These people's money is ill-gotten anyway. Even if we compensate, it won't satisfy them. Why waste energy to appease them? There won't be any more transactions," the man said furiously.
The assistant closed the folder and softly asked, "Boss, given our severe losses this time, what are your plans?"
A photo of a woman lay in front of the man, and his eyes revealed a hint of determination. "Since the trouble started with her, let it end with her as well."
________________________________________
Tabitha, wearing a thick down jacket, strolled through the commercial street with Ayla in hand.
Seattle, as always, was welcoming early winters, with snow covering nearly half of the season.
Snowflakes danced in the sky, beautiful and romantic. Ayla, wrapped in a thick scarf and wearing an adorable little hat, stretched out her small hand to catch the snowflakes.
"Mommy, the snow is pretty," Ayla said happily.
Tabitha gazed at her tenderly. Behind them were myriads of bright lights, and Ayla's innocent smile against the swirling snowflakes made everything as beautiful as a dreamlike painting.
For years, thinking of her children had been like an unsolvable knot in her heart.
Fortunately, Ayla was now back, and her life had hope and anticipation, no longer as dark and hopeless as before.
The song "All I Want for Christmas is You" played from the street corner, and Tabitha marveled at how time flew. In a few days, it would be Christmas.
She had made an appointment with the bank in advance. Fortunately, Derek had not reported and canceled her account after her faked death. All the funds were intact, and even a substantial amount of interest had accumulated over the years.
Her previous investment projects had multiplied in value. Looking at her account balance, Tabitha thought she would be well-off even if she did nothing for the rest of her life.
She was prepared. Once she processed the large transfer tomorrow, Derek would likely find out, and she might not even make it out of the bank.
But today, she couldn't care less. She couldn't let Orson bear such a large sum of money for her.
She had made an appointment with Gloria in advance. Her faked death had a significant impact on Gloria.
"Mommy," Ayla tugged at her hand.
Tabitha looked at her tenderly and said softly, "Sweetheart, we will see Gloria soon. She is my best friend, okay?"
"Sure."
However, she didn't know that on the rooftop of Building 108, Gloria stood on the edge of the parapet, the biting cold wind howling past, lifting the hem of her thin nightgown. Her body swayed precariously in the wind.
Her hair was blown about wildly, with a few strands sticking messily to her pale face.
Tear tracks dried in the wind, leaving clear trails.
Her eyes, hollow and desperate, stared into the distance as if the world had nothing to do with her.
"Miss Bennett, calm down. Alpha Leopold will be back soon. If you have any demands, you can tell Alpha Leopold, and he will definitely meet them."
The person next to her anxiously persuaded, their voice trembling slightly.
Gloria seemed not to hear, her lips trembling slightly, muttering to herself, "I want my child! Can Alpha Leopold give her back to me?"
Her voice was hoarse from crying, each word seeming to be squeezed out from the depths of her heart with difficulty.
"Miss Bennett, come over first, and we can talk slowly," the person tried to approach her, their steps extremely cautious.
Gloria suddenly turned her head, her eyes bloodshot like a raging young lioness.
She shouted, "Tell Alpha Leopold, even if I die and go to hell, I will not spare him."
With that, she closed her eyes tightly and leaped with all her strength.