Derek's POV
"You don't trust me at all, right?" I instinctively asked.
Later, I saw a mocking expression on Tabitha's face.
I knew that my question was unnecessary.
Tabitha was so clever that she figured out who was behind it when she discovered Nightshade Grass in the drink.
She also knew that I would come to save her.
Just now, she was playing for time by greeting me and pretending to sprain her foot.
Now, Lyrique was being held captive, able to deliver the message to Daphne.
Daphne's goal would fall through.
I looked at Tabitha with mixed feelings.
I didn't mean that I'd spare Daphne, but Tabitha would get herself targeted by the public if she kept this up.
I kept hearing Daphne's voice in my earphones.
She happily invited many people to have a meal together.
Then I heard a familiar voice, it was Tabitha's mother, Holly.
She affectionately called out Daphne's name.
Holly was very kind to Daphne, but I knew that Daphne never saw her as a mother.
I had investigated Daphne's background.
I knew that her father Mark used to be the son of Alpha of the Amber's Eye Pack, the largest wolf pack in Los Angeles. However, after Daphne's mother passed away, Mark couldn't wait to be with Holly.
So he was expelled from his pack and lost the title of heir.
She seemed to get along well with Holly, but I knew how much she despised Holly, not to mention she was Tabitha's mother.
Harboring hatred for Tabitha, Daphne vented all her anger towards Holly.
At that moment, I heard Daphne's voice in my earbud.
She smiled, "Mommy, where is Tabitha? Why hasn't she come to say hello to us?"
"She's always been stubborn, and not as sensible as you. Just leave her alone."
Holly's enthusiastic tone annoyed me.
During the several years of our marriage, I knew deeply how much Tabitha had longed for maternal love.
"How can we do that? If Tabitha has any complaints about you, I will talk to her and let her know Mom missed her so much. On such a big day, you should be reunited," Daphne said.
"Well, I wonder where Tabitha was."
"Over there, let's go and find her."
I naturally knew what Daphne meant by inviting Holly. She wanted Holly to see Tabitha's embarrassment.
I felt annoyed with her again in my heart.
I did not ask Tabitha to leave again. Since this was what she wanted to see, I cooperated with her.
Soon, there came a noisy sound from the corridor outside the door.
The messy footsteps were also approaching.
Lyrique began to panic. She appeared to say something but immediately lowered her head at the sight of me.
Tabitha walked up to me, gently nestling into my arms.
I embraced her.
I lowered my head and gently sniffed her fragrant hair.
My wolf was extremely calm at this moment.
I could feel my inseparable dependence on Tabitha.
The sound outside the door became clearer. I took off the earphones and put them into my pocket.
"Mr. Greenwood is truly remarkable. This castle was incredibly luxurious."
"We will go to the buffet restaurant later to carefully choose our food. I just saw authentic Spanish cuisines."
The sound of discussion could be heard through the door.
Then came Daphne's voice. "This private room has four or five tables. It can accommodate many people. We can eat and chat here later. By the way, Mommy, we are a family after all. Tabitha should come to our house often in the future."
"Daphne, I am relieved that you think this way. I was afraid that you two wouldn't get along."
As the door slowly opened, Daphne, Holly, and the others stood at the doorway. After seeing what was inside, everyone froze.
And at the moment the door opened, I immediately pressed Tabitha's face against my chest.
They could only see her slender waist and snow-white arms.
Lyrique quietly retreated into the crowd.
Her face was pale.
I looked around. Apart from Daphne and Holly, no one else knew that Tabitha was my ex-wife.
The atmosphere was eerily terrifying.
Daphne never dreamed that the elaborate scheme she had planned would ultimately embarrass herself.
Her gaze was fixed firmly on Tabitha in my arms.
Her severe jealousy and hatred overflowed.
Holly naturally recognized Tabitha, but she was bewildered, clearly unable to comprehend what had happened.
The people who wanted to watch the show had different expressions in their eyes at that moment.
They looked at Daphne with sympathy, mockery, and pity.
Daphne paused for a moment and then spoke with a trembling voice, "What, what are you doing?"
The familiar opening remarks, accompanied by a trembling voice, revealed her inner unease.
Tabitha in my arms struggled slightly, trying to lift her head.
But my arm firmly held onto her, not allowing her to move an inch.
I took off my suit jacket with one hand and covered it over Tabitha.
She grumbled in dissatisfaction.
Then I picked up Tabitha and looked down at Daphne. The coldness in my gaze was so evident.
"You will pay for your foolishness."
After saying that, I left in a hurry without any explanation or any reassurance.
Daphne stood there like a clown.
I didn't even explain it to Daphne, let alone anyone else.