Third person's POV
"I can offer advice on other matters, but I'm truly at a loss here. I was once a mother, and I wouldn't want to harm that little life either," Gloria said.
At that moment, Jasper's voice came through, "This child probably can't be kept. If Tabitha is to take my medicine for six months, and if she's pregnant, I can't guarantee the child will be born healthy. It might result in birth defects. Ending the child's life now would spare it a lifetime of suffering."
This was the same dilemma she had faced before, but back then, she had a reason to keep the child.
But now...
Tabitha yearned to reach higher and farther. The pregnancy felt like another shackle binding her, holding her back.
"Tabitha, you've had a relapse. You know your body can't withstand chemotherapy again in the near term. Life is precious, but your health is paramount. Don't you agree?" Jasper said.
"Jasper, I know you mean well, but..." Tabitha replied.
"We need to move you to another place for a full-body check-up. You've got a few days to think it over. Your body is your own. We can't make the decision for you," Jasper said.
Gloria concurred. This time, Tabitha had to decide for herself.
In Seattle.
"Bang!"
Everything in front of Derek was sent crashing to the ground by Leopold.
Leopold had shed his previous mild and elegant demeanor, resembling a wild beast in a frenzy, his pupils bloodshot.
Since hearing that Gloria had fled, he had flown back without a second thought, but there was still no trace of her.
He could no longer contain himself and flew into a furious rage.
"Where are my woman! When I handed her over, she was fine. Where has she gone?" Leopold roared.
Derek was also on edge these past two days.
A week had passed since Lucian slipped away, with no word from him.
Derek had finally uncovered Lucian's identity.
Lucian and Randall were twin brothers.
At birth, Lucian was extremely frail, on the verge of death.
So, the Robinson family only announced the existence of one young master. Even Derek was unaware of Lucian.
Rolf sighed, "What a strange turn of events. Who would have thought that the sickly one would survive while his brother didn't?"
"No wonder Randall used to secretly visit the church. We thought he was praying for safety, but it turns out he was meeting Lucian," Derek mused.
"If that's the case, Lucian must have known Randall died for you. Could he be seeking revenge on Tabitha?" Rolf asked.
No one could be certain, as even the Robinson family knew little about this son.
When the news of Randall's death reached the Robinson family, they proposed bringing Lucian back to raise him.
But upon arriving at the church, they were told he had already left. Lucian vanished without a trace.
Derek now understood that the "sickly one" Randall often mentioned was Lucian.
At least one thing was clear—the bond between the brothers was strong.
If Lucian sought revenge, it would explain his approach to Tabitha.
But what puzzled Derek was why, over the past two years, Lucian had never harmed his children or threatened him despite having the chance.
So, what was Lucian really up to? Derek was completely in the dark. All he wanted now was to bring Tabitha and the children back as soon as possible.
This was the eighth time Leopold had come to cause a scene in a week, each time growing more furious.
Carson, who was watching from the side, remarked, "I remember someone said half a month ago that Gloria was just a dispensable plaything. I've never seen anyone lose their composure over a plaything before."
Leopold glared at him, "It's easy for you to talk. Wait until your beloved runs away and see if you can still laugh."
Carson replied with a smile, "Don't interpret our relationship with your filthy mind."
Alvin interjected, "Alpha Leopold, we've committed a great deal of manpower and resources. Alpha Derek is more eager than you to find Tabitha. This isn't the time to blame each other. We should work together to locate Luna Tabitha and Miss Bennett as soon as possible."
Leopold wouldn't back down, placing his hands on Derek's desk and demanding, "Tell me honestly, did you let them go on purpose?"
He stared intently at Derek, "The island and the people there are yours. How could they escape unless you wanted them to?"
Leopold wasn't foolish. He had sensed the change in Derek's attitude towards Tabitha long ago.
"I knew I couldn't hide it from you," Derek admitted.