Chapter 706

　　Third person's POV 　　Tabitha returned to her room and saw that Ayla had already fallen asleep. She picked up a warm towel and gently wiped Ayla's face and hands, her eyes filled with affection and tenderness. 　　As she turned to leave, she glanced out the window and saw a figure standing under the streetlight—it was Wilmot. 　　He stood there motionless, like a statue, gazing directly in her direction with a look of desolation and deep affection in his eyes. 　　Tabitha's heart stirred slightly, and she thought to herself, why was he putting himself through this? 　　Lovesickness had always been the most tormenting, the relentless pursuit of something unattainable only leading to heartache and exhaustion. 　　Tabitha only took a quiet look before closing the curtains. 　　She reminded herself that since she couldn't respond to him, she shouldn't leave any hope, not allowing him to fall deeper into this unrequited affection. 　　Forrest walked to Derek's side and said, "Alpha Derek, Tabitha has already gone to bed. You should go back now." 　　Derek shook his head, his tone firm, "I'll stay a bit longer." 　　Standing in the swirling snow, he took out a cigarette, lit it with a slightly trembling hand, and took a deep drag. 　　He let the harsh wind and snow sweep over him as if this could ease his inner pain and longing a bit. 　　He stood there quietly, his gaze always fixed on Tabitha's window, until the cigarette in his hand burned out. 　　It finally turned into a spark that was extinguished in the wind and snow, and only then did he slowly turn around and leave with heavy steps. 　　The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, and Tabitha got up early. 　　She carefully handed Ayla to Forrest, instructing him to take good care of her. 　　Then, she went out alone to the bank to handle a large transfer. 　　On her way to the bank, Tabitha felt particularly heavy-hearted, knowing that the transfer might trigger a series of unknown risks. She was even mentally prepared that the moment she stepped out of the bank, she might fall into serious trouble. 　　When she entered the bank, the staff greeted her with smiles and extremely polite attitudes. 　　Not only had they prepared exquisite refreshments in advance, but the bank's president also personally handled her business. 　　The entire process went very smoothly, with the president maintaining a polite and enthusiastic demeanor, treating Tabitha as if she were the bank's most important VIP. 　　After completing the business, the president personally bowed and respectfully escorted Tabitha to the door. 　　Tabitha walked out of the bank and found the outside cold and empty, with no one in sight. 　　She couldn't help but be stunned, wondering if she had thought too much. 　　Had Derek not sent anyone? Or had he completely accepted her "death" and no longer had any attachment to her? 　　Standing in the wind and snow, Tabitha was lost in thought. She suddenly felt a bit ridiculous. When Derek had been controlling her, she was full of disgust and aversion. 　　But now that he might really let her go, an inexplicable sense of loss welled up in her heart. 　　'Forget it,' she told herself silently. Let the past be the past, and she must also strive to let go of the past and move forward bravely. 　　Tabitha then went to her alma mater and walked around the campus, looking at the vibrant and youthful students around her. 　　Their young and innocent faces made Tabitha feel as if she had traveled back in time, seeing her own shadow in them, with beautiful memories flooding her mind. 　　"Tabitha!" Suddenly, a clear yet trembling adolescent voice rang out. 　　Tabitha turned around to see a boy in a school uniform running towards her from the distance. 　　She couldn't help but be stunned. The boy, who was about the same height as her a few years ago, seemed to have been under an enchantment, growing taller and taller, now more than half a head taller than her. 　　Noah, who was already handsome and gentle, had cultivated a unique temperament through his hard studies over the years, making him appear even more refined and scholarly. 　　"Long time no see, Noah," Tabitha greeted with a smile, her eyes looking at the boy's badge, which clearly read "Noah Greenwood." 　　After they were taken away from the island, Derek handled all the subsequent matters. 　　But she never expected that Derek would give these two orphans his own last name. 　　Seeing Tabitha's gaze on his badge, Noah seemed to sense her doubt and explained, "Alpha Derek gave us the names. He said the Greenwoods wouldn't be bullied in Seattle." 　　"He chose it?" Tabitha frowned, surprised in her heart.