Chapter 719

　　Third person's POV 　　Derek's face contorted with pain as he continued, "After Tabitha faked her death, I suspected what had happened. I was torn at the time, wanting to bring her back, but I also understood that doing so would only repeat past mistakes. So, I protected her within my control and waited silently. Gloria, I swear, I won't hurt her again." 　　A hint of pleading appeared on Derek's face as he went on, "I'm asking for your help not out of selfishness. Tabitha's illness isn't fully healed, her body hasn't recovered, and with two children in tow, she wouldn't be able to protect herself if danger arises." 　　Gloria had never seen Derek so humble. 　　She remembered how Derek had always approached her with a condescending attitude four years ago. 　　Derek continued, "You are Tabitha's friend, and your starting point should be considering her safety, right? If I wanted to harm her, I could just bring her back directly, so why would I go through the trouble of asking you?" 　　Gloria pondered, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. 　　Derek added, "I truly envy your friendship with Tabitha. Tabitha once waited downstairs for days to help you, following Alpha Leopold. Now, you're willing to go to such lengths for her. You both genuinely care for each other and should know what's the best choice for her." 　　Gloria rolled her eyes at him and teased, "Your relationship with Alpha Leopold is also quite enviable." 　　Derek was momentarily speechless, unsure of how to respond. 　　The ticking of the clock in the living room and the howling wind and snow outside made every moment an ordeal. 　　Derek waited patiently for Gloria's response, gambling on his decision. 　　Seeing the tightly clenched fists on his knees, Gloria guessed his state of mind. 　　Finally, Gloria spoke, "You should be glad you came with sincerity." 　　A glimmer of anticipation appeared on Derek's face as he asked, "So, does that mean you will?" 　　Gloria replied decisively, "I'll help you this once, and only this once." 　　Gloria's logic was simple. Nothing was more important than Tabitha's safety. 　　Derek might be bad, but his desire to protect Tabitha was genuine. On this matter, they were aligned, both wanting to protect Tabitha. 　　Even if Tabitha had to leave, it shouldn't be now. Tabitha was still ill, with children to care for. Any accident could jeopardize her children's well-being. Gloria was more rational than Tabitha and knew that emotions couldn't dictate actions in such situations. 　　Gloria said, "I'll help you, but you must promise me one thing: never hurt her again!" 　　In Lucian's absence, Tabitha and Helios had great fun playing together. 　　Helios's language development was much better than Ayla's, and he could clearly speak a few words. 　　He said in a sweet, childish voice, "Mom, I like playing with you." 　　Looking at Helios' innocent smile, Tabitha felt a warmth in her heart and began to look forward to the future. 　　At that moment, Gloria called, and Tabitha answered immediately. 　　Gloria's anxious voice came through, "Tabitha, help me." 　　Tabitha's heart immediately tightened, and she hurriedly asked, "Gloria, what's wrong?" 　　Gloria replied, "It's complicated. Let's talk when we meet." 　　Tabitha hesitated and said, "But..." 　　Gloria quickly said, "What's the matter? Is it inconvenient for you? I'm very weak now and need someone to help me." 　　Hearing Gloria's pitiful voice, Tabitha understood her family situation. 　　Gloria had no relatives here and very few friends, and her body was at its weakest after a recent miscarriage. 　　Thinking of how Gloria had taken care of her before, Tabitha made up her mind after some internal struggle. 　　"Where are you? I'll come to you," Tabitha said. Gloria must have escaped from Leopold's house and sent Tabitha a new location. 　　Looking at the off-road vehicle parked outside, although a bit worn, it should still be drivable. 　　She left a letter and contact information for Lucian and set off with Helios. 　　Tabitha felt that having been in the rain, she could better understand others' situations and wanted to provide shelter for them. 　　Upon seeing Gloria again, without makeup, her face was thinner and pale. 　　"Tabitha, you're finally here," Gloria said. 　　Seeing the tears rolling down Gloria's face, Tabitha touched her cheek with compassion and comforted, "Don't worry. I'm here." 　　Gloria hugged Tabitha and cried for a while, this time not holding back as she had before, but genuinely expressing her emotions. 　　She started to complain about Leopold, and if not for Tabitha covering her mouth, Gloria would have revealed the details of Leopold's behavior in bed. 　　Gloria glanced at the confused Helios and quickly stopped talking. 　　"Sorry, I slipped," Gloria apologized. Tabitha laughed and handed her a glass of water, saying, "Look at you, still the same temperament, like a firecracker that goes off at the slightest touch. Are you feeling better now?"