Meanwhile, Nina Oakley, who had followed Derek's Bugatti La Voiture Noire as it sped away from the company, parked her sports car at a considerable distance. She watched enviously, fuming with anger. Derek and Cayden had found their mate—and the most humiliating aspect of it was that she was human.
Perry Jerome, restricted by his men, stood helplessly nearby. His heart burned with jealousy as he watched the woman of his life, Lilian Asienwegher, trust and rely completely on Derek Russell.
Perry couldn't stop himself from wondering: Where am I lacking compared to Derek? In truth, he wasn't inferior. He was even a bit more handsome. The only difference was his involvement in illegal business. But so what? Derek wasn't any better. Perry knew this shrewd business tycoon was more ruthless than anyone else.
Perry fumed as he watched Lilian cuddle into Derek's arms inside the Bugatti. Leo hopped into the car beside them, gently sniffing and licking Lilian's face to comfort her.
---
Soon, President Morgan Jerome's men arrived, outnumbering Derek's men. A serious fight broke out between the two parties. Perry's heart leapt with joy. He struggled to rush toward the Bugatti, desperate to pull Lilian out of Derek's arms.
But his joy quickly turned to despair. His face twisted as he realized Derek's men were no ordinary fighters. They swiftly subdued many of Morgan's men, leaving them writhing on the ground in pain. Just as guns were about to be drawn, police officers arrived, intervening and ordering both parties to the station.
Derek, however, didn't even step out of his car. He casually rolled down the window, Lilian still wrapped in his arms. He spoke calmly to the police team leader. "She needs to be rushed for a check‑up and rest. She's too frightened and may suffer trauma."
The officer nodded and stepped aside, allowing Derek to drive away.
Only then did Perry realize he was facing a formidable opponent. He watched helplessly as his rival took Lilian away.
---
Derek stopped at a three‑storey villa. Carrying Lilian, who was still trembling, he took her to the third floor, next to the master bedroom. He gently laid her down on the bed, pulling a quilt over her body. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he watched her quietly. No one could guess what was going through his mind.
Looking down at her, he said softly, "Let me get you something to help you calm down."
Before Lilian could grab his hand to stop him, he was already on his feet.
Weak and dispirited, Lilian called out faintly, "Derek."
He stopped, cocked his head, and looked at her. A pang of pain struck his heart, seeing his mate like this.
"Thank you," she whispered. "Just water."
Her voice was low but loud enough for him to hear. Derek nodded, humming in acknowledgment, then walked out.
---
Cayden returned a few minutes later with a glass of warm water. He pulled a stool close, placed the glass on it, and sat beside her on the edge of the bed. His eyes were fixed on her dotingly. "Take warm water. You'll feel better."
Lilian hummed softly, struggling to sit up. Cayden quickly helped her, sensibly placing a pillow behind her back to support her. He smiled calmly as he noticed her staring at him unblinkingly.
Lilian was taken aback by his charming, mind‑blowing smile. It was as refreshing as the morning breeze, soothing her mind. She couldn't help but wonder how nice it would be if he smiled more often.
Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly felt warmth on her lips. Snapping out of her reverie, she realized Cayden was gently feeding her the warm water. Instinctively, she held the glass, but quickly let go as if shocked by an electric current when her fingers brushed his.
Cayden felt the spark too, but remained calm and composed. Lilian allowed him to feed her until she had enough, then gave him a sign to stop.
---
Cayden calmly placed the glass back on the stool. He sat quietly, his sharp, piercing dark eyes never leaving her face.
Lilian grew uncomfortable under his captivating gaze. She looked down, counting her fingers, but kept stealing glances at him. Taking a deep breath, she summoned her courage to meet his eyes. They locked in a silent competition.
Cayden chuckled softly. "Is there anything you want to say? Go ahead."
Lilian cleared her throat. "This is the second time you've helped me…"
Cayden cut her off boldly. "And I will always help you whenever you need me."
On the outside, Lilian appeared calm. But inside, turbulent waves raged in her heart. She tore her eyes away from his gaze, biting her lower lip, revealing her charming dimple. She sighed heavily.
Then she looked at him almost certainly. "I guess you aren't doing all this without a reason?"
Cayden nodded seriously, never evading her eyes.
Tense, Lilian asked curiously, "You refused to take money from me. So what do you want from me?"
Without hesitation, Cayden blurted out, "I like you!"
---
Lilian froze, emotions flooding her mind. She had long suspected Derek harbored feelings for her. Part of her wished he would confess, to tell her he loved her. Yet another part wished he never did—especially when she remembered how they met. She had been Perry's toy, desperate to escape. How could a great man like Derek truly love her? Surely he would despise her.
She looked at him, questions swirling. "Derek, with your status, you can have any woman you want with a snap of your fingers. So why me? And you're not unaware of my past with Perry Jerome."
Cayden's gaze was steady. "I don't care about your past, Lilian. I don't need any woman. It's you I like. I fell in love with you the very first time I met you."
Lilian couldn't believe it. Could someone like Derek truly love her—an already discarded woman?
Cayden watched the subtle changes on her face. He saw disappointment flicker, and it pained him. Instinctively, he reached for her palms resting on her thighs. His large hands brushed against her soft, smooth skin.
Both jolted at the contact. Lilian frowned, tense. "Don't touch me! I thought you were different."
Cayden panicked. "No, no, please don't get me wrong. My help has nothing to do with my feelings. I protect you because it's right. I won't force you. I'll wait patiently."
---
Lilian watched him stand tall, as if about to leave. Frustrated, she cried, "You're a great guy. You can have any woman you want. So why me? After all, you know how my life has been with Perry."
Cayden turned back, his brow raised. Facing her squarely, he said firmly, "I don't care about your past. I don't need any woman except you, Lilian."
Then he turned and quietly walked out of the room.
---
In the courtyard, he saw Derek and Nina Oakley standing in an inconspicuous corner, seemingly arguing. Cayden overheard Nina's sharp words. "What's good about that human, Derek? For goddess' sake, you need a strong Luna, not a weak human."
Riggs growled, his fangs elongating briefly before retracting.
Cayden approached calmly, smiling. He scrutinized Nina, who shrank at his presence, stepping back nervously. Quickly, she muttered, "I just remembered something urgent. See you—bye."
She scurried away.
Cayden looked at Derek helplessly. "Are you still dating Nina?"
Derek turned coldly, walking away without a word.
Cayden chuckled softly. He was used to Derek's silence. "Just be sure you don't hurt little mate's feelings," he warned.