Chapter 268

　　Leopold's POV 　　If these words were coming from Gloria, I'd probably think she was just spouting nonsense. 　　After all, she always did such things, and I could hardly believe her. 　　But when Tabitha stood there with her refined elegance and charm, every word she spoke sounded so credible. 　　She was completely different from Gloria. She was a well-educated lady while Gloria... 　　Well, I'd just keep that thought to myself. 　　"Ms. Hartley, you are flattering me. I've heard Gloria mention you before, too. Finally, I have the honor to meet you today. Your elegance and virtuousness really stand out," I smiled. 　　Then I teased Gloria, "It's hard to imagine how you became friends with such a rude woman like Gloria." 　　Gloria glared at me, seemingly displeased with my backhanded compliment. 　　I then walked up to Tabitha and extended my hand, saying, "My name is Leopold Sowell. Nice to meet you." 　　Tabitha shot me an embarrassed glance. 　　"Alpha Leopold, I'm sorry. I wanna shake hands with you, but I can't," she said apologetically. 　　My gaze fell upon her limp right hand, a hint of surprise flashing through my heart. 　　Then, I switched to my other hand to shake hers. Her eyes were bright, not a trace of self-abasement in sight. 　　"Gloria's hardworking, diligent, and methodical. If you were to give her a promotion, Alpha Leopold, you wouldn't regret it." 　　Tabitha's evaluation of Gloria made me chuckle. 　　"Gloria is indeed a patient and responsible assistant," I replied. 　　Tabitha glanced my way and then said to Gloria, "Well then, maybe Alpha Leopold has some things to discuss with you. I'll head out now. See you next time." 　　Gloria looked at Tabitha with concern, remarking, "Be careful on your way back." 　　"Sure, no need to send me off." Tabitha nodded and then waved to me. "Goodbye." 　　"Goodbye, Ms. Hartley," I responded. 　　Gloria looked surprised, perhaps because she hadn't seen me acting so gentlemanly. 　　After Tabitha left, she piped up with a smug look, "My friend's beautiful, isn't she?" 　　"Well, she's indeed prettier and gentler than you," I teased, finding her sulky expression amusing. 　　"Tell you what? I know her," I said, reigning in my smile, building up the suspense. 　　"Wait, what?! Spill!" Gloria instantly perked up, smelling gossip in the air. 　　I added mysteriously, "She's my friend's crush." 　　Gloria elbowed me, asking, "Who is it? Do I know him?" 　　Just when I was about to answer her, I caught a glimpse of the bottle of folic acid on the table. 　　Gloria, following my gaze, looked panicked. She snatched up the bottle, saying, "Wait here. I'll be right back." 　　With that, she dashed out. 　　I stroked my chin, curiosity lighting up my eyes. 　　Then, I dialed a number, and a familiar male voice came through, sounding tired. "Workaholic, what's up?" 　　"Can't I just check in on you? Guess who I just saw at the hospital?" I chuckled. 　　"My mate?" he replied. 　　"Good guess, but I'm curious—how did the woman you hold dear end up with a broken hand? Who did it?" I asked directly. 　　Derek remained silent for a long time before finally replying, "It's me." 　　I stopped smiling and asked, "What? Why? Are you nuts?" 　　"It was an accident," he explained. 　　"Well, that makes more sense. After all, how could you possibly hurt her? But c'mon, bro, why didn't you share the good news?" I teased him. 　　Derek asked, "What good news?" 　　"Still playing dumb? Didn't she get pregnant again?" 　　There was a loud crash on Derek's side, followed by his incredulous voice. "What did you just say? Pregnant?" 　　"She's taking folic acid. Why else would she be taking that stuff if she's not pregnant?" 　　Derek gritted his teeth, asking, "You sure?" 　　"Please, it's not like I'm illiterate! It's what's been written on the bottle!" 　　Just then, he hung up the phone. 　　I frowned, wondering what was wrong with Derek.