After the agreement was signed, Javier heaved a long sigh. The weight in his heart had lifted greatly.This business deal meant that their company had regained their footing and gained some respect once again.Javier returned to his officer and quickly called Justin again."Congratulations on another successful partnership, Dad," Justin said. He was now in a car heading back home. There was a warmth in his eyes accompanying his smile.When it came to looks, Justin was not as handsome as Jasper, nor was he as sharp as Landon or as eccentric as Jameson.Justin had a refined yet gentle vibe that made you glad to befriend him and get to know more. Due to Justin's disability, his movements were restricted by a wheelchair. But that never made him down or depressed. His smile remained warm and bright as ever—as if that kidnapping from years ago never happened."It's your doing that made this partnership go through, Justin. I should be the one thanking you." Javier's tone was thick wit
Jasper then shared a look with Jonah before they headed deep into the jungle.Landon prayed for the two of them to return safely. …In the Millennium's most extravagant suit, Jameson was discussing merrily with a Tsulu military representative. This Tsulian man, Inigo Montoye, had worked with Jameson when the latter was making a name for himself in Kontina. Since Inigo had benefited a lot from working with Jameson, he naturally gave the same to Jameson's endeavors in Tsulu and Kontina.Jameson had become a powerful financial magnate in Kontina, while Inigo was a lieutenant colonel in the Royal Tsulian Army's Ground Force. Virtually no outsider knew of their connection all these years.Amber stayed beside them the whole night, topping their drinks off and playing the perfect role as bait. Whenever she bent down to pour a drink, Inigo got a full view of her cleavage, making the blood in his veins burn with desire. He didn't even notice when his drink spilled at the edges.Just
Jameson stated, "Unlike how powerful they are in Solana City, those two are in Tsulu without any reinforcements. No one would notice if you killed them and disposed of their bodies, yes?" Jameson asked with eyes that hinted malice. "After all, you're quite the expert at doing that.""Hahaha! You really did think this through, Mr. Schmidt. But … how will you thank me for helping you out?""Money. Land. Whatever you want.""I have something I want right now." Inigo's lustful eyes ran along Amber's body.In the next instant, Jameson grabbed her arm and flung her toward Inigo. Amber was caught unaware and immediately landed on Inigo's lap. The latter immediately caged her in with his arms, running his hands all over her.Jameson slowly got up from his seat and left the room without looking back, saying, "She's all yours tonight."…Inigo left The Millennium satisfied for the night after having his fill of women and wine, ready to execute the task Jameson had given him.Amber was
"Don't you find that question hilarious?" Jameson chuckled and flung her hand away. "If I'd known you were this shallow, I would never have rescued you all those years ago."With a slam of the door, Jameson left the room.Amber crumpled into a heap, weeping painfully and feeling more pathetic than the torn pieces of fabric on the floor.…Cold island rain fell on Jasper as he continued moving forward. Jonah walked beside him in silence, secretly surprised at how swift Jasper was.Jasper's military years did him well. His training as a special ops soldier had neither worn down throughout his CEO career nor dulled his steely will.As long as the circumstances deemed necessary, Jasper would eagerly dive back onto the battlefield.Jonah couldn't help but admit that Jasper was the only other man in this world who could protect Alyssa besides himself."Pity," Jonah sighed."What?" Jasper asked, having heard Jonah even though they were moving fast.Jonah was about to speak when he s
Jasper's suspicion over Jameson wasn't entirely baseless. He wasn't simply taking a stab at his love rival. Ever since he reunited with Alyssa, he had been trying his best to conduct thorough investigations into a few things in secret. These included his relationship with the Schmidt family members, his situation in Solana City, and what he had been up to in Kontina all these years. As expected, due to Jameson's keen intellect, uncovering classified information about him proved impossible.However, Jasper did uncover that Jameson had colluded with the evil underground forces in Kontina. Superficially, the corporation they established appeared to operate in the realms of real estate and gambling. In reality, though, it concealed a nefarious organization involved in a wide array of criminal activities.With extensive connections in Kontina, Jameson held sway even among officials and businessmen, ensuring that powerful parties were covering for him.This was the method by which
Jasper said, "If anything were to happen to you here, what am I supposed to tell Lyse?"Danger was imminent. Both Jasper and Jonah couldn't delay even a second longer. Jasper called out to him. "Jonah." Jonah felt shaken. The way his name was called had an unusual effect on his body. He couldn't quite pinpoint the sensation, but it seemed to be a mix of an obscure pain and bitterness. Jasper looked eyes with him, delivering a clear message. "No matter what, you must return to Lyse safe and sound. Lyse had said before that her family is the most important people in her life." Jonah's eyes welled up in tears. He grabbed him by the arm and asked, "How about you, Jasper? Aren't you important to her too? It took her 13 years to finally get to be with you. "For many more years do you plan to make her endure the pain you've caused? Do you even have a heart?"With a bitter smile and an unwavering gaze, Jasper spoke, "I know I'd shattered her hope in me when we got divorced," he sa
"Jeffrey, surrender yourself." Jasper kept it short and simple. The look on his face was glacial. At that moment, the flow of blood from his injured left shoulder echoed in his ears. His breaths were shallow, and he had little energy left to spare on Jeffrey.The few assassins burst out in laughter. "Sure, Mr. Beckett. I'm here, right in front of you. Come and arrest me," Jeffrey taunted as he cocked his head to the side. His expression gradually became more sinister. "But, do you still have the energy left to do so? Shouldn't you remove the bullet on your left shoulder?" he questioned. Jasper clenched his teeth, maintaining the same look on his face. "If you delay it any longer, you might lose your left arm. Don't say that I didn't warn you." Before Jeffrey could continue, Jasper raised his hand and pointed the black nozzle at him.The assassins reacted swiftly by lifting their guns and aiming at Jasper!Both parties were ready to fire at any moment. The atmosphere ar
Jasper's death would be sufficient for Jeffrey to exact his revenge. However, if captured alive, he would serve as their cash cow!Jasper thought this was an ideal opportunity. It was great news. Jeffrey's greed was a golden opportunity for him! Jeffrey waved his hand and shouted, "Everyone, take him in alive! We'll be rich!" The assassins rushed forward and mobbed Jasper.By now, his left arm was incapacitated. Gritting his teeth, he took aim at their hearts with his right hand and, without a moment's hesitation, fired once at each person, and each of them dropped dead on the spot. Ignoring the deaths of their comrades right before them, they pushed forward with feral ferocity, resolutely charging to capture Jasper alive.It was a few billion dollars, after all. A few billion dollars! Even if it were a billion dollars, it would be enough for them to live worry-free for the rest of their lives. They would no longer need to dirty their hands! Those who died only had thems
When Axel heard the news, he immediately returned to the city where his organization was based. Without even reporting back to work, he booked the earliest red-eye flight to Cyrris. His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, and when he emerged from the arrival gates, an ominous air surrounded him. A black luxury car awaited him at the exit.Standing in front of the car were Jasper and Xavier, who had been waiting anxiously for his arrival.Axel's gaze locked onto Jasper's fiery eyes. His presence radiated fury, unrestraint, and a barely contained viciousness. A strong gust of wind swept through the terminal. Snow danced in the air, tangling both Jasper's and Axel's hair into disarray."Let's talk in the car, Axel," Jasper said in a low, measured voice.Red-eyed, Axel insisted, "I need to find my wife right now." "That's exactly why I'm here. Get in the car, and we'll talk." Jasper turned on his heel. His tone grew colder. "But let's be honest—you won't find her no matter ho
Jasper wanted to console Alyssa but found himself at a loss for words. So, he remained silent. "Disappointed, aren't you?" Alyssa sniffled as she smiled bitterly."Not at all." Perhaps he had been expecting too much. As a woman, she was intelligent, capable, and a strategist for victory. Beyond that, she boldly stepped forward to fight against the dark forces. She was strong and perfect as she was—why should he expect her to be anything more?Yet, seeing Alyssa's vulnerable side unsettled him. Something tugged at his heartstrings, a deep ache he couldn't ignore."I found it! I found Ms. Altman's cell phone!" With more manpower and better visibility as the sun rose, it didn't take long to locate Amber's bloodied phone. "Ambs…"Alyssa's face drained of color as terror gripped her at the sight of the bloodstained device. Jasper, on the other hand, remained composed. He tried powering on the phone, and to their surprise, it turned on. "What's the password?" Jasper asked g
"Five times more potent than the previous version? Are you sure it's safe for Remy to consume this?" Sheryl picked up the pill, unease flickering across her face. As much as she despised Remy, she couldn't deny his prowess as a fighter and his value as Justin's right-hand man. Having him around would certainly ease Justin's workload, prompting her to double-check."It won't kill him, but it won't be pleasant either. Don't worry—it's temporary," Justin replied, a sinister smile curling his lips. He continued nonchalantly, "When he takes the pill, his adrenaline will spike, flooding him with energy while his muscles tense. He'll feel both pain and euphoria. Then, it will fade, leaving him dependent on the drug moving forward." The implication was clear to Sheryl. Justin intended to control Remy through addiction. "Remy wasn't born for the shadows," Justin continued, his gaze darkened. "He's just a victim of post-traumatic amnesia, his nervous system subdued with sedatives and anes
"Got it, Mr. Harper!" Harper Group's subordinates acknowledged before swiftly dispersing. "I'm going to search for Amber too," Alyssa said, turning to leave.Jasper caught her arm. "It's freezing. Go wait in the car." Landon chimed in, "Lyse, listen to Jasper. Just wait in the car. We'll search for Amber.""No—I have to come too!" Alyssa sniffled. The sharp wind stung her face, leaving her nose raw and crimson, her eyes watering until they puffed into tender, swollen crescents. "Amber's in trouble because of me. I was careless—it's all my fault!""Lyse…" Landon's heart sank at her remorseful expression.Jasper's gaze softened as he studied Alyssa's pale face. "Her disappearance isn't your fault."Tears welled in Alyssa's eyes as she shook her head. "Amber means everything to Axel. If anything happens to her, I won't be able to face him. I don't deserve to be his sister. Please, let me come with you."Jasper and Landon failed to dissuade her. Reluctantly, they agreed. Alyssa
After studying Sheryl for a moment, Remy turned and left."M-Ms. Gillis, are you okay?" One of Sheryl's subordinates came forward to help her up."Useless bastard! Why didn't you step in when he hit me earlier?" Sheryl's voice trembled with fury as her gaze fell on the crimson stains marring the pristine snow.Stammering, the subordinate replied, "R-Remy acted too quickly. Everyone in the organization knows how good of a fighter he is. None of us stood a chance against him!""S-Something wasn't right about him tonight." Sheryl watched Remy's retreating figure disappear into the distance, her voice dropping to a menacing murmur. "I need to report this to Mr. Justin in person immediately."Inside his car, Remy gripped the steering wheel tightly with both hands but made no move to drive.Closing his eyes, he felt a suffocating sensation rise in his throat, as though he were drowning in an endless, hopeless sea. He was just a speck, sinking deeper and deeper into the abyss.A shar
With a piercing gaze, Sheryl glared at Remy, who stood in front of her car with an air of frigidity around him. The temptation to ram her car into the crestfallen man was almost irresistible, but she didn't dare. Remy was Justin's right-hand man, and even her audacity had limits. Instead, Sheryl pulled her white coat snugly around her, stepped out of the car with feigned composure, and strode toward him. Hostility crackled between them as their eyes locked.Sheryl broke the silence. "Remy, is there nothing you'd like to update me about?" she asked with a sinister look in her eyes. Stiffly, Remy asked, "Where did you take that woman?" "How shameless of you to question me. Mr. Justin was wise to send me as backup. Otherwise, Amber would have escaped without a trace!"Gritting her teeth, Sheryl took a step closer to Remy. "Is this how you handle tasks entrusted by Mr. Justin? The unstoppable Remy, brought to his knees by a wild brat? Or did you let her go intentionally? Are yo
"Jameson and Carl have been eliminated. Who else could be targeting Amber?"A sharp glint flashed in Jasper's eyes as a thought struck him. "Could it be Justin or Sheryl?" he asked, his voice low and tense.He recalled seeing Justin in the living room earlier that evening, wide awake instead of resting. Was Justin waiting for something? Or perhaps, provoking him in subtle defiance?"They are the only ones I can think of with a grudge against Amber." Alyssa's anxiousness made her voice tremble. "Having worked for Jameson for years, Amber must have visited Mosgravia multiple times to meet with Sir—who is, in fact, Justin. "Justin wouldn't have met anyone else besides Jameson. But how could he leave no trace after all those interactions? Amber must have figured out his true identity. And Justin—he must have realized who she is, even with her changed appearance."Jasper's expression darkened. "So he decided to eliminate her as a precaution."Tears welled in Alyssa's eyes, threaten
Searching for Amber without direction would be pointless. Jasper made a swift decision to bring Alyssa back to the manor, shielding her from the relentless chill of the wind. Once inside, he immediately began organizing the search. He deployed his men and contacted Landon, requesting additional support.The two of them sat together on the couch.This time, there was no space between them. It was as though an invisible force drew them closer, their proximity feeling natural yet electric. Neither could say who had moved first.Alyssa, however, was in no mood to dwell on their closeness. Wrapped in her down jacket, she curled up on the couch, her arms hugging herself tightly. A quiet frostiness emanated from her as she sat in silence, listening to Jasper's calm and methodical calls to mobilize his team.In the past, his composed presence would have been enough to ease her mind. But now, her thoughts were a tangled mess, each one like a razor claw tearing at her heart. The pain was u
"Ms. Gillis, I've searched her thoroughly. She doesn't have anything on her." Sheryl's brows knitted in frustration. "How can that be? Where's her cell phone?" "There wasn't one." Sheryl, no longer concerned about dirtying herself, stepped forward, grabbed Amber by her hair, and forced her to meet her gaze."You bitch," Sheryl snarled. "You came to The Millennium at this hour for a reason. What did you find? Hand it over, and I might spare your worthless life!"Amber spat a mouthful of bloody saliva directly onto Sheryl's face."Fuck! You bitch!" Glaring at Amber, Sheryl rolled her sleeves up and slapped her twice in the face. Even so, it wasn't enough to quench her fury. She yelled, "Take her back!" Two of Sheryl's subordinates moved forward, dragging a limp Amber away. Sheryl's reddened eyes burned with fury as she wiped the spit off her face. She was teetering on the edge of madness."Search the area! Retrace her steps and leave no stone unturned!"…Jasper drove to