Jasper's heart sank. After multiple exchanges with Jameson, he gained a better understanding of Jameson's character than Alyssa.Unlike Alyssa, he had no lingering sentiment for Jameson from childhood. He knew Jameson was a vindictive man and a ruthless one at that. In other words, Jameson was petty and extreme in his revenge."A relationship devoid of integrity is inherently meaningless," Jonah expressed, showing his concern for Alyssa. "The idea of you with Jameson filled me with worry because he has no principles and would do anything to get his way. "Who knows if he'd do the same to you? Lyse, you're my beloved sister. I cannot risk letting you date a problematic man."Alyssa teared up at Jonah's genuine brotherly love for her. "Jonah …"He gently stroked her hair and turned to address Jasper, "Mr. Beckett, why didn't you tell me it was Jameson Schmidt's doing when we were on Shelland Island? If you had done so, we could have found a way to exploit his weakness."With a long
After a brief internal struggle, Alyssa decided to keep it a secret.Right now, Jasper was filled with guilt and remorse. Of course, she was glad that he showed remorse for what he had done to her in the past, but she did not want him to risk his life once more to make amends.All she wanted was for him to light up her life. The last thing she wanted was to burden him with more guilt. This was her subtle way of expressing her love.Jasper's chest tightened when he noticed that she had turned white. Holding her shoulders, he inquired, "Lyse, are you okay?""I'm fine." She beamed at him. "I injured my finger climbing a tree as a kid. It's not a big deal and doesn't affect my life at all."Nevertheless, Jasper felt sympathetic toward her and gently held her pinky finger. "Why didn't any of your brothers take better care of you?""They did, but I was a troublemaker who refused to listen," she replied with a pout.He couldn't resist giving her a peck on the lips as she was too adorab
Alyssa's sole concern was her father's attitude. Winston Taylor doted on his daughter, but he could be merciless to anyone who was not family.Jasper had been on Winston's blacklist for a while. Changing Winston's impression of him wouldn't be easy, but Alyssa decided to take it easy. No one could come between them as long as their love held strong.When Alyssa helped Jasper put on the necklace, her fingers accidentally brushed against his chest. She silently gushed at his toned physique that could seduce anyone."How should I thank Jonah?" He stared at her while tightening his grip on her waist.He used to enjoy caressing her chubby waist, but he was pained to see Alyssa lose weight due to poor appetite and insufficient rest when he was in a coma. "It's fine—Mmm—" Suddenly, she found herself enveloped in a hug, her mouth sealed by a tongue kiss. His tongue explored every corner of her mouth.After some passionate kissing, he reluctantly pulled away but stared longingly at her m
"Don't you know me by now? I can be as unreasonable as a woman." Julien scoffed with a twinkle in his eyes."No need to distinguish yourself from them. Everything on you screams female, except for your sex," Jonah teased him with a rare easygoing attitude. "You'd make a cute woman.""Am I not cute now?" Julien widened his eyes."Nah, you're just pathetic.""Fuck!" Julien cursed. "Do you know how many are lining up for me?""Thanks for stepping in to help Jasper Beckett."Hearing that, Julien blinked his eyes, stunned.Jonah took a deep breath and reiterated, "Thank you for your great help. He couldn't have woken up otherwise. Saving Jasper is equal to saving Lyse. Jasper and I owe you a huge favor.""Don't bring her up! It makes me so mad!" Frowning, Julien confronted Jonah, "Why did you fly me in for the surgery when your beloved sister is the legendary Dr. White herself? Did you plan to humiliate me in front of the master?"That's not all. How could you all hide her identity
After more than five hours, the private jet landed safely in Solana City.Jonah immediately had the paramedics waiting nearby come to send Jasper straight to the hospital."It's alright. I don't need to stay in the hospital," Jasper instantly refused."You … How could you do that?" Alyssa was infuriated. "You promised you would go to the hospital for treatment, you liar!"Jasper sighed in exasperation and hugged her tightly. "I'm sorry, Lyse. You can hit and yell at me. Just please don't ignore me.""I'm going to do just that—ignore you! You liar!" Alyssa fumed, turning her face away from Jasper even as she softened in his arms.Jonah was amused. The two behaved like fifth-graders.Seeing how angry Alyssa was, Jasper hummed before saying seriously, "Lyse, the most important thing right now is to take Jeffrey to court."Alyssa's gaze darkened upon hearing Jefrrey's name."Sophia doesn't know we have Jeffrey yet, so she won't be in our way for the time being. That's why we need
After saying goodbye to everyone, Landon sped home right away. He had been keeping up a tough, manly act in front of everyone in the past few days. When no one was around, he secretly swiped longingly through his photos with Lauren, missing his darling wife.Landon couldn't take another day without Lauren any longer. He hadn't been able to eat or rest well because of it. Seeing Jasper and Alyssa acting so lovey-dovey had been his last straw.…Night fell in Solana City.The temperature had been rising fast these few days without Landon's presence. All the plants in the garden eagerly welcomed the change.It had been five days without a word from Landon. Angelina didn't dare contact him, yet she was so worried it was difficult to enjoy a meal in peace. She only did two things these past few days—tend to lovely little Lauren and wait for Landon to come home.Angelina stood outside the door tonight, smartly dressed as she awaited his return.She had a feeling Landon would be home
"Ms. Zoe said she and Madam Lauren were schoolmates from middle school and had a pretty good bond during those days. She said she's had time to think about her past actions and said she shouldn't have been so selfish and reckless. "That's why Ms. Zoe came over wanting to talk to Madam Lauren to make up with her," Angelina explained."Do you buy that shit?" Landon snapped.Angelina replied faintly, "I didn't let her into the house.""So Zoe hurt you just because you wouldn't let her see Madam?"Angelina stayed silent."Hmph! Then all that she said about making up was nothing more than bullshit!" Landon took a deep breath to suppress his rage. "Zoe was looking to ambush Lauren today. She's so good at putting up an act these days you'd think Sophia adopted her!"Angelina smiled in exasperation."You've suffered much from being pitted between me and my sister while taking care of Lauren," Landon said with a sigh, feeling guilty. "Why don't you take a vacation starting tomorrow? I'
This was the first time in days that Lauren smiled.…Since Lauren hadn't fallen asleep, Landon wasn't going to let her off easily. Without even a shower beforehand, Landon hurriedly undressed himself while kissing Lauren, pressing her into the bed.Lauren's dainty lace sleeping gown was soon tossed onto the floor, leaving her naked legs shivering under Landon's touch.The sound of harsh panting and moans filled the room. The two lovers enveloped one another closely, both in heart and body.After they were finished, neither had the energy to shower despite being covered in sweat. They didn't mind, however, and held one another to sleep."I'm so sorry for making you wait, my dear," Landon said softly. He often felt like he owed Lauren deeply. People with autism needed a lot of companionship, but Landon was always so busy and unable to provide that to Lauren.Lauren nuzzled against his chest and shook her head."Don't think just because I'm the eldest grandchild in my family th
Jonah's gaze burned with a mix of longing, sorrow, and something deeply affectionate. The world swam back into focus as Julien looked at Jonah. Without preamble, he asked, "Are you new? How much do you charge per night?"Light-headed and grinning, Julien reached out a hand, his fingers brushing softly against Jonah's cheek. "You're pretty good-looking," he said, his voice slurred. Then his expression shifted. "Why do you… look so much like someone I hate with every fiber of my being?"Jonah's heart clenched. Even so, he slid his arms around Julien's waist. Trembling, he pulled Julien into his arms. "I'm new here. Could you help me meet my target tonight, Mr. Lovelace?"Julien's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Jonah. Jonah's eyes teared up as he held Julien's waist tightly. "I promise you won't be disappointed," he said, his voice deep. Watching from the shadows below the stage, Evan nearly gagged at Jonah's sultry tone. Was this really the Judas he knew? The man sounded downri
The bar was alive with striking lights and thundering music, and the air was thick with the scent of tobacco and alcohol. The atmosphere was one of moral decay—corrupt, degrading, and vile. "Where's Julien?" Jonah's voice cut through the noise, his tone icy and sharp. When Jonah stepped inside, the eyes of several men turned toward him, their gazes filled with illicit intent."Why, hello there. Are you here alone? Are you feeling lonely?" A sexy man sauntered over, draping himself over Jonah's shoulders. He let his hands linger with a playful squeeze. "If you're bored, I'd be happy to keep you company." Jonah's expression darkened. His hands trembled, veins bulging with barely contained rage. Suddenly, Evan burst through the crowd, his face twisting in alarm at the sight of Jonah surrounded by a swarm of predatory men. Evan yelled, "Don't touch him!" A heavy thump reverberated through the room. Gasps erupted as people scrambled back.The man who had draped himself over
Rafe stated, "But Beckett Group is in the middle of a storm right now. If I insisted on giving your corporation the project, my superiors would investigate me. I wouldn't be able to escape unscathed!""If you're investigated, I'll make sure you can still live a life of luxury—even if you lose your job." Justin's tone darkened. "But if you turn against me, you won't just suffer a few losses. You'll lose everything."Under the dim moonlight, Justin fiddled with his antique tea cup, his gaze narrowing. "You've worked so hard to get to where you are. Are you prepared to lose it all?"After ending the call, Justin turned to Remy, who stood quietly at the side. "Sheryl is still being detained. She can't be bailed out for another two days. I need someone to watch over the research lab. You'll handle that."Remy was taken aback. "I failed my last mission. Aren't you going to punish me?"Justin's smile was cold and insincere. "It wasn't your fault. You were ambushed. If not for that, I tru
Remy pursed his lips, bending down to pick up the fallen poker card. It was the King of Spades—an entry pass to Kings' Club. "My attacker was…" Remy's pupils constricted as he tightened his grip on the card. "It can only be that dear uncle of mine, always claiming to see me as his own son." Justin's lips curled into a sinister smile. "He's trying to get rid of my right-hand man, taking advantage of my internal feud with Jasper. Weakening me is just his first step toward gaining control over me."He's been a fugitive ever since his successful prison break, never returning to Cyrris after receiving his life sentence. His power base remains in Kontina. "I'm the last surviving Dutton. The Dutton Group, as a cover, has declared bankruptcy and severed all ties with the country. "My dear uncle has taken a huge risk just to target me. He sent his men to attack you in Solana City. What a delightful surprise. It seems he truly doesn't trust me, his only remaining family."Remy lowere
The hospital ward grew heavy with silence. Mandy and Neil stared at Alyssa, stunned beyond words. "M-Ms. Alyssa, you knew that man was Mr. Damien?" Neil asked, disbelief etched into his voice. "Yes." Alyssa's reply was quiet, her lips pressed into a thin line. She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "We found out when Cyrus took Damien's cigarette butt for a paternity test."Mandy approached Alyssa, her shoulders trembling slightly. "So, you and Cyrus knew… and you both kept it from me?" Mandy said, her voice catching in her throat, tears welling up. Alyssa felt a sharp pang in her chest. "Mandy, I'm sorry. It was my decision. Cyrus had nothing to do with it."Mandy's tears fell freely now, her grief spilling out in raw sobs. "Do you know what it's been like for me all these years, thinking Damien was gone? Winston, Miley, Lyla, and Colene kept telling me to move on. I tried to accept that he was dead, that we'd never find his body. But I never did."Her vo
The hospital ward was bathed in a dim, yellow glow from the bedside lamp. The silence was thick, yet the room held a strange warmth—an unfamiliar comfort that felt oddly familiar to Remy.Pain radiated through his body as he struggled to sit up. His eyes fell on Mandy, who was asleep beside his bed. Her hair was a mess, and her swollen eyes suggested she'd been crying. She was sound asleep. Remy stiffened. His breath quickened as he stared at her fragile figure. Slowly, he leaned forward, his fingers lifting slightly, tempted to reach out.Just as his hand hovered close, Mandy's lashes fluttered. In her sleep, she murmured, "Damien… Damien… I miss you so much…" Tears slipped down her cheeks, silent and unbidden.A pang tugged at Remy's heart. Without thinking, he brushed away her tears with his calloused fingers. The moment his skin touched hers, a jolt shot through him, sharp and electrifying. Pain throbbed at his temples, but beneath it was a warmth he didn't want to let g
Justin's casual question hit Javier like a thunderclap. Shock rippled through him, freezing his expression. His voice trembled with fear as he barked, "What nonsense is that? Are you accusing me of causing Chester's death? I'm your father—how could you think I'd do such a thing?""It's not an accusation. Just the facts," Justin replied coolly, crossing his legs and savoring his tea with unsettling calm. "And I'm not condemning you. In fact, I understand why you did it. I'm facing the same dilemma now."Javier's breathing grew ragged. He had watched Justin grow from a child into the man before him—now a predator, circling with quiet menace."You were meant to be the heir as the eldest son," Justin continued, his voice smooth as silk. "But Grandpa favored Uncle Chester, handing him major projects, grooming him in plain sight. "Uncle Chester's reputation soon eclipsed yours. He was a natural leader, adept at business, with one fatal flaw—he was kind. Too kind. Unlike you."Justin
Nonetheless, night had fallen by the time Justin arrived at Seaview Manor. On his way there, he worked on two things. First, he secured the top legal team to get Sheryl out on bail as quickly as possible. Second, he tried reaching Remy—unsuccessfully. He had never lost contact with Remy before. Justin's face was as dark as the night itself. The moment he stepped inside Seaview Manor, Rory approached with a solemn expression. He gave a slight bow before speaking. "Mr. Justin, what took you so long? Mr. Javier has been waiting.""I was occupied," Justin replied coolly. Then, as if it were an ordinary evening, he allowed a faint smile. "Where's Jasper? Is he back here yet?" A conflicted look came across Rory's face. "Things between you and Mr. Jasper have soured. I doubt he'll want to see you anytime soon—or show up here.""Is that so? How disappointing."Justin's smile didn't reach his eyes. His gaze lingered on Rory, sharp and bottomless. "So, he'd rather believe what he se
Jonah scoured every corner of the hotel, desperation clawing at his chest, but Julien was nowhere to be found. "Jonah!" Alyssa called out, breathless as she caught up to him. She grabbed his arm. "Calm down! I'll help you search for Jul!""I can't find him. He's gone," Jonah murmured, sinking to the floor. His tears mixed with sweat, creating dark patches on the ground. "Lyse… I fear… if I can't find Julien this time, I'll lose him forever."The agonizing thought of losing the love of his life pierced him. "No, you won't!" Alyssa gripped his arm tighter, her voice trembling with conviction. "If Jul had given up on you, he wouldn't have come here today. The fact that he showed up means he still cares."Jonah's eyes were bloodshot, filled with a pain too deep to hide. He shook his head slowly. "Julien came back for Jasper. He did it because he's loyal… because he's a good friend. Not because of me.""He does care!" Alyssa insisted. "If he didn't, he would've faced you without fli