"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
Thank you for tending to the house these past few days, Rosie," Jasper said to Rosie as he stood before her with an arm hooked around Alyssa's waist. They appeared quite like young newlyweds who had just returned from their honeymoon.Alyssa and Jasper cleverly knew not to reveal Jasper's injuries to Rosie. Rosie was old, so it was better not to make her worry.Just then, the doorbell rang.Xavier entered with two large lunch boxes. He was sweating and panting."Mr. Beckett! I've finally gotten the food you had me order from the Nouveau Table!" "The Nouveau Table? My goodness! The waiting list for that restaurant is terribly long. It takes at least three hours of waiting."Alyssa swallowed a mouthful of saliva before complaining to Jasper, "Why did you have to make things difficult for Xavier?""Because you were craving good food.""When?""Last night in your sleep," Jasper murmured in Alyssa's ear before chuckling.Alyssa blushed. "I-It was just dream talking!""Thank you
No one in the Beckett family wanted to mention that harrowing kidnapping incident.Years ago, Justin and Jasper were kidnapped by an internationally famous syndicate and kept hidden in an abandoned, filthy warehouse deep in the countryside. A huge ransom was demanded in exchange for their safe return.Jasper couldn't remember how long they were imprisoned there. It was a dingy and dirty place so dark they couldn't tell when the sun was rising or setting.He remembered being abused every single day they were held there. The kidnappers only gave them one meal daily so they wouldn't have the energy to escape. It was a living hell.Justin, who was older than Jasper by four years, ended up stalling one of the kidnappers guarding them, thus giving Jasper a chance to escape.Jasper stumbled on in the forest without so much as a glance backward. He finally rolled off a hill when his body gave out from exhaustion.Luckily, a kind-hearted hunter saved Jasper and brought him to the police a
"What right does Mr. Justin have to just demand what he wants?" Xavier said, his fists balling up. "The company wouldn't have reached its height today without you. You have shed blood, sweat, and tears to make this company great. "You nearly lost your life in an accident while supervising the development lots yourself. You haven't even begun to enjoy the fruits of your labor, so how dare Mr. Justin come back and reap what you have sowed?"So what if Mr. Javier is backing him up? You're doted on by Mr. Beckett Senior! A son has to listen to his father no matter what!""What are you going on about father and son?" Alyssa's voice rang out suddenly.Jasper quickly signaled for Xavier to be quiet. His gloomy expression switched to a warm, loving one.Alyssa walked toward them with some mugs of tea in her hands. "What are you two going on about so loudly? You sound so riled up, Xavier.""It's nothing important. He gets riled up just by watching stray mutts fight over a bone." Jasper w
Alyssa's heart clenched. With a purse of her lips, she said, "I doubt it. I've investigated Inigo's background. He used to be a mercenary and had experience personally guarding members of the royal family. He made it to where he is today with an iron fist. I don't think he's that easily killed."Plus, he wouldn't have come all the way to Solana City alone. It won't be that easy to take him out even if Jameson wanted to, right?"Jasper's words still made Alyssa worry.Jasper seemed to have picked up on this. He slowly intertwined their hands and consoled her, "Our enemy is powerful. It's okay if we don't catch them all at once. "There is still time. At the very least, we now know who to watch out for, which is a far better situation than before."What's important now is to take care of Sophia ASAP and avenge both Nina … and my mother."Jasper's voice shook slightly upon mentioning his mother. His eyes grew red with unshed tears.He did his best to control his emotions in front
"Oh my goodness, I nearly forgot!" Cyrus suddenly smacked his forehead. His eyes were glowing excitedly. "You helped us solve two murder cases before! One was by pinpointing material evidence that gave us a breakthrough, and the other was identifying mistakes in a suspect's statement, which made the criminal come clean!"Jasper stared at Alyssa in sheer awe.How could Alyssa be so phenomenal? There was no way he could catch up to her at this rate.Jasper used to think he was pretty decent. But now, he felt like a piece of used tissue paper in front of Alyssa."Looks like you still remember my achievements, Cyrus," Alyssa teased. "If it weren't for Winston, Mandy, and everyone else holding me back, I would've become a gun-slinging police officer myself. You might even be calling me Madam right now.""That's only because everyone worried you would be in danger being out on the front lines every day. They all dote on you, after all. But they still couldn't stop you in the end, no? Yo
"Arrange for Mr. Beckett to meet the suspect right away, Cyrus!" Orion instructed.Everyone was shocked.Was it that easy?"Yes, captain." Cyrus was stunned by how smoothly it went."But Jeffrey is a dangerous man. It might not be safe to see him alone, Mr. Beckett. Let Cyrus go with you," Orion said."No need," Jasper replied calmly."It's alright, Captain Holt. Mr. Beckett is far more skilled than Cyrus and Jeffrey combined," Alyssa said with a smile. "You best send more officers to watch over Jeffrey if Mr. Beckett gets angry. I fear Jeffrey might end up losing his life in the station."Alyssa couldn't let Jeffrey die before everything came to an end—not yet.…Cyrus and two officers waited outside the detention center while Alyssa and Jasper went inside to speak to Jeffrey.Some time went past before Jeffrey was lugged before them. He was cuffed and clad in prisoner's garb behind the bars."Fancy seeing you here," Jeffrey snickered and sat on the metal chair. He leered a
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