A deep and authoritative voice echoed from behind, and the chaotic scene suddenly fell silent.Everyone froze for a moment, then quickly bowed. "Mr. Javier.""Dad?" Betty was momentarily flustered, standing there awkwardly.It was only then that she noticed that Javier and Rory had appeared behind her.She had thought Javier was away on a business trip. How did he suddenly return?"What were you doing just now? Did you hit someone?" Javier questioned sternly, his eyes showing a hint of anger."Dad ... Please listen to me. It's all these servants' fault!"Betty immediately changed her expression to a pitiful one. She then ran over to hug Javier's arm like an innocent bunny."They were talking behind my back and Mom's back. They're so disrespectful and out of line! We pay them, but they don't even have basic professional ethics! Please, just fire them.""Is that the reason why you resorted to violence?"Javier ignored her complaints and continued with a serious face. "Just beca
There was a time when he was infatuated with Anne, and it was with the same unwavering gaze of deep affection."Wow, it's Mr. Landon. He's with Ms. Lauren now?" The servants were excited."This is great! Mr. Landon is hot and rich. Most importantly, he's Mr. Cornelius' eldest grandson. In the future, the entire Harper Group will be his. He can definitely protect Ms. Lauren.""That's right. Ms. Lauren won't be bullied by Betty anymore."The last sentence was deliberately whispered.But Javier, despite his age, still had sharp ears. He frowned slightly."Dad ..." Lauren called out timidly. Her expression was enough to evoke sympathy."Hi, Dad," Landon greeted with a bright and beautiful smile.He lifted the hand tightly entwined with Lauren's, intentionally showing off their affection in front of everyone. "Lauren missed you and wanted to come back to see you."Lauren's cheeks turned as red as a tomato, and she shyly leaned toward Landon.At this point, Betty had given up on en
"Thank you for worrying about me, Landon." Javier smiled."It's not just me. There's also Lauren and Jasper. They all care about you." Landon's words were so sweet.In fact, it wasn't just to please his future father-in-law. He also wanted to gain favor for Jasper."I haven't seen Lauren in a long time. Come to my study, both of you. Let's sit down and have a good chat."With an affectionate smile, Javier gestured to Lauren. "Come, Lauren, come to me."Although Lauren communicated less with Javier as she grew up, in her memory, he was the one who loved her the most when she was a child."Dad ..."With glistening eyes, Lauren let go of Landon's hand and walked toward Javier.For some reason, when Landon saw this scene, his eyes reddened, and his nose prickled. He knew very well that, no matter how well he treated Lauren or how much he loved her, he couldn't replace the position of family in her heart.Perhaps many people could live without love, but no one could endure losing
Betty sniffled, a cold glint passing through her eyes. "Didn't you order him to do those things? What does it have to do with me? Don't involve me in this!""You brat! Now that things have come to this, you want to wash your hands of it? I'm in trouble, but you only think about hiding instead of helping? Don't think you can live a good life if something happens to me!"Sophia's fierce gaze made Betty shiver.They weren't mother and daughter. They were clearly partners in crime."What do we do now? What's your plan?" Betty asked while clenching her teeth.Suddenly, Sophia's expression turned cold, and her complexion became terrifyingly sinister."I'm going to kill Jeffrey.""K-Kill Jeffrey? But he's under police control now. How are we going to do it?"Betty was already well-trained by Sophia. She no longer turned pale at the mention of the word "kill". Instead, she first thought about how to do it."In prison, plenty of people are willing to take money to get rid of someone. I
"Since you got into trouble, I've been helping you and caring for you. What has Lauren done for you besides living with Landon and spending time with him every day?"They say after you get married, you forget your mother, but Lauren is better. She hasn't even married into the Harper family yet, and she has completely forgotten about you, the one who raised her."Sophia stood there like she'd been struck by lightning, unable to speak for a while.Leaving aside whether Lauren marrying Landon was genuinely beneficial for her, she couldn't even step out the door now. She was on the brink of a personal crisis. How could she still have the energy to care about Lauren's marriage?Though Lauren was her biological daughter, she was ultimately a person on her own.Only by becoming strong and living well could Sophia take care of herself. That was the most crucial thing now."Fine ... I agree."With a pair of dark eye circles, Sophia ground her teeth together audibly. "As long as you help
Though Betty had called Lauren an idiot throughout her life, the latter wasn't stupid.Upon hearing the words "living together", she slightly shivered. The lingering sweetness of orange juice suddenly became bitter.Landon secretly squeezed her slightly cool hand, holding it tightly. "Dad, I admit I used to have a less-than-exemplary private life. But won't you give me a chance to turn over a new leaf and start anew?"Besides, I might have been a playboy, but I've never brought any woman to my home before. Lauren is the first and the last.""Landon, what I mean is—""To be honest, I can't live without Lauren now."Landon's chest was filled with a strong sense of love. He imprinted a passionate kiss on the back of Lauren's hand, and his eyes were filled with affection. "If I don't see her for a day, I'm afraid I'll go crazy."His low and gentle voice flowed into Lauren's ear like a gentle stream. She felt her heart was being teased by a soft feather, tingling and ticklish.She f
When Landon touched Lauren's slender back, he realized sweat had soaked through her clothes. His eyes contracted, and his heart seemed to sink, making it difficult to breathe.He had forced her too much. He shouldn't have let her dwell on the painful past, always thinking about revenge.Landon didn't want to let her beloved Lauren do anything. He decided to handle everything."Is ... your sister bullying you?" Javier suddenly asked. His question pierced Lauren's trembling heart like a sharp arrow.She lowered her head and ruffled the folds of her skirt in silence."Is it true? Has Betty been bullying you all along? Tell me. I'll stand up for you.""Dad, you know Lauren's situation. She's not like Ms. Betty, who can sweet-talk and please you. Sometimes, Lauren is too kind and doesn't want to make things awkward with her family."So, she can only live cautiously, silently enduring all the humiliation."Landon couldn't bear to watch any longer. With a cool gaze, he said, "It has b
Just then, someone knocked at the door. Betty's sickly, sweet voice floated through. "Are you in there, Dad?""Come in."Betty opened the door and walked in with a plate of snacks. She was smiling widely."I'm sorry for causing you trouble today. I specially prepared some of your favorite fruits and treats to seek your forgiveness. Please don't be angry at me anymore, okay?"Betty set the plate on the table. She then went over to Javier, intending to act spoiled like she used to whenever Javier got angry at her for causing trouble.But this time, Javier stopped her with a raised hand. "I hope this is the last time you ever misbehave in a manner unbefitting someone of your status. You're Ms. Betty Beckett, not some rich, disrespectful warlord. You have to behave in a classy manner. Otherwise, how would you be any different from a mad woman?" Javier chastised.Betty's arms were left hanging awkwardly in mid-air. Her smile was dry and pitiful. "Yes, Dad. I won't misbehave again."
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