Winston's tone of voice sounded increasingly firm. "Not only are you and Jasper together, but he's also staying at your house in Solana City?" he questioned. Jasper's ears perked up at the vague sound of his name being mentioned. Instantly, Alyssa's eyes became dark. "What do you mean, Dad? Did you send someone to follow me?" "Is there any issue with me being concerned for my daughter?" Winston answered her with a question. He wasn't going to humor her any longer. Alyssa chuckled. "I was alone overseas for five, six years. You've never sent anyone to follow me. During the Christmas holidays, you've never sent me any Christmas cards or well wishes. Why are you suddenly being concerned now?" A fire of rage rose within Alyssa. She put her hand on her waist and continued, "Are you possessed, or do you just have too much free time on your hands because you're about to retire?" Jasper furrowed his brows and remained expressionless. Alone overseas? And it was for five to six yea
A horse racing event was hosted in Solana City every year. It was an event that garnered the attention of the entire nation. Wealthy and reputable families would meet at the racecourse. On the surface level, they looked friendly with one another. In reality, they were cunning and competing with one another in secret. Hence, this was a rare networking opportunity for the elites. Many of the major renowned projects in Solana City, and even throughout Andgalbia, were signed at the horse racing event. This was why many would do all they could to obtain a ticket to the horse race. It was so that they could move up the ranks and achieve great success. Ever since that day when Javier forbade Betty's attendance, she became ill from her rage. Ulcers broke out in her mouth, and she could barely eat anything due to the pain. During the night, her anger would also wake her up from her sleep. All she did was reprimand a few helpers. She couldn't understand why Javier wanted to punish
"Without it, I would rather die!" Sophia cried out. Betty hadn't had any first-hand experience with medication reliance. Though Sophia wore a crooked expression, she gleaned a fleeting insight into the agony of drug withdrawal."About Jeffrey … Have you managed to deal with him?" Sophia suddenly inquired in a sly manner. Betty's heart dropped. She replied softly, "I have arranged someone to handle it. The only thing is, that person hasn't gotten back to me till now. I'm afraid that they haven't done it yet." "So useless! All of them are good-for-nothings!" Sophia opened her eyes wide in fury. "Mom, we're talking about a prison here. It's good enough that I was able to find someone to do the work for you. "His movements in there are limited. Unlike the outside, he can't just do as he wishes. So, please just wait a little longer. We should hear back very soon." "Wait? How can I bear to wait? Each day that Jeffrey is still alive … My heart is just like a cat on a hot tin ro
"Calm down, Mom. I have an idea," Betty said in Sophia's ear. "You can wear diapers on the day. Wouldn't that be foolproof?" "D-Diapers?" Sophia flushed red from shame. "No one other than me would know about it anyway. You can just go ahead and wear it. Dad has finally eased up, so you need to dress up and attend the horse race to flaunt your beauty. You must get through this and capture Dad's heart again!" That was right. Betty was right. It was an opportunity that was hard to come by. She had to do her best to mend her relationship with Javier."At this moment … This would be the only way." Diapers it was! It wasn't as if there were no adults who wore diapers! As long as Betty made no mention of it, no one else would find out! "Can you help me with something, Mom?" Betty seized the opportunity and made a request. "You little brat, what deal do you want to strike with me this time?" Sophia stared at her with angry eyes as she felt that Betty was being more and more
That suit was associated with so much hurt and had always been one of Jasper's prized possessions. No one was allowed to touch it. Nonetheless, he still wanted to get a new set of clothing from Alyssa for good luck. It would be a symbol of a brand new and successful beginning with her. "Do you really like the clothing that I make for you?" Alyssa blinked and tickled him under his chin. She said, "It's not a problem to make one for you. But don't force yourself to wear it if it's not to your taste. I don't want you to force yourself just because of me, even if it's a set of clothing." Suddenly, Jasper felt a lump in his throat, and his eyes welled up. He kept quiet for a while, trying to contain his surging emotions within himself. He replied in a husky voice, "Actually, I've always liked it. I was just being stupid and stubborn at that time. I didn't want to admit it and didn't know how to express myself. "I know I'm being too greedy, Lyse. But, I still hope that I can re
It turned out that Mandy, Lyla, and Colene had gone to church. After church, they went on a shopping spree. They also visited a trending café before returning to Heightsnew Villa, feeling satisfied. In the eyes of the world, they were in awkward positions. People expected them to scheme against one another and to have a cut-throat relationship behind closed doors. However, the trio were close, like three peas in a pod. At times, even Alyssa felt deep jealousy when she witnessed their sisterhood. Winston must have saved the universe in his past life for him to have Mandy's, Lyla's, and Colene's loyalty toward him in this life. "Woah! Why didn't any of you bring me along? I'm sad now …" Alyssa teased. She was sitting on the swing in the garden. Like a young and energetic youth, she swung back and forth with the tip of her toes sweeping on the ground. "Oh, dearest Alyssa, it's not that we didn't want to bring you along!" Colene approached her from behind and put her arms a
After a while, Mandy, Lyla, and Colene nodded. "That explains it. It is already quite fortunate that Winston didn't storm into the Beckett family or skin Jasper alive." Before they could probe Alyssa further, Clark hurried over and informed them, "Ms. Alyssa, Mr. Winston is back. He asked for you to go to his study." "Got it." Alyssa took a deep breath and prepared to leave. Behind her, Mandy, Lyla, and Colene were worried that Winston would be difficult. So, the three of them also expressed their wish to follow along. …In the study, Winston was drinking tea while sitting on the sofa. His expression was glum. Whenever he met with Alyssa in the past, they were always joking around merrily with one another. The air around them was always lively and warm. It was extremely rare for them to have so much tension. "I wanted to speak with Lyse in private. What are all of you tagging along for?" Winston gave a displeased, side-eyed glance at his wives. He forcefully set hi
Later on, Alyssa learned that her troublesome classmate had dropped out of school just three days after the incident.The family's business faced bankruptcy, and her father was incarcerated. Upon realizing the wrongs she had committed against Alyssa, her mother lived in perpetual anxiety.In the end, she succumbed to a bout of serious illness. As such, it was a miracle that Winston hadn't done anything to Jasper yet. It was Alyssa who was the creator of this miracle. If it weren't for her telling him over and over not to touch Jasper, he might have already sent someone to assassinate him!He probably wouldn't need to get the job done personally. Jonah and Axel would most likely have already gotten rid of Jasper. "Dad, at the end of the day, I am also hugely responsible for the failure of the marriage." Alyssa didn't address him by his name again. She had a serious look on her face, making it obvious that she was very persistent and earnest about this relationship. "Back
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence. Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control. Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president—our direct competitor!"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest—outright cronyism!" Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression. Just then, a board member from Javier's
Despite his age, Newton exuded the same energy and sharpness he had in his younger days, even when surrounded by the board members brimming with vigor. Despite his quiet presence in the wheelchair, an intimidating atmosphere clung to him. In an instant, Javier was transported back to the days when he worked under Newton's strict supervision."Good day, Mr. Javier and all fellow board members. I assume no one has any objections to my presence at this meeting?"Newton's gaze swept across the room, a perfunctory smile gracing his lips."Of course not. You are part of the corporation's board of directors!" the members responded immediately.Newton nodded. "Much has happened within the corporation lately. Our shares have been fluctuating amid the controversy. "As you all know, I had intended to retire after dedicating most of my life to this company. I wanted to step aside for the younger generation rather than hover over them like a specter, micromanaging everything. "However,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc