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
Alyssa picked the medicine bottle up and took a closer look. The next moment, she covered her mouth in utter shock. She was on the verge of tears."Cerebral ischemic stroke. This medication is to treat cerebral ischemic stroke. Lovelace Pharmaceuticals developed this and only produced a limited amount yearly. Even people loaded with money can't buy it."Mandy looked at Winston painfully. Her heartache was hard to conceal. "However, this year, the medication couldn't stabilize his condition anymore. When your father fell sick twice at the beginning of last year, he pulled through with this medication.""D-Did all of you know about this? Am I the only one who is clueless?" Tears streamed down Alyssa's face. Her heart was shattered."No. Jonah and Silas don't know either. Your father didn't want to tell all of you. He was afraid you would panic and worry.Mandy squatted down. She took a square silk handkerchief and dabbed the sweat from Winston's forehead. "Lyse, don't be angry at yo
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