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
Alyssa's eyelashes cast a shadow under the light as she lowered her head.Back then, she thought Jameson was genuinely concerned for her father. Now, she felt he had ulterior motives.He was willing to murder her sister and brother-in-law. Her father was nothing, but another body count to him.Jameson was a vicious man all along.He desired her so badly. However, he was unwilling to mess with her before getting her and fulfilling his desire."My dad is fine. He is as vigorous as a tiger."A cold smile hung on Alyssa's face. "He doesn't say no to food, though. His stomach isn't the strongest and often gives him problems. He probably had a craving, ate something he shouldn't, and had a stomachache. You don't need to worry about it. Go home.""Really? But I saw how terrible Uncle Winston looked. His head was hurting badly. It looked serious. It seemed like a cerebral ischemic stroke or something like that …""Jameson, are you cursing my father?" Alyssa interrupted lowly. A sharp
Tears welled up in Jameson's eyes. He bit his lip until it turned white. He played a man who felt wronged and pitiful from being misunderstood by the love of his life so well. He was so immersed in playing this character that he had forgotten—he was the man who brought Alyssa these deadly troubles.Alyssa stared at him. Inexplicable emotions swirled in her lifeless eyes."What happened? Can you tell me, Lyse? What did I do to have caused such a misunderstanding? Even if I were to die, I need to die with proper closure!" Jameson kept asking questions. His forehead was dripping with cold sweat.The elegant and dignified Jameson Schmidt had never been so disheveled.Alyssa knew she wouldn't be able to get anything out of him all along. Her statements were a calculated warning to Jameson, intending to apply pressure. She aimed to induce panic, hoping he might inadvertently reveal something. She also wanted to use this cruel way to tell him to stop having fantasies of her. They woul
Alyssa had her back facing Jameson. She didn't say a single word.She had trouble untangling her messy thoughts. As she was about to enter the house, the door opened."Mandy?" Alyssa was shocked to see Mandy come out.Mandy smiled at her. Her face turned glum when she looked at Jameson. "Mr. Jameson, my husband wants to see you. Please.""What did you say? Dad wants to see him?"Alyssa's eyes widened. She tried her best to calm herself down. "He is sick. What is he trying to do?"Helplessness swirled in Mandy's eyes. "Your dad asked for this, so I am merely relaying the message.""Thank you for inviting me in personally, Mrs. Taylor."Jameson subtly adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, and a dark glint flickered in his eyes. An unconscious smile graced his lips. …After Jameson entered Heightsnew Villa, Mandy escorted him to the study to meet Winston.The Taylors usually entertained guests in the guest room or parlor. After all, to a man, the study was as sacred and private as
"You're awake, Lyse." Jasper's voice was gentle and coy. She could practically get pregnant with that voice in her ear.Yet, she felt oddly secure."I'm not tired." Alyssa got up and went to the balcony. She looked up at the moon in the warm evening breeze."Are you finding it hard to sleep after leaving me? No one is there to cuddle with you." Jasper chuckled."Pfft, of course not! A man does not consume my everything." Alyssa's face was burning up, but she was stubborn with her words."But Lyse, you are my everything."Her heart beat wildly at Jasper's sudden declaration of affection. She felt her body was burning up and was about to reach boiling point.She missed him so much.She had been fine without the call. Now that she had heard his voice, she longed for him endlessly."What did you do today?" She switched the topic."Apart from breathing, every second was dedicated to thinking about you.""Jasper, it's fine to sweet talk. But too much of it is like having too much
Alyssa kept her family company. She brought Winston for his medical checkup. While doing that, she secretly deployed the subsequent plan.They couldn't neglect Winston's illness. So, Alyssa and Winston's three wives contemplated long and hard before deciding to inform Jonah and Silas to return and see Winston. After all, Jonah and Silas were the eldest sons in the family. They had to take up this responsibility.Then, Mandy asked Julien to come over and manage Winston's medical condition.Alyssa was an excellent surgeon. However, Julien was an expert in neurology.After a series of checks, Julien held the CT scan and patiently explained it to Alyssa and the rest. The Taylors surrounded him and listened to him attentively.Jonah was the only one standing furthest from the group, upright and tall. He glanced lightly at Julien in a white coat, explaining with a straight face to the patient's family.A subtle gleam sparkled in his eyes, and a faint smile adorned his lips, reminiscent
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