Winston held Bill Harper, the father of Landon and Zoe, in high regard, and the two were best friends. Winston even grieved for a while after Bill lost his life in a plane crash. If Bill were around, the Harpers would have reached greater heights, and there wouldn't be a place for the Schmidts. Besides, Landon wouldn't have been placed in a difficult spot in the Harper Group."Let's move on. We should be enjoying the annual horse racing event. Our family wouldn't want to dampen the mood or divert the attention from the event." Winston stood with his hands on his back, looking gracious. "Mr. Cornelius, just have Zoe apologize to Lyse, and we're good."Upon hearing that, Zoe's mind went blank. It would kill her to apologize to Alyssa.Cornelius coldly urged her, "Zoe, apologize to Alyssa!"Zoe, gritting her teeth and trembling, mustered all her energy to mutter, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault."A captivating smile bloomed on Alyssa's lips. She replied, "I'm cool as long as you know
Alyssa coldly observed Jameson's fake act as she clutched her fists.Winston cast an affectionate gaze at Jameson and said warmly, "Attaboy. I know your feelings. Don't worry. You'll have many more opportunities to spend time with Lyse."The onlookers gasped at Winston's response as the cameras captured the interaction. As a legendary businessman who was at the top of his field, Winston had never shown such affinity with men younger than him. He clearly approved of Jameson as his future son-in-law candidate.Someone mumbled softly, "Why do I have a feeling that … Mr. Taylor intended to matchmake Mr. Jameson and Ms. Alyssa?""It appears like that to me as well. He's always cold to Mr. Beckett but friendly with Mr. Jameson. It's a clear sign, isn't it?"Besides, everyone in business knows that Victor Schmidt and Winston Taylor are good friends. Mr. Taylor spoilt his stubborn daughter. He wouldn't have approved of her marriage to Mr. Beckett otherwise. Instead, he would have married
"But—" Xavier sounded hesitant.Heart sinking, Jasper demanded, "What is it?""Jameson Schmidt was the one who helped Madam." Xavier broke into a cold sweat when he brought up Jameson's name.Rage filled Jasper's eyes. His jawline tightened as he clenched his teeth. "Not only that, photos of Mr. Taylor and Jameson are circulating online. There are unverified rumors of an arranged marriage between the Taylor and Schmidt families. Madam might end up marrying Jameson Schmidt!" Even Xavier quivered as he spoke.Jasper was clearly more crushed and heartbroken than Xavier upon hearing the news.Nervous, he was about to look for Alyssa when he witnessed the Jesseltons of Mosgravia's Jesselton Incorporated approaching him under heavy security protection."Mr. Beckett, it's the Jesseltons!" Xavier gaped at the entourage. "Damn, are the father and son both here? It could've been a sudden schedule change, as we weren't notified at all."While they were speaking, Ezzo and Zeke Jesselton c
Meanwhile, Zoe kept her head low in anger. She dared not utter a word after what had happened.Betty learned about the incident just now and secretly laughed and relished in Zoe's rare display of dejection.Preston laughed merrily and replied, "Dad, don't mention it. Of course, I'd help my niece. I can't be helping the outsiders, can I?"His remark reminded Cornelius of Landon's recent behavior. Right then, Landon showed up and announced, "Grandpa, Mom, we're here."Everyone turned to look at him. He strode over, fingers interlacing with Lauren, looking as sweet as newlyweds.Landon cast a loving gaze at the shy Lauren, to the envy of the onlookers. Nevertheless, there was tension in the air. Cornelius and Penelope treated the couple with an icy demeanor."Oh gosh, is Mr. Landon with Ms. Lauren now?" Daisy, who was oblivious to the complex dynamics, broke the ice. "Wow, you make a lovely couple! Congratulations in advance to both of you, as well as your parents!"Javier and So
Zoe, feeling emboldened, took the chance to sneer at her brother, "I'd advise you to think twice lest you regret your choice and waste Lauren's time. I know her very well. We went to the same middle school. She's different from those sluts you dated before."Upon hearing that, Javier's expression fell. At this point, he had lost any hope of marrying Lauren to Landon."Grandpa, Mom, Mr. Javier, I know what you're worried about. I was an unreliable brat in the past." Landon took a deep breath and stared longingly at Lauren as his voice trembled emotionally. "But I love Lauren deeply. I'd do anything for her. I'd give her everything."Giving Lauren everything? What joke was that? Cornelius gritted his teeth and tapped his walking stick on the ground but refrained from further expressing his rage in the presence of the Becketts and the other guests.Landon swallowed hard and declared, "I won't marry anyone else except Lauren."Turning to Penelope, he explained, "Mom, you might think I
The Jesseltons' arrival introduced a subtle change to the social dynamics. Javier and the Harpers reacted to the new guests with enthusiasm, though they did not grovel at Ezzo Jesselton as they were on par in social standing. Still, they accorded the Jesseltons much more interest and respect.Jasper was the only one who did not respond to the Jesseltons. Sitting like a statue beside Javier, he cast a passionate look at his lover. Alyssa, engaged in a conversation with Winston, wore a serious expression, oblivious to Jasper's longing gaze.Suddenly, Jasper felt a chill when Jameson, holding a champagne flute, leaned forward to obstruct his view of Alyssa.Next, Jameson slowly turned around to face Jasper with a smirk and raised the champagne flute at him.Jasper froze from head to toe, tightening his grip on his wine glass in rage. Jameson arched a brow and leisurely took a sip of the wine, a clear act of provocation.Jasper held his breath and unknowingly broke the glass in his ha
Alyssa leaned forward, jolted from the emotional turmoil.Suddenly, Winston growled sternly, "Alyssa Taylor, what do you plan to do?" She sensed pressure and turned to look at her father.Winston accused, "Are you going to confront Zoe Harper over a man? I hope you're not as shameless as that woman. Do not make me lose my respect for you, and don't bring shame to our family!"Alyssa pressed her lips tightly together. Jameson, happy at Winston's intervention, grinned as he downed the champagne in his flute.Just when Zoe was about to touch Jasper, he stood up without warning, causing her to lose her balance and fall on her butt. The Harpers' bodyguards went up to help Zoe. However, it only added further humiliation as she attracted unwanted attention from the other guests.Jasper glared daggers at Zoe. "Ms. Zoe, please behave." His warning clapped like a frightening thunder.Alyssa quietly smiled when Jasper distanced himself from Zoe, her heart dripping with honey. No other man
Alyssa stood out as the most attractive and dazzling female among the young ladies from the four distinguished families and possibly even across the nation.From the moment Zeke stepped into the venue, his gaze remained fixated on Alyssa, the charming Cyrrisian lady."You bitch! Who do you think you are—proposing a toast to the Jesseltons? Do they even know you?"Much to Betty's chagrin, Ezzo nodded approvingly and raised his glass toward Alyssa. He chirped, "Alexa, today I learned that you are the daughter of the KS Group president. How many more surprises do you have in store for me? This is not our first meeting anyway. Do skip the formalities."Everyone was taken aback by Alyssa's friendship with the Mosgravian tycoon Ezzo Jesselton, including Javier, who grew uneasy. When Alyssa married Jasper, she concealed her identity, including her multiple careers, never once leveraging her influence for Jasper or the Beckett family.Now that she was divorced, she seemed to enjoy going 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