"No! I won't! You can't make me apologize." Betty started making a scene."Xavier, come in." Jasper raised his voice. Hearing that, Xavier knocked and entered the room before greeting everyone with a curt nod."Show the document to the chairman.""Yes, Mr. Jasper." Eyes darting, Xavier handed Javier the document."What's this?""These are last year's and this year's financial reports of EV Concepts, co-run by Sophia and Betty," Jasper said flatly.Sophia and Betty's faces stiffened as they tensed up. "The reports show that the store has been making annual losses of almost 10 million in the three years since its operations. They also received funds from the Beckett Group to pay off the operational costs. "From the start, the agreement dictates that it is Sophia who will take care of the profits and losses. If the Beckett Group doesn't get a share of your profits, we shouldn't have to pay for your losses too."Jasper looked down. "If Betty does not offer a public apology for t
Alyssa tossed and turned throughout the night. Whenever she closed her eyes, her mind would be filled with Jasper's charming look. She could feel his fingers on her waist vividly.The thought made her sit up in bed suddenly. Why would her mind go there when they were divorced?Finally, she slept for two hours and went rowing for an hour in the morning to suppress her desire. After that, Sean prepared a hearty breakfast for her.She looked troubled while eating her bread and eggs and drinking her coffee."Ms. Alyssa, are you bothered by Ella's case?" Sean grabbed a napkin and gently helped her to wipe away the crumbs and oil on her fingers. His elegance could match that of a royal footman."I hate the feeling of losing." She inhaled sharply and narrowed her eyes. However, she did not vocalize the rest of her thoughts—that she hated the feeling of being under Jasper's control."How do you plan to deal with Betty Beckett?" Sean asked."I need some time to think over it. We need to
Alyssa's eyes betrayed her annoyance. She always hated media publicity from a young age. She would never put herself under the limelight unless she absolutely had to."Why would they make news out of nothing? Do they not have anything better to write about?" She took a sip of her coffee. "Whatever. The discussion will die off soon. I've also told Jonah to suppress the news, so we'll see his power at work soon. Let's use the back entrance."At the hotel's back entrance, Alyssa had Sean park the car while she sprinted into the private elevator and went to her office on the top floor. During her trip, she checked the hotel's official Twitter account.Thanks to the effect of the "Prettiest Angel" discussion, the official Twitter received an influx of replies and positive commentaries."I'll stay at a KS Group hotel next time! Their employees are the best!""She's so pretty! Anyone has a high-res photo of her full face?""KS Group is a reliable brand, unlike the Beckett Group. When wi
Landon was a master in the art of flirting, after all."Do you want me to break your bones for real, Mr. Harper?" Alyssa gritted her teeth and fired back. Her eyes were spitting fire.Landon dared not take a step closer. Acting pitiful, he stumbled backward. "Ms. Taylor, that was a joke! You scared me! I'm the victim, anyhow. "What more do you want from me after the hitting, yelling, and ruining my outfit? I can't possibly show up to lunch with my mom in this outfit. Shouldn't you at least get me some new clothes?"Alyssa admitted that she had overdone it. Landon was slightly more reasonable compared to the socially difficult Jasper. When Liana and the gang bullied her, it was Landon who got back at them on her behalf. She always remembered his kindness in her heart."My secretary will get you a new outfit. He'll also book you a room for a shower and rest. How does that sound?" She might look indifferent, but she was quite thoughtful."Oh, that's a lot of trouble. Why don't yo
"Lia, this is your chance to turn the tables!" Rosaline excitedly pinched Liana. "Make an excuse and get Mr. Jasper here. He must witness this scene. This will force him to give up on that little whore!""B-But Mom, he's at work now. He rarely goes shopping on the weekends with me, not to mention on a weekday. And …" Liana lowered her voice with a mysterious gleam in her eyes. She continued, "I've gained his favor with the relapse of my 'severe depression.' I need to behave well to win his heart. It's not the time to stir trouble.""You dimwit!" Rosaline jabbed Liana on the forehead. "It's unreasonable to make him spend time with you during work hours. But things are different if you have a solid excuse. It will be a chance to take your relationship to the next level!"She went off, "Being naively considerate is the start of a tragedy! Men are contradictory and shameless, you know. They don't like obedient women. "You'll boost his ego and self-worth if you look for his help imme
A few steps away, Landon and Alyssa walked in Jasper's direction. A tall and handsome man with a cold beauty by his side, they were a match made in heaven.Jasper felt his eyes twitching in rage. He also noticed the shopping bag in Landon's hand. Did the two shop together?However, Alyssa didn't see Jasper and Liana because she was too engrossed in Landon, who was telling a joke animatedly. She looked into Landon's eyes, and they both chuckled.Jasper felt a weight on his chest. The sight pained his eyes. Landon sensed an air of hostility and looked up. His eyes widened in shock. "Jasper! Why are you here?"Alyssa finally noticed Jasper and his sour face. Her gaze swept past Liana, who was in his arms, and a smirk appeared across her face.Knowing it was her chance, Liana held Jasper tighter and glared at Alyssa to claim him. Alyssa was unbothered by the action. In the past, she might have been envious of Liana, but she felt nothing but calm at the moment.To her, Jasper and
What a bastard!"Jasper, my chest hurts …" Liana hurriedly went up to him and rested her head against his shoulder as she grumbled. "Since you're here, why don't we go shopping? You've never shopped with me. Look at Mr. Harper going shopping with Ms. White …"Jasper followed Alyssa's figure with his eyes."Fine."…Alyssa shuffled away, looking upset. Her ex-husband's sudden appearance was a buzzkill that ruined her good mood."Hey," she suddenly called out. Landon answered with a twinkle in his eye, "I'm here.""I'm in a bad mood. Why don't you share a few more jokes?"Landon was speechless at her request. "Well, I can certainly do that. If you're looking to cheer up, I can gather a few people and have fun at ACE tonight.""It's fine. I don't drink with guys I don't know." She shot him a cold look. "By the way, aren't you worried that Jasper might unfriend you if we keep hanging out?""Fuck. You guys are divorced. Even if it's not official yet, it's almost certain. I didn't
The fight over a necklace between the two influential men in Solana City, who each owned a Centurion Card, was the event of a century.The employee stammered in shock at the sight of the two black cards. "S-Sir, we only have one necklace left …""I know." Jasper looked away from Alyssa. "I am buying it exactly because there's only one."Liana almost jumped for joy as she awaited Jasper to give her the necklace. Alyssa pursed her lips at Jasper's insistence as bitterness welled up in her heart. He'd get Liana anything she wanted at all costs. When it came to Alyssa, though, he paid no attention to her feelings."Ignore him. Please charge it to my card and wrap the gift!" Landon arched his brows and rapped his knuckles on the glass display. "First come, first served.""Landon Harper." Jasper frowned. Landon stared at Jasper's sullen face and lowered his voice, "Jasper, you know me. There are not many women I'd like to buy a gift for. Can't you let me have my way this time, conside
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her
The skies started to turn dark. Alyssa's dark hair was covered in a layer of snow. As she stood alone at the foot of the majestic mountain, she looked tiny, fragile, and desolate. "Ms. Alyssa, it's snowing. Heavy snowfall is forecasted tonight." Elias walked to Alyssa's side. Noticing the redness on her face due to the cold and the dull look in her eyes, he had a moment of realization. He couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness within him. "It's getting late. I suppose something came up for Mr. Beckett, and he's unable to make it." "Why didn't he inform me if that is the case?" Alyssa mumbled in a low voice as she gazed toward the darkness. She choked back on her tears so softly that her grievance couldn't really be heard through her voice. Elias slapped himself on his forehead. "Ah, perhaps you didn't manage to receive Mr. Beckett's message? The reception at the foot of the mountain isn't quite stable. You might have missed it. Would you like to come to my office? You'l
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t
That night, Alyssa stayed in the presidential suite of Solana City's KS World Hotel. She couldn't bring herself to return to her own manor—not yet. The lingering memories of her breakup with Jasper were still too raw, and the thought of revisiting their former home felt like reopening an unhealed wound.The following morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door. Groggily, she slipped on her night robe and opened it to find Sean standing there, carrying a complete set of brand-new hiking gear.Alyssa smiled. "Thank you, Sean." "Ms. Alyssa, it's freezing today. Are you sure you want to go hiking?" Sean walked into the living room and placed the items neatly on the couch. He still felt somewhat worried. "It's alright if it's cold, as long as the weather is good."Alyssa gazed out the window. The sun was shining brightly. The thought of going hiking with Jasper today made it impossible for her to conceal the sweet smile on her face and the delight in her eyes. She still love
Remy's eyes were bloodshot; his expression twisted with disgust as he stared at Sheryl. He could hardly fathom how someone so deranged and vile had once been close to Jasper. Even if Jasper and Alyssa had separated, Sheryl was nowhere near worthy of Jasper's side; she was not even fit to be the dirt on Alyssa's shoes.A sudden flash of memory struck him—the image of Alyssa during that traffic accident. He recalled her mustering all her strength to crawl out of her wrecked car, her face bloody, her body broken yet defiant. He had never seen such a fierce spirit in a woman before.His heart pounded uncontrollably, the memory triggering a sharp pain in his temples. Remy closed his eyes, gasping for breath.Sheryl broke into wild, unhinged laughter. Her entire body shook as she spat out her words, "Oh, Jasper, you poor, clueless fool!"If he ever discovers that the woman he's been tormenting all this time is actually his savior—the one he's been desperate to repay—that would be an eart