An hour ago, Zoe called Cornelius' confidant, Max Horatio, to a secluded place, and the two secretly conspired."Mr. Horatio, you've been with our family for a long time. I've known you since I was a child when you worked for my grandpa. I know your loyalty to our family," Zoe said, her eyes filled with tears and appearing pitiful."Yes, Ms. Zoe. I've watched you grow up. Your family has been kind to me. I'm willing to do anything for you." Max pledged solemnly, then worriedly asked, "Ms. Zoe, is there ... something wrong? You look terrible."So, Zoe fabricated a story, turning the truth upside down. She portrayed herself as the victim of Alyssa's bullying."Not only that ... she even wants to steal my fiancé."Zoe started to sob. "Jasper and I have a deep affection for each other, and we were about to get engaged ... But Alyssa stole my fiancé from me."If I can't get engaged to Jasper, I'll become the laughingstock of the entire Solana City. How can I face people in the future?
"Learning is an endless process, Jasper. If you're not good at it, you can learn. I can be your teacher. Don't worry. I'll only teach you." Landon nudged Jasper with a playful expression."Landon, I feel a bit uneasy." Jasper's mood inexplicably turned heavy. He raised his hand and loosened his tie."I feel uneasy, too. I can't even look at Jamebitch without wanting to throw up my dinner from last night." Landon made a disgusted face."No, not that … I just feel like something is about to happen."Jasper's gaze was deep. He wasn't sure if it was due to excessive concern, but he felt an unexplainable oppression.He didn't mind if Alyssa didn't win first place. He just wanted her to return safely to his side. That was the most important matter."Josh, Jimmy keeps talking to the Taylors. It seems like he's really ingratiating himself with Mr. Taylor."Worried, Daisy whispered to Josh, "Mr. Taylor wouldn't really want to marry his daughter to Jimmy, right? That would be a disaster!
Only about 100 feet were left, and the Harper Group's horse was leading.Cornelius was so excited that his hands trembled as he gripped his cane. Meanwhile, Preston had walked up to Ezzo and Zeke, ready to shake hands and celebrate.At this moment, Alyssa completely disregarded the outcome of the race. She was only concerned about Blaze's safety.Just when the foreign equestrian thought victory belonged to him and was already waving to the audience, a gust of wind swept past him. It was so fast that he couldn't even see it clearly.Following that, thunderous applause erupted from the crowd."Horse number five breaks through the finish line first! Congratulations to KS Group and Ms. Alyssa for winning the championship!"Led by Winston, the Taylors burst into excited cheers."Lyse! You're amazing! Lyse!" Even the usually soft-spoken Lyla shouted joyfully.Jonah had a beaming smile, clapping until his hands turned red.On the other hand, Cornelius, who had just seen his major pro
"Yes, it's me ... Lyse, it's me." Jasper's mind buzzed, and his voice was hoarse.He tightly embraced the trembling Alyssa as if she might vanish into thin air if he loosened his grip. His heart felt like it was shattering into pieces. "Lyse ... Tell me where it hurts. Quickly.""Blaze ... Blaze."Regaining her ability to think, Alyssa immediately thought of the poor little creature. She struggled to break free from Jasper's embrace and rushed toward Blaze, who was lying on the ground and gasping for breath."Lyse! Come back!" Jasper called out to her with all his might, his heart tightening. At once, he followed her.Just then, medical staff, Jonah, and Neil arrived. Despite their numbers, they couldn't stop the anxious Alyssa.Beneath the stage, the image of Jasper rushing onto the track, cradling the injured Alyssa, left the spectators both shocked and deeply moved."Oh, my God! Is that frightened man the Mr. Beckett I know? This is unbelievable!""I never thought I'd see Ja
"Blaze ... Why did you force yourself? I told you to stop. Why didn't you listen?"Jasper stood stiffly by Alyssa's side, watching the heartbreaking sight of her being deeply distressed for her horse. His heart ached with her as well.She was inherently kind. What he loved most was her pure and kind soul.The horse trainer quickly arrived and immediately conducted a detailed examination of Blaze and Alyssa.Soon, they discovered the problem.Blaze's left leg had a long and narrow knife wound!The wound was located on the backside of its leg, so it was well-concealed. Neither Alyssa nor the horse trainer noticed it due to the rush to enter the arena.Moreover, it was evident that this injury was intentional.Initially, proper treatment and bandaging could have avoided significant harm. However, after galloping for miles hysterically, the wound had deteriorated dramatically.The pus and its dark fur merged into one, and the injury had become so severe that it was deep enough to
Alyssa raised her sweaty face, beaming at Jasper. Her eyes revealed a hint of admiration. But she wouldn't tell him that. She feared he might become too proud."Lyse! How are you?"At this moment, Jameson hurried over, followed by Carl and several members of Solana City's top surgical medical team, all wearing white coats. Jameson had dispatched them at the fastest speed."Mr. Atkins, Mr. Benton, please take Blaze in and have the tools ready. I want to perform the surgery myself."Alyssa stood up with Jasper's support, calmly stating, "Also, I need a steel plate to fix my waist. Nothing else for now.""Okay, I'll help you before the surgery." Jasper's voice was hoarse, and his heart ached for her once again.The two of them walked past Jameson. None of them spoke to him or even glanced at him. They treated him as if he were invisible.This kind of disregard was more unbearable for Jameson than having his throat slashed with a knife."Lyse ... Lyse!"No matter how Jameson calle
Jonah took care of the tasks Alyssa assigned and returned with a stern face.Before Winston and Lyla could speak, Zeke rushed up, asking with concern, "Mr. Jonah, how is Ms. Alyssa? Is she seriously injured?""Thanks for your concern, Mr. Zeke. My sister is fine for now. Apart from a few superficial injuries, the injury to her waist is a bit severe, but Mr. Beckett has already treated her. Right now, he's accompanying her to rest in the infirmary," Jonah replied with a smile, but his expression didn't appear relaxed.When Zeke heard that Jasper was with Alyssa, his expression darkened."Phew ... Thank God, and may God bless her." Ezzo showed his kindness, making the sign of the cross over his chest.Meanwhile, Winston's pale complexion eased a bit. With Lyla's support, he slowly sat down. However, he remained anxious and abruptly stood up again, preparing to go see his daughter.Suddenly, Preston frowned and spoke, "Oh, how's the horse?"Silence fell among the group."Mr. Prest
Preston felt extremely embarrassed since everyone was looking. His face fell."Lyse! You're okay! Thank goodness!" Lyla, with tears in her eyes, was overjoyed.Meanwhile, Winston was unconcerned about business matters anymore. He heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing that Alyssa was unharmed. The typically composed tycoon, who remained unfazed even in the face of major challenges, had his suit drenched in cold sweat at this moment.He looked toward Jasper, who had steadfastly stood by his daughter's side. Jasper's gentle eyes were filled with nothing but concern for her.When the accident happened, Jasper rushed to Alyssa without hesitation. That genuine care from the depths of his heart was definitely not an act.As the president of Beckett Group, Jasper's every move and action was scrutinized. It might lead to criticism and even ruin his reputation, but he didn't care. It was as if he could give up his crown, but not Alyssa.In a moment of reverie, Winston thought of Alyssa's bio
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
Beckett Group was, in essence, Javier's heart and soul, forged from his own labor. "Justin set me up, framed me for drug addiction, and bribed my primary physician to give false testimony—all so he could drag me down. The fact that he dared to target me like this means he's willing to betray anyone."Jasper took a deep breath, forcing down the rage roiling inside him as Javier remained silent. "Fine. Even if you insist this is just a family matter, Justin's reputation is already in ruins, and the corporation's stock prices are fluctuating. Are you really going to stand by him, even now?""Justin has explained everything to me. He wasn't aware of the bribery. That female doctor who worked for him acted on her own. Besides, she's been arrested. The backlash against Justin will settle in time…"Jasper listened, his face unreadable, but his heart clenched painfully. A lump rose in his throat, suffocating him.He had lost his mother at a young age, but he had never longed for his fa
Julien's merciless, hate-filled words hit Jonah like a ton of bricks. The pain was unbearable, a gut-wrenching ache that shattered his heart.Under the dim lighting, Julien vaguely noticed a sorrowful tear forming at the corner of Jonah's eye. But before it could fall, Jonah forced a blink, swallowing his emotions whole. Despite Jonah's attempt to brace himself, sorrow engulfed him, a tidal wave of despair. His features mirrored the devastation ripping through his heart. As Evan opened the driver's side door, Julien lurched forward and vomited again. The sickening sound of him retching echoed in the air as if he were expelling everything inside him. "Judas, Mr. Lovelace looks like he's suffering from alcohol poisoning. We should take him to the hospital."Evan's worry deepened at Julien's condition. Jonah wordlessly removed his suit jacket and began cleaning the mess in the car. His chest tightened painfully as he watched Julien groaning, clearly suffering. Then, without he
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