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
The crowd was in shock. They looked at Alyssa in disbelief."Mr. Beckett, are you saying ... Lyse fixed the horse's leg? Can a horse's leg really be reattached?" Victor widened his eyes in amazement."Of course, Mr. Victor. Don't forget, Lyse has another identity." Landon hinted with a smile."Our Lyse is none other than the renowned and worshipped Dr. White! You should know this name better than anyone else."Alyssa was speechless, feeling that Landon was exaggerating."Ah ... Right!"Victor recalled that when David had a car accident, it was Alyssa who performed the surgery on him. Victor excitedly slapped his forehead."Yes, Lyse is Dr. White! She's the benefactor of our family! How could I forget this? Dr. White can mend any bone. Even if it's shattered into pieces, it's as simple as building blocks for her."Hearing that, Alyssa felt a headache coming on. Their description of her was becoming more and more absurd.This was also why she liked using pseudonyms. She disliked
Just then, Jameson walked over slowly. The moment he saw how close Jasper and Alyssa were, pain shot through his heart like bullets—so painful it was soul-crushing.Jameson gripped tightly onto the railing, his other hand clutching his chest right above his heart. It hurt so much.How could it hurt so badly?"What's wrong, Mr. Schmidt? Are you feeling unwell?" Carl was shocked by this. When he went to help support Jameson, the latter quickly shoved away."Scram! Don't touch me!" Jameson snarled."Y-Yes, sir." Carl ducked to the side. He glared at Jasper and Alyssa from a distance.Carl would never complain about how Jameson treated him. He'd only blame Jasper Beckett for making Jameson's life a despairing one, for destroying Jameson's hard-to-come-by happiness."The injury on Blaze's left leg was man-made. It's a narrow and peculiar knife wound," Alyssa said.She exhaled deeply as anger glinted in her eyes. "KS Group's horses are worth millions and are routinely checked eve
"I intended to do so as well," Jonah replied, nodding solemnly.Winston looked at his old friend. "Victor, it would help to have Josh aid in the investigation, given he's the CEO. You wouldn't mind if he aids Jonah, would you?""What's with the politeness? How could I possibly ignore something so serious that's affected Lyse? Help Uncle Winston as much as you can, Josh. You must investigate this thoroughly so Lyse is avenged!" Victor exclaimed.He was secretly grateful for Winston's decision. The police should've been called on to look into such a grave matter, but Winston chose to handle this privately on account of their decades-long friendship.If the police were involved, then so would the media. Since this incident occurred at Schmidt's Racecourses and Alyssa was injured from it, the Schmidt family's reputation would surely be affected if known to the public."Alright, I'll do my best to help Mr. Taylor," Josh said.However, Jasper's voice rang out the moment he finished spe
Meanwhile, Sophia had rushed over to one of the lounges on the racing grounds to meet Tristan after the race."Tristan … I'm coming, Tristan!" Sophia sometimes felt like she'd become much more youthful after meeting Tristan. Not only that, but she'd become more fearless, too.While living with the Beckett family, Sophia had hidden her true self and constructed a fake persona for the past 20 years or so. She had long been fed up and tired of having to appeal to Javier every single day. Sophia had had enough of trying to appease a man she despised with every fiber of her being.Tristan's presence was like the life-giving rain that a parched, cracked desert yearned for, completely rejuvenating Sophia. She was deeply entranced, unable to break free from him.With her heart pounding in excitement, Sophia shakily knocked on the lounge door. But it didn't open even when she knocked again and again.In the end, Sophia barged in and locked the door behind her.Unexpectedly, she was th
Sophia took a deep breath and went to open the door, acting calm. "What is it?""What are you doing here, Madam Sophia? Mr. Javier is searching for you all over the place." As Rory spoke, his eyes wouldn't stop peeking behind Sophia into the lounge."I was tired, so I found a place to rest. What are you looking for? You think I'm hiding someone?" Sophia leaned back against the door, arms crossed in front of her chest. She sneered. "Only an ugly and perverted mind would view the world as such. Go inside, then. Try to find a man hiding in here, or so help me!""That's not what I meant, ma'am."Rory didn't pursue the matter. He smiled politely and gestured for Sophia to exit the room. "Ladies first, Madam Sophia. Mr. Javier requests your immediate presence in the VIP area. Everyone is present save for you, Madam Sophia and Mr. Javier worries about speculation."…A peculiar atmosphere had settled in the VIP area.Zoe hid behind Cornelius, now pale and rigid as ice. Max had been b
"That's right, Mr. Beckett. Did you think that you are over the law and can do whatever you like just because you're the president of Beckett Group? "Watch what you say. I might just sue you for defamation!" Preston said as he pointed at Jasper's face. Jasper had a callous look on his face, and Preston had absolutely no respect for him at all. However, Jasper thought he was more like a barking dog putting up a fierce front. Landon hugged Lauren close and stroked her shoulder gently. He rolled his eyes at Preston. As someone from the Harper Group, he was criticizing someone else for being over the law? That was ridiculous! "Jasper, did you investigate thoroughly before saying these things?" Sophia, whom Rory brought back, witnessed this scene. She chimed in smoothly and condemned Jasper and those siding with him, "Beckett Group and Harper Group are family friends. You and Landon are also as close as brothers. How could you raise this sort of suspicion? This will hurt the p
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