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
Anger rose from within Alyssa as she clenched her fingers tight! She thought Max was being crafty with his words by twisting the truth. He was the one who had the intention to murder but was now attempting to push the blame onto Jasper. He was trying to stir things up to drive a wedge between Jasper and the Harper Group. He was trying to give Cornelius the confidence to stand up for him! "Jasper, this greatly affects the reputation of both our families. You shouldn't take this as a joke!" Sophia made herself appear like the head of the family. She pretended to be concerned for him as if she were doing so for the benefit of all.In a concerned voice, she said, "We know that you have always felt like you owe it to Ms. Alyssa because of your divorce. When you realize that she met with an accident, it's inevitable that you want to take revenge on her behalf …""Revenge? Mrs. Beckett, what made you say so?" Preston became more and more upset as he listened to her. He furrowed
Right at this moment, Winston put his arm over Lyla's shoulders. She could feel the heat from his palm on her shoulder as he gave her a gentle squeeze. Even though he was silent, Lyla could hear his heart pounding through his chest. Her teary eyes glistened. With Winston around, she was safe in her shelter. There was a place for her soul to rest. "Mr. Javier, as the head of your family, could you kindly keep a close watch on this loose-mouthed bitch?" Winston spoke up suddenly in a cold tone. The way he glared at Sophia was as if he was about to burn a hole through her. Everyone was taken aback by what they just heard. Loose-mouthed … bitch? If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they wouldn't have guessed that Winston, an upper-class man, was the one who uttered those very words! Sophia was enraged with embarrassment, and her face turned redder than a tomato! However, when her eyes met Winston's sharp gaze, she flinched. Jasper was completely floored. He had n
Having watched Sophia being hit, not a single soul came up to stop Neil. Even the Harper family members who spoke up for her earlier did not stand up for her now. The reason was simple. Inevitably, none of them dared to ruffle Winston's feathers further. Lauren was scared beyond her wits. Plus, Landon was hugging her tight, so she couldn't move an inch. As for Betty, she even held her breath and withdrew like a coward despite witnessing Sophia taking the hit. This was one similarity between Sophia and Betty. They were both dastardly bullies who relied on their powerful backing. "Apologies, Mrs. Beckett. But this was also what you deserved. I hope that you will remember to be more mindful of your words in the future." Upon saying that, Neil retreated to Winston's side emotionlessly. "Y-You!"Initially, Sophia thought of throwing her temper. However, when she noticed that she lacked support around her, she started to act pitifully. She held her swollen cheeks in her hand
"What's going on … How …" Javier's eyes trembled fiercely. His cheeks gradually turned red, and the vein on his neck was popping. He was reluctant to admit that the revolting woman on screen was Sophia, with whom he had shared a bed for over 20 years. At the same time, he couldn't lie to himself. That woman was clearly Sophia! The Taylors, Harpers, Schmidts, and even the Jesseltons all had their eyes fixed on the big screen. They were all dumbfounded by that impactful scene that they had forgotten where they were. It was as if Landon predicted that something bad was about to happen. He shielded Lauren in his arms immediately. Before she caught on to the situation, he picked her up and left with her as quickly as he could. "Fuck, that was so freaking exciting," Zoe chuckled. The look in her eyes was mischievous and excited. She gave Betty, who was completely frozen stiff, a nudge. It was apparent that she was gloating over her misfortune. "No wonder you really let loose and
Everything unfolded like a well-polished, well-rehearsed script. After the hideous scene of Sophia abusing drugs in the lounge was exposed, the cops arrived immediately to arrest her. Then, the image on the screen showed the VIP area. Sophia had a manic and dismal look on her face. The close-up scene of her urinating on the spot and then being arrested by the police was also broadcast on the big screen. While still in the entertainment industry, she always admired Lyla as the leading lady. Many outlets featured Lyla, which helped the audience to remember her. She had hoped that she would also be in a similar position one day. And now, she finally obtained what she wished for. This unforgettable disgrace had shot her into fame. The incident was one for the books, and she became the talk of the town. "Oh my lord … Did Sophia just urinate in public? A high-class plutocrat actually wet herself because of a few minor cops? What a loser!" someone laughed. "Don't be silly! Do
"You have contributed the most. I was just an assistant," said Jasper to Alyssa. The look in his eyes was gentle, and his heart was racing. He wasn't sure how else he could show his gratitude. Tonight, he would have to show his love to her with all his might. No, he had to love her till death and cherish her forever. "However, earlier, I heard the cops saying that they were arresting her due to drug violations. Why wasn't it …" Alyssa couldn't help but feel a little surprised. With a deep gaze, Jasper said, "I will tell you my plan in detail when we get home tonight." Other than Jasper and Alyssa, everyone else was caught off guard by Sophia's arrest. Even Jonah was floored. He glanced over at Alyssa with astonishment. She returned his look with a cheeky wink. Winston wrapped his arms tight around Lyla, who was shivering in her small frame. He asked softly, "Did that shake you up?" Although it was satisfying to watch Sophia receive the consequences of her bad karma, he wa
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
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