Jameson had his back facing Alyssa, his face turning grim as he adjusted his glasses.Jasper stood beside Alyssa, lightly pursing his lips. He wanted to stop her, but her words beat him to it. Moreover, intervening now would mean falling for Jameson's trap. He would then be his bitch, as Landon had disgustingly phrased it."Lyse, are you okay? Does your waist hurt?"Winston wasn't bothered about Alyssa's sarcasm. He was more concerned about her injury. "You are so stubborn. You should have gone to the hospital the moment you fell from the horse. Jonah and Mr. Atkins could have taken care of Blaze. Why do you need to do it personally?"You are just like your mother. Even ten horses wouldn't be able to pull you back when you are this stubborn. Jonah, get on the phone with Mr. Liverton now. Get Lyse to the hospital and gather a group of specialists to get her treated."However, Jonah read the situation well and didn't comply. Jasper and Alyssa wanted time alone. It would be awkward i
All of Jameson's efforts proved futile as he found himself back at the same starting line as Jasper. He couldn't accept that outcome. He needed Alyssa. He had to marry her!"Yes, Mr. Jameson. Love can't be forced," Lyla said.Lyla then walked elegantly to Winston's side and caressed his waist. Her tone was gentle and non-threatening, yet each word felt like a stranglehold on Jameson's throat. "I'm sure Winston didn't mean it. We know you are serious about Lyse."But, it takes two hands to clap for love to last. As Lyse's family, we are thorough with everything we do because we want Lyse to be happy. If she eventually marries someone she didn't love, we would be kissing her happiness in this lifetime goodbye."Jonah was silent. His lips curled into a mocking smile as he stared contemptuously into Jameson's eyes. Lyla usually appeared gentle and harmless. However, she was an intelligent person.Her intelligence lay in how well she knew Winston. She didn't mention Jasper the entire
Alyssa was like a delicate flower Jasper cared for attentively. No matter how big the storm or how vicious the battle was, he was there to defend her.Alyssa was so starved that her stomach rumbled.Rosie hastily went to the kitchen to make dinner for both of them. However, Alyssa was restlessly asking for a shower."I want a nice-smelling bubble bath. I smell like horse shit!""No. The doctor told me specifically that your wounds can't be in contact with water for a week. Otherwise, it will get infected."Jasper carried her back to the room. "I'll wipe you off, okay?""Will I be clean from wiping?" Alyssa pouted sulkily."Of course. When have I not helped you?"Jasper's breath landed against her ears. His voice was raspy and enticing. "I guarantee you will be squeaky clean inside out.""D-Don't you dare have any naughty ideas. I'm exhausted today, and I want to sleep."The positions that appeared in Alyssa's mind were enough to make her blush. Plus, with Jasper's naughty wor
After wiping Alyssa's body down, Jasper was worried she would overexert herself. So, he carried her to the dining room for dinner.His mind had been preoccupied all day long. The warmth, interwoven with his manly scent, emanated from his usually neat and clean white shirt.Alyssa started feeling woozy. She didn't find the smell repulsive. On the contrary, she pressed her nose against his chest and sniffed it like an unsatisfied kitten."What's the matter? Do you want to eat me up?" Jasper lowered his gaze and smiled as his thin lips grazed her forehead."Even if I wanted to, you should take a shower. What a smelly man you are."Alyssa was so embarrassed that she turned her face away. "You always keep yourself pretty clean. Why hadn't you showered this time?""I didn't manage to. I will shower after eating with you."Alyssa pursed her thin lips. Her heart felt fuzzy.The table was filled with a plethora of exquisite delicacies. Rosie had prepared some of the food beforehand. The
Jasper gently caressed Alyssa's waist with his strong arm, smiling at her tenderly. Silas and Cyrus were both busy men, rarely appearing at the same time. The fact that they were together now hinted at something unusual.Cyrus burped before putting on a serious expression. "Sophia's urine test this afternoon confirmed drug use. It's important to note that drug use and drug abuse are two different things."However, she denied it and claimed she thought her jabs were for cosmetic purposes. Tristan McAlister, her cosmetic doctor, prescribed them to her. She insists she had no clue and is being framed."Alyssa was stunned.Tristan was the one who prescribed the medication to Sophia. He was well-versed in pharmacology, so she had never asked him about it and let him handle it.Alyssa never fathomed he would supply Sophia with illegal drugs in such large doses. He was practically aiming to take her life away."Cyrus, this has nothing to do with Tristan. Sophia must be panicking and t
SIlas added, "By then, you will no longer be a heartless bastard but a crying bastard."Jasper felt his blood boiling in him. He bit his thin lip and held it in. "All of you may be Lyse's brothers, but Lyse has a man. Besides, all of you are adults now. You should know how to respect boundaries."Silas almost choked after hearing his words. He patted his chest and glared at him. "If Axel heard what you said, he will make sure you pay with your life right here and now.""He won't." Jasper perked his brow slightly. "He wouldn't want his sister to turn into a widow."Silas was rendered speechless.Cyrus, absorbed in Sophia's serious case, was extremely busy. Sophia wasn't just involved in drugs; she had killed people. If he didn't convict her and avenge the deceased, he couldn't live with himself.After dinner, they went to the living hall to discuss some matters.Just then, Cyrus' phone rang. It was a call from his colleague at the station. As he hung up, his face darkened gradual
The jaws of all three dropped in astonishment. "Jasper, it was 20 years ago. Where did you get the physical evidence from?" Alyssa grabbed Jasper's hand.Jasper turned his hand around and laced his fingers with hers. His voice was low and hoarse. "Do you remember when I mentioned I was investigating the maid who used to serve my mother?"Alyssa nodded."She might have had a premonition before disaster struck. Before something happened to Sophia, she had intentions to escape. Xavier sent men over and managed to capture her. That's when I employed some of my tricks."Jasper took a deep breath and continued, "Out of massive fear and to protect her son, she said some things that Sophia had never mentioned in the recording—the truth."Jasper was a kind person. Given a choice, he wouldn't use someone's child to threaten or force his way. He wouldn't become a monster who would use malicious ways to get what he wanted.Alyssa believed that even if the maid's lips were sealed, Jasper wo
"The maid heard a silence. After that, I saw …" Jasper's voice trailed off, and his chest heaved. His eyes were bloodshot, and his nostrils flared.His palms sweated and trembled in Alyssa's grip as he revisited the scene of his mother's fatal fall.For the first time, he learned about the dull thud produced by a body hitting the ground. He swore he could even hear the sounds of Anne's bones breaking.He had merely taken a glimpse of the scene, but the trauma that came with it would haunt him for the rest of his life."Stop it, Jasper. Stop …" Alyssa hugged him tightly, wanting to be one with him. Jasper did not cry, but she started sobbing. Her tears stained his white shirt."It's fine. I am vengeful, but I won't be blinded by hate. I'm not going to break down," Jasper remarked as a newfound light entered his eyes.His attitude softened as he wiped away her tears with his rough dingers. "I'm strong because you're by my side. Lyse, you have no idea how much you mean to me. You've
"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
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