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
Jameson panted heavily as sweat trickled down his chiseled face. His eyes gleamed with malice, like a devil emerging from the depths of hell. A sense of satisfaction enveloped him after his recent predation."Mr. Schmidt," Carl and Amber greeted him in unison.Jameson tossed the blood-stained whip onto the floor and took off his glasses. He then wiped off the blood on the glasses with the hem of his shirt.Back in Kontina, he'd go hunting whenever he was in a foul mood. Unfortunately, Solana City didn't have any hunting grounds. Left with no choice, he was forced to release his frustration on human beings instead.To his surprise, he found torturing humans much more enjoyable than hunting wild animals, a practice he intended to continue.Carl and Amber silently trailed him to his room. Observing the blood on Jameson's hand, Carl nudged Amber. "Ms. Altman, Mr. Schmidt is injured. Please tend to his wound."Taken aback, Amber hesitated briefly before offering, "Mr. Schmidt, your ha
Jameson perked up upon hearing the man's willingness to assist. "Please elaborate.""Check your phone. I have a gift for you."Jameson immediately looked at his phone screen. There, he discovered a new email notification.Meanwhile, Amber observed Jameson's tensing posture intently, her curiosity deepening regarding the identity of the caller who was capable of affecting Jameson.Pursing his pallid lips, Jameson tapped on the newly received email, which contained an attachment of a hospital diagnosis. Furrowing his brows, he swiftly checked the contents, which left him visibly shocked.His heart raced, and he almost lost his grip on the phone.The caller chuckled. "What's wrong? Is it too shocking for you?""Is that real? No, it's not true …" Jameson mumbled, repeatedly checking the document. He trembled uncontrollably as his blood ran cold. "How could Lyse have been pregnant with Jasper's baby? How could they have had a child together?""What's the problem? Will you love her l
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