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
"Who has the video of Sophia Kirkman? Send me a copy, please?""Sharing is caring!""I want it too!""I want it three!""I've watched it once. It's so thrilling. DM me if you want it!""You disgusting people! What's so great about watching an old lady touching herself? It's revolting, but hey, I won't mind a copy."While the Beckett Group was fighting the shameful scandal, the Harper Group dealt with a bigger issue at hand. The news of the Harpers poisoning KS Group's racehorse had spread like wildfire nationwide.The incident went beyond reputational damage. Due to the foul play, Alyssa was at risk of serious injury. Following the news, Harper Group's stock price plummeted, resulting in a staggering ten billion dollar loss in market value.Some businesses promptly terminated their partnerships with Harper Group, fearing they might become victims of the company's questionable ethics. Recognizing their lack of influence compared to KS Group, these businesses could only endure in
Why? Landon and his family did not deserve it!Preston persistently begged, "Dad, give me some time. I promise I'll take care of it! I've been settling problems for the company over the years. You should trust me!""Enough. The decision's been made." Cornelius frowned, visibly irritated. "I admit I have not paid much attention to Landon in the past. I'll consider this a test for him. As his uncle, you should guide and advise him."He rendered Preston speechless. Once Zoe noticed that Cornelius had sided with her family, she took the opportunity and suggested, "Grandpa, I have another solution to help us out of the crisis. Have you forgotten about it?""What solution is that?""Didn't you agree to discuss marriage with Uncle Javier?" Zoe blinked, feigning innocence. Penelope's heart sank upon hearing that. "Zoe! Why bring it up?""Proposing a marriage? Zoe, stop embarrassing yourself." Preston snickered. "Remember, your scandal on the horseracing event is still out there for the
Sophia's scandal at the horseracing event had single-handedly thrown the Beckett Group into disarray. Newton, at the top of the chain of command, confronted Javier with an ultimatum. He wanted Sophia to rot in prison and had no qualms to disown Javier should the latter attempt to intervene.Alas, Javier held a different opinion. He would be dragged by the netizens sooner or later if he sat back and watched as Sophia was canceled. They would surely criticize him for being a cold-blooded capitalist who treated his wife like a pawn in a game of chess.He was tired of being laughed at and mocked. In the past, he had an arranged marriage with the daughter of the Duttons, which did not work out. Later, rumors had it that he mistreated Anne Bartley, who killed herself due to depression. Now, his wife, Sophia, was put behind bars for drug offenses.He did not want the ill fates of his women to become fodder for gossip. To protect his image, he could not sit back as Sophia was branded a crim
It was public knowledge that Javier and Jasper did not get along, but it was the first time anyone had witnessed an open argument between them.Jasper might be a ruthless man, but his record-setting accomplishments and swift business expansion during his tenure as president had earned recognition from his subordinates.However, Javier's veiled threat to oust Jasper for Sophia tainted his image, painting him as a corrupted figure.Jasper would have been enraged at Javier's threat in the past, but he felt different now. His priority was Alyssa's well-being, not his father's.He retorted, "I don't care who'll be the future president, but I am in power now, and I would like to remove Sophia Kirkman. What can you do about that?"With that, he briskly exited the meeting room, leaving behind the astonished attendees and an incensed Javier.…The night had fallen when Jasper left the office. Slouching wearily in the back of his car, he enjoyed some shut-eye."Mr. Beckett, you were so c
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