Javier glowered at his trouble-causing son with a scowl. Following behind him closely was his secretary Rory Odon, some bodyguards, and Betty, who put on a sour face.Betty had initially been reluctant to visit Sophia at the police station. She had not stepped out of Seaview Manor since the horseracing event, where Sophia had brought shame to her.She refrained from checking social media or watching the TV. When she skimmed through her Twitter feed, she noticed people laughing at Sophia. On top of that, she had muted the group chats with the Solana City socialites, whose members relentlessly laughed at Sophia and herself.One of them wrote, "How I pity Madam Sophia. I bet Mr. Javier hasn't satisfied her in a while. Why else would she touch herself with such enthusiasm?""I guess middle-aged women who have given birth are no use for men anymore. I couldn't believe the same fate befell even the ex-celebrity Madam Sophia.""That has nothing to do with her age! If I were her husband,
Alyssa worried that her involvement might exacerbate the already strained relationship between Javier and Jasper. She wasn't worried about Javier's perception of her; she just refused to make things more difficult for Jasper within the Beckett Group."I think it's Sophia who should worry about her reputation," Jasper dismissed Betty's statement without even looking at her. "I'll advise you to behave. If you insist on clearing your mom's name, I will see to it that you join her in jail."His warning was directed at both Betty and Javier, making it clear that he wouldn't allow them to rescue Sophia."Jasper, how could you—" Betty stomped in anger and tugged at Javier's arm, pleading tearfully, "Dad, how could Jasper say that? It is my mom and your wife he's talking about! I think he wants me dead, too. What have I done to him? Who's the evil one here?"Javier was disoriented and irritated by her tantrum as he struggled to free himself from her grasp. Simon seized the opportunity upon
"But no one has forced your wife to meet with Dr. McAlister for drugs. She had developed an addiction and took the risk of dealing drugs with him at the horseracing event. The decision to step into the trap I set was entirely hers."Having stated this, Alyssa exited the police station alongside Jasper, who draped his arm around her shoulder.Seeing that, Betty anxiously yelled at Javier, "Dad, are you letting her leave just like that? She got Mom in trouble!"Rory, unable to contain himself, calmly took a jab at Betty. "You'll need evidence to support your claims against Ms. Alyssa. If you can't, you need to be careful with what you say lest she sues you for slander."Betty glared at Rory while Javier turned his icy gaze to Cyrus, demanding, "Mr. Cyrus, I'd like to meet with Captain Holt."Cyrus stood with his back against the wall and crossed his arms on his chest. "He's not around. His superior asked for him.""Could you please call him? Tell him to return immediately to meet w
Jasper maintained his composure as he greeted Winston. Though he had a strained relationship with Winston, who had shown him attitude and given him trouble, he treated Winston with respect due to his love for Alyssa and his admiration of Winston's integrity. However, unlike Jameson, he refrained from excessive flattery toward Winston. He reminded Winston, "Mr. Taylor, it's chilly at night. Please take care not to catch a cold."Jasper carried himself with humility and warmth, and Winston gradually found his presence pleasant as he nodded at the young man.Meanwhile, Alyssa grew concerned when she noticed the absence of bodyguards around her father. She approached him, chiding, "Dad, why didn't you bring along your bodyguards? You shouldn't have come here alone. What if …""Neil is trained in combat. Besides, I don't want to disturb my bodyguards' rest. I'm curious about your life in Solana City and your living space." Scanning the villa, he remarked, "It's small but functional. Th
"T-That's not true! Don't you dare tattle!" Alyssa pursed her lips and elbowed Jasper.Winston felt a surge of warmth when he witnessed the loving exchange between the couple. Even Neil beamed gently at the scene."Jasper, Lyse is not in her best health. I know you keep her company, but you can't be with her around the clock because of your busy schedule. I'm worried for my daughter and plan to take her home for recuperation," Winston proposed.After joking around and exchanging pleasantries, it was time to reveal his purpose for the visit."I'm not going home! You're wrong to say I have no one to look after me. Mrs. Rosie is dependable and looks after me well. There's no way I'm going home!" Alyssa threw a tantrum before the two men who loved her the most.Jasper stood beside her in silence and tightened his grip on her waist. In fact, he had considered sending her home to Belbanks, where she'd be taken care of and spend some quality time with her family.However, he was relucta
Alyssa shook her head and replied, "I know you're doing this in my best interest."A moment later, Winston heard a faint sobbing and felt his sleeve growing damp. "Lyse, are you crying?""Dad, I miss Jasper. I miss him so much …" It had been a while since Alyssa had cried in his arms. His eyes grew misty at the sight.He hadn't felt such intense emotions, not even when Miley married Jeremy and left for Kontina.However, he felt sorry to have separated the two lovers. It pained him as a father to see his daughter heartbroken.He thought, "Dear Lyse, I suppose I can't keep you by my side anymore."…After arriving home, Alyssa locked herself in her bedroom and chatted with Jasper under the blankets. She went on and on, and he listened to her patiently, occasionally agreeing with her idea or adding to it.The two soulmates chatted endlessly until Alyssa fell asleep before she knew it. Upon waking up the next morning, she rubbed her eyes and stretched, feeling relaxed."Lyse, you
"Jasper, although Justin is recuperating in Mosgravia, you shouldn't let your guard down. Your last contract signing with Jesselton Incorporated was his debut. Since he took action, it means he'll be back sooner or later," Alyssa expressed her concern for Jasper."Lyse, are you genuinely afraid I'll be living off you?" Jasper teased."I'm being serious!""I'm not afraid of Justin's return or confronting him head-on. Under fair competition, I have no complaints if he wants to take back what belongs to him."Alyssa knew that the kidnapping case from years ago weighed heavily on Jasper. He still felt indebted to Justin."But if he uses dirty tricks, I won't go easy on him. Taylor Group won this horse racing event. Ezzo should choose you without hesitation. But if Justin or anyone else tries to interfere, I won't stand idly by."Jasper's low and charming voice lightly echoed in her ear. "With me around, you don't have to worry."…Lyla didn't go on vacation like she said she would.
"Is Dad out of his mind? What does Simon's matter have to do with Sean? I'm going to confront him!" Alyssa angrily slammed the table, but Lyla stopped her."Don't, Lyse. This has nothing to do with you. You'd better not get yourself involved. It might anger your father.""Sean is an important friend, and Taty is my sister. How can I not care? I must get involved!" Alyssa had endured enough opposition to her own love and didn't want Tatiana to experience the same thing.Besides, Tatiana was the most beloved daughter of the Taylor family. It was already difficult for her to love a man. Sean was just a secretary, and Tatiana was timid and indecisive. Their love might be like a boat in a storm, unable to withstand the huge waves of opposition from her family."Lyse, don't be stubborn." Mandy also tried to stop her."Your dad is just starting to change his views on Jasper, and things are getting a bit better for both of you. Provoking your dad now won't help. He's petty, and he might t
"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