The conversation in the study continued.Winston came from a wealthy background and had sons and daughters, loved ones, and friends. Everyone all across the world admired him for it.Yet the only person he could speak his heartfelt thoughts to was Neil, who'd been by his side since he was in his youth."Things aren't so easy to handle right now, Neil," Winston said.His brows were knit tight as he shook his head lightly. "Jonah had been the one dealing with the company when Lyse was overseas. Frankly, I could tell how difficult it was for him."When Lyse came back, Jonah gave her the position right away. He must've known he had reached his limits. He most probably has found it extremely difficult to further improve himself. What's more, Jonah and Silas aren't … "Winston hesitated slightly as he spoke.Neil remained silent, though there was a shift in his eyes."So after some consideration, Lyse is indeed the most suitable heir out of everyone else. I'm not fond of Jasper Becke
With a loud bang, Alyssa barged into the room. Anger had made her face flushed while her hands were clenched into fists.Both Winston and Neil were shocked.Winston then grumbled, "Don't you know proper manners, Lyse? Or did you forget how to knock?""I've never knocked since I knew how to walk here in Heightsnew Villa! Oho! Are you bringing up civility and manners now? Feeling guilty, are we?"Alyssa was so angry that she was trembling. "Do you think you're some sort of a warlord, Winston? Having so many wives is one thing, yet now you're trying to use your own daughter to appease the Schmidt family? "What a wonderful father you are! I thought you were just a flirt, but it looks like you're also a cold-blooded, selfish man! I truly held my hopes too high!"Winston was furious. He wasn't as tolerating as before, though. He coldly said, "What would you know? These are ad hoc strategies.""Selling your daughter out, separating a pair of sincere lovers, and ruining Taty's happin
The only way they could make a breakthrough now was to catch Jeffrey's superior, Inigo Montoye. Jameson's crimes would finally be revealed once they had Inigo to testify!But Alyssa couldn't tell Winston this due to the risk of alerting unwanted parties and disturbing Jasper's plan and hers. Hence, she could only stop her explanation here."Then I'll wait for your evidence to change my mind." Winston no longer had the energy to argue with Alyssa. Sweat had beaded on his brows. He then walked right out the door.Neil hurriedly followed along, seeing how ill Winston suddenly seemed."You heartless, selfish, obsolete old man!" Alyssa roared at her father. "I hate you! I hate you so fucking much!"It felt like a dagger had penetrated Winston's heart. The pain was so great he flinched.The last time Alyssa yelled at him like this and told him she hated him was when Jennifer, the love of Winston's life, died. Winston didn't understand it. He had given all the best to Alyssa since s
Alyssa ran out of the house without hanging up the call or even changing her clothes, like a bird flying out of its cage.Jasper stood outside the gates under the streetlamp for her, his gaze warm.The weather forecast had mentioned a heavy downpour tonight, but Jasper hadn't minded it. After finishing his work in Solana City, he drove to meet with his lover.It had only been a day.But frankly, it was a pain to bear this feeling of longing."Jasper!" Alyssa cried, pushing open the door. She then ran tearfully over to him.Jasper's eyes widened briefly before they narrowed. An adoring and loving smile crept onto his face. He had already opened his arms to try and welcome Alyssa, but in the blink of an eye, she'd run right up to him. So he embraced her deeply."I hurried over as early as I could. I was worried I wouldn't be able to see you if I came by a second later, that you might've gone to bed," Jasper murmured warmly, arm tightening around her back. "But it's no big deal.
What did they have to do to change Winston's mind, to stop the marriage between Tatiana and Jameson? Alyssa slowed her breathing and roughly relayed this night's happening to Jasper. Naturally, she summarized the part about her fight with Winston. She downplayed the serious points as she was afraid that he would worry and feel guilty. Jasper wrapped his muscular arms around her waist and furrowed his brows. "So, Mr. Taylor wants Tatiana to marry into the Schmidt family because you and I are together? Even if he prefers the Schmidts, this is just too sudden." "It seems sudden, but it's not." Alyssa shook her head dejectedly. Angry, she clutched his chest and said, "Actually, Winston is being crafty. He wasn't happy about you and I being together previously. "I wouldn't be surprised if he already had a secret discussion with Mr. Victor for me to marry into the Schmidt family. "After the horse racing event, I heard from Sean that there was news about Winston and Jameson beco
"Could you get a room next time, Mr. Beckett? My hips are killing me." Jasper chuckled naughtily and asked, "Your hips won't hurt if we get a room?" Shy, Alyssa lightly punched his chest. "Lyse, about the party on the weekend, almost all of Solana City's reputable families will be there." Jasper had a sincere and serious look on his face. "I am thinking of making a public announcement then … that I am seeing you. Would that be alright?" Alyssa's dazzling eyes widened slightly. She stared into his eyes without saying a word for quite a while. He thought that she was unhappy with the idea. He held her hand tight and continued, "Actually, more than that, I want to propose to you. But, I'm afraid that you aren't ready yet, and more so that it will be too rushed. I don't want to make things difficult for you.""Why are you choosing that day in particular?" "Because I can't wait any longer." Jasper felt a lump in his throat as a wave of emotions washed over him. "I can't wai
Over the past 28 years, Sean had never talked back to Sinead like that. This was the first time. It made her heart ache. "I want to be with Tatiana. I want to marry her." Sean's blood was boiling throughout his entire body. He enunciated every word, saying, "I don't want anyone other than Taty!" "So, are you abandoning your family? Are you abandoning me, too?" Sinead questioned while choking on her tears. "If you still want me as your son, please stop insulting Tatiana. Don't stop me from loving her. But of course, even if you wanted to, you won't be able to stop me." Upon saying that, Sean turned and walked upstairs. "Stand right there, Sean!" Sinead screamed at him while he walked away, "Are you trying to drive me to my death? Let me tell you—I will never let you marry the daughter of a mistress from the Taylor family! Not unless it's over my dead body!" Sean stopped in his tracks. Sinead felt gleeful. She thought that he had changed his mind. At long last, he utt
Daisy immediately understood what David meant. Celine Romani was famous amongst the aristocrats in Solana City. Many plutocrats from out of town would even come all the way to have their fortunes read by her. Secretly, though, Celine was involved in a lot of dirty work. As long as she was paid enough, she would even become a pimp for the highly influential people. "I get what you mean. Dad has always been a superstitious person. He goes to the tarot readers for a reading every other day. "Since this is the case, give me a couple of days to make arrangements. I will recommend Celine to Dad. He will surely be willing to see her." Daisy was inspired and continued, "By then, I will bribe Celine and have her side with you. I'll have her say that Tatiana clashes with him while you and her are made for each other. And that it will bring good luck to the Schmidt Group, too. "On the other hand, if Tatiana were to marry Jameson, it would bring misfortune to our family. As Dad is supe
Julien's merciless, hate-filled words hit Jonah like a ton of bricks. The pain was unbearable, a gut-wrenching ache that shattered his heart.Under the dim lighting, Julien vaguely noticed a sorrowful tear forming at the corner of Jonah's eye. But before it could fall, Jonah forced a blink, swallowing his emotions whole. Despite Jonah's attempt to brace himself, sorrow engulfed him, a tidal wave of despair. His features mirrored the devastation ripping through his heart. As Evan opened the driver's side door, Julien lurched forward and vomited again. The sickening sound of him retching echoed in the air as if he were expelling everything inside him. "Judas, Mr. Lovelace looks like he's suffering from alcohol poisoning. We should take him to the hospital."Evan's worry deepened at Julien's condition. Jonah wordlessly removed his suit jacket and began cleaning the mess in the car. His chest tightened painfully as he watched Julien groaning, clearly suffering. Then, without he
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