Tatiana's eyes reddened as she lost herself in thought. No matter how much it hurt, she could only hold everything in.She was the most powerless child in her family. If only her marriage could help be a boost for her family. She was willing to make any sacrifice that was needed. …The brief interlude was over, and the dinner party resumed. Ezzo and Zeke's suggestion to the Taylor family for a marriage alliance had failed. This instilled confidence in both the Beckett Group and Harper Group. This incident even stirred Josh up. Alyssa had rejected Zeke. His face was dark and as long as a fiddle. While Ezzo didn't express it outwardly, he was secretly disgruntled when he watched Zeke being embarrassed. With that, the Taylor family most likely would not have a part to play in being a partner in their racecourse hotel project. The rhythm of the music changed. It was time for the ball. The noblemen and noblewomen found their respective dance partners. They walked to the middle
Alyssa heard the sounds of sighs all around her. She lifted her long lashes. Her eyes met with Jasper's densely dark eyes. She had already been enveloped in his arms. She shuddered as she felt the temperature of her skin rise slowly. She could feel his warm breath on the tip of her nose. He looked down at her with a deep gaze. He interlocked his fingers with hers quite stubbornly. Gracefully, he lifted his right arm and placed his left arm around her waist. She could feel his moist palm on her slender waist, which was almost soaking the thin fabric of her outfit. He caressed her, getting a feel of the dainty waistline that was so attractive to him. Alyssa's back was stiff while he whirled around carefreely. Alyssa was someone who knew how to dance. However, at that moment, her entire body was numb. Her breathing was shallow as she tried her best to follow his dance steps. Her clumsy movements made Jasper smile. His heart fluttered. "What … What are you doing?" Jasper
Ever since that day when Tatiana suggested that they stopped seeing each other temporarily, Sean never stopped looking for her every day. He made continuous phone calls to her like a madman. He also stood outside Heightsnew Villa to wait for her all night but left in disappointment every single time.He was in distress because of love. He had to struggle because of his feelings. This sight of him was comparable to when Jasper turned around to pursue Alyssa. Tatiana didn't dare to leave the house. She locked herself in her room every day. With no appetite to eat, she became thinner by the day. Her tears soaked every one of her pillows. Whenever she missed Sean, she would stand at the window at the end of the corridor, draw back the curtain, and peek outside. He was always there whenever she thought of him—his upright and tall posture—his steadfast and warm gaze in the direction of her room.Each time Tatiana was even remotely reminded of him, sorrow spread throughout her ent
Damn it, Winston! He just said some really nasty things! "Plus, if you wish to talk about both parties having an interest in one another, Taty doesn't fancy either of your sons. Since this is so, she might as well choose someone more suited for her." Victor initially thought of contesting. However, he could only sigh helplessly and unhappily when he perceived Winston was adamant about ending the topic there and then.David loved being among the ladies ever since he was young. Back when he was still able-bodied, he surrounded himself with women. He was best at coaxing them by sweet-talking. Seeing as Tatiana didn't push him away, he racked his brains to think of cheeky things to say. He wanted to make her happy. However, Tatiana was different from the other women he had come in contact with before. She was cold all the way, seemingly disinterested in the things he said. He tried all the tactics he had under his belt but couldn't get through to her. His throat felt dry, and he
Sean looked up instantly upon hearing the sound of a sharp, playful woman's voice. Daisy was walking out with her arms crossed in front of her. Following behind her were a secretary and some bodyguards. They stood a few steps above, staring down at him. "I was wondering who it was. It turns out that it's Ms. Alyssa's little secretary, Tatiana's ex-boyfriend."Sean's eyes darkened. "What are you talking about?" "Are you saying that you had no idea? I feel sorry for you …"Daisy clicked her tongue and shook her head. She handed her phone to the secretary and said, "Take this. Show it to this pitiful little secretary and let him have a good look. He needs to wake himself up." The secretary received the phone in his hand and walked in front of Sean. He turned the screen toward Sean. It was a photo featuring Tatiana supporting David by the arm! Because of the photo's angle, their expressions appeared suggestive, hinting at something more happening between them. Their bodies we
At the end of the quiet corridor, the soft moonlight cast a glow on a pair of striking figures. "Ouch! It hurts. It hurts so bad …""I'm sorry, Lyse. I'll be gentler." Alyssa's small frame was leaning against the wall. Her fair and soft skin glistened under the moonlight.The fluttering of her long eyelashes and how she looked biting her scarlet lips made her look extraordinarily lovely. In front of her, Jasper was kneeling on one knee. He removed her burgundy-colored heels and gripped her thin ankle with one hand. With the other hand, he held the tip of her toes while he massaged her foot carefully. "You are really annoying. Why did you have to dance so fast? I sprained my ankle only because I was trying to keep up with your steps. Can't you just be more considerate of me?" Alyssa pouted and complained coquettishly. "It's my fault, Lyse. You can hit me however you want when we get home if that helps you vent your frustration. Or … you can hit me now, too." Jasper felt
Jasper understood what Alyssa meant. He felt for her and hugged her, saying, "I know that it's because of Tatiana. All you are doing is to prevent the marriage alliance between her and the Schmidt family." How well he understood her actually made her feel sad. She mumbled coyly in his arms, "What I hate is … is that I'm still not powerful enough. This is the only method I could think of. Don't you think I'm being so silly?" Jasper felt suffocated upon hearing that. He caressed her back gently and replied, "No, I think it's very smart of you. This is the best method at this moment. "Furthermore, I think that Ezzo wouldn't hold a grudge against Uncle Winston over this small matter. A true businessman will know how to weigh their pros and cons. I don't think that he will choose the KS Group. "There's also nothing to be afraid of, even if you fail to partner with Jesselton Incorporated. With me in charge, I will not go easy on the Schmidt Group. Alyssa was moved. Her eyes w
Not many people knew about the relationship between Tatiana and Sean. But the Schmidt family was one of them. It was very bold of the Schmidt Group to do Sean dirty like that! "How did you get in, Sean?" Jasper asked in a concerned voice. "I was surrounded by people from the Schmidt Group. Nonetheless, I still found a way. I stole one of the bodyguards's access cards and snuck in," Sean explained. His face was pale and drenched in cold sweat. Jasper chuckled, "What a painstaking effort the Schmidts had to go through to stop you!" Jasper's eyes were ablaze with fury. However, he forced himself to remain calm in front of Alyssa. Jasper said in a cold and steady voice, "You're quite badly hurt. You've already been injured before. You shouldn't delay treatment. I'll have Xavier send you to the hospital right now." "No! I'm not leaving! I need to see Taty! I want to take her away with me!" Sean screamed at the top of his lungs. "Mr. Lynch, please be more reasonable." Jasper
"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