"Do you truly believe your plan is foolproof, David?" Jonah's mesmerizing voice echoed.A loud noise accompanied the rolling of a large object, closely followed by a harrowing scream.To David's astonishment, the source of the sound was none other than his loyal secretary.David trembled, feeling his heart about to leap out of his chest."Please let me go … I beg you …"The secretary's face bore the marks of a beating, and he was tightly bound, his limbs hanging unnaturally. The tendons and hamstrings were deliberately snapped, pointing unmistakably to Jonah's characteristic method.The individual who trailed behind him was a capable man with captivating and seductive eyes."Sigh, what will become of this household without me?" A rare look of worry appeared on Julien's handsome face. Lovelace Pharmaceuticals also received an invitation for tonight. Given their reputation for the best medical standards in the country, they couldn't be excluded from such an event.Yet, the head
Sean jolted upright like a lit bomb, ready to charge forward. Despite his urge to charge forward, Tatiana clutched his hand so tightly that her fingers turned pale. "Don't, Sean."David remained a Schmidt, and Tatiana had the Taylor family's backing. What did Sean have? Tatiana couldn't let Sean get too entangled for her. However, before Sean could make a move, Alyssa swiftly stepped in and kicked David in the face.Alyssa's kick knocked out two of David's front teeth, leaving his mouth bleeding and a sizable hole in his upper gums.Jasper gasped silently, swallowing hard. Reflecting on his childhood memories of a movie called "The Henpecked Husband", Alyssa's beauty was on par with the female lead, though the female lead was never as brutal. As Jasper pondered this, his eyes narrowed, and a smile graced his lips. Alyssa's unpredictable and straightforward nature struck him as adorable."Hey, your sister is so scary. She gets physical the moment she hears something displeasing.
Tatiana drew a deep breath. Moments later, she frowned when she recalled a waiter who had bumped into her. "When I left the hall, I bumped into a waiter. That was when I felt a sting on my arm like a bee sting. It hurts a little, but only for a few seconds."David's secretary was taken aback. He had no idea about the waiter at all. Only David appeared stunned, and his eyes darted in guilt.Alyssa's chest tightened. She quickly checked Tatiana's slender arm and noticed a tiny, reddened puncture on her pale skin."Damn it!" she hissed, feeling sorry for Tatiana. "What did you inject into Tatiana, you bastard?""I told you, it was she who seduced me in the first place. I have nothing to do with this!" David insisted, even though his heart was pumping wildly.In the beginning, he was confident that Alyssa and everyone else had no evidence against her. However, after the androgynous doctor showed up and dissected the facts, they seemed one step closer to the truth.Rage burned in Jas
Alyssa was speechless at Landon's suggestion. Similarly, Jasper replied, "Mr. Harper, you're a grown man. Please behave like one."After Jasper hung up, David nearly peed himself out of fear.Alyssa fixed a threatening glare on him. "Now that we have a witness and solid evidence, you should explain yourself to the police and my dad."At this moment, David felt as if he was struck by lightning. He neared a breakdown, not because he feared the police—no one from the distinguished families had any regard for the police—but because he was afraid of Winston Taylor.The Schmidts might be family friends with the Taylors, but David had long heard from Victor about Winston's ruthlessness and his fierce loyalty to his family. Given that David's evil deed had been exposed, complete with evidence, he feared for his life when Winston learned about it. Not only that, the incident would mark the end of the relationship between the Schmidts and the Taylors, and for that, David might fall out of
The ballroom dance had ended by then. The spotlight shifted to the center of the hall as all attention turned to the Jesseltons. The Becketts and the Harpers nervously stared at Ezzo. The Harpers hoped to resolve their current crisis by winning the project with the Jesseltons. Meanwhile, the Becketts wanted the project to boost their performance and as a middle finger to the Taylors after what Alyssa had done to them.Among all the competitors, Winston appeared the most uninterested. He seemed more concerned by the whereabouts of his daughter. Where did Alyssa go? He wondered if she was snogging Jasper in a quiet corner and blushed at the indecent scenes that flashed across his mind.He wasn't a narrow-minded old fart. Besides, Alyssa was once married to Jasper, and the two had cohabitated for quite a while in Solana City. It was a miracle she hadn't gotten pregnant by him. Still, he would rather they pick a more suitable occasion for intimacy.Soon, he realized that his obedient
Alyssa was incensed after Victor brought up David. "Mr. Schdmit, do you know what I regret the most? I regret saving David's leg."Hearing that, Victor looked shellstruck. He gritted his teeth as his expression sank."Alyssa Taylor, that's enough. Victor has always treated you like his daughter. How dare you speak to him in that manner?" Winston berated Alyssa. He was very taken aback by Alyssa's odd behavior. Did she have too much to drink?"Mr. Taylor, calm down," Jasper broke his silence.He placed a hand on Alyssa's waist, drawing her into a comforting embrace. "Don't mistake her as being unreasonable. She has her reasons for saying so, and you'll know them soon enough."All of Alyssa's heartache and disdain melted away when she looked up into Jasper's passionate eyes."Mr. Beckett, this is between the Taylors and the Schmidts. It's none of your business," Victor snapped at Jasper with a warning look. "What was that anyway? Did David offend you or something? Watch your tone
The KS Group? The Taylors?After a brief shocked silence, the applause thundered across the hall as the spotlight shifted onto Winston, who looked surprised before putting on a relieved smile. He gracefully went up the stage to shake hands with Ezzo. "It's our honor to work with you."Since Ezzo chose the Taylors as his business partner, his demeanor underwent a significant shift, and he began heaping praises upon Winston. "You demonstrated your outstanding capability at the horseracing event. Besides, I promised to select the horseracing winner as my business partner. I'm keeping my word."No one except for the Jesseltons knew about the international call an hour ago between them and Justin Beckett, who resided in Mosgravia."Ezzo, Zeke, as a good friend of yours, I hope you'll take my advice and pick KS Group as your business partner," Justin suggested.At that time, Zeke was still reeling from Alyssa's rejection. Ezzo frowned and asked, "Why? Wouldn't you and your dad benefit
At the mention of the good news, the guests cast looks of anticipation at Javier. A gleam flashed across his eyes as he turned to his son with a smile. "Jasper, come here."Jasper felt his heart sink. He frowned at Alyssa and tightened his grip on her hand, reluctant to part ways with her.She advised him, "Go. I'll be here waiting for you. I won't go anywhere."They exchanged tender glances before she freed her hand from his grip. With no valid reason to refuse, Jasper made his way to his father under the watchful gaze of the onlookers.In a rare occurrence, Javier flashed a warm smile at him and patted him on the shoulder. After that, Javier smiled and announced to the guests, "I will take advantage of the merry occasion to announce some good news in our family. "My son, Jasper Beckett, will be engaged to Zoe Harper, the granddaughter of Cornelius Harper. The engagement ceremony will take place in this month."The guests stared at him agape when they learned about Jasper and Z
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