Landon put on a chilling smile. "Zoe might not be a mastermind, but she's a conspirator. We don't even know if the alleged mastermind exists. For now, she has to bear the responsibility. Take her down!""No! I didn't plan this! I was manipulated ..." Zoe argued, realizing she was on the verge of public condemnation. She no longer cared about bringing down Alyssa. She was more concerned about her imminent incrimination.Unable to deceive any longer, she rushed to Landon in panic, admitting, "Landon, I was wrong! I'd never do it again. But I'm the victim here. Someone's manipulating me, destroying me and perhaps even the entire Harper Group!"Her tears, stained black by smudged mascara, were a comical spectacle. Crying, she reached for his hand, but he dodged her touch, looking disgusted.Failing to make contact, she lost her balance and fell to the marble floor on her knees. The impact sent pain shooting across her body, and she cried even harder."What exactly happened? Tell us!"
So what if Jasper had saved Alyssa multiple times? His so-called sacrifices couldn't make up for the pain he inflicted on her."No! No!" Zoe vehemently denied, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. "That man has nothing to do with the hotel scandal!"Alyssa merely smiled, opting not to press further, as Zoe unwittingly betrayed the truth through her expression."Lyse, anything else you'd like to ask?" Landon turned to Alyssa with a gentle gaze.She calmly shook her head."Good. Bring her away," Landon instructed with a wave of his hand.Zoe's eyes widened in fear. "W-Where to?""The police station."Looking crushed, Zoe stumbled backward indignantly. She yelled in a shrill voice, "Landon Harper, you're screwing with me, aren't you? Didn't you say you'd let this slip if I tell the truth?""Let this slip? Did I say that? Maybe you're being delusional." Landon turned away from her with a determination that felt like a farewell. "Zoe Harper, I said I'd teach you a lesson, and no
"Jonah …" Jasper's voice was so hoarse that it was almost inaudible."Jasper … Beckett …"Jonah widened his crimson eyes as a raging fury surged in his chest. Like an enraged beast, he rushed fiercely toward the frozen Jasper.Jasper saw the cold and fierce fist coming toward his cheek, but he remained motionless.He wanted to be hit. He had deserved it. Even if Jonah beat him to death, Jasper wouldn't complain."Jonah! Don't!"Just as Jonah's fist was about to reach Jasper, Julien appeared in time. He opened his arms and tightly embraced Jonah from behind."Let go." Jonah bit his lip hard, but it was his heart that was bleeding."No!" Julien's arms trembled around Jonah's waist. Panting heavily, he shouted, "What's the use of hitting him? Can you bring back what Lyse lost by hitting him?""But ... he deserves to die!"Jonah was so furious that his cheek muscles twitched. As he savagely struggled, the tears he barely held back started flowing again. "How can he stay alive? My
Julien tried to put himself in Alyssa's shoes. Even if he loved Jasper deeply, he would probably suffer from constant pain and self-doubt in the future because he couldn't conceive. Such relentless self-torment would gradually erode the happiness of their love.They were truly an unfortunate pair—facing an unsolvable problem.However, Julien feared that things would worsen, so he could only persuade earnestly, "Jonah, no matter what, Mr. Beckett is Lyse's and your lifesaver."If he hadn't sacrificed himself to save you, how could you have come back alive? If it hadn't been for Jasper, I wouldn't have been able to see you again, and so many people would suffer because of you. Including Lyse!"Jonah's eyes remained bloodshot, but he slowly lowered his clenched fist."Jasper, you did save my life, so I'll spare you. But from now on, don't appear in front of me, and certainly not in Lyse's life."I can forgive all the harm you brought to her before, but I can't get over this one thin
So what exactly happened two months after they had sex?"Mr. Beckett!" In the pouring rain, Xavier panted heavily while running over with a worried expression. "Mr. Beckett Senior couldn't reach you, so Ben contacted me. Mr. Beckett Senior knows what happened at the party. Please go to Crescent Bay to see him now."…Zoe's revelation about Alyssa's infertility at the Jesseltons' party had spread widely that night.Due to the high security level, no media was present at the party. Furthermore, with the pressure from the Taylors and the Harpers, no one dared leak any footage to reporters or share anything online.If the Taylors and the Harpers found out, it would be the end of them. After all, there weren't many present, so investigating wouldn't be that difficult.But there were no secrets in this world. The news still spread.Newton was at home when this news hit him. When he found out everything that had happened at the party, he almost had a heart attack from anger.Ben was s
Javier, accustomed to a life of privilege since childhood, had never experienced such a beating or humiliation. And it happened in front of his son!He was totally embarrassed. The humiliation was unbearable."I'll smack you, heartless scum!" Newton was about to pick up a purple cup to continue his assault, but Ben timely stopped him. "Mr. Newton, calm down!"As Javier covered the injury on his forehead, his anger made him grit his teeth."You don't stand on your own grandson's and son's side but side with Winston's daughter? You're being a double-crosser! I think you're so old that you're confused."Winston and his daughter have been opposing us at every turn. This time at the party, they even snatched Jesselton Incorporated's tens-of-million-dollar racecourse hotel project from us! If it weren't for KS Group meddling, that project should have belonged to Beckett Group!"He angrily accused Newton of everything, then turned sharply to point accusingly at Jasper."And you! Not on
Javier bellowed, "That miscarriage left Alyssa unable to conceive again! Do you really want to marry Jasper to such a woman? Jasper is now the only heir of our Beckett family."If you let him marry Alyssa, who will inherit the tens-of-billion-dollar family business? Betty? Lauren? Are they up to the task?"Jasper felt as if his heart were torn open."How ... How can that …" Newton was completely dumbfounded. He felt as though he was bleeding inside."It's her own problem. Why should we go down with her? Blame her bad luck. Blame her horrible fate!""It's not like that!" Suddenly, Ben, his forehead covered in cold sweat, rushed forward and shouted, "Things are not like what you're saying!"The three Becketts were all shocked.Ben had been with them for more than 30 years. He had a calm personality and was meticulous in his work. He had never been so impulsive."Mr. Gorham, do you ... do you know something?"Jasper keenly sensed Ben's hesitation to speak. With red eyes, he urgen
Heartbroken, Jasper clutched his shirt tightly, feeling as if a knife were grinding his heart into a bloody pulp.Though Javier was unsympathetic, he lightly frowned upon hearing this.Ben explained, "Ms. Alyssa was afraid that you and Mr. Jasper would worry, so she begged me to keep this secret. Since you were severely injured at that time, I feared that you might be too traumatized."And if the news of Ms. Alyssa's inability to conceive got out, she wouldn't have a place in the Beckett family. She might be done for her whole life ...""Just because of this, you chose to listen to her? Are you out of your mind? She was so young back then! What could she possibly understand?" Newton lamented with a heavy heart."It's all my fault, Mr. Newton, Mr. Jasper. Please punish me in any way you see fit. I'll accept any punishment ..."Why was Alyssa so foolish?Before Ben could finish speaking, Jasper had already left them behind, running out of the villa."Mr. Jasper!"Ben wanted to c
Alyssa followed Jasper into the study. The door closed behind her with a soft click. She didn't move to switch on the lights or sit down. Instead, she stood quietly in the dim room.They faced each other, eyes locked. In the darkness, their gazes seemed brighter, charged with emotions that neither could put into words. Whatever stirred within them was tangled and silent—kept at bay by something unspoken, as if a wall had formed between heart and mouth. After a pause, Alyssa offered a faint smile. Her voice was soft, almost courteous. "Go ahead, Mr. Beckett. I won't be staying long tonight—I've made other arrangements."It was clear she didn't want to be alone in a room with him.Jasper's chest tightened, overwhelmed by a surge of emotion he couldn't define. His voice was rough when he finally spoke. "You didn't vote against the motion at today's board meeting. I wanted to know… are we still on the same side?"Alyssa's gaze lowered, her voice steady and calm. "You didn't object
In the evening, Xavier drove Jasper to meet with Newton. Along the way, news broke out that Sheryl had been bailed out. Xavier slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Damn it! Why is it so hard to get rid of that woman?" "She is Justin's right hand," Jasper said, eyes shut as he leaned back in his seat. His jaw tightened. "You could even say she knows more about his secrets than anyone. As long as she's useful, Justin won't discard her so easily. This is how he operates."Xavier shook his head, teeth gritted. "Where the hell did she even come from? When you had me investigate her, I found nothing. Her background was spotless. "What's in her past that Justin would go so far to keep it hidden? A man like him can have any woman he wants, yet he clings to her—some pretty-faced idiot who only seems to make things harder for him."Jasper's gaze turned glacial. Xavier's casual remark struck him.He was right. Justin wasn't short on capable subordinates. So why Sheryl?Was Sh
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"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