Alyssa's door was locked. They also confiscated her phone, prohibiting her from contacting anyone.This incident alarmed the entire Taylor family.If it weren't for Alyssa's brothers wanting to return as soon as possible and accompany her, Jasper would probably be hunted globally.After a heated argument, Winston was weakened. Jonah and Silas helped him back to his room."Both of you, if you want to speak up for that Beckett bastard, better shut your mouths now and get out!"Silas gritted his teeth in anger. "Speak up for him? I'm not dumb!"Jonah frowned. "You're thinking too much. I didn't mean that.""Hmph! Luckily, you still have a bit of conscience."At this moment, a thunderous boom echoed. A huge lightning bolt struck, making the night as bright as day.Winston looked out the window, hatefully saying, "Oh God, why didn't you strike that Beckett bastard with lightning?"Jonah and Silas were speechless at his words."Mr. Taylor!" Neil quickly ran over to them, sweating
Jonah had a feeling of impending doom. He stepped forward to disarm Liam swiftly.Originally, disarming Liam should have been impossible since he was a colonel with outstanding skills.However, Jonah covered the muzzle with his hand. Fearing that the gun might go off accidentally, Liam had to let go."Jonah, if you truly care about Lyse, you shouldn't have stopped me!" With bloodshot eyes, Liam stared at Jasper, who was ready to die. If his eyes were daggers, Liam would've killed Jasper.This statement was quite harsh. When it came from the usually gentle Liam, its impact was doubled.However, Jonah didn't blame him.It might be better if the anger could be vented in this way. Otherwise, he didn't know what horrific things his brothers might do."Liam, I care about Lyse. But I also care about you, Silas, and Axel. We grew up together. Which one of you do I not care about and love?"I just don't want you to ruin your lives for this guy. If you guys vented your anger this way,
"Dad?""Dad!"The three Taylor brothers were all dumbfounded. For the first time in 30 years, they saw their father lay hands on someone other than their biological sons.As the eldest son of an unbeatable business magnate, Winston had always lived a life of luxury and never needed to use his hands to deal with anyone. He was more arrogant than a king.But this time, Winston was truly furious.His anger didn't subside after punching Jasper once. He continued to strike Jasper's face and body again and again.Jasper's cheek was swollen. Blood trickled down his lips, but he couldn't feel any pain. His whole face was numb."Dad! You're not in good health! Being too angry will make you relapse!"Jonah and Silas rushed forward to help Winston, who was standing unsteadily. However, Winston forcefully shook them off and grabbed Jasper's bloodstained collar."Jasper ... Do you know that ... the woman you repeatedly trampled and hurt is my life? She is the only remaining link to the wom
Jameson stopped in his tracks. A sharpness flared in his eyes as a peculiar smile rose on his face.Silence was an answer of sorts, too."You … You're the one who revealed Lyse's condition to everyone through Zoe? Did you do all that just to separate us and get revenge on me? You were willing to tear open Lyse's old wounds and torment her all to get back at me. Is this your so-called love for her, Jameson Schmidt?" exclaimed Jasper. "What are you talking about? I'm afraid I didn't understand a single word you just said." Jameson snickered. "Aren't you the one who ruined her for good? What does it have to do with me? Did your brain get waterlogged from standing in the rain for too long?"Don't think I'm the only person in this world who hates you, Jasper Beckett, nor am I the only one who wants you dead. Someone as unlucky as you should just forget about Lyse and let her go."…Axel stood beside the railings on top of the building, his black windbreaker billowing in the cold ni
Some were distraught and lost, while others remained sprightly and kicking.Jameson had acted as if he'd just heard the news and hurried over to Heightsnew Villa. He was currently sitting anxiously in the living room."Tsk. We only just sent Jasper away, yet now Jameson has come crawling all the way back here! What did our baby sister do to deserve this? What bad karma did she accrue?" Jonah and Silas were looking downstairs from the second-floor landing. Silas was so angry he was grinding his teeth together.Jonah coldly eyed Jameson's face, which had had its fill of putting up a dramatic show. His hand around the railing was so tense his veins were bulging."He didn't show up at the event even though he's his family's favorite right now. Yet here he is, showing up first thing the moment something happens to Lyse. "Hmph! Based on my years of experience as a prosecutor, I know he definitely has something to do with what happened earlier tonight. He probably worked together with
"Who knows? Jameson might've been in cahoots with Zoe and responsible for what happened earlier tonight, all just to strike while the iron's hot!" Silas snapped. He wasn't as reserved as his brother was. So, he tore off Jameson's false mask right away.Winston and Lyla were shocked and in disbelief."I know none of you like me, Mr. Jonah. You all know I love Lyse deeply, too. But that doesn't mean you can slander me like that," Jameson said.He gently touched his glasses and continued, "I have no relations with Zoe whatsoever. The only time was during the horse races. She wanted to cause trouble for Lyse, so I went to Lyse's defense. That's it."You're Lyse's brothers, so I won't take further action this time. But I hope there won't be a next time."Fuck! If his father and Lyla weren't here right now, Silas would've cursed out loud already!He finally saw how someone could be so adept at shifting the blame from themselves!"Don't say things without proof, Silas," Winston reminde
"Bitch!" Josh cussed internally. But because of his vanity, he couldn't argue with Colene outright. It'd be a literal cockfight.Victor's blood pressure was rising furiously. He didn't understand how one dinner could land his son in the police station as a criminal suspect!Lyla's heart filled with anxiety. Sweat began beading on her forehead.Rape … Who did David rape? Was it …Lyla recalled how Tatiana had shut herself up in her room. She had claimed she wasn't feeling well. Lyla hadn't been able to get her to come out of her room, no matter how much she knocked on the door. As a mother, her nerves were strung tight. Her breathing grew panicked as fear lanced through her chest."Mr. Schmidt, Mr. Josh, I understand that you're worried about your son, Mandy said, dragging Colene back behind her. Her gaze was calm when she continued, "But even if it was Jonah who sent Mr. David to the police station, that must mean Mr. David had done something wrong. Instead of trying to discuss
Everyone was shocked.Victor and Josh were stunned to their cores, their mouths so wide it nearly touched the floor."Lyse, how could you…" Jonah gazed worriedly at his sister, feeling troubled.As Alyssa's big brother, he was responsible for dealing with any gunfire shot their way and protecting his siblings.Jonah wanted to handle this alone, but who knew his sister would make an appearance and provoke the Schmidt family? She had drawn enemy fire to herself now."Get it up? What do you mean, Alyssa Taylor?" Josh's elegant demeanor was nearly at its breaking point. He glared menacingly at Alyssa and said, "And… What did you say you did? You beat up David? You dared beat up my own brother? How dare you!""Why wouldn't I dare?" Alyssa's eyes narrowed as she grinned. "If David was daring enough to take advantage of Taty, then I'm equally daring enough to teach him a lesson!"Killing him would've been too easy. Scum like David deserves to suffer in prison with other scums like him.
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
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,