However, the bullet did not hit Axel."Ugh … It hurts …" Alyssa, who had shown up from nowhere, hugged Axel tightly. The bullet had hit her in the left shoulder.Although Landon had only fired off a wax bullet, it had caused severe damage.Alyssa was drenched in sweat and trembling. Even so, she would not let go of Axel no matter what happened.Jasper's eyes widened in shock. His heart sank, and he felt as though he was falling from a high place.All the pain in his body was nothing compared to the blow he received when Alyssa shielded the attacker.She might be his ex-wife, but when she saw her ex-husband attacked, the first thing on her mind was to protect the assailant who'd almost beaten him to death."Alice White, how could you do this to me?" he seethed. What she had done was outrageous. She was technically the accomplice to the attacker."Lyse!" Axel looked at Alyssa frantically and held her frail shoulder. When he checked his hand, it was stained with her blood.Taking
Alyssa silently cursed, "Oh, fuck! Is Landon Harper alright?"She chuckled awkwardly. "Mr. Harper, you are joking a lot today.""I'm not joking. Alice, I'm serious!" In the heat of the moment, Landon reached for her shoulder, but she deftly dodged his advance."If I recall correctly, I have cleared the air with you this morning. Do I have to be harsh for you to listen to me?""I know you turned me down." He smiled bitterly while staring keenly at her. "And I know you're with Jonah Taylor. But I still want you to know I'll be here if you ever turn around. I don't mind being your second choice. I can even be your second husband!""My second husband? Please, I'm not Winston Taylor." She secretly scoffed. Still, she silently admired his ravishing eyes that were dripping with resentment. He could charm anyone and take their soul with those eyes. No wonder he was successful with women.Too bad Alyssa was immune to his charm. In comparison, she'd much prefer Jasper's bewitching eyes t
Riding the high of the alcohol, Jasper let out all his frustrations. As a disciplined and reserved man, he had never let out a sound, even when he was hit twice by bullets on the battlefield. Somehow, he lost control of himself at this moment."You're not angry because my people hit you. And definitely not because I almost died from the gunshot. You are angry because I lied to you. Is that so?" She felt a crippling pain as she was awash with disappointment.That seemed to catch him by surprise. He pursed his lips in silence."We are living separate lives now. What's the point of fussing over these details? It's meaningless."She went on, "You're only angry because your possession now belongs to someone else. You hate the feeling of losing something you once owned. "You detest the feeling of losing control. That's all. Mr. Jasper, in the interest of your health, let's use the time to discuss the compensation.""I can settle with you in private." He shut his eyes for a moment befo
Jasper brushed his inner lip against his teeth. A headache crept in, and he immediately sobered up. He had never taken the initiative to kiss a woman before. The only two times that happened was when Liana pressed herself against him. Even then, he merely allowed her to kiss the corner of his lips.He surprised himself when he couldn't get enough of his kiss with Alice. It was unfathomable."I drank too much tonight. I couldn't sober up no matter what." He leaned helplessly against the bed and massaged his forehead. "I can't drink like this anymore. I'll only get myself into trouble.""Bullshit! You took advantage of my poor Alice and kissed her when you were 'drunk'! You're the worst bastard ever!"Curling his fists, Landon circled the room in anger. He would have beaten Jasper up if Jasper weren't injured. Jasper insisted that he lost control of himself under the influence of alcohol. Still, he couldn't deny that it felt exceptionally sweet and lovely when his lips touched he
Alyssa squinted coldly at Silas. "You called me earlier tonight and worried that Axel would make a move on Jasper. Why the sudden change in your attitude?""So it was you who ratted me out! Silas, you little shit!" Axel scrunched up his eyes and gritted his teeth. "I'll tear you into pieces!""How dare you speak to your brother like that? You little rascal! Lyse, don't hold back. What he needs is a good lesson. You should have thrown him into the fire." Silas decided to add fuel to the fire since Alyssa wouldn't listen to him anyway. Knowing Axel was in grave trouble, he wanted to stay out of it. "Axel, are you not ashamed of yourself for talking to Silas like that? Aren't you going to admit your fault?" She was incensed."What fault? I beat up Jasper just for you!" Axel was adamant and rebellious."You wretched thing!" Alyssa slapped the armrest but accidentally pulled on her wound. She moaned in pain and flinched a little."What's wrong, Lyse?""Are you okay? You're scaring
The image of an affluent socialite that Betty had carefully crafted for years fell apart at the press conference. That night, she returned to Seaview Manor weak and defeated. The maids had to help her into the house.She wailed, "Mom, you must get back at them for me! I'm so upset!"Her face was tear-stricken and full of snot. "Everyone's cursing me online. I can't go out in public anymore!""What can I do? Should I slap Jasper or force him to hand over the role of president to you, little dimwit?" A furious Sophia pointed a finger at Betty's teary face. "What did I tell you before you left? I told you to recite my script, word by word, and never put on any makeup! You needed to show up bare-faced to appear sincere!"Sophia went on, "But what did you do instead? You went against everything I planned. You deserved everything that happened to you. What's the point of crying in front of me? Even your dad has given up on you!""Mom, it's all my fault. I should have listened to you.
Jasper solemnly took the yearbook proffered and began skimming through.His opponent from that night had a similar physique to him. Though he wore a mask, Jasper felt the man was very familiar. They must have met once before.His understanding of Axel's background was limited. Their military school followed a policy of safeguarding identities and related issues. But now that Jasper knew of his identity as Alice's brother, the clouds were clearing up.After some time, Jasper leaped up in surprise, staring at the yearbook on his knee. The gesture surprised Xavier, who also jumped slightly at the commotion."Did you see something, sir?""Hm … him, of all people?" Jasper murmured to himself.The man he'd hone in had a wide, handsome smile. Below his picture was the name "Axel Whitaker.""Axel Whitaker … Whitaker … No wonder he seemed to know her!" Jasper exclaimed.He had fond memories of the man. The two were one of the strongest individuals in the school. Their only worthy oppone
Alyssa was supposed to be busy managing the KS World Hotel in her office. The reality was, she was playing a survival game in her office. In the game, Alyssa was a chainsaw-wielding maniac. To win, she had to kill survivors. Cans of ice-cold beer and a plate of fried chicken were on the desk before her. Those were the foods she often enjoyed while playing her games. She had no interest in the extravagant opulence of lavish restaurants and elite bars. Nothing could beat a good barbecue or a plateful of grits.Alyssa recalled pushing through her allergies to learn cooking while married to Jasper. An old saying, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach," fascinated her. So, she learned to cook. She hoped her cooking would finally make Jasper do more than just quietly eat the food at the table.Alyssa had registered for the culinary classes at Solana City's top culinary school. She was the only female student there for an entire year.She graduated at the top of her class. H
Axel and Amber had only spent half a month together before the former was called back to report for work. The night before his departure, they spent hours lost in each other, their passion unrelenting. Again and again, they exchanged kisses, their love pouring forth in an endless tide."Amber, three months… Just give me three more months." When their fervor finally waned, Axel held Amber close in his arms. They rested against the headboard, leaning into one another, too exhausted to move yet unwilling to let sleep claim them."Once I finish all the missions I've taken on, I'll hand in my resignation. After that, I'll spend all my time with you," Axel murmured, his voice steady with resolve. "We'll go wherever you want. If you want fun, I'll have fun with you. If you want chaos, I'll spend my life going crazy with you."Axel wasn't one for flowery words. He simply spoke from the heart. Right now, his heart only wanted Amber—forever.Amber nestled closer, her soft smile masking t
"Sir." Sheryl immediately stood and greeted Justin respectfully as he entered the room. "What are you doing here?" Justin's cold gaze swept over her as he strolled leisurely to the couch and sat down.Sheryl quickly explained, "I received a parcel for you from the administrative secretary half an hour ago. I thought it might be something important, something you wouldn't want too many people to handle. So, I waited for you to return and open it personally.""A parcel?" Justin frowned. Why would anyone send him a parcel to Beckett Group, of all places? How strange. Sheryl presented the parcel to him with both hands. He took it from her and then opened it right before her. After removing three layers of wrapping, each from outside and inside the box, the parcel turned out to contain only a plain white envelope. His expression darkened. It felt like someone was toying with him.Then, he looked down and opened the envelope, which contained a stack of photographs. Pinching a co
"Don't be so pessimistic, Jonah," Alyssa said. Perhaps having just seen Jasper and going through that heart-stopping moment made Alyssa emotional. Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued, "If you truly love someone, you don't need to possess him to find happiness. Isn't it enough to know he's alive, well, and living freely somewhere in this world?""You're right, Lyse." Sorrow filled Jonah's voice as he smiled bitterly. "Julien has already lost and sacrificed too much for my sake. I don't deserve to have such a good man. He'll only find true happiness by leaving me."…After Justin took over as CEO of Beckett Group, his first move was to wrest control of the A5 Project bid from Jasper's hands.Though Jasper had failed as the leader of Beckett Group, as the eldest son, it was only natural for Justin to inherit the position of power. Justin was aware of lingering opposition within the corporation. Some doubted whether he possessed the decisiveness and singular capability Jas
Sebastian understood what Alyssa wanted. There wasn't substantial proof to prove that Jasper had abused drugs in the first place. The substance found in his blood was simply supporting evidence. As long as they found the right opportunity to reveal that, it wouldn't completely exonerate him, but it could at least divert public suspicion."Okay, okay… I'll do that. I'll do everything you say!" Sebastian promised. …After emerging from the Bender residence, Landon took Zayne away to keep him under close watch and ensure Sebastian wouldn't retract his statement. Landon planned to release him only after Sebastian fulfilled Jasper and Alyssa's request."Landon, it's really nice to see you. How's Lauren doing lately?" Afraid of looking at Jasper, Alyssa had no choice but to speak with Landon."She's doing great." A tender look came across Landon's eyes at the mention of Lauren. Landon blushed and continued, "We're now trying for a baby." "Really? That's wonderful!" Alyssa was
While Alyssa spoke, Jasper remained expressionless next to her. Even so, he still couldn't help but peer at her from the corner of his eye. Others might feel that she was being too assertive and aggressive with that fierce gaze in her eyes, but for Jasper, that evoked an inexplicable feeling within him. To him, she looked even more attractive than she normally was. It was as if she gave off a captivating glow. Sebastian slumped to his knees again. Alyssa's words struck him like a ton of bricks. Still, he had already chosen the wrong side—Sheryl's side. What could he do now? He had no choice but to see it through to the end.After all, he had seen the news two days ago. Jasper was no longer the CEO of Beckett Group. He held no authority anymore. Aligning with Justin had seemed like the right decision.If he betrayed Justin and switched sides, he would surely be doomed."Mr. Jasper... Ms. Alyssa," Sebastian stammered, desperation etched into his voice. "What's the point of comin
In the living room of the Bender residence, Sebastian clung tightly to Zayne, whose bruised and battered body slumped limply on the floor. They held onto each other for warmth as they shivered. Meanwhile, Alyssa and Jasper sat on the couch, but not without leaving a massive gap between them. Once deeply in love, their current distance was a heartbreaking contrast to the intimacy they had shared. It was heartbreaking to see them like this. Alyssa took a quick peek at Jasper's cold, expressionless face before turning her dull gaze away. Her hands lightly rested on her shoulders, where his touch still lingered—a ghost of warmth that refused to fade."How dare you attack my friend?" Landon sneered, towering over Sebastian and Zayne. His black leather gloves creaked as he clenched his fists. "You wouldn't know fear if it slapped you in the face. Maybe I should teach you a lesson.""M-Mr. Harper… Everything happened so quickly. Z-Zaynie just reacted out of fear and ended up overrea
Alyssa's chest rose and fell. The tip of her nose and her eyes were red. She simply stared blankly at Jasper and couldn't say a word. Without Jasper around, she never realized that fear was an emotion that she could feel. She wasn't afraid of God or the devil. She had fought the dark and evil forces of the world with bravery. But fear overtook her when Jasper appeared just in time to shield her from danger.She wanted to cry, her heart softening. The façade of strength she had built crumbled, leaving her feeling like a fragile pebble in Jasper's hands.She had never known she could feel fear like other women, but it was only with him.Ignoring the pain in his back, Jasper held Alyssa by her trembling shoulders, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. Once he confirmed she wasn't physically hurt and was likely in shock, he exhaled in relief."M-Mister…"Wide-eyed and mouth agape, Sebastian watched Jasper appear out of nowhere. He was shaking uncontrollably, as if his soul had lef
Sebastian recognized the stunning Alyssa immediately. Alarm bells rang in his head as he stumbled back a step. "W-What are you doing here?"Everyone in Solana City knew about Alyssa and Jasper's inseparable bond. Guilt churned in Sebastian's stomach. He couldn't even meet Alyssa's bright, piercing eyes, knowing he had betrayed Jasper."Dr. Bender, please step into my car. There's something we need to discuss." Alyssa's slight smile masked the storm brewing beneath her calm exterior."There's nothing to talk about," Sebastian stammered, fumbling with his keys in a desperate attempt to escape. Turning on his heel, he headed toward his house. But Alyssa's voice cut through the tension. She sneered. "When you schemed against Mr. Jasper, you didn't just wrong him. You wronged KS Group—the company that stands behind him. You should've known I'd come for you."Sebastian froze, his back to Alyssa, trembling."You stupid bitch! What are you trying to do to my father? How dare you thre
"Cyrus, go ahead!" Alyssa leaped to her feet, her anticipation palpable."Sebastian Bender himself doesn't have any history of illegal activities, and his income records appear clean. But there's something odd about him."Alyssa pressed, "How so?" "I looked into Sebastian's assets and income sources. His son is a gambling addict and his wife is gravely ill. Despite being in a high-income bracket, his son has drained the family of nearly everything, leaving Sebastian with just a house and a car."Yet, just two days ago, Sebastian managed to pay for his wife's bone marrow transplant surgery and covered her hospitalization fees—over 500,000 dollars in total. On top of that, he cleared his son's debts of more than three million dollars owed to loan sharks."Alyssa had put the call on loudspeaker, so Sean caught every word. "That son of his is an absolute piece of trash!" Sean exclaimed, his frustration boiling over. "He'd be better off dead!"Cyrus added, "The most suspicious par