Elope…Jasper stared at Alyssa's pale and haggard countenance. His heart ached even more."I want to spend the rest of my life with Lyse. But Landon, I can't be so selfish. Lyse's family is different from me. I can abandon everything for her. Do you think I can sit with the idea of her abandoning her family for me? Will she be happy without her family's blessing and presence?"Jasper shook his head in agony. He repeated hoarsely, "I've taken away too much from her. I've almost ruined her in the process. Landon, I don't want to hurt her again. She can't lose anything else. That can't happen.""These are all your assumptions. Have you asked what Lyse wants?"Landon could read the room. He frowned. "It's raining cats and dogs tonight. Lyse must have suffered a lot to be with you."Family is important, but Lyse cares more for you and wants to be with you. If you were to give her your version of happily-ever-after and force yourself to let go, something more dangerous might have happe
Alyssa's feet were now adorned with wounds, streaks of blood, and dried-up residue. His heart was on the verge of shattering as he witnessed it."Lyse, I want to make you happy, but look at what I've brought you."Closing his eyes, Jasper drew in a deep, audible breath, struggling to hide the tightness in his hoarse throat.Suddenly, his phone vibrated. It was a call from Ben.Jasper rubbed his eyes as he stood up and went to the window to answer it. "Mr. Gorham, how is Grandpa doing?""Mr. Newton is doing well. He misses Ms. Alyssa a lot, so he sleeps very late. Mr. Jasper, have you found Ms. Alyssa? Mr. Newton asked about her before he went to bed." Ben sounded worried."I've found her. Tell Grandpa not to worry anymore when he wakes up. I will be by her side."However, he didn't know how long he still had with her."I'm sorry, Mr. Jasper…"Ben felt guilty. He uttered with difficulty, "It's my fault. If I had told you earlier about Ms. Alyssa's miscarriage, things wouldn't h
Jasper's face turned pale. "Lyse…""I'm joking. Look at you." Alyssa pinched his face again. Jasper appeared so gaunt. Her heart ached. "You're so skinny now. Are you trying to upset me?"Jasper's face still bore the remnants of mottled tears from the night before. He tightly interlaced his fingers with hers, not speaking a single word.He contemplated again. Then, he decided not to mention it anymore and covered Alyssa's lips with a sweet, long, and deep kiss.He remembered the pain and suffering she went through. He promised himself that he would break a bone and use the rest of his life to repay her.…Upon waking up, Lauren was informed that Jasper and Alyssa were there. An excited smile adorned her beautiful and elegant face.She wanted to see Alyssa, but Landon hugged her from behind to stop her. "Darling, let's give Alyssa and Jasper some alone time. They had gone through a lot.""Hmm… But I miss Alyssa so much." Lauren's eyes welled up with tears as she was filled with
Landon's hair stood on end at Axel's arrival.He was known to be a living Hades. Landon thought he was a goner to encounter Axel. Plus, he was Alyssa's brother, so he didn't dare make a move."I'm sorry, Mr. Harper…" Angelina heaved a heavy sigh as she looked at Landon, her eyes filled with self-blame.Landon swallowed hard and said anxiously, "Stop it! For someone of your status, you shouldn't lay your hands on a woman. It's distasteful.""So, I'm supposed to stand here and let this woman beat me up, huh?"Axel yawned lazily, "Am I that dumb?"One sentence from Axel sent Landon off the roof.He understood Angelina's nature and her skill level. Once she chose to follow him, her loyalty was unwavering. She would fight with all her might if anyone dared to offend Landon."But, you're right. I won't lay my hands on a woman."Axel nonchalantly let go. He arrogantly perked his eyebrow. "Babe, consider yourself a lucky woman. Otherwise, I would have fucked you.""Bastard!" Angelina
However, no matter how hard Lauren tried, Axel was faster than her. Axel stopped the door.Lauren had exerted all her strength but still failed to close the gap.Axel used to be close with Alyssa, but now it seemed as if she regarded him as a monster. He observed her fear and guarded demeanor. He sighed deeply, furrowed his brow, and let out a wry laugh."Don't hide from me, Lyse. I'm not here to take you back."Jasper's gaze wavered. Alyssa was equally shocked. "Huh? Axel, what are you…""I've never wanted to separate both of you."Axel had observed the struggles of this couple trying to stay together despite facing numerous hardships. He had always felt uneasy. "I sought you out to ensure your safety, to see that you're healthy and unharmed. Don't be afraid."Axel's assurance hit Alyssa's heart.Jasper was deeply moved, feeling a lump forming in his throat. He tightly pursed his lips. Things had progressed to a point he never anticipated—someone from Alyssa's family was on
Landon was equally excited at the news, but he had Angelina bring Lauren back to the room as he wanted to protect Lauren.Jasper sat on the couch with an arm around Alyssa, listening intently to Axel's story about his exchange with Amber.Axel told them everything from Amber hiding a weapon and her failed attempt at seducing him. However, he left out the details about the sudden kiss Amber planted on his lips. The kiss had sent a jolt across his body. As she went deeper into the kiss, she wept, much to his confusion. He wondered why an assassin would weep in front of her victim."What the hell? That was pretty crazy!" Landon was intrigued by the incident and gasped, "Did that happen in modern society? It sounds like something from a story!"Axel shot him a disdainful look and muttered under his breath, "Idiot."Landon picked that up, but he chose to overlook it, knowing that he could never win a fight against Axel. Moreover, he couldn't afford to upset Alyssa's brother and Jaspe
Axel let go of his complicated feelings about Alyssa and Jasper's relationship when he saw them very much in love.All he and his brothers wanted was to see Alyssa happy, and he realized that only she had the right to define her happiness.After going through ups and downs, she still chose to be with Jasper. Axel believed it'd be unfair and cruel to deprive her of a happy relationship."Jameson Schmidt has been manipulating Zoe, but she didn't rat him out even when we pressured her at the Jesseltons' event." Looking troubled, Jasper opined, "I believe this has nothing to do with her loyalty to Jameson. She is truly in the dark about the mastermind's identity."Alyssa nodded in agreement. Landon, fuming, rolled his fists and apologized, "Jasper, Lyse, I'm sorry. I take responsibility for her mistakes. My mom and I have spoiled her rotten.""Landon, don't. This has nothing to do with you," Jasper consoled him."How could she allow herself to be manipulated by that bastard?" Landon
Landon put on a bitter face. That certainly did not sound like a compliment. He regretted his playboy ways in the past. Even after he had turned over a new leaf, it was difficult to shake off that reputation."I checked the Third Eye. Jameson Schmidt is indeed the owner of The Millennium." Axel furrowed his brows. "He frequents the club and is very closely connected with officials in Solana City. The Millennium is, at best, a prostitution hub for the wealthy and powerful disguised as a club. I guess Jameson is the pimp.""The Third Eye? Are you serious? Why did you use the system of the Secret Intelligence Service?" Alyssa widened her eyes in disbelief. "That's an overkill. Axel, you shouldn't risk your career just to investigate Jameson.""It's worth it if it's for you." Axel squinted and held her hand. "Don't worry. It's fine to use the system once in a while. Besides, I would love to move on from Jameson Schmidt. I'll settle him as soon as possible for you and Jasper."Jasper wa
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