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
Jasper was reasonably worried. "She's failed her last mission. She might try again. After all, she's still working for Jameson. We don't know what tricks she'll pull next time."Axel snorted with a maniacal smile. "Hmph, no one could kill me."…Excruciating screams reverberated from the damp basement of The Millennium. Even Jameson's men winced as they stood guard at the door.Inside, a gory scene unfolded. Amber was chained by the wrists and hanging from the ceiling. Her frail figure was covered only by a thin lace nightdress, the white fabric soaked in blood.Once Jameson was tired from the whipping, he turned around and rested on the couch. He tossed the whip to Carl and downed a glass of red wine.Carl held the whip with trembling hands. "M-Mr. Schmidt, I…""Why? Can't bring yourself to whip her?" Jameson snickered maliciously. Behind his blood-stained glasses hid his eyes with a chilling gleam. "Do you want to end up like her?"Carl had no choice but to bite the bullet an
Jameson spoke, "So, have you found a man who cares for you?"His sarcastic grin pierced through her heart. "Do you think Axel Whiteaker loves you just because you've slept with him? Do you think he cares for you just because he gave you a box of gastric medication?"Letting go of her neck, he jabbed her on the forehead. "I thought you were smart despite your lowly background, but now, I realize you are useless. Giving you plastic surgery to look like Alyssa is an insult to her beauty."The man she had loved for a decade had become a total stranger to her. Tears of heartbreak streamed down her cheek, but Jameson was oblivious to her suffering. "Don't be delusional. I know the Taylors well. "They're just like me—they only have eyes for Lyse. You're from a lowly background, not least having worked for me. Do you think Axel would fall for you? He'll only kill you off when he learns about your identity."He took out a silk handkerchief from his pocket and leisurely cleaned the blood
Hell on Earth? This place resembled a decrepit hospital. But why had Sheryl described it as "hell on Earth"?Amber's body convulsed uncontrollably, her consciousness flickering between clarity and haze. Fragments of memory surfaced—a dim recollection of drinking with Carl in the cellar after The Millennium's closure. She'd despised working with Carl but had cozied up to him for the sake of extracting information.Carl had revealed that "Sir" was deeply entrenched in the pharmaceutical industry. With connections to Mosgravia's government officials and elite circles, "Sir" wielded considerable power and ran a thriving business. Since his business revolved around pharmaceuticals, clinical trials were inevitable. To facilitate this, Sir owned a private hospital in Mosgravia.That hospital, however, was merely a façade. Beneath its sterile exterior, three basement levels housed patients—unwilling subjects for experimental drugs.Amber shivered. This place bore an uncanny resemblance t
"Amber will be fine," Jasper said confidently. "Based on Justin's way of doing things, he won't harm her for now. She's still useful t o him. He'll exploit her to control you and Alyssa, and to keep me from taking him down."Gripping Jasper's arm, Axel pleaded, "Jasper, I have to save my wife… What should I do?" His eyes were red, brimming with unshed tears.Steadying his breath, Jasper replied, "Even if it comes to killing Justin, it shouldn't be your hands that get dirty. I'll do it.""Are you kidding me? If we're taking that bastard down, we do it together!" Axel's expression was fierce and unyielding. "We went through the same military academy. We have to fight side by side!""Justin is my older brother. It's my family's matter to handle. And don't think I'm doing this for your sake—I have my own reasons."After a moment of silence, Jasper's voice softened. "I came to see you today for another reason. When you get home, don't blame Lyse. She's been torturing herself with g
When Axel heard the news, he immediately returned to the city where his organization was based. Without even reporting back to work, he booked the earliest red-eye flight to Cyrris. His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, and when he emerged from the arrival gates, an ominous air surrounded him. A black luxury car awaited him at the exit.Standing in front of the car were Jasper and Xavier, who had been waiting anxiously for his arrival.Axel's gaze locked onto Jasper's fiery eyes. His presence radiated fury, unrestraint, and a barely contained viciousness. A strong gust of wind swept through the terminal. Snow danced in the air, tangling both Jasper's and Axel's hair into disarray."Let's talk in the car, Axel," Jasper said in a low, measured voice.Red-eyed, Axel insisted, "I need to find my wife right now." "That's exactly why I'm here. Get in the car, and we'll talk." Jasper turned on his heel. His tone grew colder. "But let's be honest—you won't find her no matter ho
Jasper wanted to console Alyssa but found himself at a loss for words. So, he remained silent. "Disappointed, aren't you?" Alyssa sniffled as she smiled bitterly."Not at all." Perhaps he had been expecting too much. As a woman, she was intelligent, capable, and a strategist for victory. Beyond that, she boldly stepped forward to fight against the dark forces. She was strong and perfect as she was—why should he expect her to be anything more?Yet, seeing Alyssa's vulnerable side unsettled him. Something tugged at his heartstrings, a deep ache he couldn't ignore."I found it! I found Ms. Altman's cell phone!" With more manpower and better visibility as the sun rose, it didn't take long to locate Amber's bloodied phone. "Ambs…"Alyssa's face drained of color as terror gripped her at the sight of the bloodstained device. Jasper, on the other hand, remained composed. He tried powering on the phone, and to their surprise, it turned on. "What's the password?" Jasper asked g
"Five times more potent than the previous version? Are you sure it's safe for Remy to consume this?" Sheryl picked up the pill, unease flickering across her face. As much as she despised Remy, she couldn't deny his prowess as a fighter and his value as Justin's right-hand man. Having him around would certainly ease Justin's workload, prompting her to double-check."It won't kill him, but it won't be pleasant either. Don't worry—it's temporary," Justin replied, a sinister smile curling his lips. He continued nonchalantly, "When he takes the pill, his adrenaline will spike, flooding him with energy while his muscles tense. He'll feel both pain and euphoria. Then, it will fade, leaving him dependent on the drug moving forward." The implication was clear to Sheryl. Justin intended to control Remy through addiction. "Remy wasn't born for the shadows," Justin continued, his gaze darkened. "He's just a victim of post-traumatic amnesia, his nervous system subdued with sedatives and anes
"Got it, Mr. Harper!" Harper Group's subordinates acknowledged before swiftly dispersing. "I'm going to search for Amber too," Alyssa said, turning to leave.Jasper caught her arm. "It's freezing. Go wait in the car." Landon chimed in, "Lyse, listen to Jasper. Just wait in the car. We'll search for Amber.""No—I have to come too!" Alyssa sniffled. The sharp wind stung her face, leaving her nose raw and crimson, her eyes watering until they puffed into tender, swollen crescents. "Amber's in trouble because of me. I was careless—it's all my fault!""Lyse…" Landon's heart sank at her remorseful expression.Jasper's gaze softened as he studied Alyssa's pale face. "Her disappearance isn't your fault."Tears welled in Alyssa's eyes as she shook her head. "Amber means everything to Axel. If anything happens to her, I won't be able to face him. I don't deserve to be his sister. Please, let me come with you."Jasper and Landon failed to dissuade her. Reluctantly, they agreed. Alyssa
After studying Sheryl for a moment, Remy turned and left."M-Ms. Gillis, are you okay?" One of Sheryl's subordinates came forward to help her up."Useless bastard! Why didn't you step in when he hit me earlier?" Sheryl's voice trembled with fury as her gaze fell on the crimson stains marring the pristine snow.Stammering, the subordinate replied, "R-Remy acted too quickly. Everyone in the organization knows how good of a fighter he is. None of us stood a chance against him!""S-Something wasn't right about him tonight." Sheryl watched Remy's retreating figure disappear into the distance, her voice dropping to a menacing murmur. "I need to report this to Mr. Justin in person immediately."Inside his car, Remy gripped the steering wheel tightly with both hands but made no move to drive.Closing his eyes, he felt a suffocating sensation rise in his throat, as though he were drowning in an endless, hopeless sea. He was just a speck, sinking deeper and deeper into the abyss.A shar
With a piercing gaze, Sheryl glared at Remy, who stood in front of her car with an air of frigidity around him. The temptation to ram her car into the crestfallen man was almost irresistible, but she didn't dare. Remy was Justin's right-hand man, and even her audacity had limits. Instead, Sheryl pulled her white coat snugly around her, stepped out of the car with feigned composure, and strode toward him. Hostility crackled between them as their eyes locked.Sheryl broke the silence. "Remy, is there nothing you'd like to update me about?" she asked with a sinister look in her eyes. Stiffly, Remy asked, "Where did you take that woman?" "How shameless of you to question me. Mr. Justin was wise to send me as backup. Otherwise, Amber would have escaped without a trace!"Gritting her teeth, Sheryl took a step closer to Remy. "Is this how you handle tasks entrusted by Mr. Justin? The unstoppable Remy, brought to his knees by a wild brat? Or did you let her go intentionally? Are yo
"Jameson and Carl have been eliminated. Who else could be targeting Amber?"A sharp glint flashed in Jasper's eyes as a thought struck him. "Could it be Justin or Sheryl?" he asked, his voice low and tense.He recalled seeing Justin in the living room earlier that evening, wide awake instead of resting. Was Justin waiting for something? Or perhaps, provoking him in subtle defiance?"They are the only ones I can think of with a grudge against Amber." Alyssa's anxiousness made her voice tremble. "Having worked for Jameson for years, Amber must have visited Mosgravia multiple times to meet with Sir—who is, in fact, Justin. "Justin wouldn't have met anyone else besides Jameson. But how could he leave no trace after all those interactions? Amber must have figured out his true identity. And Justin—he must have realized who she is, even with her changed appearance."Jasper's expression darkened. "So he decided to eliminate her as a precaution."Tears welled in Alyssa's eyes, threaten