Alyssa saw Landon approaching them, looking weak and sickly. She teased him immediately, "Gosh, Mr. Harper, what's wrong with you? Were you doing hard labor in your bedroom last night?""I… Never mind. Forget about it." He sighed in frustration. Where to start?He couldn't possibly speak ill of Alyssa's brother in front of her, or he'd land Jasper in trouble as well. As Jasper's brother from another mother, he didn't have the heart to do so.Alyssa knew he must have something on his mind, but she did not press on if he was reluctant to divulge."Do you want food? I'll make some for you," Jasper offered, turning around to look at Landon while busy with the cooking."Nah. I don't have appetite." Landon wandered to the fridge and opened the door to grab a bottle of water. Then, he downed the entire drink.Crumpling the empty bottle, he took a deep breath before announcing, "Lyse, Jasper, I will register my marriage with Lauren today."Caught by surprise, they gasped, "What? Today?"
"A love rival?" Alyssa rested her cheek on her palm while feeding Jasper blueberries. She mused, "It's quite unfathomable for Landon Harper to have a love rival. That's new."Jasper snickered. "Lauren's living a secluded life because you're overprotective. She doesn't have a chance to meet with anyone outside—it's just you and your secretary. She doesn't even have a healthy social life, so what's all that talk about a love rival? You must be dreaming.""Isn't that right?" Landon slammed a fist on the table as his voice broke from the tension.He recalled the scene from last night where Lauren mumbled the name of this guy, Cyrus, while sleeping in his arms. How could she call out the name of another man in her dreams?His heart immediately shattered into pieces.Alyssa shot him a piercing glance. "Do you mean my brother, Cyrus Taylor?"Jasper froze. He grappled with the far-fetched notion, struggling to imagine Lauren and Cyrus together.Landon widened his eyes, looking amazed. "
Xavier inhaled sharply and hurriedly replied, "No! Jetting around sounds cool, but there's no way I'm risking my life for that!""Come on, Jasper. We all know Xavier's loyal. Why fuss over a jet?" cooed Alyssa as she brushed her fingertip across Jasper's jawline. She squinted, looking regal and haughty. "I'll get you a better jet than Jameson's for your birthday this year. How does that sound?"Their exchange was envy-inducing. Alyssa was indeed a Taylor, having the wealth to buy a private jet as a gift.Jasper widened his eyes and held her hand with a straight face. "Lyse, I'm yours, but I'm not a kept man. I should be the one who buys it for you.""Pfft! Don't overthink it. Everything we own belongs to each other. Let's not waste time on nickel-and-dime stuff," she remarked generously, much to the envy of Landon and Xavier.Their interests lay not in a potential Sugar Mommy but in their shared enthusiasm for cars, tanks, and jets.Jasper shook his head bitterly. "Lyse, you don'
Angelina's face was tight with anger. "We had the upper hand initially, but we never thought that Inigo had called for backup! They were skilled in combat and ready to kill. It was a miracle that our men came home alive."Landon punched on the table, his knuckles cracking. Not only did they fail to capture Inigo, but the clash nearly cost the lives of Landon's men. Landon's ego was badly bruised."Mm… Landon… What's wrong? Who made you upset?"Frozen in shock, everyone turned to the stairs and found Lauren standing there. Wearing a crumpled white camisole dress and hugging a bear that Alyssa bought for her, she groggily rubbed her eyes, looking innocent.While she was speaking, one of the straps slid off her shoulder, offering a glimpse of her fair complexion. She was very close to exposing herself. Her neck and collarbone area were filled with hickeys, evidence of the passionate night she had spent with Landon.Xavier quickly shut his eyes in fear while Jasper shifted his gaze to
Alyssa lowered her gaze and kept her silence. Noting her dampening mood, Jasper held and caressed her hand. "Lyse, I know you feel sorry for Lauren, but Landon loves her. With his abilities and family background, he is more than capable of protecting her.""Yes, I know that. In fact, I am grateful to him." Alyssa's gratitude had nothing to do with Landon's acceptance of Lauren. She was thankful to God that Landon was able to see the good in Lauren and patiently stayed by her side.Shortly after, Landon returned to the living room, appearing more fatigued than ever. Jasper released a deep sigh. "Landon, that must've been tough for you.""She's my partner. I'll do anything for her." Landon did not blame Angelina for the oversight and resumed the conversation. "Where were we? Oh, right! I thought it over—Inigo is a wanted man who has no power in Solana City. How could he possibly bribe the locals into helping him out?"Could this be part of Jameson's plan? Is he secretly protecting In
"Lyse, what's on your mind?" Jasper questioned, visibly concerned.Landon and Angelina cast worried looks at her."Xavier made a great point there. We all know Jameson is cunning and ruthless. He could well get rid of Inigo discreetly, and that's something he has been working on, but his weapon of choice has just been delivered."When Landon and the others were trying to grasp the meaning behind her words, things clicked for Jasper. Jasper asked, "Are you referring to the private jet?"She nodded hard. Her eyes were filled with worry. "Jameson can't hurt Inigo on the ground; dealing with his enemy in the air is easier. Besides, once he flies Inigo out of Cyrris, we can't stop him anymore. He could do anything he wanted to that guy."That was a terrible yet brilliant move by Jameson.Looking agape at Alyssa and clapping like a seal, Landon praised, "Lyse, you're smart! You're godlike!""Stop flattering me. Think of a solution now," urged Alyssa, who felt a burden on her chest.
On the same night, Alyssa and Jasper decided to move back home. Before they left, Lauren cried her heart out in Alyssa's arms, crumpling Alyssa's black dress in her tight grip and staining Alyssa's outfit in tears.People would have thought the two were saying a final farewell.Alyssa spent some time consoling Lauren and promised to visit. Besides that, she reminded Landon to bring Lauren out for fresh air instead of treating her like a bird in a gilded cage.Landon immediately vowed to do so. Hugging his crying wife, the two stood at the entrance and watched as Alyssa and Jasper departed.On the journey, Alyssa couldn't hold back anymore. Tears slid down her cheeks like fallen stars in the night sky."Lyse, don't cry." Jasper breathed heavily when he saw her crying. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and offered a comforting hug. He rubbed his chin on her hair, saying, "You'll see each other again. If you miss Lauren, just invite her to stay at our place."Or how about I buy
Days of worry had driven Tatiana to the brink of insanity. Shedding tears, she said, "Mom and I tried to come up with a solution. The Lynch family tried to get help, but we all failed to get him out.""What? Why did you only tell me now?" Alyssa gasped, her heart leaping into her mouth."Lyse, keep calm. You don't want to scare Taty," reminded Jasper. He held his hand and gently calmed her down. "Tell Taty not to panic and share everything with you."Taking a deep breath, Alyssa apologized with guilt. "Sorry, Taty. I was too harsh on you earlier. Don't cry. Tell me everything. I'm eager to know which idiot laid a finger on my staff. I'll make them pay for it!"Although they were panicking, Jasper had to stifle a laugh when he heard Alyssa's adorable threat."It's… It's the Schmidts." Tatiana sobbed. "I think his family was upset that he got beaten up after what happened to me. They're now giving Sean trouble."Sean was arrested for aggravated assault. David Schmidt even underwe
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,