Jasper finally understood the reason behind Alyssa calling Julien. It was part of her plan from the start."No… How is this possible?"Josh seized the diagnosis from Gabe, meticulously scrutinizing its contents. His eyes bulged out of his head.At the same time, Simon turned white, and his heart drummed."Mr. Schmidt, I can't believe your family has kept the diagnosis secret. Alyssa, or Dr. White, has saved David's life upon your father's request." Julien glared at Josh disdainfully. "You don't seem grateful to her. Not only that, you're also making her responsible for David's old injuries. You hid the truth by manipulating the diagnosis. That's a really despicable thing to do."Before this, Josh and Simon had discussed pinning David's erectile dysfunction on Sean to indict Sean under aggravated assault, which carried a heavier sentence. Therefore, Josh hid away the real diagnosis and worked with Gabe to charge Sean. To their dismay, their carefully crafted plan had been overturne
Despite putting on a brave face, Josh had been gripped by fear. His legs went weak. Simon kept his silence under Jonah's intimidating gaze.Alyssa found herself moved by Jonah's protectiveness. Knowing Jonah, he was aloof and rarely displayed his emotions. Apart from family and Sean, he showed no care for almost anyone else.Hence, she was surprised by his unusual action toward Julien. At the same time, she noticed Julien gazing at Jonah tenderly, prompting her to muse over their seemingly intimate connection. Why did they look like a couple in her eyes?Before she could delve further into her thoughts, Simon interjected, "Mr. Jonah, Sean will face assault charges even if we start anew. According to the law, confirmed assault, supported by a medical expert, carries a three-year sentence. Sean can't escape his fate."Simon argued vehemently, displaying a hostility that made it hard to believe he was Sean's older brother. The materialistic and selfish world had transformed him into a
Feces? What the heck?Alyssa and Jasper exchanged looks while Jonah glanced at Julien's feminine and alluring face in astonishment.Simon gaped at Julien as well. His eyes lit up with fury. He trembled in panic, fear, and humiliation at the thought of that night."You… You…" Simon covered his mouth as he heaved."Attorney Lynch, you look like you're in great pain." Julien took a step backward and stood next to Jonah as though Simon was infectious. Grinning wittily, he sneered, "Anyway, your mouth is as filthy as the toilet, so I bet you didn't feel anything. We've put the feces in the right place."Had Simon's mouth been stuffed with feces? It was a revelation more shocking than David's public nudity show.The memories of the stench haunted Simon. He covered his mouth and dashed out of the door."Hahaha! That was hilarious! I can't with him!" Julien burst out laughing, tears almost rolling down his cheek. He elbowed Jonah and questioned, "Hey, why aren't you guys laughing? I can
"Did you just learn about it? How could you date me without knowing anything about my family? Hm?" Alyssa playfully flicked Jasper on the forehead and remarked, "All of my stepmothers hail from pretty unusual families."Jasper flashed her a wry smile. He turned numb upon learning about Alyssa's family background. Never would he have associated Colene with the Ivory Gang leader."Lyse, you can't blame him. Marc has never exposed Colene's identity to anyone aside from a few confidantes and the gang members," Jonah interjected.He addressed Jasper in a much friendlier manner because he was in a great mood after dealing with Simon Lynch. "The underworld is dangerous. He had to do so to protect his only daughter."Jasper smiled, feeling touched by Jonah's amicability. Jonah might appear cold and distant on the outside, but he was warm inside, just like Jasper."Yeah, that's right. Marc detested Winston for marrying her precious daughter and even threatened to cut ties with Colene over
However, Sean lost his composure and teared up when he saw Jonah and Julien tagging along with Alyssa and Jasper. What had he done to deserve their concern?"Sean." Jonah grinned, lightening up the mood. "You must have suffered. We're here to take you home.""Mr. Jonah—" Sean choked on his tears and struggled to speak.All of a sudden, Alyssa dashed over to face off with Sean before Jasper could react to it. Jasper's heart raced upon seeing that, and he tensed up.He thought Alyssa had calmed down, but she seemed incensed the moment she saw Sean."Why did you admit to your guilt?" Panting heavily, she blushed in anger.Sean grappled with the piercing pain upon hearing her question. His dry lips parted. "Ms. Alyssa… I'm sorry."Rage colored her teary eyes. She lifted her arm, ready to punch Sean in the face."Lyse, no!""Lyse!"Sean did not move at all. His eyes grew mistier. Finally, she landed the punch on his shoulder. She hissed, "Why did you do that? Are you crazy? We sho
Alyssa and the others followed in the direction of Sean's passionate gaze. They found Tatiana standing alone under the dim streetlight. Her hair fluttered in the night breeze, bristling against the tear stains on her face."Sean," she called out to Sean in a melancholic tone as tears streamed down her cheeks. She was nearly enveloped by the darkness. It was a pitiful sight that was heartbreaking to watch.Sean ran toward her without hesitation and hugged her with all his might. He maintained his composure, but his ragged breathing betrayed him. "Why are you here at this hour? It's dangerous to be out alone at night.""Sean, I'm waiting for your release. I missed you so." She cried harder, staining his shoulders with her tears.She had been waiting before dusk, even calling Alyssa and Jasper for help at the same spot. She waited for Sean to be released, no matter how long it'd take."Me too. I missed you like crazy." He felt sorry for her and gently wiped away her tears.Then, h
"Why? Do you finally notice me beside you?" teased Julien while he admired Jonah's perfect side profile. He grumbled, "You've been ignoring me for a good half an hour. I was thinking of ignoring you forever if you kept giving me the cold shoulder."Despite being fatally attracted to Julien's childlike behavior, Jonah hid his feelings and asked calmly, "Do you often join Mandy and the others for tea?""Yeah.""You're a young man. Don't you feel bored when you hang out with a bunch of middle-aged ladies?" Jonah scrutinized Julien. "You led a carefree life in Mosgravia. There's no need to suppress your wants. Just do anything you feel like doing.""What if you can't handle me if I let go of myself?" Julien drawled and cast an irresistibly flirtatious look at Jonah.Jonah felt bitter, but he remained as distant as ever. "That's none of my business.""Oh, right. You're busy with your work as the president. You won't have time to worry about me," replied Julien with a hint of disappo
It was afternoon when Alyssa woke up the next day. She might be sleepy, but Jasper, a light sleeper, had woken up after a few hours of sleep.Even after he woke up, he did not leave the room at all. Instead, he worked remotely on the couch, handling the group's affairs and guarding by her side."Ah—" Suddenly, Alyssa jerked awake and shot up in bed. Jasper immediately put down his work and went up to hug her. He asked gently, "What's wrong, Lyse? Was it a nightmare?"She patted herself on the chest. Then, she grabbed his hand with a flushed face. "Jasper, guess what was in my dream?"He swallowed hard and attempted to kiss her, but she shunned him and exclaimed, "Jonah and Julien got married in my dreams!""Hmm?" Jasper stared at her in surprise. She added, "Our entire family was at the wedding. And I caught Julien's bouquet!"Jasper looked pretty speechless."I woke up right as they were about to kiss. Damn it! Why do I have to wake up at the most important time?" She slid her
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