Jasper took a seat by Alyssa's side and placed the desserts in front of her. She greeted Xavier, "Xavier, it's hot out there! Here, have some water and desserts before we discuss." She then pushed the platter of desserts to Xavier."Thank you, Madam Alyssa! You care for me!" Xavier looked touched by her concern.Envious, Jasper shot Xavier a look and snapped, "Hurry up. Let's get down to business soon."Xavier gobbled up a piece of cake and dabbed his lips with a hanky. Sitting upright, he reported, "I informed Mr. Galini about Sean Lynch's arrest per your orders. I've even submitted a detailed report to him. "This morning, Gabe Barrett has been suspended from his duty due to abuse of power. The authorities have taken him away for investigation. "Hmph! He's surely losing his job because of all the illegal deals he's involved in. The Schmidts will lose one of their lackeys.""Okay." Jasper nodded calmly. People like Gabe, who were tasked to clean up the mess of the Schmidt F
"Madam Alyssa, the land auction process is messed up in Tsulu. Don't you agree?" Xavier took the opportunity to praise Jasper to the heavens, "Fortunately, our wise Mr. Beckett brought up the issues to Mr. Jonah, just in time to turn things around. Mr. Jonah would suffer a greater loss if the construction kicked off.""Xavier, are you implying that Jonah isn't as wise?" Alyssa crossed her arms and directed an imitating gaze at Xavier. The latter tensed up and clarified, "M-Madam, please don't misunderstand! That wasn't what I meant!""Xavier, watch your mouth." Jasper cast a piercing glance in Xavier's way. "He who talks much errs much. Remember, your bonus…"Xavier was even more intimidated by Jasper's subtle threat on his bonus.To err was human nature, and the same applied to businessmen. Jasper wasn't born with keen business acumen. It was the cumulation of experience from years of running the Beckett Group and making various mistakes along the road.He was slightly more knowl
"W-What? Did that bastard walk away scott-free?" bellowed Alyssa.She left Jasper's arms and stood up in shock, nearly giving Mrs. Rosie a heart attack from her sudden yelp.Jasper's expression fell after he overheard Cyrus' update."That's impossible! Jameson will ensure that he has his enemy crushed. So, how did they manage to bail David out? Is there something wrong with the evidence?" She froze from head to toe and trembled incessantly.Jasper quietly stood up and placed a hand on her waist to comfort her."We have solid evidence against David, or we wouldn't have issued a warrant." Cyrus sounded upset. "We did not expect the victims to suddenly change their stances. The girls told us that they weren't sexually assaulted. They said they willingly had intercourse with that bastard. The same goes for the two minors.""How is that possible? Why didn't they mention it until now?" Worried, Alyssa pleaded, "Cyrus, something's off. The police must look into it!""Of course, somethi
"I believe the public is aware of Ms. Alyssa's upright character. She wouldn't have performed the surgery on David if he were an indecent chap because that would be endorsing evil. Am I right?"Josh had dropped a highly suggestive and shocking statement. David was known as a good-for-nothing with questionable ethics. Because of that, Josh did not bother to clear David's name, seeking instead to vindicate him. He couldn't care less for David's reputation.However, Alyssa was a different case altogether. Josh opted to announce Alyssa's surgery on David at this critical time to establish her alliance with the Schmidts.He wanted the world to believe that Alyssa would ultimately side with the Schmidt family despite her virtuous character. "I hereby offer a sincere apology on behalf of David and the Schmidt Group for taking up everyone's time," Josh concluded. "We will exercise greater caution in the future and humbly heed the public's feedback and criticism."With that, the news stre
"Whatever. We can't control what others say, so let them be. Josh Schmidt might think he's dealing a blow to me, but he has underestimated me." Alyssa declared, lifting her chin proudly and smiling. "We don't have to do anything at all.""Lyse." Jasper's breathing grew heavy. He held her hand tighter."Fame always comes with trouble. The netizen's attack only proves my popularity." Waving her hand, Alyssa added, "Remember, explaining yourself is dumb behavior. You're not going to rip your heart out to prove a point when accused of having an ugly heart, are you? Let's ignore that troublemaker, Josh Schmidt. He's going to shoot himself in the foot one day."Then, she put on a serious face and said, "I'm more concerned about the girls who suddenly changed their minds. I suspect the Schmidts have pressured them into it.""They come from ordinary families. There's no way they could fight against the Schmidts." Lowering his gaze, Jasper analyzed, "As for the two minors, they not only suf
The netizens commented. "Alyssa Taylor performing surgery on David Schmidt? Why did she save that scoundrel? Are they secretly dating or what?""I was right. The tycoons are all in it together. They benefit from each other, and Ms. Alyssa is no different, even if she acts all righteous. Us peasants are the ones who ultimately suffer.""Alyssa Taylor, I'm so disappointed in you. You've lost a fan! I am disgusted!""Hahaha! Josh, look at these comments. They're fucking explosive!" Crossing and swinging his leg, David remarked, "One of them even suggested that I was dating Alyssa Taylor! Hahaha! I bet Jasper Beckett would die of envy when he read it! Say, will he come at me tonight?"Well, it'd be fucking awesome to date Alyssa Taylor. See her body? It must feel great fucking that ass!"Josh, disturbed by David's vulgar speech, cut him off sternly, "Feel great? Can you even enjoy sex now?""Why do you always hit me where it hurts?" David looked aggrieved."Alyssa is not an easy tar
David stared hostilely at Jameson's innocent and friendly expression. Raw anger shot through him. Just as he was about to go off, Josh shot an icy glare at him, hinting at him to hold back. David's mind immediately cleared up.When they were in the car just now, Josh had remarked that Alyssa Taylor might not be the mastermind behind David's arrest.Memories of their conversation resurfaced. Back in the car, Josh had mused, "She would have dealt with you right after you assaulted Tatiana if she wanted to. She wouldn't have waited until now to make a move. Besides, no one else except me knows the details of your relationships with those girls.""Who's that motherfucker that wanted me dead? I'll tear them into pieces!""It's Daisy.""R-Right! That filthy bitch! She must have snitched on me for a reduced sentence! I'll send someone to teach her a lesson!""Even if she knew about your relationships and snitched on you, there wasn't much she could do as a prisoner. The police wouldn't
Then, Josh flashed a generous smile and patted Jameson on the shoulder, saying, "Dad is getting old, and recent events have taken a toll on him. It's time for him to rest. Come to me for work discussions instead of bothering Dad.""That's right, Jimmy. You have a lot to learn from Josh—he's the president after all," Victor chimed in, reinstating his trust and respect for his eldest.Jameson glared at Josh, his deep eyes spelling danger, but managed a humble smile. "Josh is indeed capable. I have much to learn from him. Josh, best of luck with your new project."…Leaving the study with a scowl, Jameson walked down the corridor. Josh caught up, calling out, "Jimmy, why the rush? Dad wants to have dinner with all of us.""Do you really want to have dinner with me?" Jameson spun around and fixed his piercing gaze on Josh."Of course. Why not?" Josh broke into a smile, unable to suppress the glee from his recent victory. "I enjoy seeing you seething from losing out to me. More than a
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,