Tatiana struggled to hold back her tears, but her voice still broke. "I'm one of the lucky ones among the victims, but I refuse to stand by and watch. When no one speaks up for me, I'll speak up for myself."When no one stands up, I'll stand up for them. I may not be a hero. But even if I might be in danger, I'll never stand by and watch David, that beast, trample on the innocence and dignity of those ladies while he roams free."As her words trailed off, Alyssa's eyes were filled with tears. Her tears eventually fell onto the screen.She deeply regretted her narrow-mindedness during this time. At the same time, she felt immense pride in her sister, who fearlessly spoke out.Sean turned away as well. His broad shoulders trembled as he suppressed his tears. He quietly rubbed his eyes."Lyse, Taty has really grown up. She's no longer the little girl who needs your protection." Jasper sighed, feeling sorry for Tatiana and also relieved.Alyssa managed a smile through her tears. "Yea
"Lyse, Jasper…" Tatiana, nestled in Sean's embrace, lowered her voice, drooping her head guiltily.Alyssa pretended to be angry as she put on a stern face. "You're all grown up now, right? Acting first and reporting later.""Ahem... Lyse, Taty didn't report anything, though."Jasper blinked his eyes, stupidly adding, "It was you who cleverly discovered that the layout of the livestream room looked like your hotel. You called the front desk to check the guest information to find out Taty was here.""So, should I scold her?" Alyssa glared at him sharply.The dignified Jasper shut his mouth at once.Well, there was nothing he could do. He was the one who made himself a henpecked husband anyway."Lyse, I'm sorry. I know I was wrong." Tatiana sniffled, then steeled herself and spoke with determination. "But even if you're angry at me, I have no regrets about the choice I made today."Lyse, do you know? It's been a long time since I felt so proud of myself. I feel like I'm doing some
Tatiana, who moments ago displayed the demeanor of a heroine, suddenly wilted upon knowing it was her father calling. She lowered her head."It's okay, Taty."Sean embraced her tightly, gazing at her with resolute but affectionate eyes. "I'll be with you. I'll go home with you. If Mr. Taylor wants to scold you for this, I'll take the blame for you.""H-How can you do that? Dad's very scary when he's angry," Tatiana mumbled, feeling nervous.Sean chuckled softly. "I'll say… 'Dad, if you want to vent your anger, take it out on me. Don't ruin your relationship with Taty.'"Tatiana's heart skipped a beat at his words. She felt a tingling sensation coursing through her body. Her fair face flushed, making her look so adorable that Sean couldn't take his eyes off her.While this young couple discussed their plans earnestly, Alyssa was at her wits' end.She wasn't afraid of Winston. She was worried that he would blame Tatiana and ground her at home. This would make life for this young c
Tatiana turned pale. She cautiously took the phone and pressed it against her reddened ear. "Dad...""Taty, your livestream has caused quite a stir outside. But you're quite smart to choose our own hotel. You must have learned such a cunning move from Lyse, right?" Winston mocked."N-No..." Tatiana was afraid and became tongue-tied. "Dad, I'm sorry. It's all my fault. Please don't blame Lyse.""Feeling any better after venting all that frustration?"Winston's sudden question caught Tatiana off guard. "What?""I know that matter has been weighing on your heart. Your mom almost cries every night in her room because of it."If standing up tonight and exposing David's heinous act can make you feel better, then I fully support your decision." Winston's deep and gentle voice was like a soothing balm as if he were afraid of scaring his timid daughter.A strong wave of emotion surged, causing Tatiana's eyes to turn red. "Dad... I...""Good girl, don't cry and don't feel guilty. You wer
Tatiana's livestream stirred up a huge uproar.With insufficient evidence, David had been released on bail. The Schmidt family had also successfully diverted public attention and suppressed the matter by exposing the scandals of two celebrities.However, out of everyone's expectation, Tatiana, who should have suffered in silence, openly spoke for those women and launched a fierce attack on David as a victim.The Schmidt family was once again thrust into the spotlight overnight. For David, who believed he had dodged trouble, this news was anything but good. Even without evidence, the prospect of being under police surveillance again was a nightmare."Damn it! This is outrageous!"The furious Victor swept everything on his desk to the floor. "The daughter of a mistress dares to challenge us openly? Does she think she's some kind of highborn lady?"Josh gritted his teeth beside him, agreeing, "What's she got to copy Alyssa's way of doing things? Forget about others. I don't think
"P-Police? Those lowly pawns are back again?"The days David spent in the detention center were hell for him. He never wanted to go back to those days of eating poor food and enduring the stench. He was scared out of his wits. "Dad! Josh! You have to stop them!"Victor's face darkened as he paced back and forth in anxiety."David, don't panic."Josh walked over and patted his trembling shoulder. "I've got people keeping a close eye on those two girls. So far, there's been no contact with the police, indicating they don't plan to testify. As long as they stay silent, we might be able to minimize the impact on your case."Tatiana's livestream yesterday gained so much attention, so the police have to at least put on a show and investigate you. Or else it'd look like they're not doing their job. Let's go see what they want first."…The Schmidts descended the stairs. The moment they saw the newcomer, they were stunned.In the living room stood Cyrus and two of his subordinates. His
"No matter how bad the coffee at the station might be, at least it won't harm my body. I wouldn't dare drink anything from your house. Who knows if they might rot my stomach or my heart? It's not worth it," Cyrus retorted to Josh's sarcasm."Cyrus, David's case has already been closed. It was you who released him! What are you doing here again?"Victor was too annoyed to bicker with him. His eyes were red from rage. "You can't arrest David without evidence. I'll never let you do that."Also, we're not some losers you Taylors can push around. I'm paying you some respect because of our long-standing relationship and because you're Winston's son. Don't try to push it."Winston's son?Their chief was the son of Belbanks' wealthiest man? Alyssa's brother?This revelation hit the two police officers like a meteorite falling to earth.Cyrus had been in the police force for many years. He was low-key and hardworking, never mentioning anything about his personal life or family background
As David was in a state of panic, his body was like mush, even with someone supporting him.Josh glared fiercely at Cyrus. Just as he was about to speak, Jameson, who had been silent all along, suddenly interjected."David, you'd better go with Cyrus. You have nothing to hide. It's just to assist with the investigation anyway. Don't panic. It'll be over soon. We'll come pick you up when you're done."David stared at Jameson with rage.This bastard had caught another opportunity to kick him while he was down!Suddenly, Jameson whispered to Victor, "Dad, what Cyrus said makes sense. If David doesn't assist with the investigation now, it'll make him look guilty. Cyrus will use even harsher methods against him. It'll be difficult to handle then."Persuaded by Jameson, Victor immediately changed his tune. "Go with them, David.""Dad!" David's expression was extremely ugly.Victor waved his hand in frustration, having nothing more to say.In the end, the Schmidts could only watch he
Even without Jasper's presence, he was confident that the Taylors and the rescue team would have been able to save Alyssa. It became clear what the person manipulating Remy had been aiming for.But why had Remy let Jasper go at that crucial moment? Had he experienced a sudden change of heart? Or was he, in fact, Alyssa's brother, Damien?Jasper's mind filled with all kinds of thoughts. Before he could dwell too deeply, there was a knock at the door. Xavier hurried over to open it, freezing in shock when he saw who stood outside. "Mr. Winston?"Winston was leaning on Silas for support, his expression grim. "Mr. Beckett is in there, isn't he? May I have a word with him?" Xavier quickly stepped aside, gesturing for Winston and Silas to enter.When he saw the elder he respected standing at the door, Jasper struggled to rise from the bed despite his exhaustion. "Mr. Winston…" "You are wounded. Stay put!" Winston insisted, swiftly moving forward to gently press Jasper back down
"Next time? There won't be a next time."Tears flowed down Alyssa's face, soaking Jasper's shirt with each drop. Her voice was quiet but steady, carrying the weight of her heartache. "Jasper… I'm drained. Sometimes, I think it might be better if you just forgot about me. It would be easier than this. Every time I let myself hope, all I get in return is disappointment."Jasper's chest tightened as her calm words pierced through him. Waves of emotion surged inside him, and a lump rose painfully in his throat.…It was fortunate that Jasper had found Alyssa in time to administer first aid. After rushing her to the ER, she slipped into unconsciousness. That being said, she was extremely lucky to have escaped death. Nevertheless, she needed to remain in the ICU for further observation. Aside from treating her frostbite, the doctors needed to assess whether her internal organs or brain had been affected.With the severity of Alyssa's condition, Sean couldn't keep the truth from Winsto
"Jas…"Alyssa looked at Jasper with an unfocused gaze. Her breaths were shallow, and she was slipping in and out of consciousness. Mentally, she was confused. "Yes, it's me—Jasper!"Jasper's heart clenched as he saw the color drain from her face. Her body trembled uncontrollably, fragile as a leaf caught in the wind. She resembled the kitten he had saved as a child—frozen and alone in the alley that bitter winter night. A deep sorrow flooded his chest."Jas… per…" Alyssa murmured his name, her voice strained, her tongue numb from the cold.A faint, mocking smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and tears streamed down her cheeks. "It seems… like I am about… to freeze to death… How could he be here… He will not come back… He doesn't want me anymore…" Alyssa's vision blurred as her eyelids grew heavy. She began to lean, her body sagging to one side."Alyssa! Stay awake!" Jasper's heart was pierced, the pain unbearable as he saw the denial in her eyes. He forced himself to pu
Elias frowned deeply; his worry etched onto his face. "We've been shouting Ms. Alyssa's name the whole way. With so many of us calling out, she should've heard us by now if she were nearby!"In a deep voice, Jasper said, "The wind is too strong, and then there's the heavy snowfall. Our voices are being drowned out. Lyse might not hear us at all."Lyse. Her nickname slipped from his lips before he even realized it."I'm just afraid she's injured—or worse, fainted. If she blacks out in this cold…" Elias trailed off, his voice heavy with dread. "On a day like this, she won't survive long. She'll freeze to death."The group exchanged uneasy glances, the reality of his words tightening their chests.It wasn't that Elias was being a doomsayer. Rather, this was the cruel reality that might actually happen. Crater Mountain claimed lives every year. Danger lurked unpredictably in the woods on the mountain—anything could unfold."Let's split up," Jasper commanded, his eyes fixed on t
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her