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
When Colene saw someone insulting Tatiana, she used an alias and argued with the trolls.Not only that, she also contacted Nathan, asking the members of his five gangs to comment on the livestream under aliases. Nearly a hundred of them flooded the comment section and eventually got banned.No matter how big the storm was outside, it seemed everything would dissipate the moment they entered Heightsnew Villa.Watching this heartwarming scene, Alyssa couldn't help but feel tears welling up in her eyes. She even choked up.Ever since her mother left, she hadn't considered this place her home anymore. Even if her wandering days were tough, she only wanted to escape.But now, this place was becoming more and more like home.Alyssa had only two sanctuaries—Heightsnew Villa and Jasper's warm embrace.After the livestream incident, Winston and Lyla seemed to have a subtle change in attitude toward Sean. Seeing the pitiful look of the young couple reluctant to part ways that day, Winston
Winston's words made everyone stop in their tracks. Suddenly, everything went quiet.Alyssa widened her eyes and parted her lips in disbelief as she stared at her father."W-What did you just say?"Jasper's chest rose and fell with tremors, and his pupils contracted as he gazed at Winston's face. His heart skipped a beat as well."If you go back now, you'll probably arrive home at dawn, right? If you don't have anything planned tomorrow morning, stay here tonight." After saying that, Winston lowered his eyes and cleared his throat.This time, Jasper heard it clearly. So did Alyssa and everyone else.This enormous surprise sent Jasper's heart pounding with excitement. His eyes welled up with tears of emotion, and his throat felt heavy with gratitude as he extended his thanks to Winston."Thank you, Mr. Taylor. Thank you for taking me in."He actually used the words "take me in". This indomitable man, the scion of Solana City's top company, was extremely humble at this moment.
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,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc