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.
Jasper started, "Hey silly, h-how did you get in here? When…"His head was still a blur. The hand that habitually held her hand was now gently caressing the area between her ribs.Alyssa covered her chest and pursed her lips in anger. "Phew! You scared me. Do you have any idea how terrifying your eyes were earlier? You looked like you were about to eat me alive.""I'm sorry, Lyse. It's a bad habit I have had since my days in the army. It's an unfixable reaction to stress."When Alyssa heard it, pity simmered in her eyes as she caressed his face.Jasper felt extremely guilty. He grabbed her hand and kissed her palm. However, he still felt unsettled. "Why did you come here secretly? If someone finds out…""Secretly? This is my house. Why should I come here secretly? I walked in here loud and proud."Alyssa narrowed her cunning eyes and touched the tip of his nose with her fingertip. "Hmm? Why do I feel like you're nervous?""This is the first time I'm here at your actual home. Ly
The Schmidt Group tried to contain the incident with the live broadcast. However, David's reputation was as good as garbage. Everyone wanted to kick him to the ground and watch the Schmidt Group burn.Plus, a lesser-known daughter of the Taylor family was the one who accused him. This added spice to the whole spectacle, increasing the popularity of the news by a mile.If the news continued to garner popularity, the police would detain David until further notice.Even Victor, setting aside his ego, went to beg the police station captain. However, at that very moment, Winston, the wealthiest tycoon, had become the latest hot topic. The news was being broadcast on the television in the office.Surprisingly, Winston was being interviewed after cutting the ribbon at an opening event of a new project.The reporter asked, "Mr. Taylor, during the live broadcast two days ago, the woman who claimed to be your daughter…""Claimed?"Winston's face darkened instantly as he retorted rudely, "
Jasper's hand that was tidying Alyssa's hair paused. He looked at the phone screen too."Alyssa, do you know this number?""No.""Are you going to answer it?" Jasper frowned slightly.Alyssa had never answered any unknown calls. She rarely received them either.This time, however, her heart was beating faintly with expectancy. It felt like if she didn't answer the call, she would miss the opportunity of gaining millions."Hello," Alyssa answered with a gentle tone."H-Hello."A timid, soft, and gentle voice of a girl came through the phone. The voice reminded her of her sister.Alyssa and Jasper looked at each other. She immediately placed the call on speakerphone and recorded it. "M-May I know who this is?""I-Is this Ms. Alyssa Taylor?" the girl asked softly."Yes, this is she.""It's me, Maggie."Both of them felt their bodies tensed, especially Alyssa. Her heart was beating like a drum. Her fingers quivered, and her palms were damp with sweat.Jasper stared deeply at
"Maggie, I will come to your place with Mr. Beckett and pick you up from downstairs. Don't worry. No one will see us." Alyssa's heart beat wildly as she promised her. "I'm not afraid of getting caught. I only have this window of time to head out," Maggie sighed sadly. "We're picking you up to ensure you're safe."Jasper's voice was low as he said with a stern face, "Now, the Schmidt Group might be keeping an eye on your every move. If the Schmidt Group finds out that you've left out of the blue, it might put you in danger."Maggie was stunned. "M-Ms. Alyssa, this is…""Don't be afraid, Maggie. This is Mr. Beckett. He is beside me now." Alyssa lifted her face and gently raised her hands. Jasper got up. Like a servant serving the queen, he placed his handsome face before her, their noses touching.Alyssa was slightly startled, blinking. Then, Jasper kissed the top of her lip. He swirled the tip of his tongue cheekily. As Alyssa felt the tease, his lips left hers. Alyssa cur
Alyssa's eyes welled up with tears after Jasper's sincere words. She planted a kiss on his lips.Jasper was delighted by it. He grabbed Alyssa's waist, lifted her, and spun her around calmly."Ah! No!"In an instant, a chill swept over Alyssa. The towel, previously wrapped securely around her waist and covering her private area, loosened and slipped off.Jasper's blood boiled as he caught Alyssa on full display."I think it's just right."Jasper curled his lips naughtily. He scooped Alyssa up and walked toward the bedroom, kissing her inch by inch."W-What are you doing? I just showered!" Alyssa's heart raced as she playfully hit his chest. A subtle pinkish blush spread across her smooth, silky skin.Jasper's eyes reddened as he murmured hoarsely, "I'll shower you again. Let me get my batteries recharged."…After enduring an excruciating wait until nightfall, Alyssa, Jasper, and Xavier returned to Maggie's house once again.Both of them were waiting in the car. Xavier stood
"What did you say? Alyssa and Jasper took Maggie away?"In the bedroom, Josh held his unwilling wife, Clarissa, on the bed. He aggressively ripped her nightgown, ready to start his weekly "routine".After Jameson assumed his position and gained his father's favor, his stress levels soared. Now, as long as he had the energy, he would force Clarissa into fulfilling his lustful desires. He did all he could to get his wife to bear children as soon as possible to continue the family's legacy. His father cherished children greatly and yearned for a growing family. Josh held the position of the elder child in his generation. If his own child became the first grandchild of the generation, it would further solidify his standing in the family, providing him with a point of competition against Jameson.However, as he was about to enter, the emergency call caused him to lose his arousal. "Are you sure? Double Trouble took the girl away?"Josh got out of the bed naked. He furiously picked h
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
Beckett Group was, in essence, Javier's heart and soul, forged from his own labor. "Justin set me up, framed me for drug addiction, and bribed my primary physician to give false testimony—all so he could drag me down. The fact that he dared to target me like this means he's willing to betray anyone."Jasper took a deep breath, forcing down the rage roiling inside him as Javier remained silent. "Fine. Even if you insist this is just a family matter, Justin's reputation is already in ruins, and the corporation's stock prices are fluctuating. Are you really going to stand by him, even now?""Justin has explained everything to me. He wasn't aware of the bribery. That female doctor who worked for him acted on her own. Besides, she's been arrested. The backlash against Justin will settle in time…"Jasper listened, his face unreadable, but his heart clenched painfully. A lump rose in his throat, suffocating him.He had lost his mother at a young age, but he had never longed for his fa
Julien's merciless, hate-filled words hit Jonah like a ton of bricks. The pain was unbearable, a gut-wrenching ache that shattered his heart.Under the dim lighting, Julien vaguely noticed a sorrowful tear forming at the corner of Jonah's eye. But before it could fall, Jonah forced a blink, swallowing his emotions whole. Despite Jonah's attempt to brace himself, sorrow engulfed him, a tidal wave of despair. His features mirrored the devastation ripping through his heart. As Evan opened the driver's side door, Julien lurched forward and vomited again. The sickening sound of him retching echoed in the air as if he were expelling everything inside him. "Judas, Mr. Lovelace looks like he's suffering from alcohol poisoning. We should take him to the hospital."Evan's worry deepened at Julien's condition. Jonah wordlessly removed his suit jacket and began cleaning the mess in the car. His chest tightened painfully as he watched Julien groaning, clearly suffering. Then, without he
Jonah's gaze burned with a mix of longing, sorrow, and something deeply affectionate. The world swam back into focus as Julien looked at Jonah. Without preamble, he asked, "Are you new? How much do you charge per night?"Light-headed and grinning, Julien reached out a hand, his fingers brushing softly against Jonah's cheek. "You're pretty good-looking," he said, his voice slurred. Then his expression shifted. "Why do you… look so much like someone I hate with every fiber of my being?"Jonah's heart clenched. Even so, he slid his arms around Julien's waist. Trembling, he pulled Julien into his arms. "I'm new here. Could you help me meet my target tonight, Mr. Lovelace?"Julien's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Jonah. Jonah's eyes teared up as he held Julien's waist tightly. "I promise you won't be disappointed," he said, his voice deep. Watching from the shadows below the stage, Evan nearly gagged at Jonah's sultry tone. Was this really the Judas he knew? The man sounded downri
The bar was alive with striking lights and thundering music, and the air was thick with the scent of tobacco and alcohol. The atmosphere was one of moral decay—corrupt, degrading, and vile. "Where's Julien?" Jonah's voice cut through the noise, his tone icy and sharp. When Jonah stepped inside, the eyes of several men turned toward him, their gazes filled with illicit intent."Why, hello there. Are you here alone? Are you feeling lonely?" A sexy man sauntered over, draping himself over Jonah's shoulders. He let his hands linger with a playful squeeze. "If you're bored, I'd be happy to keep you company." Jonah's expression darkened. His hands trembled, veins bulging with barely contained rage. Suddenly, Evan burst through the crowd, his face twisting in alarm at the sight of Jonah surrounded by a swarm of predatory men. Evan yelled, "Don't touch him!" A heavy thump reverberated through the room. Gasps erupted as people scrambled back.The man who had draped himself over
Rafe stated, "But Beckett Group is in the middle of a storm right now. If I insisted on giving your corporation the project, my superiors would investigate me. I wouldn't be able to escape unscathed!""If you're investigated, I'll make sure you can still live a life of luxury—even if you lose your job." Justin's tone darkened. "But if you turn against me, you won't just suffer a few losses. You'll lose everything."Under the dim moonlight, Justin fiddled with his antique tea cup, his gaze narrowing. "You've worked so hard to get to where you are. Are you prepared to lose it all?"After ending the call, Justin turned to Remy, who stood quietly at the side. "Sheryl is still being detained. She can't be bailed out for another two days. I need someone to watch over the research lab. You'll handle that."Remy was taken aback. "I failed my last mission. Aren't you going to punish me?"Justin's smile was cold and insincere. "It wasn't your fault. You were ambushed. If not for that, I tru
Remy pursed his lips, bending down to pick up the fallen poker card. It was the King of Spades—an entry pass to Kings' Club. "My attacker was…" Remy's pupils constricted as he tightened his grip on the card. "It can only be that dear uncle of mine, always claiming to see me as his own son." Justin's lips curled into a sinister smile. "He's trying to get rid of my right-hand man, taking advantage of my internal feud with Jasper. Weakening me is just his first step toward gaining control over me."He's been a fugitive ever since his successful prison break, never returning to Cyrris after receiving his life sentence. His power base remains in Kontina. "I'm the last surviving Dutton. The Dutton Group, as a cover, has declared bankruptcy and severed all ties with the country. "My dear uncle has taken a huge risk just to target me. He sent his men to attack you in Solana City. What a delightful surprise. It seems he truly doesn't trust me, his only remaining family."Remy lowere
The hospital ward grew heavy with silence. Mandy and Neil stared at Alyssa, stunned beyond words. "M-Ms. Alyssa, you knew that man was Mr. Damien?" Neil asked, disbelief etched into his voice. "Yes." Alyssa's reply was quiet, her lips pressed into a thin line. She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "We found out when Cyrus took Damien's cigarette butt for a paternity test."Mandy approached Alyssa, her shoulders trembling slightly. "So, you and Cyrus knew… and you both kept it from me?" Mandy said, her voice catching in her throat, tears welling up. Alyssa felt a sharp pang in her chest. "Mandy, I'm sorry. It was my decision. Cyrus had nothing to do with it."Mandy's tears fell freely now, her grief spilling out in raw sobs. "Do you know what it's been like for me all these years, thinking Damien was gone? Winston, Miley, Lyla, and Colene kept telling me to move on. I tried to accept that he was dead, that we'd never find his body. But I never did."Her vo