"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
"What did I tell you before? Never intrude or ask about my personal affairs! Are you challenging me right now? How dare you pity that filthy little brat? Everything I do, I do for my family!" Josh roared.Clarissa's ears buzzed as her vision swam from being hit.She quickly changed her tune, saying shakily, "No, I'm not pitying her. I'm just worried about you. It won't bode well to be responsible for someone's death. If the police manage to trace it back to you, it would affect your reputation even if they didn't have direct evidence. "If that happens, I'm worried Jameson would take advantage and try to sway your position in the company. Plus, you don't need to have someone's blood on your hands just because you're on good terms with David."Josh calmed down slightly upon hearing this. He sneered. "Do you really think I wouldn't have set a way out for myself? What a stupid concern. I'm only helping David to get on Dad's good side. Can't you see this very obvious relationship betwe
Alyssa didn't question why Maggie was crying nor pressured her."I-I just never expected that you guys would be s-so nice to me…" Maggie choked out, her eyes swollen red. "I know… you guys are only doing this because I can… can testify against David Schmidt… But I'm… still so thankful to you all… for respecting me…"Maggie's tear-stained faces and stuttering words broke both Alyssa and Jasper's hearts. Their breaths stuck in their throats as if caught in a vice.Xavier's brows knitted together. He had to hold himself back from releasing his fury.At just 17 years old, Maggie had already suffered wounds of pain that seemed impossible to heal. It was all David Schmidt's fault!If David didn't pay for this, who else could?"We're not being kind to you nor respecting you all because you're a witness to the case, Maggie. Every kind-hearted young girl in this world deserves respect." Alyssa embraced Maggie into her arms, her own eyes reddening. "Tragedy led us to one another, but pleas
Before meeting Maggie in person, Xavier had thought that this young girl from a poor background only wanted Jasper and Alyssa's protection. But after hearing her heartfelt words, Xavier thought himself shallow and close-minded. He really was nothing compared to this smart, young girl."It's wonderful that you think so." Alyssa embraced Maggie with tears in her eyes. "I'll introduce you to my sister if there's an opportunity to do so in the future. I'm sure you two will become best friends."…Maggie spent the night telling Alyssa and Jasper about her experience of being abused by David, not leaving a single detail out.Maggie's father had passed on early and their family was poor. Maggie's mother worked three jobs in order to send her to school, often working into the wee hours of morning. Even when Maggie's mother fell ill from overexertion, she still didn't want to waste any time getting a check-up at a hospital.When Maggie hit 17 years of age, she was able to secretly earn mon
It was already past midnight when they arranged everything.For the sake of Maggie's safety, Alyssa had intended for Maggie to live in her own house starting today until the case against David Schmidt ended. For one, Maggie could be protected. Secondly, Alyssa genuinely adored this unfortunate yet strong, young girl.But Maggie insisted on going back home because of her mother's heart condition. She was worried her mother might get a heart attack if she woke up from her sleep and did not see Maggie anywhere, not to mention what might happen if her mother knew that Maggie had come to speak to them.It was a good thing Maggie's mother hadn't contacted her that night. She must still be sleeping. It was as if the heavens itself supported this strong, young girl's decision, too.Xavier escorted Maggie to the car, treating her with utmost care throughout the process as if he had turned a new leaf.Jasper walked out of the villa with Alyssa in his arms. He wiped away her tears and wrappe
Maggie cried some more once she returned home, having revealed so much of her painful past to Alyssa all at once. She ended up falling asleep and only waking up in the afternoon the next day. Her mother had gone to work already. Maggie struggled to get out of bed. She really didn't feel like going out, so she called the shopowner of the tailor shop she used to work at to order some fabrics. She planned to start making a bag for Xavier.In all honesty, if it was someone else who'd asked Maggie to do this, she wouldn't have actually gone through with it.But Xavier's eyes had been so bright and his tone so earnest when he asked. Maggie couldn't help but want to finish making it for him as fast as she could.The tailor shop owner called Maggie in the evening and informed her that he'd sent a runner to drop off the fabrics. The runner was about to reach her home.Maggie thanked the shop owner profusely and patiently waited.Sometime later, someone knocked on her door.Maggie was ea
In the dingy old neighborhood, several police cars and an ambulance converged. The local residents looked on cautiously, having heard that there had been a break-and-entering.Worried, Cyrus had his men send the killer back to the station before going to the hospital in the ambulance with Xavier and Maggie. Cyrus also notified Alyssa and Jasper of what happened.The medics had strapped an oxygen mask on Maggie's face. Her body had passed out from shock after being asphyxiated. Now that the blood had stopped rushing to her face, her skin appeared stark white."You… You have to be okay, Maggie," Xavier said worriedly. He could care less about how injured he was right now. He kept on checking up on Maggie's condition, holding onto her hand."Her vitals have stabilized, so there's no need to worry anymore," Cyrus consoled him. He could tell that Xavier's concern for Maggie extended beyond her role as a key witness in the case against David Schmidt."Why… Why were you guys on the scene
Xavier pondered inwardly, "If 'Blade' himself is admitting that his skills aren't as good as Alyssa's… Just how skilled is Alyssa?"…Alyssa and Jasper had hurried over to Taylor General Hospital the moment they heard the news.Maggie was stabilized in time and transferred to a normal ward for recovery. Meanwhile, Xavier was arranged to stay in the next ward. He wasn't too injured save for some bruises and a fractured left arm.But Xavier was in no mood to stay put and rest. The moment they secured the bones in his arm, he ran over to check up on Maggie.The hospital staff let Jasper and Alyssa take over while Cyrus returned to the police station to deal with the murderous killer.Abel was personally checking up on Maggie right now."Don't worry, Lyse. No matter what, Maggie is fine now. That's the best thing we could hope for," Jasper consoled Alyssa, who leaned in his arms as he gently held her.Alyssa gazed at Maggie with reddened eyes. Guilt filled her chest. "Thank goodnes
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