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
"Throughout the execution of our plans, we were vigilant, and no information slipped out." Jasper's eyes darkened. He continued, "Looks like the Schmidt family has set up spies near the witnesses' homes to watch their every move. When they found out we'd sought Maggie out, they feared she might participate in the case as a witness. That was why they wanted to end her life so quickly.""Damn them!" Alyssa and Xavier said at the same time."David is still in police custody, so there's no way he could have had any external contact. Who helped him then? Jamebitch?" Xavier exclaimed hatefully.Alyssa shook her head lightly. "No way it was Jamiper. He's the one person in the entire Schmidt family who wants to see everyone crash and burn. He would never help David. It must've been either Victor or Josh.""Josh. It must be Josh," Jasper deduced, eyes sharp.Alyssa's eyes glinted. She held Jasper's hand. "Why do you think it's him, Jasper?""Victor isn't from the underworld. He's not th
Jasper's heart sank. Looking at Alyssa, he announced, "Lyse, I'll meet with them."He was worried about the gossip and malicious comments about Alyssa. Her reputation would further suffer if she got into a fight with the witnesses' families at a hospital.Jasper was totally capable of managing the fallout if he were the target. However, he refused to let Alyssa go through the suffering."Jasper, I understand your concern," Clasping his hand, she soothed him, "...but they wanted to see me. Things wouldn't have spiraled if I hadn't requested to meet with Maggie."It's imperative that I show up and offer my apology. You know me; I never run away from problems.""Well, I happen to be the same." Staring affectionately at her, Jasper held her hands with fingers interlocked. "So, I'll go with you."…Although the VIP suite, where Maggie got warded, was safe and secure, Sean had arranged for his men to lead the victims' families to the open area in the VIP lounge, just in case they made
"I was aware. I knew it from the beginning. But what choice did I have?" Gina trembled violently as she grew hysterical. "I'd rather sweep everything under the rug than open up my daughter's wound and put her in harm's way."She's just managed to get a footing, and things were looking up, but you came along and messed it all up! She nearly lost her life because of you—you arrogant, wealthy pricks who judge us from the comforts of life. What gives you the right?"Alyssa felt a stinging pain in her chest. With her usual sharp wit, she could have retorted. However, the weight of guilt left her speechless."You're being naïve." Jasper, keeping his composure, placed his hand on Alyssa's waist. He appeared as omniscient as divinity. "You're currently enjoying a short-lived peace because the Schmidt Group is in hot water. The Schmidts are too preoccupied to pay attention to you, especially with David Schmidt still in detention."Gina's expression froze. Her bloodshot eyes looked vacant.
Maggie finally regained consciousness the next afternoon. She found Gina and Xavier waiting by her bed. Feeling touched, she wrapped Gina in an embrace. The mother and daughter cried and cried after the close brush with death yesterday.Xavier thought he must be feeling emotional because he was getting old. He shed a few tears but quickly wiped them away. As an uncle figure to Maggie, he resolved to keep a tough exterior."Mom, I won't change my mind no matter what you say." Maggie gently wiped away Gina's tears with a look of determination. "I have decided to testify in court. No one could help me if I don't fight for myself; not even Ms. Alyssa and Mr. Beckett."Sobbing, Gina confessed, "Maggie, I… I feel so bad for you.""Mom, do not stop me from testifying if you feel bad for me. I'm doing this to seek justice on behalf of the victims of David Schmidt."Xavier's eyes wavered upon hearing Maggie's declaration. His heart pounding, he found that Maggie seemed to have grown up ove
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