"I had thought Josh or Victor would be the mastermind, but it was the doing of David's man," Cyrus explained with doubt. "I was worried that David would pull some tricks, so I sent someone to keep an eye on his attorney. After all, he hasn't met with anyone except for his attorney."But we found nothing suspicious about his attorney. We dug into his call log—he did not contact the culprit.""That's odd. Did one of David's men act without permission out of his loyalty to David? Was he worried that David's scandal would be publicized? Does David even have a lackey who's that sharp-witted?" Frowning, Alyssa fell into deep thought. Then, she suddenly chuckled. "Maybe Josh had a card up his sleeve and pulled an act of killing with a borrowed knife.""Is he using David?" Jasper wondered in a low, icy voice."As impatient as Josh, he must have wanted to silence Maggie after his men noticed we had reached out to her." Alyssa might be hot-tempered, but she always remained cool-headed in t
Josh, of course, had gotten wind of the culprit's arrest. He had prepared himself for the outcome, but he lost sleep when he learned that Cyrus was the police on the case. His mind whirred nonstop to come up with solutions."Mr. Schmidt, there is no need to panic," Josh's right-hand man, Cliff McMahon, advised with a sly grin. "You foresaw this coming and made the necessary arrangements, didn't you? "Besides, you never had any direct contact with Magnus Vale. Since his wife and children are in our hands, he will not rat on you. He has no choice but to keep his mouth shut for his family's sake.""It's not enough to keep his mouth shut," said Josh, who rubbed his sore forehead. There was a threatening gleam in his eyes with dark circles. He added, "We need him to point a finger at David. There needs to be a mastermind responsible for the assassination, or the Taylors will not let this slide because they're a crazy bunch."Cliff nodded furiously. "You're right."Josh lifted the wh
Following the arrest of Magnus Vale, who broke into Maggie's room to harm her, Maggie and Anora, accompanied by their families, arrived at the police station to file a formal report against David. They were under the protection of private security, courtesy of Alyssa and Jasper.The charges against David for sexually assaulting minors were firm. There was no getting away with it. The media thronged the police station, and the news spread rapidly.Throughout the process, the police carefully maintained the confidentiality of the two victims. Although the media failed to capture any photos of the two girls, the news still dominated the headlines.The headlines read, "David Schmidt's Sexual Assault Allegations Confirmed,""Victims' Families Allege Threats from the Schmidts.""David Schmidt Suspected of Orchestrating a Contract Killing.""David Schmidt Faces Inescapable Doom."The public opinion online marked a swift turn. Commentaries that had previously doubted and criticized Tati
"Dad, David engaged in contract killing and attempted murder! Besides, it was Cyrus Taylor who caught him red-handed. Even if I hired all the top attorneys from across the nation, they could not save David's ass!" Josh countered. He was banking on Victor not laying a finger on him, as he had built a strong faction in the Schmidt Group and bagged a lucrative project in Tsulu from Jonah. So, he acted fearlessly. "Just admit that you're upset at me. Why would you compare me to Jimmy?"Have you forgotten all I have done for you over the years and my sacrifices for the company? I deserve a little credit, don't you think? Plus, it's David who got us into trouble. We wouldn't be in this mess if he didn't think with his dick. The entire family will be dragged down if we keep cleaning his mess for him.""Dad, calm down. I think Josh has a great point there," Jameson drawled. "You might think I am heartless, but I, too, agree that you'll need to give up on David in the interest of the compan
Jameson flexed his fist, veins bulging from his force. Feeling horrible, Josh kicked his feet and grabbed Jameson's hands, which were wrapped around his neck.Jameson jeered, "All it takes is some taunting for you to silence the two victims. Tsk, tsk. You're stupid and gullible. So, what makes you think you could take me on?"Josh's eyes wavered. He was overwhelmed by humiliation. "You're not that hopeless, though, considering you knew to take advantage of David to carry out the act. I thought I could take down every one of you this time, but I guess I'll have to wait."Then, Jameson let go of Josh and left the meeting room cackling. Josh, alone in the meeting room and drenched in sweat, panted heavily.…Even though Alyssa and Jasper did not show up in front of the media, they were present at the police station to keep guard over Maggie and Anora.Xavier and Sean tagged along for the statement recording. Not only that, Sean, well-versed in law, helped the families with the paper
In the street from across the police station, Alyssa had waited for a while in Jasper's arms.Nestling against him softly, she sweated as she reported, "I received a text from Cyrus. He said he had asked a few close colleagues to keep tabs on the case. As of just now, apart from David Schmidt's attorney, no one from the Schmidt family has attempted to defend him. They did not make any moves at all."It so happened that Alyssa was on her second day of the period, which was usually the worst. Jasper had advised her to stay home, but she was stubborn. Now, suffering from period cramps, she wiggled in his arms like an eel.She silently thought, "Guess I need to listen to Jasper for once and take a good rest.""Josh always plays long-term. All he wants right now is to hide away, I bet. There's no way he would defend a notorious and hopeless villain. He would only turn himself the next target of public wrath."Holding her in his right arm, he placed a hand on her lower abdomen and cares
Reasonable? How was that fucking reasonable?Xavier clenched his fist as he fought the urge to punch the reporter.A hush fell across the crowds, who waited for the scene to unfold. Some reporters had wanted to ask the sensitive question but faltered in the face of Alyssa's influence. Naturally, they were happy that someone had posed the question.Anger rolled through him. He nearly yanked the car door open and stormed out to confront the reporter, but Alyssa pulled him back. "Hey! It's enough of a mess out there. Don't add to the chaos!"He gritted his teeth and thundered, "But he's slandering you.""And? It doesn't hurt me in any way. Mr. Beckett, you're an adult, so act like one." Pouting, she scratched him on his chest. Jasper calmed down soon, but he was disgruntled. "We can't let this slide. Who knows? He might be acting on the Schmidts' orders.""So what?" She blinked at him, unfazed. "David Schmidt is done for, and we finally sought justice for the victims. I have achie
"Don't you know the basic ethics of a reporter is to report the truth? You accuse Ms. Alyssa without any proof. Not only that, you're twisting the narrative and slandering her. Say, are you hired by her enemy to stir trouble?" Maggie, despite looking vulnerable, carried herself in a fearless manner. She stunned the onlookers with her courage and sharp remarks. The male reporter who posed difficult questions stumbled backward and disappeared into the crowd cowardly."Ms. Madison…" Xavier stared at Maggie, completely captivated by her. He should have been the calmest individual at the scene, but he failed to soothe his racing heart. Maggie inhaled sharply and said loudly, "I have Ms. Alyssa to thank for giving me the courage to file a police report against David Schmidt. Her patience and advice were a great source of support for us. "Ms. Alyssa is a lifesaver to us. I'd be ashamed of myself if I could not speak up for her. I'm not that heartless."At the end of it, she started ch
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