"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
"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
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