"Of course. I can hand them to you now." It was as if Jameson had expected David to raise a condition as such. He pushed a brown envelope to David. "This envelope contains the evidence that I've gathered. These may not be sufficient to prove that Josh contracted a killer. But it should be enough to help in your appeal. "You're not allowed to bring these in with you now. You can request to meet your attorney, then give your attorney full authority to handle this." David examined the contents of the envelope. He weighed his options. Finally, he made up his mind.He signed his own name on the agreement for the transfer of shares. He then put his thumbprint on the document. Jameson refrained from smiling too widely. Behind his classy gold-framed glasses, he tried to hide the ferocious look in his eyes. He looked just like a hungry predator ready to pounce on its prey. "I look forward to working with you, David. I will come and pick you up in person on the day when you're release
"How about the plane?" Inigo asked. "You'll just need to first retrieve the money. Once you've ascertained that you're not being followed or chased, you can leave any time," Jameson chuckled. His gaze was cold. "Well, hurry up, then! I'm so done with this shithole!" Inigo couldn't get used to the place. Plus, he wasn't able to go out in the open. He was already at his wits' end. Jameson stepped on the white handkerchief and kneaded it with his shoe. "As long as you go along with my arrangements, I will make sure you have a smooth departure." …The next morning, Alyssa and Jasper heard the shocking news—David was found dead in the shared bathroom at the detention center. They had heard that he died in a bizarre and horrifying manner. When he was discovered, rigor mortis had already set in. His face was puffed up and discolored. His cause of death was strangulation by the stainless steel shower hose, which was still wound around his neck when his body was discovered. It lo
"It can't be Josh." While Alyssa was caught in a daze, Jasper shared his analysis confidently once again. "I say that because he has achieved his goal. There are huge risks involved in sneaking into the detention center to commit a murder. It wouldn't be necessary for him to do this. "He has already suffered a loss when he once acted on impulse. There's no way that he'd make the same mistake." Jasper was just like a counselor to the queen. Alyssa couldn't agree more. She nodded and said, "Yes, I think so too." "Although there isn't any available evidence, I have a strong feeling that it may have been Jameson. This seems like a method of his. "Moreover, he's a powerful man in Kontina. He has also been making connections in Solana City in secret. Based on these, it would be a simple feat for him to buy someone off to get rid of David," Jasper continued with a serious look on his face. "Yes, that makes sense. There's nothing Jameson can't do!" Alyssa pressed her lips together
"How… How about Justin, your brother who had saved you?" Alyssa probed carefully. Jasper froze. The horrifying memories from his younger days replayed in his mind. It all felt so vivid to him. "Justin and I may be half-brothers, but it's a fact that he'd saved my life. There's no doubt about that. I will always be indebted to him." Alyssa knew that Jasper was a loyal man. This was a good trait to have. At the same time, it could be cumbersome too. "Imagine if Justin comes back and joins the fight to succeed Beckett Group. Would you hand it over to him?" Jasper chuckled softly. "Are you so fearful of the possibility that I'd marry into your family instead?" "That's what I've been thinking about." Alyssa blinked calmly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and continued, "I am an unrefined person. The only thing I'm interested in is position and wealth. I can't stand being a typical wife. I am only focused on becoming a leader in the business world. I want to be a radiant
"First, you should all look at this video." Cyrus pulled out an iPad. He played the footage, which showed Jameson visiting David.Alyssa inched nearer to take a closer look. She asked in a confused voice, "What did Jamiper have David sign?" "I've asked my colleagues at the Digital Forensics Department to analyze the footage. It's an agreement for the transfer of shares," Cyrus answered in a deep voice. Alyssa, Jasper, and Xavier were shocked. "How… How could that be?" Xavier couldn't hold himself back. He blurted, "To them, their shares represent their power and position at the Schmidt Group. It's such an important asset! "There was a chance that David would end up being sentenced to be in prison for life. Even so, he couldn't have transferred his shares to Jamiper even if he died. He detested Jamiper!" "I've also hired a professional lip reader to interpret David's words. In short, Jameson probably told him that Josh was the reason for his downfall. He offered to help get D
After several days, Inigo finally couldn't resist. He showed up again.However, Alyssa never expected that the person delivering the message to her was not Jonah or Landon but Colene.Jasper also realized the reason for Colene's question when she asked if he was around. It was because she knew Alyssa's temper well.If Alyssa found out that Inigo had appeared, she would rush over to catch him, regardless of anything. How could this wild filly be left without someone to restrain her?"How did you find out, Colene? Who tipped you off?" Alyssa's heart was pounding with excitement and astonishment."It's Nathan, my dad's adopted son."Jasper looked puzzled and asked softly, "Who's Nathan?"Alyssa's eyes brightened as she enthusiastically introduced him. "He's the one who fed Simon the feces. Technically, I should call him Uncle Nathan."Jasper's eyes lit up. He formed the impression that Nathan was a remarkable man."I asked him to gather all his men and circulate Inigo's photo so
Suddenly, Colene shouted, "Do you hear me, Jasper?"Jasper hurriedly sat up straight. "Yes, I'm here.""Control your woman a little. Don't let her act recklessly."Although Colene didn't sound friendly, her words were filled with concern. "If anything happens to Lyse, the Ivory Gang won't let you off."Alyssa felt speechless at her words. This daughter of the Ivory Gang's leader was quite domineering.Cyrus chuckled and shook his head while Xavier truly felt nervous for Jasper.Jasper wrapped his hand around Alyssa's waist and exerted force, giving her a sense of security. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll protect Lyse with all my might. Please rest assured."Suddenly, the atmosphere in the car quieted down.Mom?Even Alyssa usually only addressed Colene by her name, but Jasper actually called her "Mom" in one fell swoop.He actually mastered seizing opportunities to act cute.The other end of the phone suddenly went silent, and then Colene shouted, "You brat, who do you think you're
Inigo continued, "If I get caught, I'll expose all the dirty things you've done over the years. I'll let Ms. Alyssa see the ugly side of her childhood friend!"Jameson smiled mockingly as he knew Inigo wouldn't have the chance to report on him."How do you plan to give me the money?" Inigo's mind was all wrapped up in his funds."Follow the route I tell you to take now. I'll arrange for people to cover you and help you escape. As for the money, I'll put it on the plane. After you escape, quickly board the plane. It'll take off immediately, and you can successfully leave Solana City."…As instructed by Alyssa, Colene repeatedly reminds Nathan not to act recklessly and engage in a firefight with Inigo. If he didn't listen, she would block his number.This sentence was extremely effective against Nathan.When Alyssa and Jasper received the news, they immediately contacted Landon and Jonah. The police also dispatched manpower to track down Inigo and his men according to Nathan's pr
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"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