"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
"Jas…"Alyssa looked at Jasper with an unfocused gaze. Her breaths were shallow, and she was slipping in and out of consciousness. Mentally, she was confused. "Yes, it's me—Jasper!"Jasper's heart clenched as he saw the color drain from her face. Her body trembled uncontrollably, fragile as a leaf caught in the wind. She resembled the kitten he had saved as a child—frozen and alone in the alley that bitter winter night. A deep sorrow flooded his chest."Jas… per…" Alyssa murmured his name, her voice strained, her tongue numb from the cold.A faint, mocking smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and tears streamed down her cheeks. "It seems… like I am about… to freeze to death… How could he be here… He will not come back… He doesn't want me anymore…" Alyssa's vision blurred as her eyelids grew heavy. She began to lean, her body sagging to one side."Alyssa! Stay awake!" Jasper's heart was pierced, the pain unbearable as he saw the denial in her eyes. He forced himself to pu
Elias frowned deeply; his worry etched onto his face. "We've been shouting Ms. Alyssa's name the whole way. With so many of us calling out, she should've heard us by now if she were nearby!"In a deep voice, Jasper said, "The wind is too strong, and then there's the heavy snowfall. Our voices are being drowned out. Lyse might not hear us at all."Lyse. Her nickname slipped from his lips before he even realized it."I'm just afraid she's injured—or worse, fainted. If she blacks out in this cold…" Elias trailed off, his voice heavy with dread. "On a day like this, she won't survive long. She'll freeze to death."The group exchanged uneasy glances, the reality of his words tightening their chests.It wasn't that Elias was being a doomsayer. Rather, this was the cruel reality that might actually happen. Crater Mountain claimed lives every year. Danger lurked unpredictably in the woods on the mountain—anything could unfold."Let's split up," Jasper commanded, his eyes fixed on t
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her
The skies started to turn dark. Alyssa's dark hair was covered in a layer of snow. As she stood alone at the foot of the majestic mountain, she looked tiny, fragile, and desolate. "Ms. Alyssa, it's snowing. Heavy snowfall is forecasted tonight." Elias walked to Alyssa's side. Noticing the redness on her face due to the cold and the dull look in her eyes, he had a moment of realization. He couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness within him. "It's getting late. I suppose something came up for Mr. Beckett, and he's unable to make it." "Why didn't he inform me if that is the case?" Alyssa mumbled in a low voice as she gazed toward the darkness. She choked back on her tears so softly that her grievance couldn't really be heard through her voice. Elias slapped himself on his forehead. "Ah, perhaps you didn't manage to receive Mr. Beckett's message? The reception at the foot of the mountain isn't quite stable. You might have missed it. Would you like to come to my office? You'l
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t