"We" was a word that created an insurmountable gap between Jameson and the couple. He could never cross it.Nevertheless, Jameson's gaze toward Alyssa still held deep affection.His obsessive love had turned him into a shameless lunatic."Lyse, you're misunderstanding me. But since you suspect me, I can cooperate with you fully."With that, Jameson bent down and gently held his mother's hand. "Mom, I'm sorry, but I can't accompany you on this trip anymore.""It's okay, it's okay."Lily's worried gaze turned to Alyssa. Her eyes were filled with tears as she spoke. "Lyse, don't be mad at Jimmy. If he made you angry, I apologize to you on his behalf.Alyssa felt her heart wrench. "Mrs. Schmidt, don't say that."Although Jameson was malicious and cunning, Lily was a pitiful woman suffering from a serious illness. Alyssa didn't want to engage in a fierce conflict with Jameson in front of Lily.After all, this woman, abandoned by her husband and exiled for 15 years, had only Jameson
Cyrus continued, "It exploded just as it was about to fly out of Solana City, near the boundary with Belbanks.""Exploded?" Alyssa and Jasper widened their eyes."Yes, residents living within the radius heard a huge explosion. That helicopter was blown up on the spot. I think there should be no survivors." Cyrus took a sharp breath.Jasper's heart sank. His sharp gaze suddenly turned toward Jameson.They had just discovered Inigo's whereabouts, and Jameson showed up to interfere. Then, the helicopter explosion happened.It seemed like everything was within Jameson's control."No survivors... Can we know who the owner of the helicopter was? Can we know how many people were on board and their identities?" Alyssa asked urgently, her gaze piercing.Cyrus whispered to Alyssa and Jasper, "I've sent people to investigate the specific information about the helicopter and have also retrieved surveillance footage from along the route and nearby areas. We should have results soon.""It's
Lily had just boarded the plane and was already feeling weak, so Jameson helped her to the bed.As he emerged from the inner cabin, he saw a fierce Alyssa. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her beautiful face was tainted with fury."M-Mr. Schmidt..." Carl stood behind Alyssa, looking extremely uneasy.This was the woman that Jameson held dear to his heart. Even if she wanted to blow up the plane, he didn't dare to intervene.The fierce look in Jameson's eyes softened at once. He smiled gently.Just as he wanted to approach Alyssa, she moved first, striding toward him.She grabbed him by the collar. Turning resentment into strength, she forcefully slammed him against the cabin door with a loud bang.The gorgeous and expensive crystal glasses on the table fell to the ground, creating a mess beneath their feet."Mr. Schmidt! Ms. Alyssa! Please talk things out!" Carl was flustered, yet he dared not make a move. He could only shout from his place.Smiling, Jameson stared at Alyssa's cri
On the way back from the airport, Alyssa stared at the neon lights outside the window, not saying a word to Jasper.He knew she was feeling down, so he let her be. But he never loosened his grip on her cold hand.His gaze remained fixed on Alyssa. Her frozen yet still beautifully captivating profile stirred his heart endlessly. He was very worried about her.They returned home under the suffocating atmosphere.Just as they entered, they received a call from Cyrus. "Lyse, the identities are almost confirmed. It's Inigo and his men."Alyssa closed her eyes, biting her lip until it bled.Meanwhile, Jasper's eyes were bloodshot. Seeing her torment herself like this made it almost unbearable for him to breathe."Hundreds of officers from the search department conducted a blanket search near the explosion site. They found their two passports and some personal items that were enough to prove their identities. They're Tsulu nationals. With the surveillance along the route, we can basica
Alyssa rubbed her damp face against his chest. When she lifted her head, Jasper's sturdy chest muscles hidden beneath his shirt were faintly visible, seducing her.She felt a bit embarrassed now. After sniffing a few times, she rubbed her palms against the spot on his chest where her tears had dampened it.The adorable sight ignited a warm rush within Jasper, making his heart flutter.But he wouldn't keep her awake tonight. He just wanted her to rest well in his arms so she could recharge herself."You haven't eaten anything all night. You should be hungry, right? I'll make something for you." Jasper looked at her with concern, gently wiping away the tears at the corners of her eyes."You haven't eaten either. Let me do the cooking. You're too slow in the kitchen. It'll be too late to eat by then." Alyssa sniffled.Jasper smiled helplessly. "Then I'll have Mrs. Rosie do it.""It's late. I'll do it.""Then let's do it together."This warmed Alyssa's heart. "Okay."…With a sk
"Aren't you curious what I told Jameson after barging into his plane?" Alyssa resisted the entire day and eventually decided to ask.Jasper smiled lightly. "Why? Are you afraid I would be jealous?""Pfft! If you would get jealous of someone like him, you are basically questioning my character." Alyssa poked his chest hard with her fingertip."Before this, I was really jealous when I saw both of you together." Jasper's eyes reddened slightly. He lifted her hand and planted a warm kiss on her palm."I know. It was so obvious. I'm not blind."Alyssa pouted as a light sense of uneasiness appeared on her face. "At that time, you and I just divorced, so I had accumulated so much anger at you. I was overjoyed when I saw you getting angry."I thought I was different from other women. Divorce wasn't a big deal. I thought I could let it go as easily as getting divorced. Then, I finally understood the joy I felt seeing you angry didn't stem from the satisfaction of getting revenge—it was th
Alyssa asked, "Is this Josh's scheme?""It's probable. This incident also damaged the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt. Mrs. Schmidt had caused Jameson, who was never favored in the family, to be shunned in Kontina. "He was left there for 15 years with no support. During these years, Mrs. Schmidt's health deteriorated, causing Jameson to lose his only support in the Schmidt Group. He did not receive any financial support and lived a difficult life in Kontina."Alyssa was somewhat surprised. "Are you speaking for your love rival?"Jasper laughed. "No, I'm just stating facts. What is right is right, and what is wrong is wrong. Even if he is my love rival, I wouldn't preach what is wrong."Alyssa was moved. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pecked his lips.Jameson would never be as upright and open-minded as Jasper was."So, he had every right to hate. If it were me, I would have done what I could to come back and take revenge for my mother," Jasper said with gloo
A helicopter exploded in the air in the countryside. It was a massive piece of news. Moreover, the residents nearby recorded the entire process and uploaded it online, causing a huge stir.This was a negative incident. However, the police issued a notice through official channels claiming that internationally wanted criminals were trying to escape capture through the helicopter. All six of them were found dead. When the news was released, the comments took a different turn. Everyone in the country was thrilled and thought they deserved it.David's forensics report came out and confirmed it was mechanical asphyxia. Plus, from the direction of the laceration and the wounds left from the struggle, he was murdered.However, out of hundreds of inmates and police officers, no one found out who did it.Perhaps someone was secretly obstructing the case investigation, hoping that the truth would never come to light.All sorts of comments were flying through the internet about David's dea
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