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
Alyssa watched as the glum look on Jasper's face set in like the moon setting into the vast sea.Jasper's shoulders trembled slightly underneath his suit. His eyes were bloodshot. He turned into a volcano as an overwhelming wave of emotions erupted in him. Alyssa squeezed his hand, trying to hint for him to maintain his composure.She wasn't a goody-two-shoes who would buy into the "a harmonious family would prosper" gimmick. She wanted to help Jasper by giving Javier a piece of her mind.However, fighting in front of Jasper's mother's tombstone didn't seem too respectful of her. Jasper's mother would be rolling in her grave in anger if she saw it."I didn't expect you to visit your mother today. You should have told me earlier, and we could have come together."Javier carried the authority of a father, but his tone remained gentle. "I think your mother would have loved it.""My mother would have loved it?" Jasper stared at him coldly. Hatred pierced through his voice. "You've
It was as if something was stuck in Javier's throat as he pointed at his son's face. His high and mighty demeanor was slowly compromised. "Jasper, you ungrateful bastard!"If I was putting on a show, I wouldn't have gone against the majority and suffered the pressure to bring you and your mother back to the Beckett Group from the slums."If it weren't for me, both of you wouldn't have died on the smelly and nasty streets. Have you forgotten how sick your mother was? She didn't have a single dime on her to go to the hospital for treatment. "She had no way to support you. If it weren't for me, she wouldn't have recovered from her sickness. How on Earth would you have lived the cushy life you have now?"Alyssa watched as Jasper, feeling wronged, received a baseless accusation. As a bystander, her heart burned with fire. She felt her blood boiling in her as her fists clenched.Until now, Javier wasn't speaking to Jasper as a husband or a father. He was still on his high horse, thinki
"If you try to lay your hand on Jasper, I'll be the first to stop you. You might not care for him, but I do. Even if I'm not around…" Alyssa's sad eyes looked at Jasper's mother's tombstone. "Don't you think Auntie Anne would care? As the noble, high, and mighty chairman of the Beckett Group, don't you think it's distasteful to get physical in front of the deceased?"Alyssa had just uttered the deadliest and harshest words in the most nonchalant tone.The look in Javier's eyes sank. He clenched his jaw so tightly that it was about to break open."Mr. Javier, I think it's not a great day for you to pay your respects to Auntie Anne today. We appreciate the gesture. I'm sure Auntie Anne feels the same way. I think it's best if you leave." Rory and the bodyguards sighed in relief as Alyssa loosened her grip.Javier's face was as pale as a ghost. Yet, he gritted his teeth and was unwilling to give up. "I've canceled everything today to come and see her."I'll leave after I see her for
Amidst the chaos, a profound sense of worry and fear emerged, intensifying the turmoil reflected in Javier's twitching eye."I-I don't know what Mr. Jasper meant." Rory's forehead glistened with beads of sweat. Trapped between the devil and the deep sea, he felt the looming threat of trouble for anything he might utter."D-Didn't you say that someone might have been behind Anne's death? Jasper said Sophia was behind it. Does he even have proof? Does he?""I-I think you should clarify with Mr. Jasper. I don't know anything about it…"Javier released his tightly clenched hand, feeling a sudden weight on his shoulders. Slouching, he struggled to catch his breath, his earlier confidence replaced by uncertainty.He had accepted and tolerated so much. Sophia had crossed a line. He was utterly disgusted by Sophia. Yet, to protect the Beckett Group and his reputation as president, he repeatedly swallowed his pride and looked the other way.However, he was unable to accept one thing—Sop
A thick yet warm smoke enveloped them, and the stark contrast between the lively scene behind the door and the desolation outside took Jasper aback. His reaction was visceral.As he stared at the bustling living hall, his heart raced. Seated on the couch were Tatiana and Julien, and alongside them was Rose, who had been studying overseas and hadn't crossed paths with Jasper for several years. They were joyfully chatting while skewering vegetables. The kitchen buzzed with activity as Jonah, wearing an apron, showcased his culinary skills, with Cyrus assisting in preparing barbecue sauce.Silas and Sean were focused on putting meat on the skewers, their attention fixed on Tatiana and Rose. Sean's concern for his girlfriend was evident, while Silas watched in helplessness as Rose engaged in an animated conversation with Julien.Silas sighed sadly, unsure of the unease he felt witnessing their interaction."Dr. Lovelace, you're nailing those skewers! Your hands are so skilled!" Tat
"Wow!"All eyes turned to Maggie, who timidly hid behind Alyssa. They were in awe.Indeed, the way one dressed had a significant impact on how others perceived them.Upon her initial arrival, Maggie wore modest attire, appearing charming. However, her passive demeanor and hunched posture exposed a palpable insecurity that was difficult for onlookers to handle.Maggie underwent a complete transformation thanks to Alyssa's efforts. A single glance and a stranger would easily assume she was born into wealth."Wow! You're so beautiful!"Tatiana clapped with a radiant smile on her face. "Maggie was already beautiful. Now, she's practically sparkling in that dress! She looks absolutely lovely!""That dress is quite impressive!" Julien, who typically carried himself with confidence, couldn't resist offering praise."Hmph! I crafted that myself! It's a one-of-a-kind creation. I dare anyone to call it ugly." Rose lifted her chin with pride, crossing her legs. She gazed at Maggie as if h
"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