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
"I-I'm sorry…" Maggie's face was as red as a tomato."Ms. Madison," Xavier's breath sank as he spoke softly, just enough for her to hear, "you look beautiful today."Maggie's face burned with embarrassment. Panicking, she hastily withdrew herself from his arms.Jasper struggled to contain the overwhelming emotions within him. He hugged Alyssa tightly and whispered, "Thank you for doing this, Lyse."Alyssa leaned into Jasper's arms with a smile, reveling in her luck to have found Jasper as her other half. "It's no big deal. I just asked everyone to come over for a meal. "Oh, yeah. Lauren caught a chill from leaving the window open while she slept the past two days. Landon is home caring for her. They won't be coming. He asked me to tell you to enjoy your meal and eat their share.""Okay." Jasper looked down at her face, his heart beating wildly as his eyes turned misty."Thank you, Madam Alyssa."Xavier was incredibly excited to see Maggie. He was so touched that he found himse
After a while, Alyssa realized Jasper had disappeared. Leaving the party on her own, she ran into Mrs. Rosie in the corridor. "Mrs. Rosie, have you seen Jasper?""Mr. Jasper went back to his room. I knocked on his door for a long time, but he wouldn't open it," Rosie replied, shaking her head. "With everyone here tonight, enjoying such a lively occasion, I don't understand why he's isolating himself like a depressed teenager. It's so lame of him to call it a night this early."Alyssa frowned, her smile wry. She felt concerned, aware of how downcast Jasper could be on his mother's death anniversary. Moreover, the confrontation with Javier at the cemetery likely brought back painful memories. Returning to such a lively home must have stirred up his emotions."Mrs. Rosie, could you please entertain our guests on the balcony? I'll go check on Jasper."Alyssa stood before the room's door, taking a brief pause before gently knocking. "Jasper? Are you there?"There was no response. "Do
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