"Ahem … There is something I could use your help with." Alyssa cleared her throat."Leave it to us!""Don't hold back!""Well … remember that antique rosewood chair from the auction that Winston had you bid for, Mandy?" Alyssa asked. "I'd like to have it."Mandy and Colene shared a look. "You really aren't holding back."Winston was someone who wouldn't bat an eye when it came to buying property and cars or giving away his money. But when it came to antiques, he'd hoard them like some kind of wizened dragon. Asking him to part with his rosewood chair would likely be a futile endeavor.Mandy blinked rapidly, seemingly lost in thought. "I'll find a way to convince him to give it up. But why do you want it?""If he knew why, he'd never give it to me.""I got you! Don't worry!" Colene grinned, smacking her chest in affirmation. "If he doesn't want to hand it over, I'll steal it for you!"Alyssa burst into giggles.If it really came to that, Winston would surely have to keep an
"Are you sure?" Jasper asked solemnly."Well, sir, I phoned Ada's manager myself. She was the one who said Ms. Taylor had contacted them first. The manager actually intends for us to compete for the opportunity …" Xavier's voice grew smaller as he continued, noticing how Jasper's face was growing more menacing by the second."What else did they say?""The manager also said … that they know Berenike Hotel has always been famous and well-known, but KS World Hotel's been in the limelight lately, so … they want us to prove to them why they should pick us for the wedding. Our plans need to win them over before Ada even considers working with us."Jasper slammed the table, feeling unbearably irritated.Alice White was already annoying enough to deal with. And now Alyssa Taylor was here trying to compete for their project? Were these women specifically sent to torment him?"Arrange a meeting with all department heads and directors tomorrow. We need to come up with a high-end wedding pro
Liana had begged Sophia for those two invitation cards. Her resentment at having to stoop so low had now dissipated."Why didn't you tell me we were coming to an event like this? You know I don't like these things," Jasper grumbled quietly, his jaw tight."I wouldn't have been able to ask Ms. Emerson to make my wedding dress for me, given my social status. That's why I wanted you to come. She's sure to agree to my request if you ask her."Jasper's face had darkened. Liana hurriedly added, "I'm really sorry I didn't tell you beforehand.""Just tell me next time. I could have sent someone to come in my stead," Jasper sighed, though his tone had softened considerably now."I promise I will next time."Just then, a set of familiar footsteps rang out from behind them. It was a precise and confident stride. Jasper instantly recognized who it was. He turned around.Alyssa approached them. She was dressed in an azure sundress and matching coat. She stood out against the backdrop of pi
Madam?The guests were shocked to hear Rose call Alyssa that, especially Liana, whose jaw had fallen open.What was their connection? Why was Rose referring to her with such respect?Wasn't Alyssa only 24 years old? Rose was only four years older than her, and she had already been in the fashion industry for at least a decade. She'd had countless achievements, like being in the spotlight of International Fashion Week and receiving accolades.So, who was Alyssa to her then?"Who are you calling old? Have you ever seen a 24-year-old senior citizen?" Alyssa scowled, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "Women never age.""That's because I respect you too much, Madam!" Rose leaned against Alyssa, her hand around her waist in an affectionate manner. "You should have told me before you came over. I haven't even cleaned up properly yet!""I didn't plan to, originally. But one of my meetings was canceled all of a sudden, so I had time to come visit.""Ah … so this was just a conven
Upon hearing that, Alyssa was baffled. She tried to give Rose a warning look, but the latter wouldn't so much as glance at her. In fact, her eyes were nearly burning a hole into Jasper's pecs.Alyssa couldn't help but inwardly cursed at the situation. "Thank you." Jasper nodded gratefully. But before he could say much else, Rose continued, "You can stay. But she leaves." She pointed at Liana.Liana was shocked. Her face was flushed. She felt thoroughly humiliated. "Why me? I'm his fiancée!" she cried.The guests flinched at the distasteful noise, finding her increasingly uncultured."Tsk tsk." Rose shook her head. "I wouldn't have been able to tell, honestly.""You—" Liana was so angry that she nearly stomped her foot.Rose took another sly look at Jasper, this time smirking. "Mr. Beckett can stay because he's an attractive man. And because he's dressed well for the occasion."She then eyed Liana's outfit. "You, on the other hand, are a mess. Your colors are a terrible intrusi
After greeting the guests, Rose brought Alyssa to her studio. The mentor and mentee were as close as sisters. They chatted and laughed merrily in private.There, Rose served Alyssa excellent tea and desserts from the top pastry chefs in the nation. Not even the guests on the first floor had the honor of tasting the delicacies."Madam, have some tea!""Oh, the valuable spring tea! It's bright green with a rich aroma and a deep flavor profile. This is good." Smiling, Alyssa savored the tea. She wrapped her slender fingers around the cup as she sipped. Her graceful demeanor denoted her excellent upbringing in a wealthy family. Her noble air was the culmination of a distinguished pedigree that could not be copied."I feel honored when you enjoy the tea." Rose grinned. She always wore a cool and chic image in public. Yet, she'd turn into a silly and good-natured young lady in front of Alyssa.Their first encounter happened six years back. Rose was talented in fashion design and bless
When Rose reemerged, Liana hurriedly tugged on Jasper's sleeve. "Jasper, let's stop her and have a chat. She will definitely agree to design my wedding dress if you talk to her because you're the president of the Beckett Group!"He frowned but was dragged along to meet with Rose."Ms. Emerson, we are here to request your help in designing my wedding dress. Jasper and I will be married next month in a grand wedding that will be streamed nationwide."Liana leaned gently on Jasper, a delighted look on her face. "Your dress on me will attract national attention! That's pretty good marketing, don't you think? "Money is not a problem as long as you agree to design the dress. Tell us anything you need, and we'll take care of it. We are serious about this.""Wow, Ms. Gardner, you do sound like a future daughter-in-law of a wealthy family." Beaming, Rose lifted a finger. "One million, and I'll consider taking the job.""What? That's too expensive!" Liana gaped at Rose."And I thought mo
Alyssa and her dance partner held hands and bowed to the audience when the dance ended. Her captivating dance elevated the cocktail party into a high-end ball.Liana was green with envy when she heard everyone praising Alice. In her teens, she was once a talented pianist who was good at singing and dancing too. For that, she had won many awards.However, after going abroad, she busied herself with dating and having fun to the point where she abandoned her practice."Jasper, wasn't Ms. White awesome? But I don't think it's appropriate for her to dance in public in that revealing dress. I would have been too ashamed to do that …"Her attempts at backstabbing Alyssa were of no use because Jasper was nowhere to be found when she turned around.…Jasper shuffled to the backstage corridor. Despite his best efforts at self-control, he could not shut down the imagery of Alice's allure in his mind. His throat was getting dry.He forced himself not to think of his behavior as falling fo
Amber stifled a laugh and teased, "Stop talking, Mr. Whitaker. You're going to sound like a broken record if you keep going." …After breakfast and a quick packing session, Axel departed from Heightsnew Villa. Amber spent her day helping the Taylors with various tasks. She assisted Mandy in organizing documents for Lovelace Group's projects, helped Lyla with cooking, and even joined Colene in feeding her horse. With Tatiana's due date approaching, Amber also pitched in for her shower preparations.Amber had always been a diligent person, but today, she seemed particularly intent on keeping herself busy. She was counting down the hours until nightfall. After dinner, the Taylors sat in the living room and chatted casually as they always did. The warm, familial atmosphere filled the space, and Amber joined in, her perceptive nature making her a seamless part of the group.When everyone retired to their rooms, Amber rose to help the helpers clear the table. "Amber." Startled
Axel and Amber had only spent half a month together before the former was called back to report for work. The night before his departure, they spent hours lost in each other, their passion unrelenting. Again and again, they exchanged kisses, their love pouring forth in an endless tide."Amber, three months… Just give me three more months." When their fervor finally waned, Axel held Amber close in his arms. They rested against the headboard, leaning into one another, too exhausted to move yet unwilling to let sleep claim them."Once I finish all the missions I've taken on, I'll hand in my resignation. After that, I'll spend all my time with you," Axel murmured, his voice steady with resolve. "We'll go wherever you want. If you want fun, I'll have fun with you. If you want chaos, I'll spend my life going crazy with you."Axel wasn't one for flowery words. He simply spoke from the heart. Right now, his heart only wanted Amber—forever.Amber nestled closer, her soft smile masking t
"Sir." Sheryl immediately stood and greeted Justin respectfully as he entered the room. "What are you doing here?" Justin's cold gaze swept over her as he strolled leisurely to the couch and sat down.Sheryl quickly explained, "I received a parcel for you from the administrative secretary half an hour ago. I thought it might be something important, something you wouldn't want too many people to handle. So, I waited for you to return and open it personally.""A parcel?" Justin frowned. Why would anyone send him a parcel to Beckett Group, of all places? How strange. Sheryl presented the parcel to him with both hands. He took it from her and then opened it right before her. After removing three layers of wrapping, each from outside and inside the box, the parcel turned out to contain only a plain white envelope. His expression darkened. It felt like someone was toying with him.Then, he looked down and opened the envelope, which contained a stack of photographs. Pinching a co
"Don't be so pessimistic, Jonah," Alyssa said. Perhaps having just seen Jasper and going through that heart-stopping moment made Alyssa emotional. Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued, "If you truly love someone, you don't need to possess him to find happiness. Isn't it enough to know he's alive, well, and living freely somewhere in this world?""You're right, Lyse." Sorrow filled Jonah's voice as he smiled bitterly. "Julien has already lost and sacrificed too much for my sake. I don't deserve to have such a good man. He'll only find true happiness by leaving me."…After Justin took over as CEO of Beckett Group, his first move was to wrest control of the A5 Project bid from Jasper's hands.Though Jasper had failed as the leader of Beckett Group, as the eldest son, it was only natural for Justin to inherit the position of power. Justin was aware of lingering opposition within the corporation. Some doubted whether he possessed the decisiveness and singular capability Jas
Sebastian understood what Alyssa wanted. There wasn't substantial proof to prove that Jasper had abused drugs in the first place. The substance found in his blood was simply supporting evidence. As long as they found the right opportunity to reveal that, it wouldn't completely exonerate him, but it could at least divert public suspicion."Okay, okay… I'll do that. I'll do everything you say!" Sebastian promised. …After emerging from the Bender residence, Landon took Zayne away to keep him under close watch and ensure Sebastian wouldn't retract his statement. Landon planned to release him only after Sebastian fulfilled Jasper and Alyssa's request."Landon, it's really nice to see you. How's Lauren doing lately?" Afraid of looking at Jasper, Alyssa had no choice but to speak with Landon."She's doing great." A tender look came across Landon's eyes at the mention of Lauren. Landon blushed and continued, "We're now trying for a baby." "Really? That's wonderful!" Alyssa was
While Alyssa spoke, Jasper remained expressionless next to her. Even so, he still couldn't help but peer at her from the corner of his eye. Others might feel that she was being too assertive and aggressive with that fierce gaze in her eyes, but for Jasper, that evoked an inexplicable feeling within him. To him, she looked even more attractive than she normally was. It was as if she gave off a captivating glow. Sebastian slumped to his knees again. Alyssa's words struck him like a ton of bricks. Still, he had already chosen the wrong side—Sheryl's side. What could he do now? He had no choice but to see it through to the end.After all, he had seen the news two days ago. Jasper was no longer the CEO of Beckett Group. He held no authority anymore. Aligning with Justin had seemed like the right decision.If he betrayed Justin and switched sides, he would surely be doomed."Mr. Jasper... Ms. Alyssa," Sebastian stammered, desperation etched into his voice. "What's the point of comin
In the living room of the Bender residence, Sebastian clung tightly to Zayne, whose bruised and battered body slumped limply on the floor. They held onto each other for warmth as they shivered. Meanwhile, Alyssa and Jasper sat on the couch, but not without leaving a massive gap between them. Once deeply in love, their current distance was a heartbreaking contrast to the intimacy they had shared. It was heartbreaking to see them like this. Alyssa took a quick peek at Jasper's cold, expressionless face before turning her dull gaze away. Her hands lightly rested on her shoulders, where his touch still lingered—a ghost of warmth that refused to fade."How dare you attack my friend?" Landon sneered, towering over Sebastian and Zayne. His black leather gloves creaked as he clenched his fists. "You wouldn't know fear if it slapped you in the face. Maybe I should teach you a lesson.""M-Mr. Harper… Everything happened so quickly. Z-Zaynie just reacted out of fear and ended up overrea
Alyssa's chest rose and fell. The tip of her nose and her eyes were red. She simply stared blankly at Jasper and couldn't say a word. Without Jasper around, she never realized that fear was an emotion that she could feel. She wasn't afraid of God or the devil. She had fought the dark and evil forces of the world with bravery. But fear overtook her when Jasper appeared just in time to shield her from danger.She wanted to cry, her heart softening. The façade of strength she had built crumbled, leaving her feeling like a fragile pebble in Jasper's hands.She had never known she could feel fear like other women, but it was only with him.Ignoring the pain in his back, Jasper held Alyssa by her trembling shoulders, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. Once he confirmed she wasn't physically hurt and was likely in shock, he exhaled in relief."M-Mister…"Wide-eyed and mouth agape, Sebastian watched Jasper appear out of nowhere. He was shaking uncontrollably, as if his soul had lef
Sebastian recognized the stunning Alyssa immediately. Alarm bells rang in his head as he stumbled back a step. "W-What are you doing here?"Everyone in Solana City knew about Alyssa and Jasper's inseparable bond. Guilt churned in Sebastian's stomach. He couldn't even meet Alyssa's bright, piercing eyes, knowing he had betrayed Jasper."Dr. Bender, please step into my car. There's something we need to discuss." Alyssa's slight smile masked the storm brewing beneath her calm exterior."There's nothing to talk about," Sebastian stammered, fumbling with his keys in a desperate attempt to escape. Turning on his heel, he headed toward his house. But Alyssa's voice cut through the tension. She sneered. "When you schemed against Mr. Jasper, you didn't just wrong him. You wronged KS Group—the company that stands behind him. You should've known I'd come for you."Sebastian froze, his back to Alyssa, trembling."You stupid bitch! What are you trying to do to my father? How dare you thre