"Were you peeping again?" Jasper questioned.Alyssa pursed her lips and gripped her coffee cup. "Yeah. I didn't want you bullied.""How did I do? Was I cool?" He placed a hand on her head and slid his fingers between her hair.She inched closer and kissed him on the cheek. "Yeah, you were incredibly cool."He wrapped his arm around her waist, and his hot breath tickled the tip of her nose. He said, "You deserve the credit for what happened today. Had you not pressured the media with KS Group's power, I couldn't have successfully kept every single Solana City media out of the press conference. "Javier Beckett hated that I disrupted his plans, but he hated the humiliation more."After some thinking, Alyssa gently advised him, "Jasper, promise me that you won't go against your dad after the Sophia Kirkman case. Alright?""Why? Feeling bad for me?" He lifted her chin with a grin."I'm serious.""Once Sophia Kirkman receives her payback, I promise not to get into trouble with Javi
"You clueless thing!" Newton bellowed at Jasper.Alyssa's chest tightened when she witnessed Newton's outburst. She was about to speak up for Jasper when Newton added, "You should have run it through me before carrying it out. How could you act alone? Are you addicted to angering your dad?""Grandpa, I—""If your dad pulled the same thing on me, I would have been pissed as well. Anyway, I was about to teach him a lesson for not discussing the press conference with me." Sighing furiously, Newton remarked, "You should have given me a heads up so I could fight with him over hosting the press conference. "I could have stopped him so you didn't have to get into an argument with him, killing two birds with one stone. See, you have angered him again. You know he's petty, and he'll keep score. Why would you do that?""Grandpa, I know you wanted to protect me, but I'm no five-year-old. I'm an adult who could protect you, Lyse, and the company." Touched by Newton's sentiments, Jasper helpe
Sophia Kirkman's case was brought to court under intense public scrutiny and anticipation.Early in the morning, Mrs. Rosie changed into a new and clean outfit. She went to the cemetery with a bunch of fresh lilies and placed the flowers in front of Anne's headstone. Then, she sat cross-legged on the floor, placing an iPad in front of her and making sure it faced Anne's smiling photo. "Madam, your darling son and daughter-in-law are seeking justice for you. That evil bitch Sophia Kirkman will finally receive her payback."While polishing Anne's photo, tears welled up in Mrs. Rosie's eyes. She said, "Jasper and Alyssa will visit you after the trial. Before that, I'll keep you company as we watch them in court."Mrs. Rosie picked up a whiff of lily scent, like a silent answer.…Although Sophia's representation had requested a private trial, the court rejected their application due to insufficient grounds. The case would proceed as a public trial instead.Despite the influence
Nina's grandmother, Gemma Pell, slowly got out of the car in her walking stick with Sean's help.Some reporters gasped, "It's the plaintiff's attorney and family!" They recognized Gemma due to her action of splashing hot soup at Sophia at Nina's funeral, an incident still highly discussed."The plaintiff's attorney looks familiar… Gosh, isn't he Ms. Alyssa's secretary?" a reporter exclaimed while pointing a finger at Sean."You're right! I can't believe that he's an attorney. Ms. Alyssa's employees are talented indeed."The group of reporters went up to Sean. He did not need to do anything to attract all attention away from Simon.Meanwhile, Simon's eyes wavered in shock as his blood froze. He had repeatedly sent people to ask around about the identity of his opponent in court, but he failed to get any information despite his extensive connections.He was shocked to find Sean as the attorney who took on Nina's case."A-Attorney Lynch, what do we do?" Simon's assistant, who was u
Simon refuted with a fake smile, "Jeffrey Snyder is Nina Carle's murderer. He was caught at the scene and admitted to it. Mrs. Beckett is unfairly accused of the crime, and I'm here to clear her name."Sean merely scoffed at Simon's remark. "So, are you saying that the authorities are wrong to arrest a woman who is involved in corruption, abuse of power, slander, and framing others for her crime? She's also a drug user, you know.""That's just a red herring. Mrs. Beckett has made some mistakes that don't warrant a harsh punishment. Besides, she has not murdered anyone. She will admit to the crimes she has committed, but she will not be unfairly blamed. She has no reason to take the blame for the murder all because you want to settle personal grudges."Frowning, Sean fell into silence. He was wary not to get into a squabble with Simon, for he'd only give Simon the chance to insult Alyssa.The reporters fixed their hateful gazes on Simon as anger simmered. They silently cheered Sean
The gory and bloody scenes from Anne's death haunted Sophia. Suddenly, Sophia's scream pierced the air. Drenched in sweat, she quivered with pale lips."Mrs. Beckett, are you alright?" Sensing something was amiss, Simon inquired in shock."I-I'm fine." She curled her fists under the table and forced herself to stop thinking about Anne."Mrs. Beckett, you have not answered my question." Simon repeated, "You need to be frank with me on whether or not you're involved in other murders. This is crucial for me to defend you in court."You know very well that Alyssa and Jasper will take advantage of the death of a maid to attack you until you're done for. They will try their best to look into your past and submit unfavorable evidence against you in court. All these are plausible."Sophia couldn't stop trembling. She bit her lip hard."I am asking you the question for no other reason than to increase our chance at winning. You need to be honest with me. Give me your full trust and cooper
"Just wait and see. One day…" Betty's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Javier and Betty spun around to look at the visitors, only for their faces to fall.Jasper and Alyssa had showed up at court, followed by a few members of the Taylor family—Jonah Cyrus, Tatiana, and Winston's three wives. They expressed their support for the victim through their actions.Landon would have shown up to express his support at such a critical time, but he decided to keep Lauren company at home because the case involved Lauren's mother. He worried Lauren might suffer a breakdown when she learned about the details.Betty clenched her jaw as her eyes rested on Alyssa, but the latter did not pay any attention to her at all. With no way to release her anger, Betty raged on silently.Alyssa wore light makeup for the trial and a white pantsuit with her self-designed sapphire brooch on the chest. She carried herself with elegance and class.Jasper stood tall beside her in a smart and ta
"It's fine. Dad is at the meeting," Jonah replied while quietly casting a loving gaze at Alyssa. "I came over because I was worried about Lyse and wanted to lend a hand if any emergency arises.""Woah, Jonah, you're doting on her like she's your daughter," Cyrus complimented Jonah earnestly as he stared conflictedly at Alyssa and Jasper. "But we're not going to have many opportunities to stay by her side. Now that she has her protector, she will not need us as much.""Such is life. Ever since her 18th birthday, I braced for the day she no longer needs me." Jonah was flooded with memories of Alyssa's smiling face. Despite the bitterness, he only had blessings for Alyssa instead of envy. "Isn't it nice that we can entrust her to Jasper? It's also about time we 'retire' from her life."The murmurs ceased after the plaintiff, the attorneys, and the prosecutor filed into the court. Sean and Simon took their seats on both sides, the tension between them palpable."Sean, good luck!" Tatia
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