The corridor was previously empty. The loud footsteps of the Beckett family broke the silence in the hallway. Javier had a frosty expression on his face. His eyes were red. He was seething with rage as he strutted forward. The Beckett family members behind him held their breath. Rory followed closely behind Javier. He kept a straight expression on his face. But this hearing gave him an inexplicable feeling of relief in his heart.His heart harbored unspoken words for far too long.He had been in Javier's employ for a considerable time, witnessing Sophia's claim and enjoying everything that rightfully belonged to Anne. However, as a secretary, he could only go along with it. He had no other choice but to show respect to Sophia. This irked him. It made him feel indignant.Fortunately, justice prevailed. Even so, Rory pretended to be worried. He probed, "Mr. Javier, the verdict will be announced at 3:00 pm. Is there anything else that you need to get done before this? I can help
"Everyone heard the recording played in the courtroom just now!" Javier was so pissed off that his breathing had become uneven. He growled, "Others might not have recognized your voice. But of course I could! "Right from the start… you were fully aware of Sophia's actions. You knew she hired a hitman! Not only did you conceal it from me, but you actively assisted her in keeping it a secret. You must be out of your mind!" Betty denied, "No… That's not it…""Don't you know that you were harboring a criminal? You are an accomplice! Did you want to follow in Sophia's footsteps and end up imprisoned?" Betty was scared shitless. She was flustered. She knelt by Javier's feet. Tear stains marked her face as she gazed up at him. She pleaded, "Dad! I was wrong. I now know that what I did was wrong! "All those things… She made me do them! She's my mother. Those things that she asked me to do, I didn't dare to go against her! I was too mindlessly obedient. I was dumb! "Please, I beg you
The court session resumed at 3:00 pm sharp. The entire session was still being live-streamed. Everyone was now familiar with the presiding judge, the prosecutor, the plaintiff, and the defendant. In the morning, the public gallery was packed to the brim. Now, it was just Alyssa, Jasper, and their family and friends. The quietness was chilling. None of the other Becketts were present. Even Sophia's daughter, Betty, was too embarrassed to attend the session. Sophia and Jeffrey walked out one after another. Their hands were cuffed. Once again, they were led to their respective seats in humiliation. Metal railings separated Sophia and the rest of the courtroom. Her hair was in disarray. She was expressionless. She scanned the gallery with a blank look in her eyes. She observed that only the Taylor family remained. A twisted expression took over her face, and she couldn't help herself and burst out laughing. Steven frowned. He tapped the gavel. He coldly instructed, "Please be
Sentenced to death… He was sentenced to death?Jeffrey's mind felt like it had been struck by a massive explosion. He couldn't hear what Steven was saying next, and he didn't want to either.He grabbed onto the railing and shouted hysterically, "How could I be sentenced to death? I'm not a citizen of your country! Are you bullying me because I don't understand the law?"Even if I'm sentenced to death, it shouldn't be by you. I should be deported back to my country and be judged by my country's court! You can't sentence me to death!"Steven glanced at Jeffrey's pale and sinister face with a faint smile, then coldly raised his voice. "You're talking to me about the law? Okay, I'll give you a simple lesson in law, then."According to the Diplomatic and Consular Immunity Act, the criminal responsibility of foreigners who enjoy diplomatic immunity is resolved through diplomatic channels. Jeffrey, what qualifications do you think you have to enjoy this right?"Furthermore, foreigners w
Sophia believed that she would survive her 30-year sentence. But did she really have to serve a full 30 years in prison?She might be released in about ten years if she kept appealing, pretended to behave well, and did some under-the-table operations.Sophia felt that she still had a chance. However, the next moment, the small flame of hope that had just ignited in her heart was ruthlessly extinguished."Furthermore, in the case of Anne Bartley's fatal fall 20 years ago, the evidence is conclusive, and the defendant, Sophia Kirkman, has pleaded guilty in court."However, she had an ample motive and premeditated the crime. Throughout the past 20 years, she has had no inclination to turn herself in. To conceal her crime, she bribed and intimidated witnesses and destroyed evidence. Her crimes are even more heinous than those of Jeffrey Snyder."As Steven spoke, his voice grew louder. A faint redness appeared in his sharp eyes behind his glasses. "Hence, the defendant Sophia Kirkman
Little did Jasper know that tears were welling up in his eyes. He felt that his mother was watching this trial from heaven."Wasn't it 30 years? Why is it suddenly the death sentence? Why?"Sophia's cheeks twitched uncontrollably, as if her nerves had died. Her face was ashen. "You're making a mistake! I'm going to appeal!"Simon propped himself up on the table with both hands, supporting his body as if he had been drained of strength.He was an undefeated, top-notch attorney. But this time, he had lost completely.What made it even more unbearable for him was that he had lost to Sean, the person he despised the most."You have the right to appeal, but don't scream in court. It won't change anything." Steven coldly scanned Sophia. At this moment, he was furious beyond words.Gemma finally found peace when she heard the final verdict in the plaintiff's seat. Overwhelmed with emotion, she sobbed in the courtroom.Two court officers forcefully pulled Sophia, who was slumped on the
Simon's meticulously groomed hair was now messy, dripping with the rotten egg liquid. Before he could react, egg after egg bombarded him."Unscrupulous attorney! A lackey of the tycoons! How can you defend murderers like Sophia? Do you have any conscience?"A rotten tomato was being hurled at him, splattering red juice everywhere."Despicable villain! You have no humanity as an attorney. How many innocent people have you harmed just to wipe the asses of the rich? You're not worthy of being an attorney! You're simply insulting the profession!"Another rotten egg flew toward Simon, hitting him squarely in the face. The smell made it hard for him to even open his eyes."You damn beast! Go to hell!""You should die with Sophia!""Rot in hell!"Simon's clean suit was now unrecognizable. Trembling, he dodged left and right in a panic, trying to push through the crowd surrounding him.But the angry crowd formed a human wall around him, and some even took the opportunity to punch and
Xavier came running over with red-rimmed eyes, looking like he had just finished a good cry.As Jasper's most loyal secretary, he had witnessed Jasper carrying the resentment and overcoming numerous obstacles to reach this day. When the verdict was announced, he burst into tears outside, weeping like a baby."Is everything outside taken care of?" Jasper asked Xavier with a faint smile while holding Alyssa.Xavier nodded enthusiastically. "Yes. Oh, and my phone was ringing off the hook just now. Almost all the famous media outlets in the country have sent interview invitations to you."Jasper replied, "I won't accept any interviews.""I know, so I politely declined them on your behalf." Xavier hadn't calmed down yet. His voice was still trembling as he asked, "By the way, do you want to hold a press conference?"Now that Madam Anne's identity has been exposed, your illegitimate child status has been cleared. Maybe you should hold a press conference to clear the air for Madam Anne
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence. Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control. Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president—our direct competitor!"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest—outright cronyism!" Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression. Just then, a board member from Javier's
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