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
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
The hospital ward was bathed in a dim, yellow glow from the bedside lamp. The silence was thick, yet the room held a strange warmth—an unfamiliar comfort that felt oddly familiar to Remy.Pain radiated through his body as he struggled to sit up. His eyes fell on Mandy, who was asleep beside his bed. Her hair was a mess, and her swollen eyes suggested she'd been crying. She was sound asleep. Remy stiffened. His breath quickened as he stared at her fragile figure. Slowly, he leaned forward, his fingers lifting slightly, tempted to reach out.Just as his hand hovered close, Mandy's lashes fluttered. In her sleep, she murmured, "Damien… Damien… I miss you so much…" Tears slipped down her cheeks, silent and unbidden.A pang tugged at Remy's heart. Without thinking, he brushed away her tears with his calloused fingers. The moment his skin touched hers, a jolt shot through him, sharp and electrifying. Pain throbbed at his temples, but beneath it was a warmth he didn't want to let g