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
Actually, the flowers were prepared by Rose early on. She knew this would be a winning battle. With Silas around, victory was assured.After anonymously sending the flowers, Rose quietly walked toward the parking lot alone.Her long eyelashes fluttered, and so did her heart.Silas was dressed sharply in a prosecutor's sleek black suit in the courtroom. He passionately debated, forcing the villains to show their true sides.When Rose recalled his heroic demeanor, her cheeks gradually flushed, and her heart pounded uncontrollably."Since you're here, shouldn't you at least say hello before leaving, Ms. Emerson?" a familiar and clear voice came from behind.Rose suddenly stopped in her tracks. After taking a deep breath, she slowly turned around.Silas, still dressed in his prosecutor's uniform, stood tall and straight. He then walked up to her. "Also, shouldn't you tell me what the flowers you sent me mean?"Calming herself, Rose met his bright gaze. "Sunflowers symbolize victory
"Return it to me when you've had enough of this game," Silas said.Rose's eyes widened as she looked at the shiny badge in her palm.…Although Alyssa and Jasper had won the battle and felt relaxed, their spirits had been tense for days. Suddenly relaxing, they felt physically and mentally exhausted. They were eager to go home and have a good sleep together in their bed.Just as they got into the car, Jasper's phone rang.Alyssa glanced at it and saw that it was Landon calling. Her heart skipped a beat. "Jasper, answer it. It might be about Lauren."Jasper frowned slightly and answered, "Landon, what's wrong?""Jasper, are you and Lyse together?"Landon's voice sounded urgent and hoarse with worry. "Can you come to my house now? Lauren is crying so hard because of Sophia. I can't do anything. I'm really afraid she'll hurt herself if she keeps crying like this."Can you please come over? She's closest to Lyse. Maybe Lyse can comfort her. Please?"…The couple rushed to Landon
"So what?" Landon shouted.Lauren stared at Landon in utter bewilderment. Her reddened eyes widened as if they were about to tear through her eye sockets.Knowing he had misspoken, Landon hung his numb hands helplessly in the air. He was at a loss and in panic. "Lauren, I didn't mean it. I..."He forgot that, despite Sophia's heinous crimes, she was still Lauren's mother.He had always been ruthless and cold-hearted. Sometimes, even Angelina, who had seen all sorts of bloodshed and violence, was afraid of him when he got angry.He could decisively let go of many things that others cherish. He believed that if he could do it, others could too. They just needed to endure the pain.Suddenly, Lauren screamed. As if she didn't recognize Landon anymore, she pushed him away forcefully while he was distracted and ran toward the door without looking back."Lauren!" Shocked, Landon felt his blood run cold."Lauren!"Fortunately, Alyssa and Jasper arrived in time and intercepted the out-
Watching Landon's anxious, bloodshot eyes, Angelina felt a pang of heartache.In fact, she had initially disagreed with Landon's approach of letting Lauren face reality. She felt it was too cruel for someone as fragile as Lauren.However, the news of Sophia's death sentence couldn't be hidden forever. It was better to handle it promptly than to let it explode later.Yet, she overestimated Landon's control over Lauren and underestimated Lauren's power during her episode."Angelina, take Lauren back to her room to rest."Jasper then turned to Landon with concern. "Landon, you're not in a good state either. Let Angelina look after Lauren for now."Angelina carefully took Lauren from Landon's embrace and effortlessly carried her, steadily making her way upstairs.Alyssa and Jasper exchanged bewildered glances.Angelina, whom Landon had raised since childhood, could easily replace a grown man."I just wanted... I just wanted Lauren to accept the reality. I didn't expect it would tu
Alyssa continued, "Lauren likes art. She's exceptionally gifted in painting and has the potential to become a brilliant artist. Have you ever seriously nurtured her talent? Why haven't you hired a teacher to teach her painting?"Why haven't you sent her to prestigious art schools for further studies? Is her talent only meant to entertain you and make you happy? Do you know you're wasting her time and holding her back?"Landon felt like there was a massive hole in his heart that was causing him pain. "I'm not wasting Lauren's time. I'm not holding her back. Lauren is the only woman I want in my life. From the beginning, you and Jasper have known that I want to marry her!""What difference does it make if you marry her? It'll just be repeating the same days, or even worse."Alyssa shook her head in disappointment. "If you're incapable of taking care of Lauren, then you shouldn't have made promises. This is not the first time she has had her episodes, but this is definitely the most s
Jasper had not let go of his hatred for Sophia, nor had he become indifferent to the pain his mother had suffered. However, if he dwelled on the hatred, it would not only cause him to sink into misery but also make those around him unhappy.Alyssa nodded in agreement, sighing. "Landon, I know you and Jasper are like brothers, but you have Lauren now. You two are a family. Can you put her first next time? Don't always think about my man."Jasper and Landon were both speechless at her words."Also, don't think that Lauren wanting to see Sophia is a betrayal to us. She just wants to see Sophia one last time. This actually shows her pure heart and kindness. If Lauren were as resentful as Betty, wishing to deny her own origins, then you should be afraid."…Considering Lauren's unstable condition, Alyssa decided not to return that night, even if it meant not sleeping to take care of her.Since she wasn't leaving, Jasper naturally had to stay with her.Knowing Alyssa's high requiremen
In an instant, Landon felt like he had been shot in the heart. The pain caused his sturdy body to tremble."Back in the Beckett family, Lauren had no sense of self, and she wasn't happy at all. Now that she's with you, she's become the woman you keep by your side, living life according to your arrangements and preferences. I don't think being too compliant is good for her."Jasper lowered his eyes and took a sip of wine. "Take a few days apart from each other to calm down. It's a chance to think about the future of your relationship and how you want to proceed.""Jasper... do you even hear what you're saying?"Landon slammed his hands on the table, causing the wine in the glass decanter to ripple. His eyes were redder than the wine within."When you pursued Alyssa, I never once asked you to give up! Now, when I need advice, you don't help... and you even want me to give up?"In the end, I'm just a worthless and irresponsible bastard in your eyes! You never wanted Lauren and me to
"Jas…"Alyssa looked at Jasper with an unfocused gaze. Her breaths were shallow, and she was slipping in and out of consciousness. Mentally, she was confused. "Yes, it's me—Jasper!"Jasper's heart clenched as he saw the color drain from her face. Her body trembled uncontrollably, fragile as a leaf caught in the wind. She resembled the kitten he had saved as a child—frozen and alone in the alley that bitter winter night. A deep sorrow flooded his chest."Jas… per…" Alyssa murmured his name, her voice strained, her tongue numb from the cold.A faint, mocking smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and tears streamed down her cheeks. "It seems… like I am about… to freeze to death… How could he be here… He will not come back… He doesn't want me anymore…" Alyssa's vision blurred as her eyelids grew heavy. She began to lean, her body sagging to one side."Alyssa! Stay awake!" Jasper's heart was pierced, the pain unbearable as he saw the denial in her eyes. He forced himself to pu
Elias frowned deeply; his worry etched onto his face. "We've been shouting Ms. Alyssa's name the whole way. With so many of us calling out, she should've heard us by now if she were nearby!"In a deep voice, Jasper said, "The wind is too strong, and then there's the heavy snowfall. Our voices are being drowned out. Lyse might not hear us at all."Lyse. Her nickname slipped from his lips before he even realized it."I'm just afraid she's injured—or worse, fainted. If she blacks out in this cold…" Elias trailed off, his voice heavy with dread. "On a day like this, she won't survive long. She'll freeze to death."The group exchanged uneasy glances, the reality of his words tightening their chests.It wasn't that Elias was being a doomsayer. Rather, this was the cruel reality that might actually happen. Crater Mountain claimed lives every year. Danger lurked unpredictably in the woods on the mountain—anything could unfold."Let's split up," Jasper commanded, his eyes fixed on t
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her
The skies started to turn dark. Alyssa's dark hair was covered in a layer of snow. As she stood alone at the foot of the majestic mountain, she looked tiny, fragile, and desolate. "Ms. Alyssa, it's snowing. Heavy snowfall is forecasted tonight." Elias walked to Alyssa's side. Noticing the redness on her face due to the cold and the dull look in her eyes, he had a moment of realization. He couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness within him. "It's getting late. I suppose something came up for Mr. Beckett, and he's unable to make it." "Why didn't he inform me if that is the case?" Alyssa mumbled in a low voice as she gazed toward the darkness. She choked back on her tears so softly that her grievance couldn't really be heard through her voice. Elias slapped himself on his forehead. "Ah, perhaps you didn't manage to receive Mr. Beckett's message? The reception at the foot of the mountain isn't quite stable. You might have missed it. Would you like to come to my office? You'l
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t