"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
Despite complaining about discomfort, Alyssa nestled comfortably against his chest and sighed, "These two really worry me.""Lauren just had an argument with Landon. Is it appropriate to leave them alone now?" Jasper asked in a low voice."Lauren still loves Landon. I know that. After this incident, Landon must also realize his mistake. Let him go in and comfort Lauren. The person who caused the problem should be the one to solve it."Jasper nodded, smoothing the strands of hair that had fallen beside her cheek with his fingertips. "You're right.""Angelina just told me that Cornelius will convene a shareholder meeting for the Harper Group this month. He's officially appointing Landon as the president of Harper Group and letting him enter the board of directors. Then he'll go to the Beckett family to propose marriage."Jasper's eyes flickered, but he didn't say anything."What's wrong? You don't look too happy. Do you not approve of this marriage?"Alyssa lifted her hand to gent
Landon blamed himself for what he had done.If only he could have a little more patience. If only he could consider Lauren a bit more."Don't rush it, Mr. Landon. Take it slow," Angelina comforted him softly.Just as she was about to leave, Lauren suddenly hugged her from behind and cried out, "Angie, don't leave! Don't leave!""Madam Lauren, don't be afraid. It's Mr. Landon," Angelina quickly reassured her."Don't leave... Please...""Alright, I won't leave. I'll stay with you." Angelina looked at the pale-faced Landon and felt both bitter and conflicted.With reddened eyes, Landon knelt in front of Lauren. He wanted to hold her hand, but she avoided him."I know I was wrong. If I ever say anything harsh to you again... you... you can let Richie out to bite me, okay?"Lauren bit her lip tightly. Even with blood beads forming on her lips, she didn't say a word."Punish me however you want, but please don't ignore me... Darling, please..."The formidable and fearsome Landon w
Sean and Tatiana didn't dare delay and hurried to the hospital.Sean held Tatiana's hand as they arrived at the ward. At the door, they could hear Simon, the unrepentant bastard, shouting inside, mixed with Sinead's sobbing."Dad! Mom! I'm in this state today all because of Sean, that double-cross dickhead! He's your son and my own brother, but did you see what he did in court?"He's been working for Jasper and Alyssa, acting as their pawn! And it's his own brother he's ruining! I'm going to be doomed because of him!"Simon was in a rage, swearing profusely. No one could imagine that the one speaking behind the closed door was none other than Simon Lynch, the lawyer who once enjoyed unparalleled prestige in Solana City.Sean's anger flared up. His sharp jawline tensed, and he clenched his fists so hard that the cracking was audible.Tatiana heard everything clearly as well. She squeezed his hand tightly and stared into his reddened eyes. She subtly shook her head, indicating that
"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
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