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
Simon was already in his 30s and still seeking his father's protection when trouble arose. It was truly laughable."Taty and I genuinely love each other. Everything you said is nothing but nonsense and slander!"Sean, full of indignation, spoke with unwavering righteousness. His words were resounding as if he and Simon were once again standing in a courtroom engaged in a heated debate. "I've done everything out of my own will. No one forced me!"I stand with Ms. Alyssa and Mr. Beckett because they speak up for the weak in society. They have hearts set on righteousness! Unlike you, who aid and abet others, only seeking personal gain! Your current state is a result of your own actions. It's your karma!""Dad! Mom! Do you hear what Sean is saying?"Simon's arrogant demeanor in front of Sean diminished. He began to play the victim in front of his parents, trying to whitewash himself and use his parents to pressure Sean."I'm a lawyer. A lawyer's duty is to win cases for their clients
Tatiana suppressed her grievances and forced out the brightest smile she could muster, even adding a hint of sweetness to her tone as she spoke, "I heard you were ill, Mrs. Lynch. Sean rushed over to see you. He really cared for you."If you don't mind, may I look after you these days? Just let me know whatever you want to eat. Whether it's soup, stew, or snacks, I can make them for you."Observing this, Sean felt his heart ache again. He wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her tightly against him.He pitied her.He pitied her for trying so hard to please his parents and for sacrificing herself just to leave a good impression on them.She was his treasure. Yet, at this moment, he felt like he was tarnishing her.Sinead was initially pleased to see the daughter of the Taylor family showing such concern for her. However, upon witnessing Sean being affectionate with Tatiana, she felt a pang of jealousy. She thought Tatiana was merely trying to win them over and seduce her son,
Alyssa followed Jasper into the study. The door closed behind her with a soft click. She didn't move to switch on the lights or sit down. Instead, she stood quietly in the dim room.They faced each other, eyes locked. In the darkness, their gazes seemed brighter, charged with emotions that neither could put into words. Whatever stirred within them was tangled and silent—kept at bay by something unspoken, as if a wall had formed between heart and mouth. After a pause, Alyssa offered a faint smile. Her voice was soft, almost courteous. "Go ahead, Mr. Beckett. I won't be staying long tonight—I've made other arrangements."It was clear she didn't want to be alone in a room with him.Jasper's chest tightened, overwhelmed by a surge of emotion he couldn't define. His voice was rough when he finally spoke. "You didn't vote against the motion at today's board meeting. I wanted to know… are we still on the same side?"Alyssa's gaze lowered, her voice steady and calm. "You didn't object
In the evening, Xavier drove Jasper to meet with Newton. Along the way, news broke out that Sheryl had been bailed out. Xavier slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Damn it! Why is it so hard to get rid of that woman?" "She is Justin's right hand," Jasper said, eyes shut as he leaned back in his seat. His jaw tightened. "You could even say she knows more about his secrets than anyone. As long as she's useful, Justin won't discard her so easily. This is how he operates."Xavier shook his head, teeth gritted. "Where the hell did she even come from? When you had me investigate her, I found nothing. Her background was spotless. "What's in her past that Justin would go so far to keep it hidden? A man like him can have any woman he wants, yet he clings to her—some pretty-faced idiot who only seems to make things harder for him."Jasper's gaze turned glacial. Xavier's casual remark struck him.He was right. Justin wasn't short on capable subordinates. So why Sheryl?Was Sh
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