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,
Tatiana felt like she was being plunged into an icy abyss, with a hurricane of cold sweeping through her chest. The flush of embarrassment on her cheeks drained away, leaving her face pale.As she looked into Sinead's tear-filled eyes, she saw through her pretense and detected the disdain in her heart.In the past, she might have turned and fled, hiding in a corner and wallowing in self-pity and tears. But this time, an inexplicable courage surged within her—a courage to face the Lynches directly.She loved Sean. That was all.Was love wrong? Why should she bow down to them?If she ran away in disgrace now, wouldn't she be tacitly agreeing that what Sinead said was true?"Ms. Tatiana, do you understand what I'm saying?" Sinead still appeared frail and helpless, but her tone was icy.Sean's shoulders trembled with anger. The veins in his neck bulged as if about to burst. "You can vent your anger at me! How dare you speak to the woman I love like this? What has Taty done to deserv
Tatiana continued, "And also, you said that Lyse has been using Sean, trampling on his dignity, and even claimed that my family looks down on him. These are all baseless accusations."If it were true, my parents would never have agreed to my relationship with Sean, and my father wouldn't have acknowledged him as his godson."The Lynch couple was shocked. Godson? When did that happen? How come they had never heard Sean mention it?Recalling this, Simon felt jealousy and resentment bubbling up inside him.All these years, he had been currying favor with everyone he could, only to have Sean become Winston's godson just because he was close with the Taylors.If he had known things would turn out like this, he would have tried to ingratiate himself with the Taylor family from the beginning. Perhaps by now, he would have become a son-in-law or even the Director of Legal Affairs at KS Group.Then Sean wouldn't be in the picture at all.Forget being a godson. He would have happily settl
The unbearable events of that night surged back like a flood, drowning Tatiana in almost breathless agony."Ms. Tatiana, you're a scion of the Taylor family. All of Belbanks knows about the decades-long friendship between your family and the Schmidt family. David forced you? I doubt he would have dared."Simon turned the ward into a courtroom, forgetting how he had been reduced to a pathetic state. "You two were alone together in the room, and when the scandal broke, you Taylors joined forces to shift the blame onto the Schmidt family."You knew you were tainted, making it difficult for you to find a partner in high society in the future. So, you decided to stoop down and use Sean as your lifeline, taking advantage of him."Ha! Ms. Tatiana, you're really something. I guess you're not inferior to Ms. Alyssa.""You beast!" Sean lost all rationality. His eyes turned bloodshot as he struck Simon's face with his fists. The punch contorted Simon's features in an instant.The Lynch coup
Sean and Tatiana stared in astonishment at Steven's resolute face, deeply moved by his actions.Despite the couple feeling as if they had a sword hanging over their heads, someone from the Lynch family was actually willing to lend them a hand.This act of kindness amidst adversity was more precious and heartwarming than ever before."Steven! How dare you speak to your mother like that?"Spencer finally couldn't contain his anger. He rose abruptly and pointed accusingly at Steven's stern face. "Your mother has worked tirelessly all her life, raising you three brothers single-handedly. And all you have to say is that she's disappointing?"Are you and Sean trying to drive us two old folks to death?"Simon took the opportunity to paint himself as the victim. Spewing blood and air, he said, "Dad! Mom! Look at them! They don't even care about you two! People said to raise a child to prevent loneliness. But I'm the only one who truly stands by you. They're both traitors!"When Simon re
Not only that, the text message Simon's secretary had sent him disgusted him.The text message read, "Mr. Lynch, consider this text message as my official resignation. Everything has unfolded the way it has today because of your arrogance. I've endured enough of your torment. "You may think of yourself as a king, but I no longer wish to serve you. If the law didn't protect this land, I would have slaughtered you myself. I hope to never see you again! Congratulations on your closure!"Simon was seething with anger. His hand, gripping the phone, trembled uncontrollably. He felt completely out of his element and adrift. "I've not wrongly accused you in any way. How you ended up here is entirely your own doing!"Steven was utterly devastated. He gritted his teeth and continued, "Up until now, you have shown no remorse. You're jealous of Sean and exploit Mom and Dad's obliviousness to get back at him, tearing down the accomplishments he worked so hard for!"Simon, when did you becom
Dad! Mom! Don't listen to him! It's not like that!" Simon angrily defended himself, "Steven and Sean conspired together and caused me trouble in court. "Now, he is jumping at the first chance to speak for Sean and try to tarnish my reputation! I believe Alyssa and Jasper have bribed both of them! They are lackeys for the Taylors. They are just as bad as them."Unable to endure any longer, Steven interrupted before Simon could finish. He, who had always been poised and proper, punched Simon!He was more ruthless than Sean and punched Simon right in the nose. Sean stagged backward from the force, and his nose bled profusely."Sigh, a leopard can't change its spots."Steven shook his sore fingers. Rage burned in his eyes. "If you claim I conspired with Sean on this, so be it. Sean collaborated with me to beat the crap out of the shameless, pretentious, and malicious person you are! What can you do about it?"Simon held his sore and painful nose. He pointed at Steven's stern face an
Steven asserted, "Mom, I've made my decision. You don't need to persuade me otherwise."Then, Steven's burdened gaze fell on Spencer's haggard face once again.Suddenly, he distanced himself from the man who had raised them. "Dad, I've never asked for anything growing up. But, I'm asking you today to think of our 30-year relationship and agree to this. I will only ask this once."I hope you won't make things difficult for Ms. Tatiana and won't prevent Sean from being together with her. They really love each other. If Sean loses Ms. Tatiana, I'm certain he wouldn't find anyone as great as her in this lifetime."Sean and Tatiana stood before Spencer with laced fingers. They exchanged glances, and it was obvious that their love was as deep as the ocean.What Steven said terrified Sinead. She could only wail.An inexplicable look appeared in Spencer's eyes. He asked hoarsely, "Steven, are you using your resignation to threaten me?""If you think that way, so be it," Steven laughed d
When Axel heard the news, he immediately returned to the city where his organization was based. Without even reporting back to work, he booked the earliest red-eye flight to Cyrris. His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, and when he emerged from the arrival gates, an ominous air surrounded him. A black luxury car awaited him at the exit.Standing in front of the car were Jasper and Xavier, who had been waiting anxiously for his arrival.Axel's gaze locked onto Jasper's fiery eyes. His presence radiated fury, unrestraint, and a barely contained viciousness. A strong gust of wind swept through the terminal. Snow danced in the air, tangling both Jasper's and Axel's hair into disarray."Let's talk in the car, Axel," Jasper said in a low, measured voice.Red-eyed, Axel insisted, "I need to find my wife right now." "That's exactly why I'm here. Get in the car, and we'll talk." Jasper turned on his heel. His tone grew colder. "But let's be honest—you won't find her no matter ho
Jasper wanted to console Alyssa but found himself at a loss for words. So, he remained silent. "Disappointed, aren't you?" Alyssa sniffled as she smiled bitterly."Not at all." Perhaps he had been expecting too much. As a woman, she was intelligent, capable, and a strategist for victory. Beyond that, she boldly stepped forward to fight against the dark forces. She was strong and perfect as she was—why should he expect her to be anything more?Yet, seeing Alyssa's vulnerable side unsettled him. Something tugged at his heartstrings, a deep ache he couldn't ignore."I found it! I found Ms. Altman's cell phone!" With more manpower and better visibility as the sun rose, it didn't take long to locate Amber's bloodied phone. "Ambs…"Alyssa's face drained of color as terror gripped her at the sight of the bloodstained device. Jasper, on the other hand, remained composed. He tried powering on the phone, and to their surprise, it turned on. "What's the password?" Jasper asked g
"Five times more potent than the previous version? Are you sure it's safe for Remy to consume this?" Sheryl picked up the pill, unease flickering across her face. As much as she despised Remy, she couldn't deny his prowess as a fighter and his value as Justin's right-hand man. Having him around would certainly ease Justin's workload, prompting her to double-check."It won't kill him, but it won't be pleasant either. Don't worry—it's temporary," Justin replied, a sinister smile curling his lips. He continued nonchalantly, "When he takes the pill, his adrenaline will spike, flooding him with energy while his muscles tense. He'll feel both pain and euphoria. Then, it will fade, leaving him dependent on the drug moving forward." The implication was clear to Sheryl. Justin intended to control Remy through addiction. "Remy wasn't born for the shadows," Justin continued, his gaze darkened. "He's just a victim of post-traumatic amnesia, his nervous system subdued with sedatives and anes
"Got it, Mr. Harper!" Harper Group's subordinates acknowledged before swiftly dispersing. "I'm going to search for Amber too," Alyssa said, turning to leave.Jasper caught her arm. "It's freezing. Go wait in the car." Landon chimed in, "Lyse, listen to Jasper. Just wait in the car. We'll search for Amber.""No—I have to come too!" Alyssa sniffled. The sharp wind stung her face, leaving her nose raw and crimson, her eyes watering until they puffed into tender, swollen crescents. "Amber's in trouble because of me. I was careless—it's all my fault!""Lyse…" Landon's heart sank at her remorseful expression.Jasper's gaze softened as he studied Alyssa's pale face. "Her disappearance isn't your fault."Tears welled in Alyssa's eyes as she shook her head. "Amber means everything to Axel. If anything happens to her, I won't be able to face him. I don't deserve to be his sister. Please, let me come with you."Jasper and Landon failed to dissuade her. Reluctantly, they agreed. Alyssa
After studying Sheryl for a moment, Remy turned and left."M-Ms. Gillis, are you okay?" One of Sheryl's subordinates came forward to help her up."Useless bastard! Why didn't you step in when he hit me earlier?" Sheryl's voice trembled with fury as her gaze fell on the crimson stains marring the pristine snow.Stammering, the subordinate replied, "R-Remy acted too quickly. Everyone in the organization knows how good of a fighter he is. None of us stood a chance against him!""S-Something wasn't right about him tonight." Sheryl watched Remy's retreating figure disappear into the distance, her voice dropping to a menacing murmur. "I need to report this to Mr. Justin in person immediately."Inside his car, Remy gripped the steering wheel tightly with both hands but made no move to drive.Closing his eyes, he felt a suffocating sensation rise in his throat, as though he were drowning in an endless, hopeless sea. He was just a speck, sinking deeper and deeper into the abyss.A shar
With a piercing gaze, Sheryl glared at Remy, who stood in front of her car with an air of frigidity around him. The temptation to ram her car into the crestfallen man was almost irresistible, but she didn't dare. Remy was Justin's right-hand man, and even her audacity had limits. Instead, Sheryl pulled her white coat snugly around her, stepped out of the car with feigned composure, and strode toward him. Hostility crackled between them as their eyes locked.Sheryl broke the silence. "Remy, is there nothing you'd like to update me about?" she asked with a sinister look in her eyes. Stiffly, Remy asked, "Where did you take that woman?" "How shameless of you to question me. Mr. Justin was wise to send me as backup. Otherwise, Amber would have escaped without a trace!"Gritting her teeth, Sheryl took a step closer to Remy. "Is this how you handle tasks entrusted by Mr. Justin? The unstoppable Remy, brought to his knees by a wild brat? Or did you let her go intentionally? Are yo
"Jameson and Carl have been eliminated. Who else could be targeting Amber?"A sharp glint flashed in Jasper's eyes as a thought struck him. "Could it be Justin or Sheryl?" he asked, his voice low and tense.He recalled seeing Justin in the living room earlier that evening, wide awake instead of resting. Was Justin waiting for something? Or perhaps, provoking him in subtle defiance?"They are the only ones I can think of with a grudge against Amber." Alyssa's anxiousness made her voice tremble. "Having worked for Jameson for years, Amber must have visited Mosgravia multiple times to meet with Sir—who is, in fact, Justin. "Justin wouldn't have met anyone else besides Jameson. But how could he leave no trace after all those interactions? Amber must have figured out his true identity. And Justin—he must have realized who she is, even with her changed appearance."Jasper's expression darkened. "So he decided to eliminate her as a precaution."Tears welled in Alyssa's eyes, threaten
Searching for Amber without direction would be pointless. Jasper made a swift decision to bring Alyssa back to the manor, shielding her from the relentless chill of the wind. Once inside, he immediately began organizing the search. He deployed his men and contacted Landon, requesting additional support.The two of them sat together on the couch.This time, there was no space between them. It was as though an invisible force drew them closer, their proximity feeling natural yet electric. Neither could say who had moved first.Alyssa, however, was in no mood to dwell on their closeness. Wrapped in her down jacket, she curled up on the couch, her arms hugging herself tightly. A quiet frostiness emanated from her as she sat in silence, listening to Jasper's calm and methodical calls to mobilize his team.In the past, his composed presence would have been enough to ease her mind. But now, her thoughts were a tangled mess, each one like a razor claw tearing at her heart. The pain was u
"Ms. Gillis, I've searched her thoroughly. She doesn't have anything on her." Sheryl's brows knitted in frustration. "How can that be? Where's her cell phone?" "There wasn't one." Sheryl, no longer concerned about dirtying herself, stepped forward, grabbed Amber by her hair, and forced her to meet her gaze."You bitch," Sheryl snarled. "You came to The Millennium at this hour for a reason. What did you find? Hand it over, and I might spare your worthless life!"Amber spat a mouthful of bloody saliva directly onto Sheryl's face."Fuck! You bitch!" Glaring at Amber, Sheryl rolled her sleeves up and slapped her twice in the face. Even so, it wasn't enough to quench her fury. She yelled, "Take her back!" Two of Sheryl's subordinates moved forward, dragging a limp Amber away. Sheryl's reddened eyes burned with fury as she wiped the spit off her face. She was teetering on the edge of madness."Search the area! Retrace her steps and leave no stone unturned!"…Jasper drove to