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
Tatiana wanted to comfort Sean, but she remembered she was the reason for everything that happened and didn't think she had any right to speak. So, she guiltily lowered her head with tears welling up in her eyes. "Taty, don't blame yourself. You have nothing to do with everything turning out this way." Sean comforted her. His voice was extremely gentle.Tatiana's eyes were puffy. Her lips trembled. "But…""You are the love of my life and the future I chose. I will do everything in my ability to see our relationship through. No one can stop me."As he finished, Steven's voice came from behind, "Sean!"Both of them turned around. They saw Steven running toward them."Steven, thank you for standing up for Taty. Thank you for standing on our side."A burning gaze simmered in Sean's reddened eyes. "We will always remember how good you have been to us. We will do whatever it takes to repay you for your kindness."Resentment lingered in Steven's eyes. "Sean, you are my only brother.
Tatiana changed into the oversized "dress" with excitement, spinning joyfully in front of the mirror. She found more happiness in it than in wearing any other fancy dresses.Suddenly, her phone rang, startling her. She tiptoed to the bedside, took the phone, and saw from the caller ID that it was Lyla. Her heart raced, panic setting in. Eventually, concerned that Lyla was worried about her, she chose to answer the call."Taty, why aren't you home? Where did you go?" Lyla sounded very worried."I-I'm fine, Mom. I'm doing alright.""Where are you now?"I am in Solana City with Sean."Tatiana mustered the courage and said, "I'm not going home, Mom. Sean is upset, so I want to stay with him."The conversation lapsed into silence, making her feel uncomfortable.After a long while, Lyla asked softly, "Are both of you staying at a hotel or Alyssa's house in Solana City?""No, Sean has a house in Solana City," Tatiana became softer as she spoke. Her face blushed."So, I see you'v
Tatiana said, "No! Don't think this way, Sean. I feel so blessed every day to be with you. I've never felt like I've suffered."Holding Sean's damp face, Tatiana panicked, and her eyes reddened. Each tear that rolled down his face felt like a pit carved into her heart.No one would know how strong Sean was more than she did. He had partnered with Jasper and Alyssa for so long and fought for them, becoming one of the most powerful people they had. Yet, that very same man hid in the kitchen to cry about what happened to her that day. The pain must be so great that he felt this dejected. Sean lowered his gaze, his voice strained with pain as he spoke, "Taty, you are a cherished member of the Taylor family, the darling of Mr. Winston and Madam Lyla. Mr. Jonah and Ms. Alyssa hold you dear. "I've witnessed your growth, the carefree days of your youth—licking lollipops, playfully hiding behind Ms. Alyssa. It's etched vividly in my memory. If it weren't for me, your life would have bee
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
Justin's casual question hit Javier like a thunderclap. Shock rippled through him, freezing his expression. His voice trembled with fear as he barked, "What nonsense is that? Are you accusing me of causing Chester's death? I'm your father—how could you think I'd do such a thing?""It's not an accusation. Just the facts," Justin replied coolly, crossing his legs and savoring his tea with unsettling calm. "And I'm not condemning you. In fact, I understand why you did it. I'm facing the same dilemma now."Javier's breathing grew ragged. He had watched Justin grow from a child into the man before him—now a predator, circling with quiet menace."You were meant to be the heir as the eldest son," Justin continued, his voice smooth as silk. "But Grandpa favored Uncle Chester, handing him major projects, grooming him in plain sight. "Uncle Chester's reputation soon eclipsed yours. He was a natural leader, adept at business, with one fatal flaw—he was kind. Too kind. Unlike you."Justin