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
Sean tearfully embraced his beloved and said, "I may have come from the Lynch family, but the moment they started insulting you, I no longer had anything to do with them."Tatiana was both touched and concerned. "Sean…""I don't have a home anymore," Sean said with a bitter chuckle, though most of what he felt was a sense of release. "From now on, I'm just Sean Lynch. The third son of the Lynch family has ceased to exist.""Who says you don't have a home?" Tatiana's brows furrowed as she pressed her fingers to Sean's lips. "You'll always have a family as long as I'm here. My family is your family."…As the night continued, both Tatiana and Sean naturally slept together.But they only slept in the same bed, nothing more. Sean lay stiffly beside Tatiana in pajamas like a canned sardine. There was even a clear divide between him and Tatiana on the bed.He could smell the shampoo Tatiana had used for her hair. He could hear her breathing and even feel her warmth.Sean swallowed
The sky was dark as rain drizzled from the heaven above. It was the perfect weather to pay respects to one's loved ones at the cemetery.Alyssa and Jasper had come to pay respects to Anne again. They had brought flowers and hurriedly cleaned the gravestone up as if planning to have a meal with Jasper's mother.Though Anne had long passed away, she must not be lonely now that Alyssa and Jasper tended to her grave and missed her so."Lyse and I have gotten revenge for you, Mom. Sophia's been sentenced to death. 20 years… it's finally over." Jasper clasped Alyssa's hand tightly. "Retribution will always come in time. I hope you can finally be at peace now."The two then bowed respectfully to the gravestone.Just then, steady footsteps rang out from nearby."It's Grandpa!" Alyssa turned over excitedly.Jasper's pupils dilated in surprise.Newton was pushed over by Ben in his wheelchair, not far away. There was a bouquet of white lilies in Newton's lap—Anne's favorite. When Anne was
Both Alyssa and Jasper were speechless.Newton really had a sharp tongue. But it was such good tongue-lashing!"Dad, Anne was my wife. I'm just here to pay her my respects. Why are all of you antagonizing me?" Javier couldn't stand Newton's words anymore. He immediately lost composure in front of his father."Your wife? Isn't your wife that criminal, Sophia Kirkman?" Newton snorted.Javier's hands balled into fists as he burned with anger.Newton had never once affirmed Sophia's position as his daughter-in-law, yet now, here he was, doing so in such a sarcastic way. What else was Newton doing but insulting and humiliating Javier?"Dad, the truth about Anne's death was late by 20 years. I'm just as devastated after finding out about it!" Javier's eyes were bloodshot as he pointed at his own chest. "I was under so much pressure all those years ago because I brought Anne and Jasper home. I did it even though you opposed my decision! Didn't I do that all because I loved Anne? You s
Alyssa and Jasper shot one another a knowing look, their hearts beating in unison.Javier's face had long paled as he watched them leave. It felt like all the blood in his veins had turned to ice.…There were three luxury cars waiting outside the cemetery.Alyssa and Jasper climbed into the first car while Newton sat in the second. Soon, Javier walked out of the cemetery with Rory by his side, the former looking quite dejected."Mr. Javier," Ben greeted respectfully. "Mr. Newton is asking for you to join his car. He would like to speak to you about something."Javier's eyes darkened.The father and son sat together in the car as if an invisible wall separated them."Did you want to talk to me, Dad?" Javier asked quietly.Newton said calmly as he stared straight ahead, "Now that Sophia has admitted to her crime, only death awaits her—unless you still have feelings for her and plan on reducing her sentence. "I'm still going to make myself clear right now—I will definitely mak
It was public knowledge that Newton, despite retiring from his role as the Beckett Group's chairman, held the company stocks and remained the shareholder and the honorary chairman across many other companies.He remained in control of Brighton Technology and Alcove Co. Although Javier was eager to get his hands on the two companies, Newton refused to give him the opportunity.However, Newton had breezily given Jasper power in the two companies, which was clearly an act of favoritism. It was also a subtle declaration that Jasper was the "chosen one" and the heir of Beckett Group."Why are you quiet? Do you disagree with my decision?" Newton asked coldly."I'm sure you have thought over it carefully," Javier replied. After a pause, Javier added, "But you've given Jasper too much stock ownership when he's still young. I worry that he might feel pressured by it. It's also a distraction that might affect his growth in the future.""I know what Jasper is capable of. Even if the sky fa
"Mr. Schmidt, here's some Vintage Narcissus tea that was flown in this morning. Please have a taste," said Sheryl Gillis.She deftly and elegantly prepared the tea for Jameson, which was an art form in itself.Soon, she served him a new cup of hot tea. The fair lady stood there amid the steam from the tea and the subtle tea scent wafting in the air. She radiated a captivating yet distant presence, a combination of contradictory traits that strangely complemented each other.Indeed, those who worked for the man were the cream of the crop who were carefully nurtured. Troublesome employees would have already been removed early on."Thank you, Ms. Gillis." Jameson raised his cup, but his gaze remained fixed on her.She bore a resemblance to a particular someone—the woman whom he had loved for a long time."Mr. Schmidt, is there something on my face?" Sheryl wondered with a gentle smile."No. Sorry. That was rude." He quickly looked away with astonishment.The man behind the curtain
The look in Jameson's eyes hardened. "Sophia Kirkman is no longer of use. If you look around the Beckett Group, there's no one to keep Jasper Beckett in check—he's the only one in power. "I'm concerned that Javier Beckett might hand Jasper more power out of guilt for his son and his late wife, as well as pressure from Newton Beckett. If that happens, Jasper will be invincible."The man said calmly, "Let's play chess." Then, he moved his chess piece.Jameson pursed his lips. He was about to make his move when the man smiled and remarked, "Mr. Schmidt, why are you so insistent that I go back to Solana City soon? "Is it truly for my best, or are you doing this for yourself to gain a helping hand? Are you using me against Jasper Beckett to get your hands on Ms. Alyssa?""No, sir. Everything I do is in your interest. That surely wasn't my intention." Jameson broke out in cold sweat as he professed his loyalty."I don't mind lending a helping hand. But looking back, nothing comes out
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