Alyssa exclaimed, "He even went through a critical stage. How could I not panic?" Alyssa broke out in a cold sweat that made her back damp. She felt numb. "Why didn't you call me at that time? Dad went through something like that… I'm his daughter. How could I not be by his side?" Jasper saw that her eyes had filled with tears. He felt as if his heart was being crushed. Immediately, he took her shaking hand and gave it a tight squeeze. Under usual circumstances, she would playfully tease Winston, occasionally displaying indifference towards him. But in times like these, her genuine anxiety for her father was clear. Jasper fully understood where she was coming from.Jonah looked into Alyssa's eyes. He sighed helplessly. "It was Dad who made us keep it from you." Alyssa felt a sharp pain in her heart. "Dad…" "When Dad was having the stroke, he instructed Mr. Benton not to inform us, especially you." Jonah tried his best to speak in a neutral tone. "Dad knows that you've been
"What did Dominic do this time?" Alyssa's tone was cold, and her eyes were deep.Jasper felt that Dominic, as a branch of the Taylor family and Winston's only younger brother, seemed to be anything but well-behaved.He had always thought the Taylors were a rare example of unity and beauty in a family. He never expected there would be such a black sheep among them."He made accumulator investments secretly to make more money. But the recent turmoil in the Mosgravia stock market caused him to lose a lot."Jonah frowned slightly and shook his head. "He could have withdrawn in time and saved himself. But for some reason, he thought the Mosgravia government would intervene to rescue the market, so he continued to purchase accumulators."But he didn't have enough funds, so he thought of embezzling the company's funds.""He's really a fool among fools! His brain is just filled with mush!" The furious Alyssa pounded her fist on the car window.Jasper squeezed her hand tightly, agreeing
Jonah continued, "Uncle Dominic used to be a smooth talker, always speaking up for Dad in front of Grandpa. He would sneak into the study at midnight to feed Dad and help him write the lines. He imitated Dad's handwriting so well that Grandpa never noticed that he wrote most of them."But at some point, Uncle Dominic changed. It appears that power, fame, and wealth can corrupt and change people's nature."Alyssa's gaze remained cold and resolute. "But even so, Dad has never mistreated or done any wrong to him. When he harmed KS Group for his selfish desires, did he ever think about Dad?"He only saw the glory and wealth of being the chairman, but he didn't realize how difficult it is to maintain power. Dad might be able to let this matter go, but I can't. I won't just let it slide like this!"Jasper and Jonah exchanged complex looks. They knew that the ruthless Alyssa would never tolerate Dominic's behavior.Warm air blew inside the car, but the atmosphere remained cold and oppres
Axel's eyes were dark with exhaustion. He gritted his teeth in frustration. "Your snoring sounds like thunder during a storm. Are you trying to blast me to death?"Silas followed closely behind, holding a pillow and yawning. Despite being tired and barely speaking in coherence, he retorted, "Do you think you're innocent? If I'm thunder, you're the hammer used for construction. And you grind your teeth, too!"Whoever marries you will surely suffer from premature aging.""Silas! Axel!" Alyssa was moved to tears, feeling guilty for her thoughtless words earlier. How could she say such things about her brothers?The Taylor family's children had always been reliable. They were always there when needed. "Lyse!" Silas and Axel suddenly had no trace of sleepiness as they rushed over to Alyssa."Silas came over right away, and Axel rushed back from overseas as quickly as possible. Liam is on his way." Jonah's voice was gentle.He walked over and lightly patted Alyssa's shoulder, giving
The Taylors stood there, looking cold and stern.Alyssa's sharp gaze met Jameson as he walked toward her, and she suddenly felt as if she had traveled back in time.Who would have thought that her childhood friend would become her most terrifying enemy?What started as calling him a "little bastard" as a joke in their childhood had turned into a chilling reality—he had become a heartless bastard.Jameson's delicate features were solemn as he approached. As he approached Alyssa, he flashed a heartfelt smile. "Lyse, I'm really happy to see you again."Jasper's eyes darkened, and his tensed hand immediately encircled Alyssa's waist, pulling her into his embrace. He became a formidable barrier for Alyssa.Letting this viper in was his idea, but at this moment, he was finding it hard to contain his own emotions."But seeing you only makes me feel sick, like I want to throw up." Alyssa's words dripped with disgust as she looked at Jameson.Jameson, seemingly oblivious, continued to g
Jameson's gaze darkened, and a burning sense of shame flushed his cheeks.Julien was quite sharp-tongued, mastering the art of cursing without using nasty words.In the end, Jameson had no choice but to leave the medicine behind and depart from the hospital with Carl."Jul, why did you take Jamiper's stuff? We don't want them!"Alyssa felt anxious, finding Julien's actions incomprehensible. "Besides, who can guarantee that what he brought is medicine and not poison?""I can." Julien's expression suddenly became serious.He was usually nonchalant, so his seriousness surprised Alyssa and Jasper."I can analyze the medicine. And that Jameson can't be such a dumbass to brazenly bring poison to visit his beloved woman's father. He doesn't have shit for brains, does he?" Julien crossed his arms, shaking his head.Jonah turned his gaze toward Julien, frowning slightly as he cleared his throat.Julien had truly gone bad.When he first returned to the country, his swear words were lim
The bad news weighed on Alyssa's chest like a boulder, rolling back and forth and causing her unbearable pain."Lyse, don't be upset. Medical technology is advanced nowadays. Winston will definitely recover."Jasper held her tightly in his arms. With his large hand on the back of her neck, he pressed her flushed face against his chest.He comforted her patiently and firmly, "If it's not possible here, I'll accompany you to take Winston abroad—all over the world to find the best doctors. He'll be fine. Don't worry. Everything will be alright.""I'm sorry, Lyse, kids..." Mandy finally couldn't hold back anymore. She closed her eyes, letting her tears flow freely."Don't blame Julien. It's my fault. I made him keep silent. I was afraid that telling you would make you sad and scared. I thought I could keep it from you until we found a solution. It's my fault. Blame me..."Julien's heart ached. "Aunt Mandy, please don't say that.""We get it, Mandy." Jonah forced himself to control h
As the call connected, Jameson sat upright in anticipation."Sir...""Mr. Schmidt, isn't it late at night in your time zone? Haven't you slept yet?" The person who answered the phone was Sheryl.Jameson's heart skipped a beat. He said in surprise, "Ms. Gillis?""It's morning in Mosgravia now. Sir is visiting the Jesseltons and can't take your call now."Sheryl's tone carried a hint of contempt as she said, "If you have something to say, you can tell me, and I'll convey it to him."Frowning, Jameson clenched his fist.He had been working with that man for so many years and devoted himself tirelessly, but he still felt an emptiness in his heart. He felt that there was an invisible barrier between them. He even doubted whether the man truly regarded him as a confidant.And yet, this Sheryl woman, who had only recently joined the man's side, had gained such great trust from him, even being allowed to answer his calls.Could someone as wise and mighty as him have a weakness for wom
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