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 "He could have withdrawn in time and saved himself.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
"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
Jasper strode out of the room and hurried down the stairs, his pace so brisk that Xavier had to jog to keep up. As Jasper reached the living room, he spotted Justin sitting upright in his wheelchair, alone. Their eyes locked when Jasper was just a few steps away.Hostility flickered between their gazes.Curling his lips upward into a slight smile, Justin asked, "Jasper, heading out at this hour?"Xavier gritted his teeth, loathing the self-righteous air Justin exuded, as if he always held the upper hand. The sight made him want to charge forward and knock Justin clean off his wheelchair."It's late. Why aren't you in bed?" Jasper asked coldly, his tone as sharp as his glare. "It seems that broken body of yours is still holding up.""Jasper, you seem to be in a rush. Did something happen? Do you need my help?" Justin maintained the smile on his face, disregarding Jasper's sarcastic remark. "It's none of your business."Without another word, Jasper swept past him. Justin's
Jasper lay restrained on the bed, his body writhing violently as waves of agony crashed over him. A towel clenched between his teeth muffled his cries, though it could not silence the torment. Every inch of his skin felt as if it were being devoured by thousands of invisible ants—a relentless, gnawing pain brought on by withdrawal.He knew he could no longer rely on the medication. Time and again, the temptation clawed at him, urging him to surrender and take the easy way out. Relief was just a pill away. But Jasper's willpower, though battered, refused to shatter. Anne's words echoed in his mind, a guiding light in the darkness. She had always taught him to be a righteous man—one with a clear conscience. Curling into himself, Jasper shut his bloodshot eyes. He couldn't disappoint Anne. He couldn't let down those who believed in him. He had to resist the dark side. Outside the room, Xavier glanced at his wristwatch. Judging the timing to be right, he pushed the door open and l
"How about now? Is Ms. Altman at home?" Alyssa asked urgently."She isn't," Clark replied. "She drove out the back gate alone around 11:00 pm. Our security personnel stopped her then, but she said she was just going out for some fresh air because she had trouble sleeping. She promised she wouldn't be long, but it's strange—she hasn't returned even now."Alyssa's ears began to ring, her heart sinking like a stone.When she ended the call, her nightgown clung to her skin, drenched in cold sweat. Her trembling hand gripped the phone tightly.She thought of calling Jonah, but he was still searching for Julien in Mosgravia. He wouldn't be able to return in time. Silas wasn't home tonight; he was likely with Rose. Besides, he was more of an academic than a fighter—not someone who could help in a crisis. Getting him out of bed in the middle of the night couldn't possibly solve any of their problems. Axel had returned to his organization, leaving Cyrus as the only one accessible who mi
Amber's eyes reddened as she darted toward the trapdoor in The Millennium, tears streaming down her face.Remy had let her go. He actually spared her! Didn't this prove that he was Damien? That his true nature lingered, even if his memories of the past had been lost?Hope and excitement bubbled within her as she ran. She had to reach Alyssa immediately and share this evidence—this incredible news!Emerging from the trapdoor, Amber navigated the tangled paths among the weeds on the mountain behind The Millennium.Suddenly, she froze. Her breath hitched. Beams of white light shone from all directions, focusing on her. The cold, unyielding spotlights told her everything—she was surrounded, the target of an ambush. Amber's heart pounded in her chest. Cold sweat slicked her palms as her fingers clenched tightly around her dagger. The veins on the back of her hand throbbed with adrenaline.Six assassins in black emerged from the shadows, their flashlights cutting through the gl
Amber glared at Remy through her bloodshot eyes, thrusting her gleaming blade toward his chest. In her early days of being Jameson's follower, the first lesson drilled into her was how to kill quickly and efficiently. Refinement wasn't necessary—only results mattered. Yet, despite mastering the techniques, she had never put them into practice. Deep down, Amber feared the sight of blood and loathed the idea of taking a life.And now, of all people, it was Remy forcing her to cross that line.The blade's tip hovered mere inches from Remy's heart when hesitation gripped her. Axel's voice echoed in her mind, raw with emotion. "Amber, I keep feeling that Remy is my fifth brother, Damien. We miss him… We want him to come home!"Her pupils dilated. The blade wavered, its deadly intent dissipating.That single moment of doubt was all Remy needed. With a calm, calculated motion, he seized her wrist and twisted it sharply.Amber gasped in pain, her grip faltering as the blade clattered
The password to Jameson's room was Alyssa's birthday. Jameson had always believed himself to be a devoted man, taking pride in that notion. Yet, in Amber's eyes, his devotion was nothing more than a pathetic joke—a sentiment she couldn't help but detest.Taking a steadying breath, Amber began rummaging through the drawers and shelves with swift precision.Years of observation had taught her that Jameson had hidden several secret compartments in this room, places meant to conceal vital information. Unless Jameson or Carl disclosed their existence, even the police might not have uncovered them.After what felt like an eternity, sweat beading on her forehead, Amber discovered a hidden compartment beneath a floor sculpture.As she pried the brick loose, her breath hitched. Inside the compartment lay a waterproof plastic bag containing a document and a USB drive.Amber retrieved the document. Her heart raced as she realized its contents—a research report from Mosgravia's RC Biotech