Landon was so angry that he gnashed his teeth so hard that it hurt.The death of his father was the greatest source of pain in his life. He would feel a pang of pain just hearing his father's name. But now, Cornelius was using Bill's death to attack him, all for the sake of protecting Zoe.It was a disgrace to Bill."Do you know that your mother fainted on the spot when she heard that Zoe was admitted to the emergency room? Luckily, the servants were there to catch her in time. Otherwise, if she had collapsed and hit her head, you might have lost her."Cornelius continued, "Landon, I know you're close with Jasper and Alyssa, but never forget that you are a member of the Harper family. You're about to become Harper Group's president—my successor."At this crucial moment, you should focus on managing the company's affairs. Other matters don't need your attention."Cornelius stared at Landon coldly. "I heard that you have already taken your girlfriend to propose to the Beckett famil
Jasper said, "Your family is all inside...""So? Do I have to join them? Will squeezing in get me some reward?" Axel tilted his head and narrowed his eyes.Looking at his mischievous expression, Jasper smiled faintly.Despite Axel's tough demeanor, the faint redness at the corners of his eyes betrayed his concern for Winston.A voice called out urgently, "Axel!"Liam had rushed back from Leichtown overnight. He was still in his military uniform."Liam!" Axel's eyes lit up, and he hurried over."How's Dad?" Liam's eyes were red from exhaustion. He was decisive on the battlefield, but now he appeared cautious.Axel's usually sharp gaze softened as he placed his hand on Liam's shoulder badge. "Don't worry. He has woken up.""That's good. I'll go in and see Dad."Liam finally relaxed. Just as he wanted to enter the ward, he noticed Jasper's tall figure standing nearby. His expression darkened at once."Why is he here?"Jasper's throat tightened, his long lashes trembling slight
Jasper held a deep respect for Alyssa's brothers, particularly Axel, whom he found to be kindred spirits. Their connection felt like a reunion with a friend from long ago, despite meeting later in life."Oh, goodness gracious! Winston!"Dominic emerged from the corridor with hurried steps and a troubled countenance, urgently beckoning for Winston. Close on his heels came the senior shareholders of the KS Group.Jasper's and Axel's faces turned grim at the sight of this.Winston had just regained consciousness, yet Dominic wasted no time hurrying to his side. This could only mean Dominic had eyes in the hospital, ensuring he was abreast of every unfolding situation. He pulled out all the stops to present himself as deeply invested in Winston's recovery. However, his underlying intention was to disseminate news of Winston's dire illness, generating pressure to sow discord within the KS Group and capitalize on the resulting upheaval for personal gain.While Axel lacked the business
As Jasper spoke, a wave of exchanged glances rippled through the KS Group members, their collective surprise directed at Dominic.Dominic felt a chill run down his spine as he met Jasper's cold gaze. As a testament to their longstanding relationship, Winston had extended a helping hand to Dominic when it was found that the latter had misappropriated company funds. This clandestine act remained shrouded in secrecy within the company's walls. So, how had Jasper stumbled upon this information? Could Winston have confided in him?Winston's recognition of Jasper's status as his son-in-law hinted at a level of closeness and mutual understanding that extended beyond mere business dealings. This relationship could pave the way for a formidable alliance that might spell the end for the KS Group."Haha… Mr. Beckett, you certainly have a sense of humor," Dominic forced a smile, his mind racing. "I'm not sure what you're referring to regarding 50 million."He attempted to downplay the seri
Alyssa's gaze burned with disdain as she confronted Dominic's pretentiousness, ready to speak her mind. However, Jonah's gentle touch on her shoulder interrupted her, his soft voice breaking the tension. "Uncle Dominic, Dad wants to see you."Jasper stood in shock while Alyssa glanced at Jonah in surprise.Dominic's lip curled into a smug smile.Just as Dominic moved to step into the ward, his footing gave way beneath him, propelling him forward with a pronounced thud.Dominic fell hard on his face.Some of the shareholders who had followed him there couldn't help but laugh.Meanwhile, Axel, who had been leaning against the wall, maintained his indifferent façade. He casually retracted his leg, which had obstructed Dominic's path.Dominic, feeling the weight of his years, struggled to rise, his knee throbbing with pain. With a fierce glare, he directed his gaze at Axel, who appeared unfazed. "You!"Axel let out a lazy yawn. "Uncle Dominic, you're not as young as you used to be.
Dominic clenched his teeth, seething with resentment coursing through him.Despite Jonah holding the title of company president, his arrogance stemmed from being Winston's eldest son. He showed no regard for Dominic's seniority, speaking to him as if he were a superior reprimanding an underling.The entire family, young and old alike, treated Dominic with the same air of superiority, looking down on him from their lofty perches. They never took him seriously.How could Dominic swallow his pride in the face of such treatment?"Let it go, Jonah. Your uncle knows when he's wrong," Winston interjected wearily, gesturing with a tired hand. He wanted to put an end to the discussion. "I'm fine now, Dominic. Your visit means a lot to me. You've shown that you still care. You can leave now."Winston had said all he could to salvage Dominic's dignity."Winston, what happened this time was my fault." Dominic's tone turned grave. "But consider, throughout the years, how I've supported you. I
Alyssa's biting retorts struck a chord within Dominic, igniting a surge of anger that left him feeling suffocated.While Jasper felt a swell of gratitude to see Alyssa standing up for him, he remained cautious, casting her a concerned glance and gently squeezing her hand to signal her to temper her words in Winston's presence."That's enough, Lyse. Let's not dwell on this." Winston's face was grim."Uncle Dominic, you've committed a serious offense, and yet you've gone so far as to gather people to visit Dad. I had hoped for some change in you," Alyssa remarked, her smirk dripping with sarcasm. "But instead, you're deflecting blame onto others for your own mistakes. "You've made a grave error, and yet you persist in your defiance, even after Dad has helped you. Seeing as everything has gone south, why not accept responsibility for your actions? "You should handle the repayment of the 50 million on your own. It shouldn't be too burdensome for a member of the Taylor family."Alys
Alyssa couldn't fathom Winston's tolerance toward Dominic's offense. "Winston, the fault was mine. I'll ensure the same mistake isn't repeated. Please rest well. I won't bother you any longer."Having been reassured by Winston, Dominic prepared to leave with a satisfied smile."Winston, I'll see Dominic off," Mandy spoke gently.Dominic exited the ward with a smug grin. Not long after, Mandy's voice cut through the silence. "Stay where you are."Dominic pivoted on his heels, only to find Mandy closing in on him with a frigid demeanor. In an instant, her hand shot forward, delivering a sharp slap across his face before he could react."W-Why did you hit me?" Dominic's eyes widened, his cheek stinging and a red mark forming."You know perfectly well why," Mandy retorted, her demeanor stern and intimidating. Gone was the gentle and kind woman from earlier. She continued, "I've waited far too long to deliver this blow. When Winston ended up in the hospital because of you, I sho
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