Julien got released from his "cell" and taken to the courtyard. The front yard of Lovelace Residence was packed with people as everyone had gathered there.Julien was looking fit. He stood tall in the middle of the courtyard. Joseph was sitting on a wooden chair. Julien watched as his father sipped on his tea. Aidan was standing respectfully by the side. They had also called on an audience to watch the spectacle that was about to happen. Julien felt extremely uncomfortable. His stomach churned. Beyond the walls lay a modern civilization, yet within the confines of their home, it remained a feudal society.When he was young, he always thought that Mandy's actions weren't justified. She was from the Lovelace family. This was a family that gave her such a luxurious life. However, she would rather rebel and escape this family. It wasn't worth it at all. That said, his heart was being swayed right now. He was tempted to follow in Mandy's footsteps. "Kneel," Joseph ordered in a
Julien had just finished speaking when Joseph leaped to his feet. His expression was dark. He snatched the stick from the butler and strode toward Julien. Out of nowhere, he heard a swoosh. He felt a sharp pain in his leg. Without him noticing, two bodyguards had rushed behind him. With a whack of the stick, he ended up kneeling on the ground. "You ingrate! You've made such a grave mistake! How dare you laugh and talk back to me?" Joseph glared at him. His eyes were bloodshot. He raised his arm and smacked Julien on the back with the stick. He was merciless. The smack was so loud that it made everyone shudder. Yet, Julien only let out a muffled cry—a single muffled cry. Over and over again, he was being beaten on his back. It felt as if he was being hit by large hailstones. Two bodyguards grabbed him by his arm, incapacitating him from fighting back. His body hurt so badly that he just wanted to curl up into a ball. His vision became blurry. He could even taste his own bloo
"Mr. Julien, the Lovelaces' private physician is already on his way. Please hang in there…""Our family isn't short of doctors." Julien had his back against the two bodyguards. His voice was firm and cold. "I'm a doctor myself. No one knows my physical condition better than I do. Get out, both of you." The two bodyguards felt helpless. They exited politely. The moment the door shut, Julien crumbled to the floor. He vomited blood that he had been holding in forcefully. A pool of fresh blood stained the velvety carpet on the floor. "It hurts… It hurts so bad…" He curled himself into a ball as he rolled around the floor in pain. Beads of sweat mixed in with his tears, streaming down his cheeks continuously. In the midst of the assault, Julien's rage acted as a shield, rendering him almost numb to the physical pain. It was as though he had detached from his own body, insulated from the agony that should have consumed him.But now, left to grapple with his injuries in solitude
Jonah's steely figure was something Julien could recognize even from miles away. Julien's heart raced. He grabbed onto the railing tightly. He kept leaning his body forward to get a better view. He wished that he could just jump down at this moment.Jonah's posture was one of a kind. He was absolutely drawn to him. It couldn't have been anyone else other than Jonah! "Jonah… Jonah! Jonah!" Julien yelled. Unfortunately, the distance between them was too great. Coincidentally, a strong wind started to blow. Julien was already heavily injured. It was already difficult for him to breathe in the first place. His weak voice was simply lost in the wind. Jonah couldn't have heard him at all. "Jonah! Can't you hear me? Turn around… Turn around! I'm right behind you…"His voice became hoarse as he yelled. He could barely be heard toward the end.Julien watched as Jonah got into his black-colored sports car. In the blink of an eye, Jonah's car zoomed away and disappeared into the ni
20 years ago, Joseph's feelings for Mandy had already been "sentenced to death" once. This time, Edgar had just declared the same sentence over him. "I'm already 80. After a bout of illness, it's all clear to me now. There may have been grudges from the past. But I can't be bothered to be ensnared in all that anymore." Edgar coughed a few times. He continued in a strong voice, "Moving forward, stop reprimanding Julien because of Mandy and the Taylors. It is fine as long as our family doesn't make it apparent that we are associated with the Taylor family. "The KS Group dominates Belbanks. Winston's children are also starting to go places. I heard that he has a precious daughter. She's called Alyssa or something. "She is already discussing marriage with the president of Beckett Group in Solana City. If their families end up having a marriage alliance, no one will stand a chance of going against them. "If you provoke the Taylors, even if Winston turns a blind eye to you, his oth
"Even a scumbag like Jamiper can get his hands on the medicine. You can surely get it, too." Xavier had a lot of confidence in Jasper. Jasper frowned, neither confirming nor denying.…Upon arriving in Mosgravia, Jasper wasted no time. He exhausted all his connections, even personally meeting with officials responsible for the pharmaceutical industry.However, the responses he received were all the same—they couldn't get it."Mr. Beckett, this special medicine for treating strokes is in short supply. The quantity produced each year is limited and must be reported accurately. I'm sorry that you've come all this way only to go back empty-handed, but there's nothing I can do."After hanging up the phone, Jasper tightly gripped his phone, almost crushing the screen."Damn it! There are restrictions everywhere abroad," Xavier complained indignantly. "Mr. Beckett, even your handsome face doesn't work here."Jasper didn't know what to say. His face was now cold and stern."What do w
After a few rings, the call connected."Jasper, I'm really surprised and pleased that you'd call me." Justin's voice was as gentle and warm as ever but with a hint of weakness."Justin, how are you doing?" Jasper, who was typically straightforward, wanted to get straight to the point. But since he needed something from Justin, he had to start with some small talk."The same as usual, hanging on to life with medication every day. It's causing me to lose my hair," Justin joked. "Jasper, do you think I'll turn bald next time we meet?""I'm in Mosgravia right now," Jasper said seriously, no longer in the mood for jokes."Oh? Really? When did you arrive?""The night before last."Jasper took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "Justin, I have something urgent to discuss with you. Can we meet?"…That evening, Jasper and Xavier went to the address provided by Justin together.Along the way, Jasper's jaw remained tense.He and Justin were blood-related brothers and got along w
Thinking of Alyssa, Jasper smiled with joy. "Could you tell me the brand? I want to give it to her as a gift when I go back."Sheryl turned her face away, a shadow crossing her face."I'm afraid you'll return disappointed. What I use isn't perfume, but an incense made from rare local spices in Mosgravia. It's basically impossible to buy.""Oh, I see." Jasper's eyes flickered briefly, and he remained silent thereafter.He had asked her because he suddenly remembered where he had smelled her scent before.It was on Jameson.In their numerous encounters, he had faintly detected this scent of orchids clinging to Jameson's clothes.The scent was exactly like Sheryl's.Since she said it wasn't perfume but a rare incense from Mosgravia, she could have her hands on it, probably with Justin's help.But who had Jameson received his help from? Did they know each other? Or was it just a coincidence?Lost in thought, Jasper found himself in front of a carved door."Mr. Beckett, Mr. Justi
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her
The skies started to turn dark. Alyssa's dark hair was covered in a layer of snow. As she stood alone at the foot of the majestic mountain, she looked tiny, fragile, and desolate. "Ms. Alyssa, it's snowing. Heavy snowfall is forecasted tonight." Elias walked to Alyssa's side. Noticing the redness on her face due to the cold and the dull look in her eyes, he had a moment of realization. He couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness within him. "It's getting late. I suppose something came up for Mr. Beckett, and he's unable to make it." "Why didn't he inform me if that is the case?" Alyssa mumbled in a low voice as she gazed toward the darkness. She choked back on her tears so softly that her grievance couldn't really be heard through her voice. Elias slapped himself on his forehead. "Ah, perhaps you didn't manage to receive Mr. Beckett's message? The reception at the foot of the mountain isn't quite stable. You might have missed it. Would you like to come to my office? You'l
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t
That night, Alyssa stayed in the presidential suite of Solana City's KS World Hotel. She couldn't bring herself to return to her own manor—not yet. The lingering memories of her breakup with Jasper were still too raw, and the thought of revisiting their former home felt like reopening an unhealed wound.The following morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door. Groggily, she slipped on her night robe and opened it to find Sean standing there, carrying a complete set of brand-new hiking gear.Alyssa smiled. "Thank you, Sean." "Ms. Alyssa, it's freezing today. Are you sure you want to go hiking?" Sean walked into the living room and placed the items neatly on the couch. He still felt somewhat worried. "It's alright if it's cold, as long as the weather is good."Alyssa gazed out the window. The sun was shining brightly. The thought of going hiking with Jasper today made it impossible for her to conceal the sweet smile on her face and the delight in her eyes. She still love
Remy's eyes were bloodshot; his expression twisted with disgust as he stared at Sheryl. He could hardly fathom how someone so deranged and vile had once been close to Jasper. Even if Jasper and Alyssa had separated, Sheryl was nowhere near worthy of Jasper's side; she was not even fit to be the dirt on Alyssa's shoes.A sudden flash of memory struck him—the image of Alyssa during that traffic accident. He recalled her mustering all her strength to crawl out of her wrecked car, her face bloody, her body broken yet defiant. He had never seen such a fierce spirit in a woman before.His heart pounded uncontrollably, the memory triggering a sharp pain in his temples. Remy closed his eyes, gasping for breath.Sheryl broke into wild, unhinged laughter. Her entire body shook as she spat out her words, "Oh, Jasper, you poor, clueless fool!"If he ever discovers that the woman he's been tormenting all this time is actually his savior—the one he's been desperate to repay—that would be an eart