"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
"Mr. Beckett? Mr. Beckett?" Sheryl tilted her head and asked with a smile, "What's on your mind? Or is there something on my face?""No." Jasper abruptly returned to his senses, feeling somewhat melancholic.White Dove had been his savior, and they had fought side by side to survive. Without her, how could he have returned to Solana City alive and become the president with overwhelming support?How could he have fallen in love and be with Alyssa?Jasper would never forget White Dove's kindness to him. He had never stopped searching for her whereabouts, but she seemed to have vanished into thin air.Justin mentioned that this woman had worked as a doctor without borders in Luminara.As waves of emotions surged within Jasper, his gaze toward Sheryl became complex."Mr. Beckett, if you're interested in my story, perhaps in the future, or when you visit Mr. Justin again in Mosgravia, I can gradually tell you." Sheryl smiled sweetly, and her tone was soft and alluring."You've misun
Justin continued, "That medicine is indeed very rare. But over the years of treatment and medication, I've built some connections in the medical field. My friend has this medicine, and I can ask him to get it for you.""Really? That's great!" Jasper's face lit up with joy. "How can I repay you for your help, Justin?"Justin's gaze was mysterious as he smiled. "Although I'm in Mosgravia, I've long heard about how much you cherish Ms. Alyssa. Someday, when I return to Solana City, would you oppose me becoming friends with her?"Jasper's heart wrenched, and he clenched his grip on the teacup."Mr. Justin, you're really putting Mr. Beckett in a difficult position. Ms. Alyssa is the apple of his eye. He would even build a house to hide her if he could. Even if you're his brother, I doubt he'd be willing," Sheryl half-jokingly said, but her words concealed a hidden meaning.She implied that women were not the only thing Jasper might not be willing to give up for Justin. It could also be
Sheryl continued, "After growing up, I only further tried to win Jasper's heart for the sake of my family's interests. I've never had feelings for him. I've never loved him."Justin smirked, leaning down and lifting her chin with his fingertip. "Then, are you just using me too?"With tears in her eyes, Sheryl swore, "I truly care for you, Mr. Justin. I'm loyal to you. I would even die for you!""Don't say such gloomy things. Stand up and talk." Justin's tone softened as he helped her up.But Sheryl still felt uneasy inside. She couldn't read Justin's emotions. Having worked for him for so long, she had never seen him angry. This only added to her unease."Did you have me fabricate a new identity to replace that lady and get close to Jasper again?""Apart from occasionally being foolish in matters of the heart, Jasper is the smartest person I know. How could you possibly replace her if you don't even know the details of his relationship with that lady?"Smelling the tea, Justin s
That night, moonlight cast a silvery glow on the ground while the night breeze rustled the trees outside the window.Closing his eyes, Jonah clutched a cross in his hands, devoutly praying in front of the statue of God.Since the passing of his former beloved, he had day after day sought self-redemption through prayer, repenting for the sins he had committed.Countless times in the past, it had all been for him.But now, standing once again before the statue of God, Jonah found himself unable to discern his own feelings. He felt lost and adrift.He breathed out a long sigh. Just as he turned away, the doors of the church were suddenly pushed open.A chilly wind rushed in, dispersing the sorrow between his brows.The next moment, that slender and graceful figure with fox-like eyes tore through the desolation and caught his gaze."Jonah..."Julien's slender figure stood alone in the center of the doorway. His eyes were brimming with tears. "You've come looking for me... Why didn
Judas—this title remained vague in Jonah's mind. No matter how many memories it invoked, those times were long gone."Dr. Wooten, it's me. Jonah.""Judas! I really can't believe I'd live to see the day you'd contact me. How have you been all these years?""I'm doing well."Jonah paused, then said in a low voice, "Are you free right now? I have an urgent matter and need your help.""You don't even need to ask, Judas. I'll do anything for you. No questions asked."…In less than half an hour, a man carrying a large medicine box arrived at Jonah's villa.This man, referred to as "Dr. Wooten" by Jonah, was named Evan Wooten.Unlike regular doctors, he was an underground doctor.During the time when Jonah was still known as "Judas", many of his men were unable to seek treatment at regular hospitals and had to go to underground clinics.Jonah had met Evan then, who had lost his medical license. Jonah recognized his talent and hired him as his personal doctor, giving him a carefree
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
Ever since getting together with Axel, Amber had lived each day in bliss. Yet, when Winston assured her that he truly accepted her and approved of her marriage to Axel, that bliss reached its peak. For so long, Amber had struggled with feelings of inferiority, never truly believing she deserved Axel's love. Deep down, she had resolved to step away if Winston disapproved or insisted Axel marry a woman from a reputable family—a match more fitting of his status.She wouldn't have hesitated to leave if it meant sparing Winston and Axel any conflict. Amber loved Axel wholeheartedly and was willing to sacrifice everything for him.But instead of rejection, she found warmth. The Taylor family embraced her as one of their own, showing her kindness and understanding rather than disdain for her past.She could never repay such compassion. "Winston… Thank you. Thank you…" Amber's tear-filled eyes glistened, their brightness undimmed despite all the darkness she had endured. Winston s