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
Evan felt quite troubled upon hearing that."Judas, among the wounds on your friend's body, two in particular are extremely deep. Describing them as skin-deep wounds wouldn't be an exaggeration. I'll need to tend to them before I can know the specifics."As Jonah stared at the bloody wounds on Julien's back, his heartache spread throughout his body."Some of the wounds may need stitches, and it's unlikely that there won't be any scarring."When Evan noticed Jonah's increasingly gloomy expression, he smiled wryly and comforted, "It's no big deal for a young man to have a few scars. It adds to his masculinity, doesn't it? Your friend shouldn't be too fussy about it, right?"Jonah's brows furrowed deeply.Fussy?Julien was a man who refused to do chores and who would want to change his entire outfit from head to toe if he got a drop of grease on it.If he wasn't fussy, there couldn't be any fussy person in the world.In his mind, Jonah could already see Julien's frantic reaction
In the darkness, Jonah's neck and earlobes flushed red.His breathing became heavy as he slowly raised his hand. He landed his warm palm on Julien's abdomen, gently caressing the smooth skin."Do you still think this is a dream?"Under Jonah's touch, Julien trembled as if electrified. Finally, he leaned in and grabbed Jonah's face, kissing him fiercely.Their silhouettes intertwined, filling the room with their kissing sounds."Jonah, can you let me be with you? I don't want anything. Just let me be with you. I don't mind, even if we can never be public."Jonah's dark eyes shimmered with profound affection.He couldn't hide it or contain himself any longer. He knew exactly what he was doing. At this moment, he was more awake than ever before."From now on, I'm yours. Yours alone."With tears in his eyes, Julien nestled into Jonah's bare yet strong chest. He felt a happiness he had never felt before.…Lately, Jameson had been busy dealing with the troubles brought to the com
Amber's pupils trembled in fear, and her slender legs under her skirt shook violently."Last time I visited him, I felt like his eyes were all over you."Jameson grabbed her chin forcefully, lifting it with enough force to crush her jawbone. "I can confirm he's taken an interest in you."It seems he isn't as refined as I thought. Since he can't obtain the real person, having a fake around for a feast of the eyes and to satisfy his desires might not be a bad choice."Amber's eyes were red-rimmed, with tears glistening as they emitted a plea of helplessness. "Mr. Schmidt... please... please don't send me to Mr. Justin."I've been loyal to you for so many years... Please don't send me away... I beg you!""What value do you have?"Jameson, who had been holding back his anger since his return, unleashed it all on Amber. He pushed her forcefully in the chest.Amber stumbled back two steps, banging into the wall with a dull thud. Her back felt cold and painful."Carl, pack her things
"D-Did something happen?" Amber wasn't concerned for Jameson. She just needed to have everything under control to protect herself."Sigh! Mr. Schmidt went to see Mr. Justin and found out that Mr. Justin sent the drug that Mr. Schmidt failed to deliver to the Taylors. All these while, Mr. Justin had never interfered with Mr. Schmidt and Ms. Alyssa's business."Now, at this juncture, he decided to show up as the good guy. Wouldn't this paint Mr. Schmidt, the one who used the drug to threaten Mr. Winston, as a petty man? "Ms. Alyssa would hate and despise him even more. Mr. Justin is throwing Mr. Schmidt under the bus to make himself look good. Mr. Schmidt had every right to be outraged!"Comparisons are odious.Jameson had a well-thought-out plan, but Justin's interference had painted him like a fool."Mr. Justin is not doing this for Mr. Jasper but for Ms. Alyssa."Carl sighed, "Mr. Schmidt had suspected Mr. Justin had feelings for Ms. Alyssa multiple times. From the looks of th
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
Nonetheless, night had fallen by the time Justin arrived at Seaview Manor. On his way there, he worked on two things. First, he secured the top legal team to get Sheryl out on bail as quickly as possible. Second, he tried reaching Remy—unsuccessfully. He had never lost contact with Remy before. Justin's face was as dark as the night itself. The moment he stepped inside Seaview Manor, Rory approached with a solemn expression. He gave a slight bow before speaking. "Mr. Justin, what took you so long? Mr. Javier has been waiting.""I was occupied," Justin replied coolly. Then, as if it were an ordinary evening, he allowed a faint smile. "Where's Jasper? Is he back here yet?" A conflicted look came across Rory's face. "Things between you and Mr. Jasper have soured. I doubt he'll want to see you anytime soon—or show up here.""Is that so? How disappointing."Justin's smile didn't reach his eyes. His gaze lingered on Rory, sharp and bottomless. "So, he'd rather believe what he se