Axel not only held the belief that he could escape but also nursed a burning desire to seek retribution for Jonah. He was determined to rid himself of that loathsome bastard, Josh.He couldn't wait any longer. Axel kept his hands in the pockets of his black coat. He dashed toward the private room that Josh was in.To his surprise, a pair of fair-skinned hands grabbed his arms and pulled him into the darkness. Axel's eyes widened. The muscles in his arms tensed up. He was about to lash out when…Axel looked into his ambusher's eyes. It was only then that he managed to get a good look at Amber's face. The space between the storage racks was tight, compelling them to press their bodies against each other."You…""Shh!"Amber put her hand over his mouth in a panic. Her forehead was covered with sweat. Right at that moment, a team of bodyguards happened to pass by just a few feet away from them. Amber waited until they could no longer hear the bodyguards' footsteps. Her wary
All of a sudden, Amber felt like she had lost her voice. It was as if someone had hit "pause" on her breathing. Axel stared at Amber's face, flushed red from her nervousness. A feeling of disdain rose in his heart. Was he going to die in Jameson's hands or hers? He hadn't forgotten that night when she had approached him with ulterior motives. He still remembered her poisonous hair stick that she had concealed in her hairdo. He found it rather intriguing that she and her boss, Jameson, were playing good cop, bad cop. They were most likely in cahoots. Tonight was probably part of their plan too. Was Jameson using her to set a honeytrap and having the princess save the hero? Did they think that he was dumb or that he wouldn't be able to resist women? Even if he were a pervert who was overwhelmed by his emotions, his inner devil would become an angel just by looking at her face. Axel's superficial smile made Amber shudder. She pursed her lips and pressed her back against t
Axel smirked. "I merely mentioned Josh's name, and you've already deduced that I'm here for revenge. Not only did you ascertain my intention to avenge someone, but you also discerned that it's Jonah I'm seeking vengeance for."Amber felt a rush of heat to her cheeks. She might be cunning in other respects, but in the presence of Axel, her mind seemed to go blank. It was as if she was walking straight into a trap."I am Mr. Jameson's employee. Regarding the matters involving the Schmidt Group, I—"Suddenly, Amber found herself silenced. This time, Axel was the one to cover her mouth. Simultaneously, they heard the footsteps of two black-clad bodyguards drawing near."Hm? I thought I heard someone talking." The footsteps stopped next to the storage shelves. Amber's forehead beaded with sweat, and her breaths grew shallow. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest. Yet, Axel's gaze was calm. He moved his hand to the back of her head. He weaved his fingers in her hair and ge
"You said that the Schmidt brothers were birds of the same feather. Are you saying that Jameson is an animal too?" Axel questioned. There was a tremor in Amber's lashes. "All female escorts who provide services to their customers at The Millennium are all doing so on their own volition." "Are you also a follower of his out of your own volition?" Axel narrowed his eyes as he pulled his hand away from her waist. At this time, Amber felt like her heart was being trampled on. Her heart ached. She replied in a hoarse voice, "Yes, it is of my own choice." Axel tilted his head and sniggered coldly. The look in his eyes became dim. It didn't matter what her reason for helping him was. It could be that she wasn't in her right mind, or that she had other intentions toward him. He had to always keep in mind that she was on Jameson's side. "Take this evidence with you and hand it to Ms. Alyssa and Mr. Jasper." Amber's eyes were fiery. "These are Josh's weaknesses. I'm sure that they
The sharp and hasty sound of Amber's silver heels echoed through the corridor as she made her way directly to Room S001. "Ms. Altman! You're finally here!" The supervisor and a few female escorts were standing by the door. They were trembling in fright and feeling at a loss. One of the ladies had wounds on her forehead where she had been hit. Blood was flowing down the sides of her face and dripping down to the floor. Another escort had a bruise around her eye. They were both badly injured. "That asshole! How could he be so cruel?" Amber's heart broke for them. She rebuked the supervisor, "Why are you just idling around? Can't you see that they're so badly injured? Why haven't you sent them to the hospital? What are you waiting for?" "Ms. Altman, there's no problem arranging for them to be taken to the hospital. However, it's crucial to address the crisis inside first!"The supervisor was perspiring in fear. "Mr. Josh is a big shot. Moreover, he is Mr. Jameson's older brot
"60,000 dollars? This is daylight robbery!" Josh gritted his teeth in anger. "You are Mr. Josh Schmidt, the Schmidt Group's ex-president. 60,000 dollars should be a drop in the bucket for you. You won't even feel the pinch, will you?" Amber jeered at him. Everyone present was dumbfounded. Amber bore a striking resemblance to Alyssa, not only in appearance but also in temperament and arrogance.The Millennium's supervisor stared at Amber with his jaw dropped. He was so terrified that it felt like his heart had stopped. However, more than that, he felt a little strange. They had worked together for such a long time, and somehow, she didn't feel like the Amber he knew. There were often customers at The Millennium who caused trouble after having too much to drink. As the owner, she had to step up to resolve the situation on multiple occasions. Situations like these always end in a peaceful resolution. She would never provoke them like that. Nevertheless, with Josh, she looked
"Y-You… hit me?" Josh's head was spinning. His mouth was full of blood, and he could barely speak clearly."You came to my place to cause trouble and even laid hands on my people. Josh, have I been too nice to you?" Jameson looked down on Josh with a cold smirk."Y-Your... place?" Josh stared at Jameson in shock."Mr. Schmidt owns The Millennium. Everything here belongs to him," Carl proudly explained from the side.Josh froze and became speechless at those words.The Millennium was the most prestigious club in the country, as well as a money-squandering haven where many dreamed of becoming members to show off their status. The mysterious boss behind it was actually Jameson?How could he, a discarded pawn who had just found a foothold in the Schmidt family, have such a large business? What kind of joke was this?"Since you've come here to spend money, I wouldn't have bothered you if you had behaved. But it looks like it's too difficult for you to do that."After saying that, Ja
Back in his room, Jameson angrily downed a glass of strong liquor to ease his frustration."Mr. Schmidt, there's no need to be upset with that idiot," Carl hurriedly consoled him."He's already a lost cause, just struggling in his final moments. With Ms. Alyssa's intelligence, she would find out that Josh leaked Jonah's information. In fact, she might have already found out, and it's only a matter of time before she takes action."Please calm down. We just need to wait for the Taylor family to make their move and have them deal with him for you.""Amber, what happened?" Jameson asked, his gaze icy as he stared at Amber, who was cowering in the corner."You've never appeared to drink with customers without my instructions. Why did you show up at Josh's room?""I—""Oh, Mr. Schmidt, let me explain," Carl interjected quickly."I've looked into the situation. That scumbag Josh specifically requested Ms. Altman to drink with him. Our people tried to stop him, but he went crazy, smas
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