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
"I'm sorry, Mr. Schmidt. I've been busy tonight, and I truly didn't know that someone had infiltrated. Please punish me."Amber immediately lowered her head, fearing that Jameson might discern her thoughts and reveal her secrets. "Hah, a flying thief? Interesting."Jameson lounged on the couch with his long legs crossed as he casually glanced at Amber standing stiffly. "I know someone who has that level of skill. You know him too, Amber.""Who?""The person you've been thinking about helping me get rid of."Amber's face turned pale. She clenched her lips tightly, and she felt as though blood was draining out of her body."Could there be such… a coincidence?" She tried her best to suppress her trembling voice."If we make a bold assumption, it's not impossible."Jameson tapped a rhythm on his knee with his slender fingers. "Josh is having fun here tonight. Maybe someone is eager for revenge and can't wait for Lyse to act, so they want to take care of that scumbag themselves. I
Alyssa followed Jasper into the study. The door closed behind her with a soft click. She didn't move to switch on the lights or sit down. Instead, she stood quietly in the dim room.They faced each other, eyes locked. In the darkness, their gazes seemed brighter, charged with emotions that neither could put into words. Whatever stirred within them was tangled and silent—kept at bay by something unspoken, as if a wall had formed between heart and mouth. After a pause, Alyssa offered a faint smile. Her voice was soft, almost courteous. "Go ahead, Mr. Beckett. I won't be staying long tonight—I've made other arrangements."It was clear she didn't want to be alone in a room with him.Jasper's chest tightened, overwhelmed by a surge of emotion he couldn't define. His voice was rough when he finally spoke. "You didn't vote against the motion at today's board meeting. I wanted to know… are we still on the same side?"Alyssa's gaze lowered, her voice steady and calm. "You didn't object
In the evening, Xavier drove Jasper to meet with Newton. Along the way, news broke out that Sheryl had been bailed out. Xavier slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Damn it! Why is it so hard to get rid of that woman?" "She is Justin's right hand," Jasper said, eyes shut as he leaned back in his seat. His jaw tightened. "You could even say she knows more about his secrets than anyone. As long as she's useful, Justin won't discard her so easily. This is how he operates."Xavier shook his head, teeth gritted. "Where the hell did she even come from? When you had me investigate her, I found nothing. Her background was spotless. "What's in her past that Justin would go so far to keep it hidden? A man like him can have any woman he wants, yet he clings to her—some pretty-faced idiot who only seems to make things harder for him."Jasper's gaze turned glacial. Xavier's casual remark struck him.He was right. Justin wasn't short on capable subordinates. So why Sheryl?Was Sh
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence. Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control. Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president—our direct competitor!"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest—outright cronyism!" Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression. Just then, a board member from Javier's