"That's perfect. I wanted to call them over too," Axel said suddenly, his gaze darkening. "I came back tonight for an important matter that I need to discuss with you all."…Silas and Cyrus rushed over. The three brothers and the couple gathered around the dining table, turning the small kitchen into a meeting room."Axel, we're here now. Stop beating around the bush and tell us what's so important," Silas urged as he gnawed on a drumstick.Axel retorted, "Silas, are you so impatient because you're on your period?"Infuriated, Silas threw a chicken bone directly at him.Axel easily dodged it and then tossed a folder onto the table."What's this?" the four of them asked in unison as they looked at it."You all said you wanted to avenge Jonah, right?"Axel's eyes turned cold as he tapped his finger on the table. "Inside here, there's enough evidence to bring down Josh."As soon as they heard the word "evidence", both Silas and Cyrus perked up.Alyssa immediately picked up the
Cyrus tightened his grip on the photo in his hand. "Lyse, now that I know about this and since it concerns Jonah, I'll definitely handle it strictly. Josh is finished for good this time."Silas nodded. "I'll start preparing once I get back too. Let's not alert the enemy. We must be sure before we make a move."After pondering for a moment, Alyssa asked curiously, "Axel, where did you get this evidence from? Jonah's case only came to light two days ago. You couldn't have collected so much information in such a short time."Axel's gaze was deep, like an impenetrable primeval forest. "The night before last, I went to The Millennium. Josh was there that night, so I wanted to confront him and avenge Jonah."Alyssa's and Jasper's hearts skipped a beat at his words.To others, The Millennium was a paradise on earth. But to Axel, once Jameson discovered him, it could become the place of his death.If Jameson caught the chance, he would kill mercilessly, regardless of whether or not Axel
Axel's resolute words sent shivers down Silas' and Cyrus' spines.When Axel made up his mind to be heartless, he would cut off his feelings. Though he was wandering outside, he still harbored resentment toward Winston. It was enough to show how stubborn he was and how heartless he could be."Axel, there's no need to be so ruthless." Unexpectedly, Alyssa shook her head indifferently."As long as she shows remorse and is ready to break free from Jameson's control and join us, I won't make things difficult for her."Axel looked surprised. "Lyse, are you saying—""If she's willing to switch sides and work with me, I'll gladly accept her and arrange a position for her in a subsidiary of KS Group. She won't have to live like that in The Millennium, selling herself."This statement surprised even Jasper. "Lyse, do you really mean that?"Silas frowned. "Although that woman helped Axel and provided us with this evidence, there's a chance this could be a trap set by Jamiper and her just t
When Jasper heard that, he couldn't help but smile. He was still not used to her calling him her husband, but he loved it nonetheless. "Sigh... You have a husband now. I'll have to prepare two gifts from now on. It's going to be a big expense!" Rose pretended to sigh."Haha! You don't have to buy anything for him, just for me. Think of him as the free gift that comes with your purchase." Alyssa's laughter was clear and pleasant.Rose laughed heartily. "Alright."Jasper was completely speechless.What? So he was just a free gift after all this time?After a brief joke, Rose asked with concern, "Lyse, are you really okay? Is there anything I can help with? Don't hesitate to trouble me. I'll do my best to help you. I feel really sad when you keep things from me.""Most things have been resolved now, and my father's condition has stabilized. Jonah and Julien will take him to Mosgravia for further treatment soon. Thanks for your concern."At the mention of Julien, Rose said, "Speak
The moment Jasper turned around, Alyssa grabbed his hand and looked at him with her beautiful eyes.Her cheeks flushed with a tempting blush as she coquettishly asked, "Do you have to go now? Can you bear to have me bathe alone?"Jasper's Adam's apple bobbed, and his eyes were filled with desire. The veins on his hand bulge, subtly twitching."I can't bear to, but for the past two days, you haven't been sleeping well because of me. If we do it again tonight, I'm afraid your waist won't be able to handle it."As soon as he finished his sentence, a glint appeared in Alyssa's eyes. With a gentle flick of her fingertips, the only bath towel left on her slender body slipped off completely.In an instant, Jasper's breathing became heavy. His already weak willpower shattered at once.He lowered his eyes and kissed Alyssa's soft lips passionately. While doing that, he unbuttoned the buttons of his shirt.However, he only managed to unbutton one as he tore the rest open. Expensive crysta
Alyssa said, "I believe that Amber is a pawn Jameson prepared long ago. Even if not, he might have forcibly deprived her of her original face and turned her into me just to satisfy his despicable desires because he can't get me."Alyssa trembled with anger in Jasper's embrace. "It's understandable if she became even more beautiful after the surgery. But who would willingly become someone else's substitute and lose their true self?"Does she truly accept walking in the sunlight, only to be pointed at and called Alyssa Taylor? Do you know what that means? It means, in this world, that girl named Amber is dead even if she's still alive."Jasper felt a chill run down his spine instantly."Now, she's secretly passing evidence to us through Axel. That's her act of rebellion. She's no longer willing to submit to Jameson and be a ridiculous stand-in.""That makes sense. I've never thought of that, Lyse."After pondering for a moment, Jasper suddenly asked with concern, "Do you think that
When Rose got to her office, she found Clarissa standing stiffly, waiting for her. "Are you Clarissa Sparks?"At the sound of her name, Clarissa hurriedly rose to her feet. "Ms. Emerson."Rose studied her with surprise. She had expected the matriarch of the Schmidt family to exude grace and authority, not the demeanor she encountered.Clarissa only wore a simple white suit with her hair in a neat bun. Though her makeup was impeccably applied, it couldn't hide the exhaustion etched on her face."Ms. Sparks, please take a seat," Rose said, masking her initial resentment toward a meeting with a member of the Schmidt family. She decided to withhold her emotions and assess the situation first."Ms. Emerson, I apologize for this sudden visit, but I desperately need your help in designing an evening gown," Clarissa pleaded. "Money is no object. I can pay you double or even triple what others would offer. All I ask is for your expertise. Please, I implore you!""Ms. Sparks, I am merely
Innumerable memories flooded Rose's mind like relentless nightmares, leaving her heart in turmoil. She made her way to the fridge, retrieved a chilled bottle of water, and drank it all, hoping to quell the unrest within her.At this moment, a thud emanated from the fitting room, jolting Rose. Hastily, she approached and rapped on the door, concern evident in her voice. "Ms. Sparks, is everything alright? Ms. Sparks?"No one responded. Rose felt something was off and barged into the fitting room."Ms. Sparks!"Clarissa had fainted, her upper body exposed. Clarissa's back was covered with bruises and scabs formed by old injuries. Rose was stunned for two seconds before she swiftly took off her coat to cover Clarissa's body. Then she carried her up. "Ms. Sparks, wake up!"As Clarissa gradually regained consciousness, Rose's relief was palpable, yet her concern lingered. "How did you get these injuries, Ms. Sparks?"Avoiding Rose's probing gaze, Clarissa turned away, tears brimmi
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