"Bitch, how dare you splash me in the face? Do you know who I am?" Dylan angrily wiped his face and cursed."I don't care who you are. You drugged a woman and tried to force her to drink it. You're worse than a dog." Alyssa casually flicked her hair, her eyes filled with seduction.Dylan was furious, and his rage was reaching its boiling point. How dare this woman insult him?If it weren't for the crowd around them, he would have rushed forward and slapped this despicable woman!At that moment, two bodyguards from the Gardner family caught up. Dylan immediately signaled them to take her away.She needed a good beating, and Dylan wanted Alyssa to learn her lesson on the bed.The two burly bodyguards lunged at Alyssa. Even though she was tipsy, her muscle memory allowed her to swiftly dodge their attacks, causing the two bodyguards to stumble."Too slow." Alyssa yawned."Capture her!" Dylan shouted angrily as he wiped his face.One of the bodyguards crawled up and reached out to
Dylan was so shocked that his jaw nearly dropped to the ground. So this was Jasper's secret ex-wife. Honestly, her beauty surpassed that of his sister by a considerable margin. His superficial and ostentatious sister wouldn't stand a chance against this absolute beauty if it weren't for her childhood friendship with Jasper."Mr. Beckett, even if she's your ex-wife, that doesn't justify me apologizing to her!" Dylan refused to back down, unwilling to lose face. "If she apologizes first, I'll pretend this never happened!""Your men might have done something to her if I hadn't arrived on time." Jasper's expression was as cold as ice. "Just because it didn't happen doesn't mean you're not at fault. Apologize."Dylan trembled inwardly but maintained his defiant stance.Alyssa's face flushed as the effects of the alcohol kicked in.She only heard something about ex-wife and apology, and she thought, "Does this despicable man expect me to apologize? I might as well twist his head off and
Alyssa's mind was clouded, and she even mistook Jasper for her brother. She choked and cried, "Why doesn't Jasper like me? Why ..."Jasper's heart skipped a beat, his thin lips tightly pressed together as he listened to her lament."I tried so hard. I really tried. But it seems the harder I tried, the more he disliked me. Why is that? Tell me!"Suddenly, she turned around and clung to Jasper while sobbing heavily in his chest. Her tears, running nose, and makeup smeared his clean shirt.He stood rooted to the ground, his throat tightening as he felt her scorching tears searing into his chest and saturating his heart.After a while, his voice deepened as he asked, "Do you really love Jasper?"Alyssa raised her tear-stained face, her cherry lips slightly parted.Jasper gulped as he struggled against the strong temptation of pure desire. He regretted asking that question.So what if she loved him? So what if she didn't? Their divorce was a done deal, and his life partner could onl
The next day, Alyssa woke up and vomited again."Lyse, I remember you used to have a good tolerance for alcohol. How did it get so bad?" Silas hurriedly handed her a glass of water and brought her some hangover medicine."I haven't had a drink in three years and suddenly drank so much yesterday. Of course, I couldn't handle it."Alyssa knew Jasper disliked women reeking of alcohol, so she quit drinking during their three years of marriage."If I didn't know you were dunk last night, I would have thought you were pregnant," Silas teased her."Haha. What would you guys do if I really got pregnant with Jasper's child?" A subtle look of pain flashed across her eyes."What else can we do? Of course, we'll take care of the child together. Regardless of who the father of the baby is, it's innocent."Although Silas hated Jasper to the core, his values were upright, probably due to his profession as a legal practitioner."Don't worry. Do you think I'll want to bear Jasper's child?" Alys
"I'd never fall for the same trap twice!" Alyssa thought determinedly.At that moment, she got messages from the "Taylor Family's Secret Society."Jonah: "Lyse, remember how they exposed the dirt on you yesterday? They've been deleted now, including the accounts. Jasper did it."Alyssa: "Wow, I'm so grateful to him."Axel: "What? Does he think everything's settled just because they've been deleted? Naive."Liam: "Too bad the Beckett Group's stock price only had a small effect this morning."Silas: "Lyse, even if we can't do anything to him right now, we should teach the Gardners a lesson."Alyssa: "That's for sure. I hold grudges, and they must pay."Alyssa called Sean. "Sean, spare me a moment."Sean entered the office promptly. "You called for me, Ms. Alyssa?""Have you prepared the materials and evidence as I told you?" Alyssatwirled in her seat with her arms on the armrest."Yes, I have everything ready to hand them over to the related department whenever you want.""No
Jasper kneaded his brows and muttered, "Alyssa Taylor … I feel like I've heard the name before." "I've researched more about Ms. Alyssa," Xavier said. Jasper's eyes lit up. He was pleased that the usually slow secretary was finally one step ahead of him at doing things."Tell me what you found.""In the end, I found nothing." Xavier's shoulders drooped, and he spread his hands.Jasper said, "Xavier, I believe you can get your early salary payment from the HR department." He seemed calm."Calm down, Mr. Beckett! It's not that I didn't investigate, but finding info on Ms. Alyssa is like searching for a top-secret file. It's just not available, so there's not much I can do."Xavier felt scared. He wiped off his sweat nervously. Xavier continued, "Don't you think that it's strange? She's Mr. Taylor's first wife's only daughter, but I can't find any information about her online. I even searched through all social media platforms. Yet, I still got nothing! I wonder if she lives in
"Jasper, have you looked into the matter? What's happening?" asked Javier while comforting Sophia."The culprit is Alyssa Taylor, the newly appointed general manager of KS Group." Jasper dropped his gaze to the ground. He didn't want to see the affectionate scene between Javier and Sophia. Javier had never treated him and his mother well when he was younger. Jasper suspected that Javier had long forgotten what his mother looked like."KS Group … The Taylors in Belbanks?" gasped Sophia. She covered her mouth. "That's the richest family in Belbanks! How did Lia offend them?""Our families have been on bad terms due to past issues between our ancestors. Their great-grandmother even swore not to have a marriage alliance with our family. Anyone who goes against that rule must cut ties with the family."Jasper was unbothered by that. His fiancée was Liana, not anyone from the Taylor family.However, those words still affected him, and he felt a surge of coldness. "Geez! I bet the
The next morning, Jasper dressed himself neatly. He appeared more dependable and sophisticated in his suit. He was going to KS World Hotel in the best state possible.Upon entering the lobby, he felt relaxed. Last year, he had visited the place and criticized it for being shabby and in need of many touch-ups. However, now it seemed like a whole new place. It was on par with five-star hotels.The new general manager seemed capable. Jasper believed he shouldn't underestimate her."This is the president of Beckett Group. Please relay the message that he would like to meet with Ms. Alyssa," Xavier said. Xavier faced many hurdles to reach Alyssa's administrative secretary, Avery."I'm sorry, but it's impossible without an appointment." Avery was being polite."The president of Beckett Group needs an appointment too?" Xavier's brows furrowed. "Why not?""You!" His face turned red with anger. He desperately wanted to file a complaint. "I'll make an appointment now. When can I m
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