Tears and heartbreak were part and parcel of a committed relationship.Alyssa had shed enough tears for Jasper. It was time to put everything behind her.…The days flew by. In the blink of an eye, it was Newton Beckett's birthday. The Beckett family accorded the old man's birthday event with high importance. For the occasion, Javier had splurged on a hundred-million-dollar mansion as a gift, which became the venue for the celebration.The event attendees were notable figures in Solana City's high society, ranging from business tycoons to Newton's old friends from the Painter's Society—a couple of whom were locally famous artists.Liana and Betty had started their preparation a week ago for the event. They busied themselves with dress selection, facial care, and manicure sessions. They showed up at the event looking like it was their big day, competing with the other ladies to grab the spotlight.Unfortunately, the exterior design of the mansion ran in contrast to their flamboyan
"Aunt Sophia, I'm so lucky to have you!" Liana almost shed tears of gratitude.There was a sudden commotion among the guests as the socialites turned their attention to the main entrance. There, Jasper and Landon made their way together to the venue. The two accomplished men instantly became the center of attraction. As scions of the Beckett family and the Harper family, respectively, they were the subject of photographers and the heartthrobs to all ladies.Both men were dressed in suits. Jasper opted for an all-black attire that gave off a stoic and imposing air. In contrast, Landon wore an all-white suit, looking clean and refined."Oh my God! Mr. Beckett and Mr. Harper are here!""I can die happy now that I've seen them in person!""Look at Mr. Beckett's long legs! And that face—he's too perfect to be a human. He looks like a main character in a dating sim!""Don't forget Mr. Harper! I'm swooning at his devilish grin! I have a thing for him."Liana noticed Landon checking o
Liana noticed that Jasper had been fixating on Alice ever since Alice showed up. Fueled by insecurity and rage, she started plotting her moves."Alice!" Landon flashed a broad smile and waved at her. She nodded softly and returned the smile while Betty turned green with envy at his enthusiasm.Just as Alyssa was about to brush shoulders with Jasper, he suddenly reached out to hold her arm. "Where are you going?""I can't stay by your side, Mr. Beckett." She slowly removed her arm from his grasp with a faint smile. Anger flooded his veins. He wanted to say something, only to be interrupted by Sophia, who approached them arm in arm with Liana."Alice, I'm so glad you came. I thought you were going to skip the event."They instantly became the center of attention as the guests speculated the relationship between the stunning beauty and the Beckett Group."Mrs. Beckett, I have no reason to be absent. Grandpa has been looking forward to celebrating his birthday with Jasper and me," Al
A hush silence hung in the air before the crowd buzzed in excited whispers. The guests had not expected to come across the juicy gossip at the birthday event.The look in Alyssa's eyes hardened. Yet, she remained composed. Everything was under her control. Landon ran to her worriedly and panted heavy and hot air all over her. Concerned, he mumbled, "Alice …"She turned around, her face lighting up with a bewitching smile. "It's fine."He was once again smitten by her irresistible smile."Sophia, let's keep the focus on Grandpa's birthday. Enough with the gossiping, especially not about my private life." Jasper's eyes simmered with hostility and fury."Forgive me, Jasper, for speaking without thinking." Faking a guilty expression, Sophia chuckled. "I just wanted to introduce Alice to our guests today who might not know her. "She was once our daughter-in-law after all. Even after the divorce, we can't have people looking down on her because of her background."Sophia had craftily
Sophia said, "Lia, you're his granddaughter-in-law. Go and give your grandpa a hand.""Grandpa, I'll help." Liana smiled demurely and walked up to Newton, but the latter flashed a smile at Jasper and Alyssa instead."Jasper! Alice! Come over and help me out." Not only that, Newton rolled his eyes at Javier. "Get out of my way. I'm tired of you. I prefer the company of youngsters. Their spirits cheer me up!"Javier smiled bitterly and let go of his dad. Liana had stopped in her tracks. Red in embarrassment, she debated if she should stay put or walk up.Forcing a smile, she silently cursed at Newton, "Old fart! Why are you still hanging around?"Alyssa glared at Jasper, who happened to look in her direction. She quickly looked away after they exchanged glances, leaving him with the view of her cold side profile.A little fazed, he pursed his lips and removed his gaze from her. They walked side to side to Newton.Everyone exchanged looks, feeling amused by Newton's treatment of Li
The guests turned toward the voice and were stunned by who they saw.Jonah Taylor smilingly wandered into the main hall accompanied by Sean. Alyssa's eyes lit up with joy. She almost blurted out his name aloud.Jasper's heart almost stopped at the sight of Jonah. His frosty eyes looked even more threatening at that moment. Alyssa seemed to have felt the change in him, as though she was standing right beside a walking iceberg.She reflexively looked at Jasper and found him looking glum. A frightening storm was brewing in her eyes."Please excuse me for running late," Jonah said to Newton politely. He showed up in a special outfit that day, looking outstanding and gentlemanly in a high-neck top with a dark suit.The ladies around him swooned at Jonah, thinking of marrying him or Jasper in their dreams."It's not a problem. I am glad you're here." Newton smiled warmly at Jonah and treated him no differently, even though Jonah was Winston's son.Alyssa felt relieved at Newton's reac
"Dad, Alice is in a relationship with Mr. Jonah," Javier whispered in a low voice. "Please stop hooking her up with Jasper because she's dating someone new. You can't force a relationship.""That's right." Sophia jumped on the train. "Seeing the way Mr. Jonah immediately picked her up after she left our family, you could tell that their fling started way back.""Way back?" Newton glared."Yes. How else would their relationship grow this fast? That's why I told you it was useless to worry about Jasper and her. A loveless marriage is meaningless. They might as well break free and find their happiness.""So, you don't have to worry about Alice. She's joining the Taylor Family—they're as good as we are," Sophia muttered softly with hidden intention. She wanted to shatter Newton's impression of Alice as a prim and proper lady.Alyssa pursed her lips and stared at her feet. She had long anticipated the arrival of this day, and she was fully prepared to face Newton's resentment."Grandp
Jasper felt as if he was crushed by the weight of shame. At the same time, Landon bitterly racked his brains for a counteroffensive against his love rival.Feeling a sharp pang in her heart, Alyssa mumbled, "Grandpa …""Dad, it's your birthday. Let's put aside the upsetting talk." Javier went up to Newton and smiled. "Why don't we look at the gifts your grandchildren got you? We'll have dinner afterward so we don't keep the guests waiting."'Oh, right, it's present time!" Newton rubbed his hands adorably like a child.Firstly, the guests who were close to the Becketts presented their gifts to Newton, who cheerfully received each item and thanked his guests."Grandpa!" Smiling, Landon stood in front of Newton and declared, "I'm close to Jasper. His grandpa is mine. May you be blessed with good health and happiness!""Thank you!" Newton was all smiles."Grandpa, happy birthday!" Betty shuffled over with a shy smile and attempted to stand beside Landon. "I know you're into antiques
"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
Despite his age, Newton exuded the same energy and sharpness he had in his younger days, even when surrounded by the board members brimming with vigor. Despite his quiet presence in the wheelchair, an intimidating atmosphere clung to him. In an instant, Javier was transported back to the days when he worked under Newton's strict supervision."Good day, Mr. Javier and all fellow board members. I assume no one has any objections to my presence at this meeting?"Newton's gaze swept across the room, a perfunctory smile gracing his lips."Of course not. You are part of the corporation's board of directors!" the members responded immediately.Newton nodded. "Much has happened within the corporation lately. Our shares have been fluctuating amid the controversy. "As you all know, I had intended to retire after dedicating most of my life to this company. I wanted to step aside for the younger generation rather than hover over them like a specter, micromanaging everything. "However,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc
Beckett Group was, in essence, Javier's heart and soul, forged from his own labor. "Justin set me up, framed me for drug addiction, and bribed my primary physician to give false testimony—all so he could drag me down. The fact that he dared to target me like this means he's willing to betray anyone."Jasper took a deep breath, forcing down the rage roiling inside him as Javier remained silent. "Fine. Even if you insist this is just a family matter, Justin's reputation is already in ruins, and the corporation's stock prices are fluctuating. Are you really going to stand by him, even now?""Justin has explained everything to me. He wasn't aware of the bribery. That female doctor who worked for him acted on her own. Besides, she's been arrested. The backlash against Justin will settle in time…"Jasper listened, his face unreadable, but his heart clenched painfully. A lump rose in his throat, suffocating him.He had lost his mother at a young age, but he had never longed for his fa