"If I can't handle it, no one else in the world can," Alyssa huffed confidently."Jonah and I can't be by your side to protect you. Don't act recklessly, okay? Think about the consequences."When you encounter problems, don't try to handle them all by yourself. Communicate with us, or ask your man for advice. Let him take some hits for you.""Dad, Jasper is my love, not a human shield. What's with this talk about taking hits?" Alyssa pouted with frustration.However, Jasper remained unfazed. His eyes were filled with gentleness. "Don't worry, Winston. Even if there's a hail of bullets, I'll stand in front of Lyse and ensure her safety."Alyssa's eyes became teary, and she felt a warm sensation in her chest. She nestled into Jasper's arms, feeling like a drifting boat had found a permanent harbor."Mr. Beckett."Suddenly, Winston addressed Jasper with such seriousness that his whole body tensed up.He quickly responded, "Yes, Mr. Taylor.""My buttercup is still young. She's imp
Outside Heightsnew Villa, the night wind rustled as Jameson stood alone in the darkness, waiting for the person he had been thinking about incessantly to appear.After what seemed like an eternity, the gates opened.Alyssa was wearing only a thin, light blue dress. With sharp eyes, she approached him with determined steps."Lyse." Jameson's eyes gleamed with joy.Seeing Alyssa dressed so lightly, he quickly took off his suit jacket, intending to drape it over her shoulders.His eyes were filled with concern as he said, "Lyse, why didn't you wear more? It's cold tonight. You'll catch a cold.""Don't touch me!" Alyssa narrowed her eyes as she abruptly stepped back.It was as if the man in front of her was a venomous scorpion or a viper, ready to spit venom at her at any moment.Jameson's arms hung awkwardly in the air. His already fair complexion turned even paler."Jameson, don't push your luck."Alyssa's eyes burned with hatred. The words forced out through clenched teeth wer
The punch he had just taken didn't inflict as much damage on Jameson as this scene did."Mr. Schmidt! Are you okay?" Carl, who was waiting in the shadows, was shocked. He rushed over to support his boss."I'm fine."Jameson staggered to his feet and swallowed the blood in his mouth. His gaze fixed on Jasper with a fierce and menacing intensity, like that of a starving hyena deprived of meat for days."If you're not convinced, we can settle it one-on-one."Jasper's gaze turned cold, and his imposing presence exerted daunting pressure on Jameson's chest. "I won't use my hands."Hearing that, Alyssa anxiously grabbed Jasper's tightly tensed arm, her eyes wide with worry.In her mind, she was scolding him for being lenient with this viper. He should just pin Jameson down and beat him to a pulp."Hah… No need for that."Jameson didn't want to fight Jasper in front of Alyssa, so he swallowed his anger and wiped away the blood from his lips. "I just had a stroke of bad luck and got b
Time passed in the blink of an eye. It was already the weekend.Tonight at Schmidt Manor, the massive fountain in the central courtyard was turned on again, and the hall was adorned with flowers. The whole place looked grand and luxurious, like an opulent palace.Guests gathered in the main hall. Many well-dressed individuals clinked glasses together, creating a lively atmosphere.Since Daisy's heavy sentence and David's tragic death in prison, the entire Schmidt family had been plunged into an unprecedented crisis. This was exacerbated by a series of business mistakes that led to a sharp drop in Schmidt Group's stock prices.Since then, a heavy atmosphere had been lingering. It had been a long time since they had such a glamorous occasion.Victor, accompanied by Josh and Clarissa, mingled among the guests, enjoying the praise and flattery that hadn't been heard in a long time. Victor was particularly pleased."Look! The dress Madam Clarissa is wearing is designed by Ms. Emerson,
"Jasper, Lyse!"Upon hearing that, the Beckett couple turned back simultaneously. Their faces showed delight when they saw the newcomers. "Landon, Lauren!"Under the dazzling lights, Landon, dressed in a sharp suit, held hands with his petite wife as they approached Jasper and Alyssa with a happy smile.They looked every bit like sweet newlyweds.Lauren obediently followed him. She was wearing an elegant, light purple dress. Adorning her updo was the clear quartz hair clip that Landon had given her, which she loved and wore almost every day.Although she was still somewhat shy and nervous, she had improved significantly compared to how she would hide away at the sight of people.Most importantly, she wasn't holding the teddy bear tonight.Alyssa felt really happy for Lauren.In a sense, Lauren's condition had improved. It was evident that Landon truly doted on her, loved her, and gave her an irreplaceable sense of security.As Landon proudly appeared with his beloved, it inevi
"Be careful, Zoe."Not only was the man speaking gently to Zoe, but he was also attentively bending down to help her adjust her hem. He was concerned that her high heels might cause her to trip."Thank you, Freddy." Zoe blinked flirtatiously at the man as she spoke softly.The sudden appearance of this hateful woman disrupted the rare harmonious moment.Landon knew that Zoe would definitely show up on such an occasion. Having just experienced exile and escaped confinement, she was eager to regain attention from high society and reclaim her dignity.He thought that after those sordid events, the respectable people of Solana City would ignore her.Yet here was a man eagerly catering to her and being so attentive. That man appeared to be a shameless flirt and a blind fool—they seemed like a perfect match.Jasper frowned in confusion, but Alyssa suddenly spoke up coldly. "I recognize him. Freddy Hodgson, Orlander Hodgson's only son.""You actually recognize him? Even I find him unf
Lauren couldn't bring herself to look at Freddy or respond to him. She just hunched her shoulders, wishing she could disappear like a wisp of smoke.Landon's eyes grew even colder as he stared at Freddy's smiling face.However, Freddy completely disregarded Landon's hostility. Instead, he extended his hand to Lauren. "Lauren, it's Freddy. We were in the same class in middle school. Do you remember me?"Landon's gaze darkened, and he slapped away Freddy's hand. "I think my wife doesn't remember you."The atmosphere became extremely tense.Yet, Zoe secretly chuckled to herself. It would seem that provoking Landon and teasing Lauren was the source of all her happiness in life.Freddy gripped his throbbing fingertips, and anger flashed in his eyes. Nonetheless, he quickly composed himself and fixed his gaze on Lauren. "Lauren, you got married to Mr. Landon? How come I didn't see any news about it?"Just as Landon was about to answer, Zoe cut in, "Freddy, you've only recently returne
However, Freddy was a man of dignity and didn't want to argue with Landon right then and there. He noted this incident in his mind and vowed to make Landon pay for it."Lauren, let's go," Landon said, gripping Lauren's tense shoulders before leading her away."Lauren!" Freddy called out to Lauren's retreating figure with a smile. "I've just returned from Yoarkley not long ago. I'm planning a class reunion in a few days. Will you be able to attend?"Lauren closed her eyes tightly and took a few deep breaths, trying hard to expel those unbearable memories from her mind.Landon's hand on her shoulder tensed visibly, and he glared coldly at Freddy. "Birds of a feather flock together. My wife belongs to a higher circle. None of you deserve her attention."Zoe and Freddy stood frozen in place with the same ugly expression on their faces.…Alyssa and Jasper's appearance instantly became the center of attention. They didn't set out to steal the spotlight, but their sheer magnetism and
"Ms. Gillis, I've searched her thoroughly. She doesn't have anything on her." Sheryl's brows knitted in frustration. "How can that be? Where's her cell phone?" "There wasn't one." Sheryl, no longer concerned about dirtying herself, stepped forward, grabbed Amber by her hair, and forced her to meet her gaze."You bitch," Sheryl snarled. "You came to The Millennium at this hour for a reason. What did you find? Hand it over, and I might spare your worthless life!"Amber spat a mouthful of bloody saliva directly onto Sheryl's face."Fuck! You bitch!" Glaring at Amber, Sheryl rolled her sleeves up and slapped her twice in the face. Even so, it wasn't enough to quench her fury. She yelled, "Take her back!" Two of Sheryl's subordinates moved forward, dragging a limp Amber away. Sheryl's reddened eyes burned with fury as she wiped the spit off her face. She was teetering on the edge of madness."Search the area! Retrace her steps and leave no stone unturned!"…Jasper drove to
Jasper strode out of the room and hurried down the stairs, his pace so brisk that Xavier had to jog to keep up. As Jasper reached the living room, he spotted Justin sitting upright in his wheelchair, alone. Their eyes locked when Jasper was just a few steps away.Hostility flickered between their gazes.Curling his lips upward into a slight smile, Justin asked, "Jasper, heading out at this hour?"Xavier gritted his teeth, loathing the self-righteous air Justin exuded, as if he always held the upper hand. The sight made him want to charge forward and knock Justin clean off his wheelchair."It's late. Why aren't you in bed?" Jasper asked coldly, his tone as sharp as his glare. "It seems that broken body of yours is still holding up.""Jasper, you seem to be in a rush. Did something happen? Do you need my help?" Justin maintained the smile on his face, disregarding Jasper's sarcastic remark. "It's none of your business."Without another word, Jasper swept past him. Justin's
Jasper lay restrained on the bed, his body writhing violently as waves of agony crashed over him. A towel clenched between his teeth muffled his cries, though it could not silence the torment. Every inch of his skin felt as if it were being devoured by thousands of invisible ants—a relentless, gnawing pain brought on by withdrawal.He knew he could no longer rely on the medication. Time and again, the temptation clawed at him, urging him to surrender and take the easy way out. Relief was just a pill away. But Jasper's willpower, though battered, refused to shatter. Anne's words echoed in his mind, a guiding light in the darkness. She had always taught him to be a righteous man—one with a clear conscience. Curling into himself, Jasper shut his bloodshot eyes. He couldn't disappoint Anne. He couldn't let down those who believed in him. He had to resist the dark side. Outside the room, Xavier glanced at his wristwatch. Judging the timing to be right, he pushed the door open and l
"How about now? Is Ms. Altman at home?" Alyssa asked urgently."She isn't," Clark replied. "She drove out the back gate alone around 11:00 pm. Our security personnel stopped her then, but she said she was just going out for some fresh air because she had trouble sleeping. She promised she wouldn't be long, but it's strange—she hasn't returned even now."Alyssa's ears began to ring, her heart sinking like a stone.When she ended the call, her nightgown clung to her skin, drenched in cold sweat. Her trembling hand gripped the phone tightly.She thought of calling Jonah, but he was still searching for Julien in Mosgravia. He wouldn't be able to return in time. Silas wasn't home tonight; he was likely with Rose. Besides, he was more of an academic than a fighter—not someone who could help in a crisis. Getting him out of bed in the middle of the night couldn't possibly solve any of their problems. Axel had returned to his organization, leaving Cyrus as the only one accessible who mi
Amber's eyes reddened as she darted toward the trapdoor in The Millennium, tears streaming down her face.Remy had let her go. He actually spared her! Didn't this prove that he was Damien? That his true nature lingered, even if his memories of the past had been lost?Hope and excitement bubbled within her as she ran. She had to reach Alyssa immediately and share this evidence—this incredible news!Emerging from the trapdoor, Amber navigated the tangled paths among the weeds on the mountain behind The Millennium.Suddenly, she froze. Her breath hitched. Beams of white light shone from all directions, focusing on her. The cold, unyielding spotlights told her everything—she was surrounded, the target of an ambush. Amber's heart pounded in her chest. Cold sweat slicked her palms as her fingers clenched tightly around her dagger. The veins on the back of her hand throbbed with adrenaline.Six assassins in black emerged from the shadows, their flashlights cutting through the gl
Amber glared at Remy through her bloodshot eyes, thrusting her gleaming blade toward his chest. In her early days of being Jameson's follower, the first lesson drilled into her was how to kill quickly and efficiently. Refinement wasn't necessary—only results mattered. Yet, despite mastering the techniques, she had never put them into practice. Deep down, Amber feared the sight of blood and loathed the idea of taking a life.And now, of all people, it was Remy forcing her to cross that line.The blade's tip hovered mere inches from Remy's heart when hesitation gripped her. Axel's voice echoed in her mind, raw with emotion. "Amber, I keep feeling that Remy is my fifth brother, Damien. We miss him… We want him to come home!"Her pupils dilated. The blade wavered, its deadly intent dissipating.That single moment of doubt was all Remy needed. With a calm, calculated motion, he seized her wrist and twisted it sharply.Amber gasped in pain, her grip faltering as the blade clattered
The password to Jameson's room was Alyssa's birthday. Jameson had always believed himself to be a devoted man, taking pride in that notion. Yet, in Amber's eyes, his devotion was nothing more than a pathetic joke—a sentiment she couldn't help but detest.Taking a steadying breath, Amber began rummaging through the drawers and shelves with swift precision.Years of observation had taught her that Jameson had hidden several secret compartments in this room, places meant to conceal vital information. Unless Jameson or Carl disclosed their existence, even the police might not have uncovered them.After what felt like an eternity, sweat beading on her forehead, Amber discovered a hidden compartment beneath a floor sculpture.As she pried the brick loose, her breath hitched. Inside the compartment lay a waterproof plastic bag containing a document and a USB drive.Amber retrieved the document. Her heart raced as she realized its contents—a research report from Mosgravia's RC Biotech
Ever since getting together with Axel, Amber had lived each day in bliss. Yet, when Winston assured her that he truly accepted her and approved of her marriage to Axel, that bliss reached its peak. For so long, Amber had struggled with feelings of inferiority, never truly believing she deserved Axel's love. Deep down, she had resolved to step away if Winston disapproved or insisted Axel marry a woman from a reputable family—a match more fitting of his status.She wouldn't have hesitated to leave if it meant sparing Winston and Axel any conflict. Amber loved Axel wholeheartedly and was willing to sacrifice everything for him.But instead of rejection, she found warmth. The Taylor family embraced her as one of their own, showing her kindness and understanding rather than disdain for her past.She could never repay such compassion. "Winston… Thank you. Thank you…" Amber's tear-filled eyes glistened, their brightness undimmed despite all the darkness she had endured. Winston s
Amber stifled a laugh and teased, "Stop talking, Mr. Whitaker. You're going to sound like a broken record if you keep going." …After breakfast and a quick packing session, Axel departed from Heightsnew Villa. Amber spent her day helping the Taylors with various tasks. She assisted Mandy in organizing documents for Lovelace Group's projects, helped Lyla with cooking, and even joined Colene in feeding her horse. With Tatiana's due date approaching, Amber also pitched in for her shower preparations.Amber had always been a diligent person, but today, she seemed particularly intent on keeping herself busy. She was counting down the hours until nightfall. After dinner, the Taylors sat in the living room and chatted casually as they always did. The warm, familial atmosphere filled the space, and Amber joined in, her perceptive nature making her a seamless part of the group.When everyone retired to their rooms, Amber rose to help the helpers clear the table. "Amber." Startled