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
All eyes turned toward the door.Dressed sharply in a suit, Jameson appeared in everyone's view while pushing a frail woman in a wheelchair."Lyse, who's that lady in the wheelchair?" Jasper looked puzzled."It's Victor's wife, Jameson's mother." Alyssa's expression darkened as she glanced at Lily.Jasper narrowed his eyes. He vaguely recalled seeing Jameson's mother once at Lyla's birthday party.At that time, under Jameson's careful styling, Lily appeared elegant despite her illness. She exuded a remarkable presence, just like an upper-class lady.However, this time, her condition was noticeably worse than before, with graying hair and sunken cheeks.Although the banquet hall wasn't cold, she needed to wrap herself in a blanket. She looked uncomfortable under the scrutiny of strangers.Victor and Josh paled with shock—especially Victor. He stared from a distance at his long-neglected wife, and his eyes gradually reddened with simmering resentment.He knew full well what Jame
"Lauren..." Jasper and Alyssa were both stunned.Alyssa then smiled faintly and looked at Lauren gratefully while feeling warm inside."Lauren is right. Are you spreading rumors right in front of Mr. Beckett and Ms. Alyssa? Do you think the legal departments of Beckett Group and KS Group are useless?"Landon held Lauren by the shoulder and gazed coldly at the gossipers. "If you have the guts, go ahead and say another word. Harper Group will play along with you."Those gossiping women, already embarrassed by Lauren's scolding, were further intimidated by Landon's fierce demeanor. They didn't even dare breathe, cowering like a bunch of quails."I recognize you. You're Mr. Jameson." Lauren elegantly lifted her skirt and walked over, blocking Alyssa from view. It was the first time she had boldly met the gaze of a stranger. "Mr. Jameson, are you Alyssa's friend?"Alyssa smirked at that question. The word "friend" seemed tainted when used in connection with Jameson. But she didn't bla
Zoe knew what Freddy meant—sex.Freddy had pursued her for years. Calling him the ultimate simp wouldn't be an exaggeration. But back then, she wasn't interested in Freddy because of her feelings for Jasper. Eventually, after all that had happened, Zoe gave up on Jasper and settled for Freddy.Freddy was serious about marrying her, but she only saw him as a means to fulfill her sexual desires. After they slept together, Zoe would be satisfied and could go days or even a month without seeing him.However, Zoe couldn't ignore him anymore. He was now an essential part of her plan. She needed to keep him around for a good reason."I know, Freddy. You're the kindest and most loving person to me in this whole world."Zoe wrapped her arms around Freddy's neck, pressing her chest against his. With a pout, she said pitifully, "You'll help me if I'm in trouble, right?"Freddy's desire flared up from her teasing, and he could barely hold onto his glass of red wine. He wished he could pin
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her
The skies started to turn dark. Alyssa's dark hair was covered in a layer of snow. As she stood alone at the foot of the majestic mountain, she looked tiny, fragile, and desolate. "Ms. Alyssa, it's snowing. Heavy snowfall is forecasted tonight." Elias walked to Alyssa's side. Noticing the redness on her face due to the cold and the dull look in her eyes, he had a moment of realization. He couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness within him. "It's getting late. I suppose something came up for Mr. Beckett, and he's unable to make it." "Why didn't he inform me if that is the case?" Alyssa mumbled in a low voice as she gazed toward the darkness. She choked back on her tears so softly that her grievance couldn't really be heard through her voice. Elias slapped himself on his forehead. "Ah, perhaps you didn't manage to receive Mr. Beckett's message? The reception at the foot of the mountain isn't quite stable. You might have missed it. Would you like to come to my office? You'l
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t
That night, Alyssa stayed in the presidential suite of Solana City's KS World Hotel. She couldn't bring herself to return to her own manor—not yet. The lingering memories of her breakup with Jasper were still too raw, and the thought of revisiting their former home felt like reopening an unhealed wound.The following morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door. Groggily, she slipped on her night robe and opened it to find Sean standing there, carrying a complete set of brand-new hiking gear.Alyssa smiled. "Thank you, Sean." "Ms. Alyssa, it's freezing today. Are you sure you want to go hiking?" Sean walked into the living room and placed the items neatly on the couch. He still felt somewhat worried. "It's alright if it's cold, as long as the weather is good."Alyssa gazed out the window. The sun was shining brightly. The thought of going hiking with Jasper today made it impossible for her to conceal the sweet smile on her face and the delight in her eyes. She still love
Remy's eyes were bloodshot; his expression twisted with disgust as he stared at Sheryl. He could hardly fathom how someone so deranged and vile had once been close to Jasper. Even if Jasper and Alyssa had separated, Sheryl was nowhere near worthy of Jasper's side; she was not even fit to be the dirt on Alyssa's shoes.A sudden flash of memory struck him—the image of Alyssa during that traffic accident. He recalled her mustering all her strength to crawl out of her wrecked car, her face bloody, her body broken yet defiant. He had never seen such a fierce spirit in a woman before.His heart pounded uncontrollably, the memory triggering a sharp pain in his temples. Remy closed his eyes, gasping for breath.Sheryl broke into wild, unhinged laughter. Her entire body shook as she spat out her words, "Oh, Jasper, you poor, clueless fool!"If he ever discovers that the woman he's been tormenting all this time is actually his savior—the one he's been desperate to repay—that would be an eart