"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
Jameson's expression was visibly cold, while his eyes were filled with simmering rage.Josh uncovered a part of the Schmidt family's scandal from back then.Despite the disgrace it brought upon the entire Schmidt family, Josh was determined to embarrass both Jameson and Lily, stoking Victor's disdain toward them. He wanted Lily to forever remain a despised whore.The crowd gasped, intrigued by the unfolding drama. After all, who wouldn't be interested to hear gossip about a wealthy family?"What does Mr. Josh mean by that?""Why does it sound like Mrs. Schmidt did something to hurt Mr. Victor?""I remember now!"Someone recalled the scandal and said, "There was gossip back then in the magazines, claiming Mrs. Schmidt was keeping a lover on the side. She was caught in the act by Mr. Victor. That's why she was exiled overseas.""Caught in the act?" Everyone was shocked."At that time, we didn't have the internet. It was all newspapers and magazines. Within 24 hours of this scand
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
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