"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
Josh finally realized that Jameson was there today to settle old scores with him.All eyes, including Victor's, were fixed on Josh's stiff face."Jameson, what nonsense are you talking about?"Josh had seen his fair share of deceitful people and wasn't fooled by Jameson's words. He gritted his teeth and coldly retorted, "What does your mom's infidelity have anything to do with me?""I'm asking you just one thing. Do you dare swear that my mom's alleged affair has nothing to do with you?""Hah! Why should I swear to you? Who do you think you are?" Josh was unyielding.Jameson smirked with pale lips, his eyes seemingly harboring a deadly storm. "Josh, haven't you always wanted to reclaim the position of president from me? Let's make a bet."If you dare swear that my mom's alleged affair has nothing to do with you, I'll hand over the position to you."The crowd was stunned.Alyssa and Jasper stared at Jameson in shock.They knew that for Jameson, the position of Schmidt Group's
In an instant, Josh became the target of everyone's gaze.Meanwhile, Lily trembled in Jameson's arms while staring at Seth's face. Her eyes were clouded with bloodshot veins, and her body was twitching, teetering on the edge of a breakdown.Despite her usual confusion due to illness, the sight of the man who had brought her immense humiliation years ago ignited a deep-seated resentment within her.Witnessing Lily's distress, Alyssa felt sorry for her.Regardless of Jameson's misdeeds, Lily was innocent.However, their differing positions prevented Alyssa from comforting Lily. She wouldn't give Jameson any chance to misunderstand.Victor, still trying to grasp the situation, looked at Jameson in surprise. "Jimmy, why have you brought this man here?""Josh, should I tell Dad what you did 15 years ago, or would you like to confess yourself?" Jameson's icy eyes bore into Josh."Jameson, you're really going all out with this act."Josh's heart pounded like a drum, but he put on a s
"Oh my! If this is true, I truly feel sorry for Mrs. Schmidt! I feel like going in to give her a hug!""Mr. Schmidt leaving the country and caring for his sick mother at such a young age is truly a tale of hardship! This life story is like ready-made material for a TV series!""Mr. Beckett and Mr. Schmidt are both hot in their own ways, and their lives are equally tragic.""15 years ago, Josh was still quite young, right? Yet he could come up with such a wicked scheme. He's truly a born demon! What a scumbag! I support Mr. Schmidt in fighting back. He must reclaim what was lost!"The comments overwhelmingly favored Jameson.Tonight, he brought his seriously ill mother in front of everyone, all to gain this wave of sympathy and build his reputation in society. It was a stepping stone for him to become the most influential public figure within Schmidt Group.Alyssa lowered her gaze, her fingertips skimming over her phone screen as she quickly scanned the comments.That was the tru
Following that, Jameson's cold voice rang out, "It's been over ten years. What evidence do you have to prove that my mom's affair with that so-called lover was part of Josh's scheme?""Because... I was the one who made the call to lure your mom out."Daisy's voice trembled violently, unsure if it was due to her resentment toward her biological brother or her fear of Jameson."David was also there when I made the call. Unfortunately, he's gone forever. You lost a witness. But it doesn't matter. I still have an ace up my sleeve."I captured the scene where your mom was taken by Josh's men and brought into the room by the bodyguard while she was disoriented. It's in my old phone at the bottom of my drawer. You can turn it on as long as there's a charger."Daisy pleaded, "Jimmy, go after the person responsible. I was so young back then. I was just a victim of Josh's manipulation. Seek revenge on him. I swear everything I said is true. If there's anything false, I'll never rest in peac
Josh staggered backward as Cyrus appeared, fear gripping him to his core. Then, four plainclothes policemen filed in behind Cyrus, forming a wall.Jameson's heart sank at the sight of the policemen barging in. He glanced gloomily at Jasper, who remained as composed as a cat.Jasper met his despondent gaze, his dark, cold eyes narrowing.It felt as though two arrowheads, forged from opposing forces of ice and fire, collided explosively. Jameson was ready to put on a good show.He might have planned a controlled burn, but with Jasper around, things were bound to erupt into a full-blown wildfire.Lauren's eyes sparkled at the sight of Cyrus, whom she hadn't seen in a long while. She instinctively raised her hand to greet him. "Cy…"But then, she felt a weight on her shoulder. Slowly lifting her gaze, she met Landon's cold expression. Her heart tightened as she withdrew her hand, too afraid to glance in Cyrus' direction."W-What's happening?" Josh panicked, his legs trembling.
Jonah's gaze burned with a mix of longing, sorrow, and something deeply affectionate. The world swam back into focus as Julien looked at Jonah. Without preamble, he asked, "Are you new? How much do you charge per night?"Light-headed and grinning, Julien reached out a hand, his fingers brushing softly against Jonah's cheek. "You're pretty good-looking," he said, his voice slurred. Then his expression shifted. "Why do you… look so much like someone I hate with every fiber of my being?"Jonah's heart clenched. Even so, he slid his arms around Julien's waist. Trembling, he pulled Julien into his arms. "I'm new here. Could you help me meet my target tonight, Mr. Lovelace?"Julien's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Jonah. Jonah's eyes teared up as he held Julien's waist tightly. "I promise you won't be disappointed," he said, his voice deep. Watching from the shadows below the stage, Evan nearly gagged at Jonah's sultry tone. Was this really the Judas he knew? The man sounded downri
The bar was alive with striking lights and thundering music, and the air was thick with the scent of tobacco and alcohol. The atmosphere was one of moral decay—corrupt, degrading, and vile. "Where's Julien?" Jonah's voice cut through the noise, his tone icy and sharp. When Jonah stepped inside, the eyes of several men turned toward him, their gazes filled with illicit intent."Why, hello there. Are you here alone? Are you feeling lonely?" A sexy man sauntered over, draping himself over Jonah's shoulders. He let his hands linger with a playful squeeze. "If you're bored, I'd be happy to keep you company." Jonah's expression darkened. His hands trembled, veins bulging with barely contained rage. Suddenly, Evan burst through the crowd, his face twisting in alarm at the sight of Jonah surrounded by a swarm of predatory men. Evan yelled, "Don't touch him!" A heavy thump reverberated through the room. Gasps erupted as people scrambled back.The man who had draped himself over
Rafe stated, "But Beckett Group is in the middle of a storm right now. If I insisted on giving your corporation the project, my superiors would investigate me. I wouldn't be able to escape unscathed!""If you're investigated, I'll make sure you can still live a life of luxury—even if you lose your job." Justin's tone darkened. "But if you turn against me, you won't just suffer a few losses. You'll lose everything."Under the dim moonlight, Justin fiddled with his antique tea cup, his gaze narrowing. "You've worked so hard to get to where you are. Are you prepared to lose it all?"After ending the call, Justin turned to Remy, who stood quietly at the side. "Sheryl is still being detained. She can't be bailed out for another two days. I need someone to watch over the research lab. You'll handle that."Remy was taken aback. "I failed my last mission. Aren't you going to punish me?"Justin's smile was cold and insincere. "It wasn't your fault. You were ambushed. If not for that, I tru
Remy pursed his lips, bending down to pick up the fallen poker card. It was the King of Spades—an entry pass to Kings' Club. "My attacker was…" Remy's pupils constricted as he tightened his grip on the card. "It can only be that dear uncle of mine, always claiming to see me as his own son." Justin's lips curled into a sinister smile. "He's trying to get rid of my right-hand man, taking advantage of my internal feud with Jasper. Weakening me is just his first step toward gaining control over me."He's been a fugitive ever since his successful prison break, never returning to Cyrris after receiving his life sentence. His power base remains in Kontina. "I'm the last surviving Dutton. The Dutton Group, as a cover, has declared bankruptcy and severed all ties with the country. "My dear uncle has taken a huge risk just to target me. He sent his men to attack you in Solana City. What a delightful surprise. It seems he truly doesn't trust me, his only remaining family."Remy lowere
The hospital ward grew heavy with silence. Mandy and Neil stared at Alyssa, stunned beyond words. "M-Ms. Alyssa, you knew that man was Mr. Damien?" Neil asked, disbelief etched into his voice. "Yes." Alyssa's reply was quiet, her lips pressed into a thin line. She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "We found out when Cyrus took Damien's cigarette butt for a paternity test."Mandy approached Alyssa, her shoulders trembling slightly. "So, you and Cyrus knew… and you both kept it from me?" Mandy said, her voice catching in her throat, tears welling up. Alyssa felt a sharp pang in her chest. "Mandy, I'm sorry. It was my decision. Cyrus had nothing to do with it."Mandy's tears fell freely now, her grief spilling out in raw sobs. "Do you know what it's been like for me all these years, thinking Damien was gone? Winston, Miley, Lyla, and Colene kept telling me to move on. I tried to accept that he was dead, that we'd never find his body. But I never did."Her vo
The hospital ward was bathed in a dim, yellow glow from the bedside lamp. The silence was thick, yet the room held a strange warmth—an unfamiliar comfort that felt oddly familiar to Remy.Pain radiated through his body as he struggled to sit up. His eyes fell on Mandy, who was asleep beside his bed. Her hair was a mess, and her swollen eyes suggested she'd been crying. She was sound asleep. Remy stiffened. His breath quickened as he stared at her fragile figure. Slowly, he leaned forward, his fingers lifting slightly, tempted to reach out.Just as his hand hovered close, Mandy's lashes fluttered. In her sleep, she murmured, "Damien… Damien… I miss you so much…" Tears slipped down her cheeks, silent and unbidden.A pang tugged at Remy's heart. Without thinking, he brushed away her tears with his calloused fingers. The moment his skin touched hers, a jolt shot through him, sharp and electrifying. Pain throbbed at his temples, but beneath it was a warmth he didn't want to let g
Justin's casual question hit Javier like a thunderclap. Shock rippled through him, freezing his expression. His voice trembled with fear as he barked, "What nonsense is that? Are you accusing me of causing Chester's death? I'm your father—how could you think I'd do such a thing?""It's not an accusation. Just the facts," Justin replied coolly, crossing his legs and savoring his tea with unsettling calm. "And I'm not condemning you. In fact, I understand why you did it. I'm facing the same dilemma now."Javier's breathing grew ragged. He had watched Justin grow from a child into the man before him—now a predator, circling with quiet menace."You were meant to be the heir as the eldest son," Justin continued, his voice smooth as silk. "But Grandpa favored Uncle Chester, handing him major projects, grooming him in plain sight. "Uncle Chester's reputation soon eclipsed yours. He was a natural leader, adept at business, with one fatal flaw—he was kind. Too kind. Unlike you."Justin
Nonetheless, night had fallen by the time Justin arrived at Seaview Manor. On his way there, he worked on two things. First, he secured the top legal team to get Sheryl out on bail as quickly as possible. Second, he tried reaching Remy—unsuccessfully. He had never lost contact with Remy before. Justin's face was as dark as the night itself. The moment he stepped inside Seaview Manor, Rory approached with a solemn expression. He gave a slight bow before speaking. "Mr. Justin, what took you so long? Mr. Javier has been waiting.""I was occupied," Justin replied coolly. Then, as if it were an ordinary evening, he allowed a faint smile. "Where's Jasper? Is he back here yet?" A conflicted look came across Rory's face. "Things between you and Mr. Jasper have soured. I doubt he'll want to see you anytime soon—or show up here.""Is that so? How disappointing."Justin's smile didn't reach his eyes. His gaze lingered on Rory, sharp and bottomless. "So, he'd rather believe what he se
Jonah scoured every corner of the hotel, desperation clawing at his chest, but Julien was nowhere to be found. "Jonah!" Alyssa called out, breathless as she caught up to him. She grabbed his arm. "Calm down! I'll help you search for Jul!""I can't find him. He's gone," Jonah murmured, sinking to the floor. His tears mixed with sweat, creating dark patches on the ground. "Lyse… I fear… if I can't find Julien this time, I'll lose him forever."The agonizing thought of losing the love of his life pierced him. "No, you won't!" Alyssa gripped his arm tighter, her voice trembling with conviction. "If Jul had given up on you, he wouldn't have come here today. The fact that he showed up means he still cares."Jonah's eyes were bloodshot, filled with a pain too deep to hide. He shook his head slowly. "Julien came back for Jasper. He did it because he's loyal… because he's a good friend. Not because of me.""He does care!" Alyssa insisted. "If he didn't, he would've faced you without fli