"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
"You're right, Dad." Javier and Sophia could only agree with Newton with apologetic smiles."I am so happy with this gift. Where's Lauren? I want to give her a hug!" Newton beamed."Ms. Lauren says she won't join us because she's sick. She'll meet you in person later," Ben reported."Sigh, that child …" Newton lamented. "Ben, frame the painting and put it up in my study. That way, I can look at it whenever I feel like it."Ben nodded and carefully put the painting away. Betty was wordless with anger when she observed Newton's interest and care for Lauren's gift. Betty thought that Lauren, who never had much allowance, might humiliate herself by purchasing a miserly gift. To her dismay, Lauren decided to be creative by presenting a handmade gift. In the end, the vase that Betty splurged hundreds of thousands on was overshadowed by a shabby painting of Lauren's!"Oh, Lauren, just wait and see. You're dead meat!" Betty thought.On the other hand, Liana was pacing the corridor. S
"That's ridiculous!" Liana struggled to keep the smile on her face. "I bought this from the Harpers' auction house. It can't be a counterfeit!"After she dragged the Harpers into the mess, Landon snickered. "Ms. Gardner, you are probably unfamiliar with the industry because you haven't been involved with auctions. Parry's Auction of the Harper Group is the biggest auction house in the nation. "The items we take in have undergone stringent inspection and verification. It is impossible to buy counterfeits from us. It's one thing to be ignorant; it's another thing to ruin my family's reputation."The look in Jasper's eyes deepened. He recalled Alice's smirk when she indirectly led Liana to buy the replica at ten times the starting price at the charity auction. Could she have foreseen that Liana would buy the painting for Newton?Was it all a coincidence or a trap from the start?"Ms. Gardner, a counterfeit item is different from a replica," an expert voiced out his opinion to clear
Liana shouted, "Why didn't she continue bidding if she wanted the painting? She never planned to buy it in the first place—she only wanted to trick me!"The onlookers shifted their opinions about the situation."Could Ms. White have done that to Ms. Gardner because she was upset with the divorce?""That's unnecessarily petty. What's the meaning of pulling that after a divorce?""It is not meaningless. She must have been indignant after losing her marriage with the distinguished Mr. Beckett.""She looks proper on the outside but mean on the inside. Women like her only use their brains on petty tricks."Liana felt great hearing the barrage of criticisms on Alice."Ms. White, did you really do that?" Javier knitted his brows and looked sternly at Alyssa. Similarly, Newton was waiting for her answer."Ms. Gardner, it was a misunderstanding." Alyssa took a step forward. Her face scrunched up into a pitiful expression. "I was the one who first bid for the painting. You followed suit.
It was time for Alyssa to present her present.When the antique rosewood chair was carried in, every antique fanatic and collector in the venue erupted into excitement."That is a stunning relic!""Oh goodness, I wish I could get my hands on it!""This is probably the most precious thing Mr. Beckett Senior would have gotten tonight besides the porcelain set!""Who is this Alice White? How did she get her hands on something so priceless? Looks like Mr. Beckett's ex-wife might have been an heiress in hiding!"Jasper's heart had leaped into his throat. He gazed fixedly at Alice. He had never expected her to give the old man an antique the Taylor family had won at the auction. This chair itself was worth over a hundred million!It seemed like the Taylor family really doted on her."This is our gift to you, Grandpa. May you be blessed with prosperity and happiness, and live forevermore!" Alyssa said to Newton.Beside her, Jonah bowed his head slightly. "I wish you a happy birthday,
Shock, rage, and disappointment flooded Jasper's chest. She had lied to him all this time!…The birthday celebration continued into the night, laughter and chatter filling the venue. Halfway through, Alyssa decided to go to the washroom to powder up.As she went to the washroom, she recalled all the schemes and tricks Liana and Sophia had tried to use against her. It was all so childish, she realized, scoffing at the thought. How foolish.She had already guessed how they planned to take her down, which was unfortunate for them. Of all the things those women should have considered when plotting against her, they failed to include the most important factor of them all—Newton's fatherly affection for her.Love and affection were something their schemes could never break through.It would have been inappropriate if they had only given Newton the chair, as it undoubtedly belonged to Jonah and "his family." That was why she presented the carving she had long prepared to Newton.Alyss
"Ow!" The force was enough to bruise Alyssa's back. "What the hell is wrong with you, Jasper?"Jasper was fuming with rage. His grip tightened around her wrists. It was as if he was scared she might run from him. Their eyes met."You've lied again and again to me, Alice White. Who wouldn't be upset?" he roared, voice raspy."When have I ever lied to you?" Alyssa demanded, struggling against the man's grip. "The only reason you know nothing about me is because you never cared! "Three years, Jasper Beckett. I would have told you everything you wanted to know if only you had asked. But have you ever cared to ask me? Did you ever care about me?"Jasper's heart skipped several beats, pounding hard in his chest."Do you know what I like having for breakfast? What do I enjoy doing on the weekends? What kind of music do I like? I was your wife, and I gave you my all. I paid attention to everything you did, what you loved and hated. But what about you?"Isn't it hilarious how you're acc
Alyssa followed Jasper into the study. The door closed behind her with a soft click. She didn't move to switch on the lights or sit down. Instead, she stood quietly in the dim room.They faced each other, eyes locked. In the darkness, their gazes seemed brighter, charged with emotions that neither could put into words. Whatever stirred within them was tangled and silent—kept at bay by something unspoken, as if a wall had formed between heart and mouth. After a pause, Alyssa offered a faint smile. Her voice was soft, almost courteous. "Go ahead, Mr. Beckett. I won't be staying long tonight—I've made other arrangements."It was clear she didn't want to be alone in a room with him.Jasper's chest tightened, overwhelmed by a surge of emotion he couldn't define. His voice was rough when he finally spoke. "You didn't vote against the motion at today's board meeting. I wanted to know… are we still on the same side?"Alyssa's gaze lowered, her voice steady and calm. "You didn't object
In the evening, Xavier drove Jasper to meet with Newton. Along the way, news broke out that Sheryl had been bailed out. Xavier slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Damn it! Why is it so hard to get rid of that woman?" "She is Justin's right hand," Jasper said, eyes shut as he leaned back in his seat. His jaw tightened. "You could even say she knows more about his secrets than anyone. As long as she's useful, Justin won't discard her so easily. This is how he operates."Xavier shook his head, teeth gritted. "Where the hell did she even come from? When you had me investigate her, I found nothing. Her background was spotless. "What's in her past that Justin would go so far to keep it hidden? A man like him can have any woman he wants, yet he clings to her—some pretty-faced idiot who only seems to make things harder for him."Jasper's gaze turned glacial. Xavier's casual remark struck him.He was right. Justin wasn't short on capable subordinates. So why Sheryl?Was Sh
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