Finally, Betty completely broke down. She slumped to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. "Yes... It was me..."Everyone was stunned.Javier was dumbfounded. "What did you say? Say that again.""Mom gave me that report. I handed it over to Zoe. That's how it got out."Betty wept tragically. With the truth exposed, she had no choice but to come clean to protect herself.Compared to the video spreading nationwide and becoming a spectacle, admitting fault seemed like the better option.In the end, she was still a member of the Beckett family. So what if she schemed against Lauren?Her father, who placed utmost importance on both his own reputation and that of the family, would undoubtedly come forward to shield her."Why would Sophia give you the diagnosis report?" Newton was so furious that he had difficulty breathing."I-I don't know... Maybe she'd gone crazy from all the drugs she took.""You used Sophia's notorious behavior as leverage, threatening her to give you something t
Betty's face at this moment was even paler than a sheet.Asking her to apologize to that dumbo on her knees was a fate worse than death.She immediately looked toward Newton, but his face was full of anger. He didn't even bother to make eye contact with her. It seemed he was determined to abandon her.Seeing Newton ignore her completely, she then kneeled before Javier. She clung to his legs, pleading desperately with tears streaming down her face, "Dad! I know I was wrong... I'll never do it again."Exiling me from Solana City and not allowing me to be by your side is already cruel punishment! I'm your daughter too. Don't I deserve any respect? Will he only be satisfied when he drives me to my death? Dad!"Her desperate cry sounded like she was the one being bullied.Frowning, Javier wanted to pull her up. After all, it was quite undignified to have so many helpers watching this scene. But Betty clung to his legs like a parasite. He probably couldn't kick her off, even if he trie
Javier continued, "Betty is indeed at fault in this matter, but isn't the main responsibility on the Harpers?"He was quite good at sophistry as he attempted to regain control of the narrative. "Who knows, maybe it was Zoe who instigated, tempted, or even threatened Betty into doing what she did."Even if not, ultimately, it was the Harpers who publicized Lauren's condition! Jasper, instead of confronting the Harpers, are you now turning against your own family? How can you do this?"Betty immediately began to weep, mimicking the pitiful demeanor of her late mother."In any case, sending her abroad should settle this matter. I don't want any more turmoil in the family." Javier's tone was resolute, leaving no room for disagreement.Jasper's eyes darkened, and he gritted his teeth to suppress his anger.He was not a reckless man. He knew that further confrontation would only fuel Javier's competitive spirit, causing him to defend Betty even more."Fine, skip the apology." With the
After what had happened, it was absolutely impossible for Betty to stay in Solana City any longer.However, Jasper was still wearing a frown.He called Landon as soon as he left Seaview Manor, but there was no answer.This situation was rare in their nearly 20 years of friendship, so it made him feel uneasy.That evening, Alyssa brought out the teddy bear cake that Cyrus had sent to share with Lauren.In the warmly lit room, Alyssa brought the cake to Lauren. Her eyes were filled with affection as she said, "Lauren, try this cake. It arrived in the morning, and I've been craving it but couldn't bear to eat it. I've been waiting to share it with you."Lauren's slender body leaned against the head of the bed. Her fair and tender face appeared pale and gaunt. It was a heartbreaking sight. "Alyssa, eat if you want to. You don't have to wait for me."Alyssa blinked. "No way. This was bought for you.""Who bought it for me?"Alyssa hesitated slightly.Sensing that hesitation, Lau
"Lauren, look at me." Alyssa firmly grasped Lauren's slender shoulders and stared into her dim eyes. "Are you really going to do this? Are you willing to part with him?"Don't do something you'll regret. Once you lose some people, you may never find someone like them again.""Alyssa, I've thought this through. It's not a rash decision."Smiling contentedly, Lauren slowly closed her eyes. "Separating is the best outcome for Landon and me. Having been together and sharing unforgettable memories is already enough for me."I love the lively Landon from before, so I want him to return to being himself. Being with me would only hold him back and burden him."Alyssa's heart wrenched as if it were being crushed.…When Alyssa returned to her room with tears, Jasper was already waiting for her."Lyse, why are your eyes so red? Did you cry?"He hurried over and wrapped his arms around her slender waist. After pulling Alyssa into his embrace, he said tenderly, "Who upset you? I'll help y
Jasper's face remained indifferent, but Alyssa's eyes widened. She even shouted in excitement, "Deaf?""Yes! It's real. I've already gotten the diagnosis report. I'll send it to you right now. Betty is still in the hospital. I heard she's completely deaf in her left ear, with hearing loss in her right ear. She's already using a hearing aid."Xavier's ecstatic voice echoed in the room. "Mr. Beckett, you're incredible! That wasn't just a slap. That was one hell of a slap!""Don't exaggerate it, Xavier," Jasper reprimanded with a frown.Alyssa burst into laughter, clapping her hands joyfully until they turned red. "Haha! That's great! It's perfect karma! Who asked her to mock Lauren all the time? I want to see how arrogant she'll be now."When she met Jasper's unwavering gaze, her smile froze, replaced by a blush spreading across her cheeks. "Um, am I too—"Before she could finish her sentence, Jasper seized her in a fierce, aggressive kiss, swallowing her words.He held her closel
Javier's tight security was clearly a silent competition with Jasper. They were more like archenemies than father and son."What do you want to do, Lyse?" Jasper asked softly."I want to draw Betty's blood for DNA testing."Both Jasper and Xavier were taken aback."Betty's malice seems like a genetic mutation in your family. I'm curious to see if she truly belongs in your family."Recently, Alyssa had become increasingly suspicious. When she compared photos of Javier and Betty, she saw no resemblance between them. Lauren's features at least shared some similarities with Javier.What was more perplexing was that Betty didn't even resemble Sophia. This didn't make sense."It doesn't matter if we can't get close to her right now," Alyssa said with a cold smile."She'll have to go to the hospital for a checkup sooner or later. When she's abroad, obtaining a blood sample from her will be easy.""Lyse, you seem very confident." Jasper sensed from her cunning and sly gaze that things
"If Grandpa hadn't revealed it in a fit of anger, I wouldn't have known that Grandma was deaf in her left ear."Feeling guilty, Jasper chuckled bitterly. "Isn't it ridiculous? As the grandson of this family, I spent the most time with Grandpa and Grandma, yet I never noticed her abnormality. What kind of grandson am I?""I knew about that. Grandpa told me about it during that Christmas when I went to visit Grandma with him..."Alyssa stopped abruptly when she inadvertently mentioned Christmas. She dared not continue.It would be Christmas in less than two months.The Taylors loved festivities. Every year, they would set up a grand and magnificent Christmas tree in the living room. Jonah would personally prepare gifts for all family members and give the helpers in the house bonuses out of his own pocket.But because of the child she lost, Alyssa no longer dared to celebrate Christmas. She wouldn't even return home on Christmas Day.However, that was in the past.Now, she avoided
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