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
Alyssa's and Jasper's expressions turned solemn after listening."If not, it could be that he cleans up the scene thoroughly every time he commits a crime, leaving no trace behind. But that doesn't quite fit the modus operandi of an outlaw or top-tier assassin."Cyrus traced his jawline with his finger as he calmly analyzed the situation. "So, I'm inclined to believe he's a hired assassin from abroad.""If that's the case, it'll be even more difficult to investigate him. Once this job is done, he'll disappear immediately. He'd probably use a false identity to flee the country." Jasper's gaze darkened gradually."Didn't Ms. Angelina see his face? She can come to our station tomorrow and describe his face based on her memory. I can arrange for a top-notch profiler from our city to come and draw a portrait of that assassin."Cyrus' eyes flashed with determination. "Having a sketch might provide more clues. We can't delay too long. People's memories fade, and the likeness of the portr
"Cyrus." Lauren lifted her pretty face."Lauren, thank you for agreeing to help. I'll wait for you at the station tomorrow. Jasper and Lyse will take you there." Cyrus' heart melted. His hand itched to reach out and gently pat her head.But ultimately, he restrained himself by clenching his hands tightly.Just then, Lauren parted her lips and said, "There's no need for that. I can draw it.""What? You can draw it?" The three of them were shocked."That man left a deep impression on me. I won't forget his face, no matter how much time has passed."Lauren took a deep breath to steady herself. "I'm quite good at drawing portraits. I think instead of describing his features, I can draw him myself for a more accurate representation."…To focus without external distractions, Lauren went upstairs alone to work on her drawing while the other three patiently waited in the living room.After some hesitation, Cyrus finally couldn't help but ask, "Lyse, did Lauren and Mr. Landon break up
"I'm sure." Lauren nodded firmly.In an unusual departure from his usual composure, Cyrus fixated on the portrait, his usually steady demeanor giving way to a tense stillness, his eyes tinged with red.Concerned, Lauren approached him, noting the uncharacteristic reaction. "Cyrus, are you alright?"Cyrus responded hoarsely, "I'm sorry. I need to go to the restroom. Where is it?"Jasper raised his hand, indicating the direction. Cyrus immediately left with purposeful strides. "Lyse, do you recognize him?" Jasper hugged Alyssa by the waist and asked with anxious urgency. Alyssa took a deep breath, striving to quell her tumultuous emotions. "He bears a striking resemblance to my late brother, Damien, who perished in a plane crash."Jasper and Lauren widened their eyes in disbelief.Damien's untimely demise had left an enduring wound in the Taylor family's collective heart. Tears welled in Alyssa's eyes as she reflected on the painful memory. "Our family refrained from discussi
Jasper's words snapped Alyssa out of her somber reverie.Their minds couldn't help but gravitate toward that possibility, and the more they considered it, the more plausible and concerning it seemed."We've discussed this before. Preston and Zoe lack the capability to find such a skilled accomplice on their own. There must be someone behind the scenes aiding them."Jasper's eyes gleamed with insight as he methodically analyzed, "What if it's Jameson seeking revenge? It's conceivable. Moreover, Cyrus mentioned earlier that the killer is likely a foreigner. Jameson has been in Kontina for years; it wouldn't be difficult for him to recruit assistance for Harper and Zoe.""Revenge? If Jamiper wanted revenge, it should be directed at us. What does it have to do with Landon and Lauren?" Alyssa's frustration bubbled to the surface. "Does he have nothing better to do than meddle in the Harper Group's affairs?""Lauren is my sister, and Landon is like a brother to me," Jasper replied, his
"I made this artwork too hastily. It's rather rough. It could have been more intricate." Lauren felt embarrassed, thinking her art was too ugly to be given."No way! It's really good." Cyrus tried to maintain his composure, but he was so excited that his voice wavered slightly. "Thank you, Lauren. I love it… Oh, by the way..."He reached into the car and retrieved a neatly packaged candy apple, his ears turning red with embarrassment. "I saw a candy apple stand on the way here and couldn't resist. I haven't eaten it. Let me give it to you."Alyssa narrowed her eyes in confusion.Knowing Cyrus' love for food, it seemed unlikely that he would still have the candy apple if he'd been craving it so much. It was clear he had bought it for Lauren but was too shy to admit it."A candy apple?" A spark lit up Lauren's eyes.It was hard to believe that a wealthy girl like her had never experienced this common street snack.Javier and Sophia had kept her sheltered at home due to her illness
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