Just then, Ben called.Jasper promptly answered, "What's the matter, Mr. Gorham?""Mr. Jasper, is it a good time to speak?" Ben said."Go ahead, Mr. Gorham. What is it?""Mr. Javier arrived this morning and took Ms. Lauren back to Seaview Manor."A shadow crossed Jasper's face. "I thought Grandpa wanted Lauren's company a little while more. Why was her time with him cut short?""Mr. Javier went to the study room with Mr. Newton. I'm not sure what they talked about, but they ended up fighting."Ben sounded worried. "Ms. Lauren heard everything. She had always been the most obedient in the family, so she agreed to follow Mr. Javier back."As a secretary, I can't intervene, but I hope you'll give Ms. Lauren some extra attention when you return tonight."Jasper sensed Ben's implication. "Did you catch what Dad and Grandpa were arguing about?""I... I think it was about Ms. Lauren's wedding. Mr. Newton and Mr. Javier clashed over it, leading to the confrontation. But I don't know
Betty's rage surged like a rabid animal as she barked at Lauren, her fury palpable.But as Lauren glanced up, she noticed something she hadn't before—the hearing aids tucked behind Betty's hair, previously concealed from view. "Bitch... I'm deaf now. You won't get away with this before I'm gone. I'll make sure you suffer the same fate!" Betty's words dripped with venom as she lashed out, her arm poised to strike at Lauren's face.Yet, to Betty's surprise, Lauren, once her victim, deftly evaded her attack, delivering a crisp slap in retaliation—the first time the latter had ever raised a hand against the former.The passing maid, initially startled, couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction—Lauren had finally asserted herself.Betty scowled as she held her face.It was the first time Lauren had ever laid a hand on someone. It didn't hurt, but it shattered Betty's ego."You are not my sister, Betty." Lauren clenched her fists and shook her head lightly. "You never were from
Betty's relentless mocking made Lauren pale considerably. Her delicate frame shuddered even more. Lauren shut her eyes tightly, wringing her teddy bear until it was twisted out of shape. Only by doing this could she force herself not to think about those haunting memories."You couldn't become Mrs. Harper, but soon you will be Mrs. Hodgson, the mayor's daughter-in-law. It seems like congratulations are in order."Betty flipped her hair, acting disgustingly pretentious like Sophia. "However, I'm not getting any wedding gifts for you.""If you don't shut your mouth right now, I'm going to make your right ear completely deaf." Jasper's rage was evident from his scowl. "But it's the truth, isn't it? She's going to marry into the Hodgson family. There's no point yelling at me like this."Jasper stalked toward her menacingly like a prowling lion."Ah! Help! Dad, save me! Jasper is going to kill me!" Betty threw away all decorum and screamed at the top of her lungs."That's enough! Wh
Lauren curled up in a dust-filled corner. It was the height of summer, but she was so cold that she shivered.At this time, Freddy, who had been standing aside, quietly walked up to her. He took off his jacket and knelt to cover her shoulders with it.She was about to say "thank you" when she realized that he was blatantly staring at her chest.Her small, developing breasts could be seen through her soaked shirt, and even her white bra was visible!In her panic, she screamed weakly and hugged her chest with her shuddering arms. "Lauren, let me touch them for a bit, alright? Just a bit, no one will know."Freddy said those disgusting words with such sincerity, like a devil's manipulative persuasion.When she recalled those memories, it still plunged Lauren into a deep pit of depression and fear."I know why you want to marry off Lauren so desperately."Jasper's fists clenched tightly, and his knuckles turned white. "If you were angry, you could have taken it out on me. As a pa
"You don't agree?" Javier's expression darkened coldly. His menacing glare was devoid of any warmth or affection a father would have for his son. "Jasper, I am not dead yet, but are you already thinking of taking over my duties?"If I didn't give you the chance, would you even be able to become the president of Beckett Group? It seems like you've become arrogant. Do you really think that you achieved everything by your own merit?"Facing his father's insults, Jasper was more worried for Lauren than angry at his father.If Lauren really married into the Hodgson family, he couldn't imagine what kind of crazy things Landon would do after he found out.Perhaps he would spiral into depression. Perhaps he would be so crushed that he would never recover from his heartbreak.Lauren was not strong and brave like Alyssa, who would stand up for herself. She was the most obedient child among the siblings. She was gentle and weak, accepting whatever obstacles life threw at her without protest.
"Lauren, what in the world are you saying?" Jasper, who was usually calm and composed, reacted in shock. He placed his hands heavily on her shoulders. "Marriage is not child's play. This is a matter of your lifelong happiness!"Do you not know what kind of person Freddy is? Did you not see how he was acting intimately with Zoe? Aren't you worried that this might be a plot from Zoe to mess with you and Landon?"Lauren let him shake her shoulders as tears rolled in her eyes along with the shaking."Did you really fall out of love with Landon? Look into my eyes and tell me… do you really not love Landon anymore?" Jasper's brows knitted together tightly as he bombarded her with questions."Jasper, I'm a grown woman. I'm no longer the child who locked herself in her room all day, not daring to speak to anyone. I'm no longer the girl whose only companions were drawing blocks and dolls."Lauren's voice was soft, but her resolve was firm. "I know what I'm doing; I know what I want."Jasp
Landon's words dropped a bomb in the meeting room. Face reddened, Preston slammed his hand on the table and bellowed, "Landon Harper, are you kicking me out? Are you fucking asleep? You were a baby when I was working alongside your grandpa!"The uncle and nephew finally had a fallout as there were no outsiders around."Landon, don't cross the line!" Cornelius chastised his grandson, whom he deemed insane. "I know what's in your mind. You're just trying to avenge Lauren!"At the end of the day, you're a Harper and the president of the Harper Group. Your dad had contributed to the company's success too. How can you answer Bill if you make a mess in the company?"Besides, your Uncle Preston did not do anything wrong. Lauren has mental issues. Are you sure you can take care of her forever after you married her? You don't have that patience; you can never do it! You should end your relationship now rather than regretting it in the future.""Grandpa, I have just one question for you." L
"Grandpa, I know you are an expert at weighing pros and cons. I have laid out my cards. Please take your time to consider your choice." After that, Landon slowly rose from his seat and rubbed out the cigarette on the tabletop."Stop!" Cornelius called out to Landon. In a shaking voice, he obliged, "I agree… I agree to your conditions!""Dad, I sacrificed so much for the Harper Group. How could you do this to me to protect yourself?" Preston's eyes bulged from surprise."That's enough. Don't flatter yourself." Shameful and enraged, Cornelius growled, "You and I know who's the one who made real sacrifices for Harper Group. It was Bill—Landon's dad—your brother!"Even without these scandalous photos, I have plans to kick you out anyway. Did you really think I was clueless about your crimes behind my back? I was merely turning a blind eye because I couldn't be bothered."I'll take the chance today to get rid of a thorn in my side. You do not have to report to work at Harper Group anym
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