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
Alyssa felt her chest tighten. She motioned at Sean to come over before pressing Silas, "Are you sure?""Mayor Hodgson has always been prudent. He won't make things public unless it's been confirmed. That's how he managed to enjoy a smooth political career." Silas' tone took a turn. "That's why I believe the news is true. Lyse, is this an arranged marriage? Is Lauren willing to marry a man she doesn't love? Will she be happy?"The idea of Lauren agreeing to it was preposterous. Something was fishy."Grandpa and Javier aren't satisfied with Landon, but they hate Harper Group even more. Even so, Lauren shouldn't marry Freddy Hodgson!""Lyse, do you know Mayor Hodgson's son?"Lyse cracked her fingers angrily. "You can tell he's not a good egg just by looking at that bastard's face."Silas and Sean grew speechless."Anyway, thanks for giving me the huge update. I'll make your favorite beef Wellington when I'm back home."After the call, Alyssa took a few deep breaths to gather hers
After the meeting, Javier and Jasper headed toward the entrance of the Beckett Group building with their secretaries under the protection of their security guards.A father and son were supposed to be close, but the two of them behaved like strangers, not speaking to each other on the trip."Come with me to Southsmire on my private jet later. I've invited Darren Daneman for golf tomorrow morning, and I have a business cocktail party in the afternoon. These events will play a huge role in our future expansion and project launches in Southsmire."Jasper was about to reply, but he was interrupted by a jarring honking. A Rolls Royce with the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot on its bonnet came to a stop in front of Jasper and Javier.Jasper squinted at the car as his heart raced. When the car door opened, Javier heard a melodious voice from within, even though he couldn't make out the figure seated in it. "Mr. Javier, you don't mind me picking up Jasper from work, do you?"Javier's breathing
Right after the Rolls Royce departed, Alyssa's expression hardened as she punched Jasper in the chest."Lyse, be gentle. I don't want you to hurt yourself," Jasper cautioned her, his voice trembling from her strength.Sean, who was in the driver's seat, stole a glance at them from the rearview mirror and stifled a laugh."Jasper, I have a question for you." She poked his chest and asked angrily, "Did you know about the arranged marriage between Lauren and the Hodgson son?"His eyes wavered. Grasping her hand, he wondered, "Lyse, how did you hear about it?""How could you ask that question? I think half of the city has heard about it by now!" Alyssa then proceeded to relay Silas' update to Jasper."Damn it!" Enraged, he punched the car window. "By publicly announcing the news, the Hodgson family is pressuring Javier into finalizing the marriage.""They're being delusional. What era are we in now? They can't possibly force Lauren to marry Freddy!" Clenching her jaw, she said, "If
Jasper strode out of the room and hurried down the stairs, his pace so brisk that Xavier had to jog to keep up. As Jasper reached the living room, he spotted Justin sitting upright in his wheelchair, alone. Their eyes locked when Jasper was just a few steps away.Hostility flickered between their gazes.Curling his lips upward into a slight smile, Justin asked, "Jasper, heading out at this hour?"Xavier gritted his teeth, loathing the self-righteous air Justin exuded, as if he always held the upper hand. The sight made him want to charge forward and knock Justin clean off his wheelchair."It's late. Why aren't you in bed?" Jasper asked coldly, his tone as sharp as his glare. "It seems that broken body of yours is still holding up.""Jasper, you seem to be in a rush. Did something happen? Do you need my help?" Justin maintained the smile on his face, disregarding Jasper's sarcastic remark. "It's none of your business."Without another word, Jasper swept past him. Justin's
Jasper lay restrained on the bed, his body writhing violently as waves of agony crashed over him. A towel clenched between his teeth muffled his cries, though it could not silence the torment. Every inch of his skin felt as if it were being devoured by thousands of invisible ants—a relentless, gnawing pain brought on by withdrawal.He knew he could no longer rely on the medication. Time and again, the temptation clawed at him, urging him to surrender and take the easy way out. Relief was just a pill away. But Jasper's willpower, though battered, refused to shatter. Anne's words echoed in his mind, a guiding light in the darkness. She had always taught him to be a righteous man—one with a clear conscience. Curling into himself, Jasper shut his bloodshot eyes. He couldn't disappoint Anne. He couldn't let down those who believed in him. He had to resist the dark side. Outside the room, Xavier glanced at his wristwatch. Judging the timing to be right, he pushed the door open and l
"How about now? Is Ms. Altman at home?" Alyssa asked urgently."She isn't," Clark replied. "She drove out the back gate alone around 11:00 pm. Our security personnel stopped her then, but she said she was just going out for some fresh air because she had trouble sleeping. She promised she wouldn't be long, but it's strange—she hasn't returned even now."Alyssa's ears began to ring, her heart sinking like a stone.When she ended the call, her nightgown clung to her skin, drenched in cold sweat. Her trembling hand gripped the phone tightly.She thought of calling Jonah, but he was still searching for Julien in Mosgravia. He wouldn't be able to return in time. Silas wasn't home tonight; he was likely with Rose. Besides, he was more of an academic than a fighter—not someone who could help in a crisis. Getting him out of bed in the middle of the night couldn't possibly solve any of their problems. Axel had returned to his organization, leaving Cyrus as the only one accessible who mi
Amber's eyes reddened as she darted toward the trapdoor in The Millennium, tears streaming down her face.Remy had let her go. He actually spared her! Didn't this prove that he was Damien? That his true nature lingered, even if his memories of the past had been lost?Hope and excitement bubbled within her as she ran. She had to reach Alyssa immediately and share this evidence—this incredible news!Emerging from the trapdoor, Amber navigated the tangled paths among the weeds on the mountain behind The Millennium.Suddenly, she froze. Her breath hitched. Beams of white light shone from all directions, focusing on her. The cold, unyielding spotlights told her everything—she was surrounded, the target of an ambush. Amber's heart pounded in her chest. Cold sweat slicked her palms as her fingers clenched tightly around her dagger. The veins on the back of her hand throbbed with adrenaline.Six assassins in black emerged from the shadows, their flashlights cutting through the gl
Amber glared at Remy through her bloodshot eyes, thrusting her gleaming blade toward his chest. In her early days of being Jameson's follower, the first lesson drilled into her was how to kill quickly and efficiently. Refinement wasn't necessary—only results mattered. Yet, despite mastering the techniques, she had never put them into practice. Deep down, Amber feared the sight of blood and loathed the idea of taking a life.And now, of all people, it was Remy forcing her to cross that line.The blade's tip hovered mere inches from Remy's heart when hesitation gripped her. Axel's voice echoed in her mind, raw with emotion. "Amber, I keep feeling that Remy is my fifth brother, Damien. We miss him… We want him to come home!"Her pupils dilated. The blade wavered, its deadly intent dissipating.That single moment of doubt was all Remy needed. With a calm, calculated motion, he seized her wrist and twisted it sharply.Amber gasped in pain, her grip faltering as the blade clattered
The password to Jameson's room was Alyssa's birthday. Jameson had always believed himself to be a devoted man, taking pride in that notion. Yet, in Amber's eyes, his devotion was nothing more than a pathetic joke—a sentiment she couldn't help but detest.Taking a steadying breath, Amber began rummaging through the drawers and shelves with swift precision.Years of observation had taught her that Jameson had hidden several secret compartments in this room, places meant to conceal vital information. Unless Jameson or Carl disclosed their existence, even the police might not have uncovered them.After what felt like an eternity, sweat beading on her forehead, Amber discovered a hidden compartment beneath a floor sculpture.As she pried the brick loose, her breath hitched. Inside the compartment lay a waterproof plastic bag containing a document and a USB drive.Amber retrieved the document. Her heart raced as she realized its contents—a research report from Mosgravia's RC Biotech
Ever since getting together with Axel, Amber had lived each day in bliss. Yet, when Winston assured her that he truly accepted her and approved of her marriage to Axel, that bliss reached its peak. For so long, Amber had struggled with feelings of inferiority, never truly believing she deserved Axel's love. Deep down, she had resolved to step away if Winston disapproved or insisted Axel marry a woman from a reputable family—a match more fitting of his status.She wouldn't have hesitated to leave if it meant sparing Winston and Axel any conflict. Amber loved Axel wholeheartedly and was willing to sacrifice everything for him.But instead of rejection, she found warmth. The Taylor family embraced her as one of their own, showing her kindness and understanding rather than disdain for her past.She could never repay such compassion. "Winston… Thank you. Thank you…" Amber's tear-filled eyes glistened, their brightness undimmed despite all the darkness she had endured. Winston s
Amber stifled a laugh and teased, "Stop talking, Mr. Whitaker. You're going to sound like a broken record if you keep going." …After breakfast and a quick packing session, Axel departed from Heightsnew Villa. Amber spent her day helping the Taylors with various tasks. She assisted Mandy in organizing documents for Lovelace Group's projects, helped Lyla with cooking, and even joined Colene in feeding her horse. With Tatiana's due date approaching, Amber also pitched in for her shower preparations.Amber had always been a diligent person, but today, she seemed particularly intent on keeping herself busy. She was counting down the hours until nightfall. After dinner, the Taylors sat in the living room and chatted casually as they always did. The warm, familial atmosphere filled the space, and Amber joined in, her perceptive nature making her a seamless part of the group.When everyone retired to their rooms, Amber rose to help the helpers clear the table. "Amber." Startled
Axel and Amber had only spent half a month together before the former was called back to report for work. The night before his departure, they spent hours lost in each other, their passion unrelenting. Again and again, they exchanged kisses, their love pouring forth in an endless tide."Amber, three months… Just give me three more months." When their fervor finally waned, Axel held Amber close in his arms. They rested against the headboard, leaning into one another, too exhausted to move yet unwilling to let sleep claim them."Once I finish all the missions I've taken on, I'll hand in my resignation. After that, I'll spend all my time with you," Axel murmured, his voice steady with resolve. "We'll go wherever you want. If you want fun, I'll have fun with you. If you want chaos, I'll spend my life going crazy with you."Axel wasn't one for flowery words. He simply spoke from the heart. Right now, his heart only wanted Amber—forever.Amber nestled closer, her soft smile masking t