"How could she dance with another man in public? What does she take me as?" Freddy grumbled.Javier frowned in displeasure. "Stop spewing nonsense. It was Cyrus who forced her to dance. How could you blame it on her?"You should blame yourself instead for dawdling. By not claiming your place by her side from the start, you gave a chance to the other guys.""What are you saying? I was the first to approach her!" Feeling anxious and furious, Freddy shook from head to toe. "Your daughter took Cyrus' hand right before me! You might not have seen it, but I saw it clearly with my own two eyes!"Freddy attracted the attention of the guests around him after he raised his voice at Javier. Fortunately, the blaring music drowned out his speech.After being confronted, Javier's expression crumpled. He fixed a piercing gaze at Freddy, whose heart sank.At that moment, Freddy finally came to understand how frightening and intimidating the chairman of the Beckett Group could be. Even Jasper was
"Thank you for the compliment, Mrs. Taylor." Lauren shyly blushed.Cyrus stood in silence behind Mandy. He fixed an intense gaze on Lauren without once looking away.Meanwhile, Mandy, with a friendly smile, removed the emerald bracelet from her wrist and put it on Lauren's without warning. She remarked, "I showed up in haste and didn't have time to prepare a gift for you. I hope you don't mind this gift."Rory gasped in shock at Mandy's generosity. Did she just casually gift Lauren the emerald bracelet worth tens of millions?Rory was moved by Mandy's magnanimity. "No, Mrs. Taylor. I can't accept the gift. It's too expensive." Lauren proceeded to remove the bracelet, but Mandy stopped her. "Hey, do not decline gifts from your elders."Besides, the Taylors never take back what we gifted. I'll be upset if you refuse to accept my gift.""Well… Thank you, then." Lauren blushed again as she carefully held the bracelet. Mandy was tickled by her adorable action. At that moment, she u
Late at night, Orlander summoned Freddy to the study, where Minnie was present as well."What? Calling off the engagement?" Minnie exclaimed in dismay. "Orlander Hodgson, are you joking? The engagement news is made public now. The wives of the local officials have been buttering me up and showering me with gifts when they learned about the engagement!"We're so close to the marriage, and now you're telling me the engagement is canceled? How could I show my face in front of my friends?""Dad, what happened? Why are we calling off the engagement?" The memory of the humiliating night made Freddy seethe. "Lauren humiliated me enough by taking Cyrus' hand to my face and dancing with him. Now, they're calling off the engagement? It's a disgrace!"Didn't Zoe claim that Lauren was a fool? Lauren was anything but that—she had flirted with another man under her fiancé's watch.Freddy thought, "I should have married that slut and tortured her daily for cheating on me!""Your feelings are no
"That's true. But Cyrus Taylor is way better than Freddy Hodgson." Rory scoffed. "How dare Freddy Hodgson complain to you in your face? I wonder if he's lost his mind."The scowl on Javier's face deepened when Rory breached the topic. Rory added, "Mr. Javier, I think Cyrus is serious about Ms. Lauren. Why don't you call off the engagement to Freddy Hodgson? Marrying Ms. Lauren off to the Taylors is more advantageous for you. I'm sure Mr. Newton would be glad—""Firstly, my son wanted to marry Alyssa; now, my daughter wants to marry Cyrus. Are there no other suitors for my children other than the Taylors?" Javier furiously slammed his hand on the armrest.Rory quickly shut up. Javier looked out of the window indignantly. Objectively speaking, Mandy's son was much better than Freddy or even Landon. Javier was aware of Freddy's lack of affection for Lauren—the young man merely went along with his family's arrangements. In comparison, Javier could tell that Cyrus genuinely loved L
Upon hearing that, Zoe glared at Freddy. She examined his face which was colored with anger, all because of Lauren.She had a feeling that Freddy's feelings for Lauren had changed. In the past, he displayed nothing but scorn toward Lauren. However, he seemed to be green in envy over Lauren now."No way… I can't let this slide!" His temples throbbed in fury. "Our families agreed on the marriage. Lauren Beckett shall be mine, and no one can take her from me!"As he was speaking, Zoe straddled him naked without warning and slapped him twice in the face. He looked confounded. "Zoe, w-what are you doing?""Freddy Hodgson, that's too much! Didn't you vow only to love me in this life? You said you only have me in your heart!" She glowered at him as she tightened her grip on his neck as if she wanted to suffocate him to death. "All your reactions show that you're catching feelings for that idiot. Tell me. Have you fallen for Lauren Beckett?""N-No, Zoe, I didn't! I'm marrying her to aveng
Zoe calmed down and said to Betty, "I have an important call to take. Wait for me. I'll make the arrangements and call you back."Then, she hung up on Betty and picked up Penelope's call with a sweet tone, "Hello, Mom…"Penelope sighed. She began hesitantly, "Zoe, come with me to visit Uncle Preston in the hospital. Your grandpa will be there as well.""Is Uncle Preston… hospitalized?""Landon beat him up badly. He suffered from serious injuries—he lost his arm, to be exact, and he's forever crippled. He drifts in and out of sleep all day. I hesitated to tell you about it because I'm worried that his bad condition would give you a scare.""What? Did Landon…" Stunned, Zoe cared less about Preston's misfortune than her own fate. She feared for herself now that Landon had dealt with Preston.Landon seemed to be getting serious. Based on Zoe's understanding of his character, she knew that this was just the start. He wouldn't go easy on Preston, and that was the price one had to pay f
"What?""Is that true?"Jasper and Alyssa exclaimed at the same time—one looking astonished, and the other agitated.Sean gulped. He was parched from rushing all the way here. "It's true! To prevent anyone from tampering with the result, I made Dr. Lovelace perform the DNA test in Mosgravia. The DNA test in Solana City was carried out in one of the Taylor family's hospitals. I even monitored the entire process!"Jasper's lashes cast a shadow under his eyes. He repeatedly read the outrageous and wicked results printed on the report. It clearly said that Betty was not related to Javier.Alyssa soon calmed down after all the agitation. The report had confirmed her longtime skepticism. She had started questioning Betty's bloodline from Betty's personality, character, and looks. Now, the truth had finally been revealed."Sean, did Julien say anything to you when you requested the DNA test?""Oh, he did." Sean looked amused. "He asked me if any one of Mr. Winston's wives was pregnant and if
"Why can't you even handle a minor task? Do you not want your bonus?" Jasper scowled.Alyssa kept her composure. "Xavier, calm down. Take your time.""After Betty left the hospital, my men had been tailing her. They saw her dragged into a white Bentley, and she stayed in that car for quite a while."Alyssa felt her heart sank at that information. She was plagued by unease.Jasper demanded. "Where did she go in that car?""She didn't go anywhere. After a while, they sent her back to her rental. She did not step out of the house for three days after that—not even taking out the trash."By then, our men realized something was off. They broke into her place and found her missing. She didn't even pack her bags."Alyssa questioned, "How about her passport and identity card?""She didn't take them with her at all. She literally vanished into thin air!" Xavier grew emotional and worried. "I had people stationed at the airport to monitor her movements. She had no money and no identifica
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