Sylvia wasn't asking for a divorce. It was more like she had declared war against Preston. Preston was a money-grubber. His employees thought that he would hit the roof and go on a rampage. To their surprise, he simply gave a cold reply. "Got it," he said before leaving everyone and heading upstairs. This level of calmness was unusual. This peculiar response made them shudder and sent chills down their spine. Preston had just got into his empty room when he received a call from Sylvia. "Mr. Preston, you've been discharged from the hospital, and you're about to emigrate overseas to enjoy your later years. Isn't it about time to put the pedal to the metal and get the divorce settled?" Sylvia spoke with sarcasm. Every word of hers was choking him. "There's no meaning in dragging it on. The longer you put it off, the more likely I am to blurt something out of my mouth. If I ended up spewing some nonsense, wouldn't that just add to your predicament?" Preston picked up a fruit knife f
"In fact, I have long known that Landon inherited Bill's fine genes. He's fearless yet clear-headed. Moreover, he became good friends with Jasper, who is an outstanding elite in the business world. His future will only get brighter."I was the one who was too harsh in his upbringing. I always made use of Preston to put pressure on him. Not only that, I kept splitting hairs just to prevent his marriage with Ms. Lauren from happening. That was how everything spiraled out of control. "If I had known that it would come to this, I should have handed the power to Landon and retired long ago. He has always been my ideal successor! It's all my fault. As I aged, my suspicions grew, and so did my hesitation. The decisiveness that I had when I was young is nowhere in sight now…"Caspian consoled him immediately. "Please don't say that. Without your guidance all these years, how could Mr. Landon have lived such a smooth life? Your strict standards toward Mr. Landon were just your way of training
It was a dark and windy night. The moon was casting a dim and cold glow on everything beneath it. As agreed, Cornelius arrived at the study on the second floor of Primrose Manor. Preston was already waiting there, as expected. His lonely shadow on the floor was like a ghostly figure that had returned from hell to seek revenge. "Dad, I am your son, after all. I really never thought that you'd be so cruel toward me." Preston sat languidly on the couch. He grinned sinisterly. "I have always been respectful toward you. I have toiled hard for the corporation too. Yet, you're kicking me out because I have become handicapped? Aren't you being too heartless?" Cornelius suddenly sensed that something was wrong. He turned around to open the door but found that he couldn't pull it open!"Stop wasting your energy. Without my permission, you're not taking a single step out of Primrose Manor." Preston put a cigarette between his lips. However, he remembered that he no longer had a hand to light
Preston kicked Cornelius to the ground. Then, he got down on one knee, lifted his foot, and stepped on Cornelius' bleeding wound. Cornelius howled in extreme pain. "I'm not afraid to be frank with you too. It's about Bill's aircraft accident. I was the one who planned it all." "Why, you… You…!" Cornelius widened his eyes in disbelief. He stared straight at Preston's sinister face. However, he was in so much pain that he couldn't bring himself to say a word. "That year, I hired someone to destroy the helicopter's main gearbox in advance. That caused the aircraft to plunge into the sea. I did have a chance to save Bill. But I chose to leave him to die. "Poor Bill… Even as he died, he wouldn't have thought that it was his own younger brother who caused his death! Did you know? He watched as I swam up to the surface of the sea. His gaze was even filled with relief. There was not a hint of hatred in his eyes at all."Such a perfect and good-hearted man should just be reunited with God.
This night, there were some who were feeling uneasy and some who were confident. At the Millennium, Amber was leading Remy through the grand-looking corridors. Remy was like a bat that was lying in wait in the dark. Amber, who was walking in front of him, couldn't help but get chills down her spine. Jameson had been waiting for a while in the highly-secretive room. "I didn't think that we'd meet again so soon, Mr. Lexington." Jameson welcomed him with a wide smile. He brought a glass of red wine over and handed it to him. "It must have been a long journey. This is a world-class red wine that I've prepared specially for you." The look on Remy's face was frigid. He pushed the wine glass away from him without a second thought. He showed no respect to this man, who had Solana City in his hands. "Ms. Altman has briefed me on the way here." Jameson saw that Remy rejected his drink, so he drank it instead. He was someone who could be flexible too. "Oh, has she? That saves me some time
Jameson rested the side of his head on his palm. In a lazy tone, he said, "I'm just excited to watch the exciting brotherly feud that's about to happen." "Mr. Schmidt, do you think… that Remy looks almost like Damien Taylor, that Taylor family member who died in a plane crash? Could they be the same person?" Carl was puzzled. "What if they're the same person? Or what if they're not the same person? It will just make my game even more fun." Jameson couldn't help but laugh. "To die in the hands of one's own 'older brother'... He could very well die without any regrets." "Cyrus always ruins our plans time and time again. He's also an officer. It would really make things easier once and for all if we can get rid of him in one hit." Carl hesitated but continued, "It's just that… you're sending Ms. Altman to go with him this time. Are you… still suspicious of her? Are you still wanting to test her?" Behind his gold-framed glasses, Jameson narrowed his dark eyes. …Ever since the Hodgs
"Biotechnology… Research Institute?" Jasper furrowed his brows tightly. He looked into Alyssa's eyes. They couldn't figure out how Betty could have connections with such an organization. "It's so late, Jonah. Why aren't you asleep yet… hmm?" Julien's sluggish voice could be heard from over the phone. His voice was so captivating that it gave Alyssa goosebumps all over her body. A lifelike image of his alluring and beautiful eyes flashed across her mind. "I'm on the phone with Lyse and Jasper. Did I wake you?" Jonah's tender voice was as clear as a bell. Then, they started hearing the sound of something rustling…"With Lyse? Alright then. Go ahead and… Ooh…"Then, the shameless sound of smooching and wet kisses sounded within the car. Jasper gulped. His hands that were around Alyssa's waist started sweating. He could only turn his head to look out the window in an attempt to calm his restlessness. "Hey, hey… Jonah, hold it right there! Can you wait till you're done wit
Justin saved Jasper at the cost of destroying his almost perfectly healthy body. If he had done so just to put on a show in front of him, what was his purpose for doing so? …Meanwhile, at Crescent Bay, today marked the day Cyrus and Lauren had planned to visit the amusement park for some fun. Cyrus got ready and came over to Crescent Bay early so that he could pick Lauren up. Much to his surprise, Mandy insisted on coming along with him. She wanted to come and dote on her future daughter-in-law. It was rare for Mandy and Cyrus to visit Crescent Bay. Thus, Newton came out in person to welcome them. It was his way of showing them his respect. "Are you Cyrus? You are one fine-looking man!" Newton couldn't stop beaming when he saw Cyrus. He laughed, "Mrs. Taylor, your son looked exactly like Winston when he was young! I would've recognized him as Winston's son even if you didn't say a word!" "Jonah, Silas, and Lyse bear even more resemblance to Winston." Mandy smiled warmly. "My Da
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
"Sir." Sheryl immediately stood and greeted Justin respectfully as he entered the room. "What are you doing here?" Justin's cold gaze swept over her as he strolled leisurely to the couch and sat down.Sheryl quickly explained, "I received a parcel for you from the administrative secretary half an hour ago. I thought it might be something important, something you wouldn't want too many people to handle. So, I waited for you to return and open it personally.""A parcel?" Justin frowned. Why would anyone send him a parcel to Beckett Group, of all places? How strange. Sheryl presented the parcel to him with both hands. He took it from her and then opened it right before her. After removing three layers of wrapping, each from outside and inside the box, the parcel turned out to contain only a plain white envelope. His expression darkened. It felt like someone was toying with him.Then, he looked down and opened the envelope, which contained a stack of photographs. Pinching a co