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
Javier stormed in with a stern expression, exuding deep resentment. He was closely followed by Rory."The weather is so good today. Why do you look so gloomy? Don't ruin my day."Clicking his tongue, Newton shifted his gaze away from Javier's solemn face, showing clear annoyance toward him. "Seeing you makes my chest feel tight. It's like I've lost another two years of life."Javier paid no mind to banter with Newton. He went straight for Lauren, completely disregarding the presence of the Taylors. "Lauren! Come back with me now!"Lauren looked visibly frightened, her face turning pale. Instinctively, she clutched her teddy bear and stepped back.Just as Javier's hand was about to touch her, another hand with taut veins suddenly grabbed his wrist firmly, like a pair of handcuffs.Lauren's eyes widened abruptly as she looked at the tall figure standing in front of her. "Cyrus..."Cyrus met Javier's reddened eyes and smiled coldly. "Mr. Javier, please talk things out. You're scari
Mandy, however, led with a statement that was not quite in line with her identity but perfectly reflected her current sentiment. "I'm truly disgusted."Javier's eyebrow twitched fiercely. "What did you say?""Mr. Javier, I must admit you're indeed favored by God. You're a true lucky one."Mandy gracefully took her seat and took a sip of her coffee. "Otherwise, with just your intellect, it would be impossible to grow your business this big.""You…" Javier glared at her indifferent face, his throat tightening with anger.But he was a person of high status. If he were to retaliate, it would make him look like a shrew."Our family is more open-minded. As parents, we don't interfere too much in our children's marriages. I didn't have much contact with Lauren before, but my son likes her. As a mother, isn't it natural for me to support my son?"Mandy continued, "Plus, the family you picked for Lauren is really disappointing. I just pressured them a little, and they immediately backed
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her
The skies started to turn dark. Alyssa's dark hair was covered in a layer of snow. As she stood alone at the foot of the majestic mountain, she looked tiny, fragile, and desolate. "Ms. Alyssa, it's snowing. Heavy snowfall is forecasted tonight." Elias walked to Alyssa's side. Noticing the redness on her face due to the cold and the dull look in her eyes, he had a moment of realization. He couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness within him. "It's getting late. I suppose something came up for Mr. Beckett, and he's unable to make it." "Why didn't he inform me if that is the case?" Alyssa mumbled in a low voice as she gazed toward the darkness. She choked back on her tears so softly that her grievance couldn't really be heard through her voice. Elias slapped himself on his forehead. "Ah, perhaps you didn't manage to receive Mr. Beckett's message? The reception at the foot of the mountain isn't quite stable. You might have missed it. Would you like to come to my office? You'l
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t
That night, Alyssa stayed in the presidential suite of Solana City's KS World Hotel. She couldn't bring herself to return to her own manor—not yet. The lingering memories of her breakup with Jasper were still too raw, and the thought of revisiting their former home felt like reopening an unhealed wound.The following morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door. Groggily, she slipped on her night robe and opened it to find Sean standing there, carrying a complete set of brand-new hiking gear.Alyssa smiled. "Thank you, Sean." "Ms. Alyssa, it's freezing today. Are you sure you want to go hiking?" Sean walked into the living room and placed the items neatly on the couch. He still felt somewhat worried. "It's alright if it's cold, as long as the weather is good."Alyssa gazed out the window. The sun was shining brightly. The thought of going hiking with Jasper today made it impossible for her to conceal the sweet smile on her face and the delight in her eyes. She still love
Remy's eyes were bloodshot; his expression twisted with disgust as he stared at Sheryl. He could hardly fathom how someone so deranged and vile had once been close to Jasper. Even if Jasper and Alyssa had separated, Sheryl was nowhere near worthy of Jasper's side; she was not even fit to be the dirt on Alyssa's shoes.A sudden flash of memory struck him—the image of Alyssa during that traffic accident. He recalled her mustering all her strength to crawl out of her wrecked car, her face bloody, her body broken yet defiant. He had never seen such a fierce spirit in a woman before.His heart pounded uncontrollably, the memory triggering a sharp pain in his temples. Remy closed his eyes, gasping for breath.Sheryl broke into wild, unhinged laughter. Her entire body shook as she spat out her words, "Oh, Jasper, you poor, clueless fool!"If he ever discovers that the woman he's been tormenting all this time is actually his savior—the one he's been desperate to repay—that would be an eart