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
"I know you still have prejudices against Alyssa, but I'm certain of one thing. Everything she does is for the good of this family and the people she cares about!" Newton angrily pointed at Javier. "If you dare speak ill of Alyssa again, you won't be welcome at Crescent Bay anymore!"Javier was about to retort when Jasper and Alyssa walked in, hand in hand.They must have heard the conversation.Accustomed to such situations, Alyssa remained composed, but Jasper's chilling gaze fixed silently on Javier's face. It was obvious that he was furious.Javier gritted his teeth. Realizing it was best to leave, he grunted coldly and left with Rory."Grandpa, what happened?" Jasper hurried over to Newton, his gaze dark. "What's he up to now?""It's nothing. I've scolded him anyway." Newton waved it off.Alyssa smiled brightly, unconcerned by these matters."Alyssa, Mrs. Taylor and Cyrus visited earlier, and they just left. Cyrus took Lauren out."Mentioning Cyrus, Newton couldn't stop p
"Cyrus, what's wrong?" Lauren asked with concern when she noticed his expression."Nothing. Let's keep going," Cyrus replied with a forced smile.He draped his arm over Lauren's shoulder without fully touching her as they moved forward with the crowd, all the while discreetly scanning their surroundings like radar.At that moment, his phone buzzed in his pocket.Cyrus took it out and looked at the screen, only to see a text message containing just four words. "Don't panic. It's me."His sharp eyes slightly narrowed, and his tense heart relaxed.Meanwhile, on the other side of the crowd, Landon stood in a corner. Despite keeping a low profile, his tall and handsome figure still caught the attention of those around him.Amidst the lively atmosphere filled with joy and laughter, Landon appeared lonely and desolate, like an elderly man in his twilight years.His gaze followed Cyrus and Lauren closely, never leaving their backs.The sun was lovely that day. Under the warm and radia
For Lauren, who seemed to have boundless wealth and privilege, the idea of going on a roller coaster had been a luxury she couldn't afford for the past 20 years.She was born to be a bird soaring in the sky, but her wings were clipped by others, and she was confined in a cage.Was it because of her illness? Was it just to prevent her from bringing shame upon the family?Cyrus' breath became heavier, and he couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke her soft hair.Lauren's heart skipped a beat, and she moved back instinctively.Such intimate gestures used to happen every day between her and Landon.But when someone else, even Cyrus, whom she trusted deeply, touched her, she couldn't help but feel flustered and uncomfortable, which inadvertently showed in her eyes.Cyrus suddenly froze, then forced a bitter smile.She still wasn't ready to accept another person's affection.Maybe it would take a very long time. Or perhaps it would never happen.Seeing that it was almost time
Two adorable giant costumed characters holding balloons approached Cyrus and Lauren and stood side by side in front of them. Their silly and adorable look caused Lauren to smile again.Cyrus looked at the chubby dog character and the pink rabbit character in front of him, feeling like these two were on their first day of work. Their actions seemed stiff and awkward. He almost felt embarrassed for them."Can I have a balloon?" Smiling, Lauren reached out her hand toward them.The dog character was completely stunned, but the pink rabbit immediately reacted, spinning in place and handing the balloon to her."Thank you." Lauren smiled, her face looking rosy.The pink rabbit hopped around, gesturing enthusiastically for them to take a picture together.Smiling faintly, Cyrus took out his phone. The pink rabbit led the shy Lauren over and gently placed her in the arms of the dog character.Wrapped in the warm fur, Lauren couldn't help but squint her eyes, leaning comfortably against
Watching Landon embrace Lauren, Cyrus felt a sting in his eyes and couldn't help but capture this scene on camera."I'm really curious, Mr. Cyrus. When did you find out?" Angelina, playing the pink rabbit, couldn't contain her curiosity for the first time."Perhaps it was my detective's intuition."Cyrus didn't tell her that feelings like love were something that couldn't be hidden, no matter how hard the person tried.The moment the dog character held Lauren in its arms as if she were a treasure, Cyrus knew that it was Landon."Please let Mr. Landon and Ms. Lauren stay like this a little longer. We promise not to disturb you anymore," Angelina pleaded."Don't worry about me. Lauren's happiness is all that matters." Cyrus was unaware that his voice was slightly choked when he spoke these words.Even though he felt reluctant, Landon still sent Lauren back to Cyrus. He was afraid of exposing himself if he continued."Why are you crying?" Cyrus handed Lauren a tissue, gently asking."Noth
Landon's eyes darkened at those words. "You dialed the wrong number. If it's an emergency, call the police. I don't deal with that."Call the police? Sylvia couldn't possibly do that.After all these years of being with Preston, she wasn't totally innocent either. If she called the police, they would dig up her secrets, and she would inevitably end up in prison."Landon! Preston has gone mad! H-He killed your grandfather!" Sylvia hoarsely shouted.Landon was stunned, abruptly turning around. Every inch of his face tensed up tightly, his heart pounding fiercely against his chest."What did you say? Say it again!""Just last night... Preston arranged to meet Cornelius at Primrose Manor. When I found out, I followed him there to discuss my divorce with Cornelius."But I saw with my own eyes Preston and Frank dragging out two body bags from the villa. I even heard Preston tell Frank to clean up the bodies of Cornelius and his secretary!"Sylvia recounted anxiously as the terrifying
Being Lauren's most trusted friend and protecting her by his side would also bring Cyrus happiness.Angelina had also been quietly following not far behind them.Recalling Landon's pale face when he left, she knew that something bad must have happened, and it left her feeling extremely anxious.Just then, Cyrus remembered how Lauren had stopped in front of a shop window full of dolls when they first entered. He thought she might find them inconvenient during the outing, so he thought of buying one for her before they left.Right now, they happened to be at the entrance of the store, and the dolls were still there.Cyrus' eyes lit up. "Lauren, wait for me. I'll be right back.""Okay." Lauren nodded obediently.Cyrus turned around and quickly walked toward the store.As he took a few steps, he thought about Lauren's social anxiety and how uncomfortable she would be without anyone by her side. Therefore, he gave up the idea of surprising her with the doll and decided to take her i
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