The police found the kidnappers' base while the livestream was still in progress. Numerous police cars surrounded the old manor. Red and blue lights flashed in the ominous darkness while the piercing sirens broke the stillness of the night.Zoe, who was as resilient as a cockroach, roused herself before Betty, who remained unconscious on the ground. Zoe was scared out of her wits when she heard the police sirens. She was about to escape when a few familiar figures barged into her line of sight."Lauren!"Landon was the first to rush forward. In the midst of his anguish, a ray of hope appeared within his crimson, tear-filled eyes. Landon had always been fearless. Despite knowing full well that there were cold-blooded mercenaries on Shelland Island who would not hesitate to kill, he accompanied Jasper there without hesitation. But right now, his face was as white as a sheet. With shaky steps, he stumbled his way through the room. The living room offered a grim tableau—Betty
Alyssa trembled with anger and tears in her eyes as she roared, "From the moment you stepped into this manor, every move you made was being recorded by hidden cameras and live streamed. The entire country has witnessed your crimes. Preston has tricked you from the start, yet you continue to hide the truth! Will you wait until it is too late to face reality?" Zoe was stunned, her mouth agape, blood staining her lips. "I-I know! I know!"Mason, the most cowardly among them, realized he was less powerful compared to the others. Crawling to Jasper's feet with his incapacitated limbs like a wounded sea lion, he said, "Two men came and took Lauren and the other woman away! Zoe even addressed one of the men as 'Mr. Carsen,' but he ignored her completely! "Mr. Jasper, Mr. Landon! Zoe tricked us into coming here! She threatened us—if we didn't beat Lauren up, she would kill us all! We were coerced into this—ah!"Jasper's cold glare bore into Mason as he kicked him in the face. "How dare
Preston laid out two demands in his ransom call—no guns and Landon had to come alone. "Jasper, Lyse, and Cyrus," Landon said. "You guys handle the situation here. I'll go meet Preston."Without a second thought, Landon turned and headed for the door."Landon!" Jasper cried out, his heart hammering in his chest. He lunged forward and grabbed Landon's arm. "This is Preston's trap! He might kill you; you cannot go alone!""I know he wants to kill me," Landon said with a humorless smile that quickly twisted into a grimace. It was a sight that tugged at the others' hearts."Landon, we'll go with you!" Alyssa declared with determination in her gaze. "We can stay hidden and wait for an opening. That way, we can save Lauren and Angelina for sure!"Landon shook his head. "Lyse, thank you, but I can't take that risk. If giving up my life means Lauren and Angelina can come back safely, then that's a price I'm willing to pay."Alyssa's eyes welled with tears, and Jasper's heart sank furthe
Aware that this was an added challenge by Preston, Landon abandoned the fight and sprinted for the elevator a dozen feet away. He frantically hammered the elevator button. A few seconds later, the door creaked open slowly.To his dismay, inside the elevator stood five attackers, each wielding sharp blades. …Preston was relaxing in a pool lounger, smoking his favorite cigar brand. He played his favorite clubbing music from his phone, which was already out of style.Every few minutes, he would look at his watch. Then he would smack his lips with satisfaction and continue to rest his eyes.After 20 minutes, the elevator facing the entrance to the pool slid open with a ding.Preston's eyelids fluttered open a fraction before a jolt of awareness sent them springing wide. He watched as Landon stepped over the bodies beneath him with heavy but determined footsteps. He slowly made his way to the pool, as if he were the God of War, returning triumphantly after a bloody battle.Land
"Mr. Landon!" Angelina shrieked in pain from above him.Landon looked up in dread, and his pupils dilated in shock. Angelina, hands tied, stood dangerously near the edge of the 32-foot-tall diving platform at the swimming pool, with Frank pointing a gun at her head.The height of the springboard was alarming, as the pool was dry."Angie!" Landon's blood-stained white shirt was drenched in sweat. He took two steps forward but was forced back when Frank pointed the gun at him."I'm sorry, Mr. Landon…" Tears brimming, Angelina choked on her emotions.Landon cast a deep look at her. "No. You've never wronged me or owed anyone anything. Angie, it was my fault that you got into this situation. I should be apologizing to you instead."His words sent a sharp pain through her chest. She had experienced highs and lows over her years of working for Landon. Nothing fazed her, except for his apology."Where's Lauren?" Landon's desperate tone echoed throughout the pool area.Upon hearing tha
Without hesitation, Landon yelled in a hoarse voice, "I'll never make a pick! I want to save both of them!""Landon Harper, are you trying to get your hands on both of them?" Cackling manically, Preston turned to face Angelina, who was held on the springboard. "Angelina, your hard work and loyalty are worth it. Look! He's keen to make you his mistress!""You bastard! Vile son of a bitch! You'd better shut your fucking mouth!" Angelina bellowed at Preston. "If you want revenge, take my life! Release Madam!""Stay still!" Frank jabbed the back of her head with the muzzle of the gun."Tsk tsk. She's a feisty bitch." Preston shook his head.Even as pain seeped through every part of Angelina's body, she remained fueled by rage. She yelled at Landon, "Mr. Landon, don't mind me! Save Madam—you must save her!""I want both!" His eyes took on a murderous look as he reiterated his stance with determination."Landon, you own a lot. Stop being greedy. You can't have your cake and eat it," P
Surprisingly, Preston had the time to laugh at the situation. He quipped, "I'm afraid time is running out for someone here, though. My dearest nephew, haven't you made your choice?"The water in the glass tank had reached Lauren's chest."Mr. Landon!" Angelina urged him in a quivering voice. Their worried eyes met, and time and space seemed to come to a stop. He remembered saying to her, "Angie, come work for me."She had once said to him, "Mr. Landon, I will stay loyal to you no matter the circumstance."At that moment, she smiled at Landon through tears as she recalled their first encounter. The mirage of the teenage boy who made her heart flutter overlapped with Landon's handsome figure."I do not want you to hesitate. No matter what happens, always choose Madam," she gently muttered a heartfelt remark to Landon that sounded like a grand and touching farewell.She added, "You and Madam must live happily forever after.""No—"In a split second, Landon seemed to have underst
A gunshot echoed in the pool area. However, it was Preston who fell lifelessly onto the ground after being shot.The special forces flooded the pool area, firing two shots from their laser guns at the bulletproof glass. The tank instantly shattered into pieces as water gushed out.…Two members of the police sacrificed their lives in the rescue operation. It turned out that Preston had been colluding with underground forces to smuggle military artillery using his power as the executive director of Harper Group. Since he possessed heavy artillery, it made the rescue operation more challenging.Thankfully, the micro camera that Landon carried with him recorded the gory and ruthless battle. Thanks to him, Cyrus managed to equip his men with advanced weapons to break the tank and save the hostage.However, Lauren was on the brink of death when she was sent to the ICU. Her pulse was weak, and she was in critical condition after drowning and suffering organ injuries from the beatings.
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