The chill that permeated the morgue was a constant reminder of the chasm between the world of the living and the dead.Standing in the shadows of the entrance, Alyssa and Jasper allowed Landon to say his final farewell to Angelina.Angelina's lifeless face looked as pretty as ever. Covered with a white cloth, she seemed to be sleeping peacefully with a smile. It was as if she was in the middle of a lovely dream she would never wake up from.Hanging his head, Landon grappled with waves of fury that threatened to crush and suffocate him. Gulping, he gently traced her lovely profile with trembling fingers. One thing bothered him—why was she smiling when she died? She took a shot to the stomach and fell from a high place. Her bones were crushed upon impact, which felt painful just from the sound of it.Was she not afraid of the pain, like any ordinary young woman?"You look pretty when you smile. Why didn't you smile more when you were still around?" Landon mumbled in all seriousn
"I heard that a few hundred citizens went protesting at the city hall today, demanding Mayor Hodgson's resignation!"A total of seven people had been arrested, including Zoe, Betty, and Freddy. They were under detention until they were formally indicted. Meanwhile, the Hodgson couple was devastated to learn that their only son lost his tongue and injured his balls. Minnie took ibuprofen multiple times a day to soothe herself, fainting frequently from all the crying. All her time awake was spent crying and begging her husband to bail Freddy out. "What else could you do aside from crying? It's all your fault that he ended up in this situation! You spoilt him!" Orlander pointed a finger at Minnie while he chided her. "He attempted to rape Lauren Beckett, the daughter of Javier Beckett! He certainly has great taste in women, doesn't he? He's not only ruining his future but also dragging me down with him."The entire nation has probably watched him take off his pants eagerly and top h
Jasper clenched his fist so hard that his veins bulged when he received the update. He jeered. "Javier is a great father, isn't he? He wouldn't give up on his terrible daughter no matter what.""This isn't about Betty. He is trying to save his face as the family patriarch." Xavier was furious. "I saw him busy taking care of Mr. Newton at the hospital while keeping tabs on Ms. Lauren's condition. I thought he had finally come around, but I was being naïve!"From the very beginning, he has been an egoistic person who only cares about himself. You can't expect him to self-reflect and change."Jasper turned around to stare at the gray sky. "Well, since he's all about saving face, I'll make him lose face."…As public opinion continued to brew, there were increasing calls to prosecute the six bullies. Betty was implicated as well, especially because she was a Beckett and Lauren's sister. In some way, her behavior was more despicable than that of Zoe and the rest."Betty Beckett harms
The press conference descended into chaos. The air was filled with the attendees' gasps and discussions about the surprise reveal."Is that the paternity test result for Javier and Betty Beckett? Is she not his daughter? This is straight out of a telenovela! I didn't see this coming.""Not long ago, Javier Beckett was defending Betty. Now, it's revealed that she is not his daughter. It feels so surreal!""Look at his face. He looks like he has just eaten poop. I bet he has just found out about the truth.""I would have killed myself if I found out the daughter I raised for 20 years was not mine.""He was in the dark when Sophia Kirkman killed his beloved wife. He remained clueless when he was cuckolded for years. What's wrong with him?""Probably blinded by love, eh? I'm surprised he could keep that crazy woman, Sophia Kirkman, around for years. He most certainly has… unusual patience."The mocking and disdainful remarks attacked Javier. He stared vacantly at the result on the s
"Javier, listen! Your child is kicking my belly. She took after your strength!""Javier, look! Betty's eyes and mouth resembled yours. She's a carbon copy of you!"A carbon copy of his? Javier's lips twitched uncontrollably in an ugly manner. Javier had always prided himself on his wits and the elite education he had received. He couldn't believe that he had been fooled by Sophia, an actress who had hailed from the slums.However, there was nothing he could do about it—Sophia was long dead.…Surrounded by the merciless media, the forlorn Javier escaped the press conference with the help of Neil and the other bodyguards.At first, he had planned to save the situation as the family patriarch, but he hadn't expected it to backfire. The Beckett family, riddled with scandals, now had one more stain on its history.He had become a clown. He finally got into the car, looking disheveled in his wrinkled suit and messy hair. The reporters pressed their lenses against the car window t
Jasper and Xavier returned to the hospital after accomplishing their mission. He was eager to share the exciting news with Alyssa, but he did not summon her when he learned that she was in discussion with Julien in the hospital's director's office regarding Lauren's treatment plan. Instead, he quietly waited for Alyssa in the guest room next to the office.After some waiting, he finally saw Alyssa approaching him in light, bouncy steps. "Jasper!"Smiling, he did not have a chance to rise because Alyssa had settled on the space between his spread legs, cupping his face and kissing him passionately. Her rosy lips brushed against his, and she made out with him with an intense hunger.His breathing grew heavy. Feeling aroused, he pulled her into his arms and deepened the kiss. He finally let go of her when she struggled to catch a breath and moaned softly. Between heavy breaths, he caressed her round and firm rump. He remarked, "Darling, you're acting weird.""What's wrong?" She li
The news of Betty's bloodline broke out and spread like wildfire beyond the Beckett Group's control. Newton, who remained hospitalized, was shocked and infuriated upon learning the news. He demanded to meet Javier during the night.He began berating Javier in front of Jasper and Alyssa, not caring about their presence."What did I say to you? You should lay low at this rocky moment. Besides, you should stay by Lauren's side as her dad because she remains unconscious. You shouldn't have done anything unnecessary!"Does public perception matter that much? My granddaughter is more important than any bullshit reputation!"As the head of the family, why did you bother explaining yourself in a hurry to people who don't matter? You seem more confused and unwise the older you get, and your decisions are undignified!"Newton turned pale and breathed heavily after scolding Javier. Seeing that, Alyssa hurriedly patted him on the back while Jasper handed him a glass of water."The situatio
"At first, Lyse started having suspicion of Betty's lack of resemblance to Dad, but she kept it to herself without digging deeper into it."It wasn't until Betty showed her true color and hurt Lauren that Lyse started questioning the difference in character between the two sisters. She then decided to run a paternity test, and the result proved her right." Jasper looked at Alyssa affectionately.He added flatly, "Lyse understood it was a huge deal. She repeatedly reminded me to deal with the matter prudently without making it public."It was me who decided to reveal the news at the press conference. She had nothing to do with it. Grandpa, please don't blame her."Newton's heart swelled when he learned the truth. He glanced at Alyssa with gratitude. "Alice, you've been a great help to our family. I can't possibly blame her for anything. In fact, I need to compliment her. Don't mistake me for your fool of a father."Javier clenched his fists. Feelings of shame bubbled in his chest.
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence. Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control. Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president—our direct competitor!"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest—outright cronyism!" Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression. Just then, a board member from Javier's
Despite his age, Newton exuded the same energy and sharpness he had in his younger days, even when surrounded by the board members brimming with vigor. Despite his quiet presence in the wheelchair, an intimidating atmosphere clung to him. In an instant, Javier was transported back to the days when he worked under Newton's strict supervision."Good day, Mr. Javier and all fellow board members. I assume no one has any objections to my presence at this meeting?"Newton's gaze swept across the room, a perfunctory smile gracing his lips."Of course not. You are part of the corporation's board of directors!" the members responded immediately.Newton nodded. "Much has happened within the corporation lately. Our shares have been fluctuating amid the controversy. "As you all know, I had intended to retire after dedicating most of my life to this company. I wanted to step aside for the younger generation rather than hover over them like a specter, micromanaging everything. "However,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc