Jasper suddenly stiffened, as if held in place by an invisible force."What did you say? Justin is back?" Javier's eyes sparkled with joy. His delight was evident. "Where is he now?""He's in the basement parking lot. I ran into him when I came back from running errands," Rory replied."Why didn't he tell us that he was coming back?" Javier complained with a smile on his face."I've exchanged a few words with him. He knew that if he informed you in advance, you would prepare extensively. He didn't want to cause you any trouble, so he kept it a secret.""He's really considerate."Javier quickly instructed Jasper, "Jasper, go inform your grandpa. I'll go down to see Justin first."As Jasper watched their retreating figures, his hand clenched into a fist.…When the Becketts arrived at the parking lot, Justin was sitting calmly in a wheelchair, wearing a gentle smile."Justin!" Javier called out joyfully and hurried over to him.Not far behind him, Jasper and Alyssa were suppor
Newton's expression stiffened slightly. "What are you talking about? Both you and Jasper are my grandsons. I cherish you both."Justin quipped, "I'm just joking, Grandpa. I know you care about me."At this moment, the door of a luxurious MPV opened, and a graceful figure stepped out."Mr. Justin, the parking lot is chilly. You shouldn't stay out here for too long." With her words, Sheryl bent down and gently placed a blanket over Justin's knees.Javier looked at the unfamiliar woman. "Who is this?""This is Sheryl Gillis, my personal assistant. She's the one diligently taking care of me in Mosgravia. As you can see, I'm basically useless." Justin's fist pressed lightly against his pale lips as he coughed."Justin, you're my cherished son. How can you call yourself useless? Don't belittle yourself. Your body has improved a lot compared to before. You'll definitely get better with treatment." Javier showed rare patience.He then looked at Sheryl with gratitude. "Thank you for taki
Alyssa looked into Jasper's eyes, which were ablaze with desire. She pressed her moistened lips together.Suddenly, she remembered Sheryl's considerably charming face and the smile she had deliberately shown Jasper. Inexplicably, she felt uncomfortable.She wasn't trying to make a fuss about it. As the daughter of the Taylor family and the president of KS Group, she didn't want to be like those jealous women who couldn't live without men.But this time, she couldn't control it. She felt a little annoyed."Justin is your brother, and he has greeted me politely. If you don't want me to smile at him, then do I cry instead?" Alyssa turned her face away to avoid Jasper's intense gaze. Her nose was tinged with a faint blush.Jasper's gaze dimmed. Pinching her chin, he slowly turned her head to face him, forcing her to meet his gaze. "I'm afraid, Lyse."Alyssa blinked her moistened eyes."You're too pretty when you smile. I'm afraid he'll be captivated." His voice was hoarse. When he s
Alyssa asked, "Do you think that there's some connection between Jameson and Sheryl?""My sense of smell won't go wrong, but relying solely on this is not convincing enough. Maybe it's just a coincidence." Jasper was rational.But he always believed that Justin was aloof, so how could he associate with someone like Jameson?After a moment of contemplation, Alyssa said coldly, "I wonder how long Justin will stay in Solana City this time. If he's going back after visiting Lauren, then it's fine. But if he stays longer, you need to have someone monitor his movements at all times."If Sheryl does have a connection with Jameson, Justin must know him as well. He'll surely contact Jameson if he prolongs his stay in Solana City. But I really hope they're not acquainted. You really look up to him, after all.""I'm glad you see Justin that way, Lyse." Jasper breathed a sigh of relief, but his arms tightened around her waist even more. "I'm not afraid of anything. I'm only afraid of losing y
Justin abstained from alcohol, drinking only the finest tea as he chatted with Javier and Jasper. They discussed everything from Mosgravia's climate to its cultural customs.Newton only occasionally interjected, maintaining a calm demeanor. He was neither overly affectionate nor distant toward Justin."Lauren is blessed. Once this ordeal is over, it will be smooth sailing from here on out."Justin asked with concern, "Mr. Landon seems deeply attached to Lauren. From what I saw today, are they about to get married?""Once Lauren recovers, I plan to arrange their marriage," Javier replied. The thought of marrying off his daughter filled him with both relief and a hint of reluctance."That's wonderful. Lauren and Mr. Landon make a perfect couple. I'll be sure to prepare a generous gift for their wedding day.""Justin, the gift you brought for Lauren this time is already quite valuable. It's more than enough as a dowry. There's no need to spend more." Javier chuckled."That's not en
"When I saw this hair clip, I really liked it and thought it would suit Ms. Alyssa," Justin said with a warm and sincere smile. "Jasper, it's just a small token of my congratulations. I hope you'll like it."With a snap, Jasper closed the satin-lined box and pushed it back to the center of the table. His eyes darkened with an inscrutable depth. "This gift is too valuable. I can't accept it, but I'll thank you on behalf of Lyse."Justin showed no sign of embarrassment. He still maintained his gentle smile as he met Jasper's gaze."What are you doing, Jasper?" Javier intervened, his displeasure evident."Justin has come back after so long and generously prepared gifts for the family, even considering your girlfriend. Are your standards so high that you can't even appreciate what he has given?"Think about how Justin has treated you since childhood. Even if you don't like it, you shouldn't refuse. It's so rude!""Don't get worked up, Dad." Justin coughed lightly before saying gently
"Mr. Jasper." Sheryl stood up and walked over to Jasper with a smile."Ms. Gillis.""The doe was injured, and I bandaged it without permission. I hope I didn't violate any of your family rules," Sheryl said softly, her eyes filled with affection.Jasper remained indifferent, maintaining his distant demeanor toward her. "No, Ms. Gillis. That was really kind of you. We should thank you.""When I was working as a doctor without borders in Luminara, I used to treat injured soldiers and civilians. I never thought my skills would come in handy for animals too." Sheryl sighed, shaking her head.Jasper's dark eyes churned with hidden emotions.In an instant, distant and elusive memories flooded his mind.Back then, in Luminara, he infiltrated the terrorist organization and fought desperately. His arm was slashed, and his leg was hit by a bullet. He was basically on the brink of death.It was White Dove who stopped his bleeding, treated his wounds, and fought to bring him back to the ba
On the way back to Crescent Bay, Xavier was driving with Ben in the passenger seat while Newton and Jasper sat in the back.Typically, they would chat endlessly, but they seemed unusually silent tonight.As they neared their destination, Newton sighed and placed his weathered hand on Jasper's shoulder. "Jasper, I know Justin went too far tonight and upset you.""I'm fine, Grandpa," Jasper replied with a faint smile. Under the dim light, his face was indescribably handsome yet cold."Don't take it to heart, Jasper," Newton continued to comfort him."He's my brother and my life savior. I can let it go this time."Jasper's words implied that if there was a next time, he wouldn't tolerate it again.He was Alyssa's husband, not a doormat. He couldn't tolerate any man harboring intentions toward Lyse under any pretext."I think Justin won't stay too long. He'll probably return to Mosgravia in a few days. In places where he's present, try not to let Alyssa show up."Newton continued,
Jonah's gaze burned with a mix of longing, sorrow, and something deeply affectionate. The world swam back into focus as Julien looked at Jonah. Without preamble, he asked, "Are you new? How much do you charge per night?"Light-headed and grinning, Julien reached out a hand, his fingers brushing softly against Jonah's cheek. "You're pretty good-looking," he said, his voice slurred. Then his expression shifted. "Why do you… look so much like someone I hate with every fiber of my being?"Jonah's heart clenched. Even so, he slid his arms around Julien's waist. Trembling, he pulled Julien into his arms. "I'm new here. Could you help me meet my target tonight, Mr. Lovelace?"Julien's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Jonah. Jonah's eyes teared up as he held Julien's waist tightly. "I promise you won't be disappointed," he said, his voice deep. Watching from the shadows below the stage, Evan nearly gagged at Jonah's sultry tone. Was this really the Judas he knew? The man sounded downri
The bar was alive with striking lights and thundering music, and the air was thick with the scent of tobacco and alcohol. The atmosphere was one of moral decay—corrupt, degrading, and vile. "Where's Julien?" Jonah's voice cut through the noise, his tone icy and sharp. When Jonah stepped inside, the eyes of several men turned toward him, their gazes filled with illicit intent."Why, hello there. Are you here alone? Are you feeling lonely?" A sexy man sauntered over, draping himself over Jonah's shoulders. He let his hands linger with a playful squeeze. "If you're bored, I'd be happy to keep you company." Jonah's expression darkened. His hands trembled, veins bulging with barely contained rage. Suddenly, Evan burst through the crowd, his face twisting in alarm at the sight of Jonah surrounded by a swarm of predatory men. Evan yelled, "Don't touch him!" A heavy thump reverberated through the room. Gasps erupted as people scrambled back.The man who had draped himself over
Rafe stated, "But Beckett Group is in the middle of a storm right now. If I insisted on giving your corporation the project, my superiors would investigate me. I wouldn't be able to escape unscathed!""If you're investigated, I'll make sure you can still live a life of luxury—even if you lose your job." Justin's tone darkened. "But if you turn against me, you won't just suffer a few losses. You'll lose everything."Under the dim moonlight, Justin fiddled with his antique tea cup, his gaze narrowing. "You've worked so hard to get to where you are. Are you prepared to lose it all?"After ending the call, Justin turned to Remy, who stood quietly at the side. "Sheryl is still being detained. She can't be bailed out for another two days. I need someone to watch over the research lab. You'll handle that."Remy was taken aback. "I failed my last mission. Aren't you going to punish me?"Justin's smile was cold and insincere. "It wasn't your fault. You were ambushed. If not for that, I tru
Remy pursed his lips, bending down to pick up the fallen poker card. It was the King of Spades—an entry pass to Kings' Club. "My attacker was…" Remy's pupils constricted as he tightened his grip on the card. "It can only be that dear uncle of mine, always claiming to see me as his own son." Justin's lips curled into a sinister smile. "He's trying to get rid of my right-hand man, taking advantage of my internal feud with Jasper. Weakening me is just his first step toward gaining control over me."He's been a fugitive ever since his successful prison break, never returning to Cyrris after receiving his life sentence. His power base remains in Kontina. "I'm the last surviving Dutton. The Dutton Group, as a cover, has declared bankruptcy and severed all ties with the country. "My dear uncle has taken a huge risk just to target me. He sent his men to attack you in Solana City. What a delightful surprise. It seems he truly doesn't trust me, his only remaining family."Remy lowere
The hospital ward grew heavy with silence. Mandy and Neil stared at Alyssa, stunned beyond words. "M-Ms. Alyssa, you knew that man was Mr. Damien?" Neil asked, disbelief etched into his voice. "Yes." Alyssa's reply was quiet, her lips pressed into a thin line. She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "We found out when Cyrus took Damien's cigarette butt for a paternity test."Mandy approached Alyssa, her shoulders trembling slightly. "So, you and Cyrus knew… and you both kept it from me?" Mandy said, her voice catching in her throat, tears welling up. Alyssa felt a sharp pang in her chest. "Mandy, I'm sorry. It was my decision. Cyrus had nothing to do with it."Mandy's tears fell freely now, her grief spilling out in raw sobs. "Do you know what it's been like for me all these years, thinking Damien was gone? Winston, Miley, Lyla, and Colene kept telling me to move on. I tried to accept that he was dead, that we'd never find his body. But I never did."Her vo
The hospital ward was bathed in a dim, yellow glow from the bedside lamp. The silence was thick, yet the room held a strange warmth—an unfamiliar comfort that felt oddly familiar to Remy.Pain radiated through his body as he struggled to sit up. His eyes fell on Mandy, who was asleep beside his bed. Her hair was a mess, and her swollen eyes suggested she'd been crying. She was sound asleep. Remy stiffened. His breath quickened as he stared at her fragile figure. Slowly, he leaned forward, his fingers lifting slightly, tempted to reach out.Just as his hand hovered close, Mandy's lashes fluttered. In her sleep, she murmured, "Damien… Damien… I miss you so much…" Tears slipped down her cheeks, silent and unbidden.A pang tugged at Remy's heart. Without thinking, he brushed away her tears with his calloused fingers. The moment his skin touched hers, a jolt shot through him, sharp and electrifying. Pain throbbed at his temples, but beneath it was a warmth he didn't want to let g
Justin's casual question hit Javier like a thunderclap. Shock rippled through him, freezing his expression. His voice trembled with fear as he barked, "What nonsense is that? Are you accusing me of causing Chester's death? I'm your father—how could you think I'd do such a thing?""It's not an accusation. Just the facts," Justin replied coolly, crossing his legs and savoring his tea with unsettling calm. "And I'm not condemning you. In fact, I understand why you did it. I'm facing the same dilemma now."Javier's breathing grew ragged. He had watched Justin grow from a child into the man before him—now a predator, circling with quiet menace."You were meant to be the heir as the eldest son," Justin continued, his voice smooth as silk. "But Grandpa favored Uncle Chester, handing him major projects, grooming him in plain sight. "Uncle Chester's reputation soon eclipsed yours. He was a natural leader, adept at business, with one fatal flaw—he was kind. Too kind. Unlike you."Justin
Nonetheless, night had fallen by the time Justin arrived at Seaview Manor. On his way there, he worked on two things. First, he secured the top legal team to get Sheryl out on bail as quickly as possible. Second, he tried reaching Remy—unsuccessfully. He had never lost contact with Remy before. Justin's face was as dark as the night itself. The moment he stepped inside Seaview Manor, Rory approached with a solemn expression. He gave a slight bow before speaking. "Mr. Justin, what took you so long? Mr. Javier has been waiting.""I was occupied," Justin replied coolly. Then, as if it were an ordinary evening, he allowed a faint smile. "Where's Jasper? Is he back here yet?" A conflicted look came across Rory's face. "Things between you and Mr. Jasper have soured. I doubt he'll want to see you anytime soon—or show up here.""Is that so? How disappointing."Justin's smile didn't reach his eyes. His gaze lingered on Rory, sharp and bottomless. "So, he'd rather believe what he se
Jonah scoured every corner of the hotel, desperation clawing at his chest, but Julien was nowhere to be found. "Jonah!" Alyssa called out, breathless as she caught up to him. She grabbed his arm. "Calm down! I'll help you search for Jul!""I can't find him. He's gone," Jonah murmured, sinking to the floor. His tears mixed with sweat, creating dark patches on the ground. "Lyse… I fear… if I can't find Julien this time, I'll lose him forever."The agonizing thought of losing the love of his life pierced him. "No, you won't!" Alyssa gripped his arm tighter, her voice trembling with conviction. "If Jul had given up on you, he wouldn't have come here today. The fact that he showed up means he still cares."Jonah's eyes were bloodshot, filled with a pain too deep to hide. He shook his head slowly. "Julien came back for Jasper. He did it because he's loyal… because he's a good friend. Not because of me.""He does care!" Alyssa insisted. "If he didn't, he would've faced you without fli