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,
Jasper gazed out the window with a gloomy expression, pondering Newton's earnest teachings. The more he thought about it, the more stifled he felt.Somehow, he couldn't shake the feeling that Newton was afraid of Justin.Newton's advice and determination to protect him at all costs made Jasper wonder if Justin was more than just a person in Newton's eyes. He seemed more like a bloodthirsty beast lurking in the shadows."Ahem... It was such a close call tonight, Mr. Beckett." Noticing that Jasper was down, Xavier tried to ease the mood."What?""You almost lost your innocence!""Lost what?" Jasper frowned."Earlier in the garden, Ms. Gillis almost threw herself at you. Luckily, my swift reflexes kicked in, and I arrived just in time to protect your virtue," Xavier boasted, sporting a self-satisfied grin.Virtue?Upon seeing his smug look, Jasper wanted to knock some sense into him."Even if you hadn't appeared, I wouldn't have any contact with any woman other than Lyse," Jaspe
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