Winston's voice boomed through the hall. "Even if you lack business acumen, Mr. Schmidt, a little observation goes a long way at your age. Can't you tell my daughter and Mr. Jasper are ride-or-die with Landon?"Jameson was caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events. He remained silent, his face pale with embarrassment.Winston's recovery and return from overseas to stand by the Harper family spoke volumes. No one would dare to look down on Landon anymore. "Let's go, Jimmy," Victor said tersely, realizing it wasn't wise to prolong the confrontation with his former ally. With a darkened expression, he strode out of the hall.Jameson adjusted his glasses and trailed after Victor. As they departed, Winston called out without looking back, his voice carrying a tone of admonishment. "Even if you wished to appear sincere, you should have ensured you did it properly and spared yourself the embarrassment. Instead, you chose to create a scene at someone else's funeral, deceiving ev
The funeral proceeded smoothly after the unwanted guests departed. Members of the Taylor family offered their condolences to Landon with genuine warmth. Winston, his face etched with concern, approached Landon."Landon," Winston began gently, "I'm sorry for what happened. Also, Mr. Beckett Senior called last night, expressing how unwell he's been feeling, so he won't be attending. However, he assures me he'll find time to meet with you and pay his respects at Mr. Cornelius' grave."A wave of emotions washed over Jasper. Concern for his grandfather's health battled with a flicker of warmth at Newton's consideration for Landon."Thank you, Uncle Winston. I appreciate Mr. Beckett Senior's kind gesture." Landon expressed his heartfelt gratitude, addressing Winston as he desired.Landon understood that Newton had likely used his health as an excuse. After all, the Harpers hurt Lauren multiple times and almost cost her life.Even if Newton had forgiven them, appearing at the funeral w
Justin Beckett?A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Justin's name was synonymous with the immense suffering he had endured. He had survived a brutal kidnapping that resulted in severe mutilation. To receive proper treatment in Mosgravia, he had to relinquish his right to succeed. He was finally back!Jonah and Silas exchanged wide-eyed glances. The hushed atmosphere shattered as cameras flashed, a cacophony of questions drowning out Justin's polite greeting."Oh, it's you, Mr. Justin. The pleasure is mine," Winston greeted, his eyes narrowing imperceptibly. Despite any internal turmoil, he remained composed, extending his hand to shake with the legendary figure of Justin Beckett.Justin's hand felt cold as ice, its smooth and clean appearance contrasting starkly with the roughness of Jasper's hands. Winston couldn't help but note the difference. Jasper's hands were so calloused that Winston wouldn't have been surprised if Jasper had done hard labor in his spare tim
Winston's gaze drifted into the distance. "His life took this turn because of you. He ended up confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his days, enduring years of solitude abroad. "Now that he has returned, he saw firsthand how you've captivated the Beckett Group, achieving remarkable success. He's watched as you've claimed what rightfully belongs to him as the eldest son of the Beckett family. "Can he truly find peace, surrender everything to you, and live a life of luxury and leisure?" "Justin has been undergoing treatment in Mosgravia all this time. We've kept in touch through emails and calls. He used to go out of his way to support me whenever I needed it. "Your words make sense, but I just can't imagine my brother holding any animosity toward me." Jasper laid out everything he knew for Winston, fully aware of the implications.Winston clicked his tongue in disapproval. "You're a divorced CEO. How can you be so naïve?"Jasper couldn't help but feel chastised, though a p
Jasper's heart raced, his lips quivering slightly as he continued to gaze at her, unable to find his voice. Who was he, for the likes of extraordinary figures such as Winston and Alyssa, to worry about?"Your brother's reappearance will elicit sympathy from the public, including your father," Alyssa said, her eyes filled with concern. "If he has any intentions of seizing your position, public opinion will be his most potent weapon. Jasper, you need to understand this. A person's words can be as lethal as any weapon..."Without a word, Jasper cupped her face and drew her into a passionate kiss. It began with a tenderness that quickly deepened, both fueled by a potent mix of desire and unspoken anxieties. Alyssa clung to him, her breath catching in her throat.When they finally broke apart, Jasper's eyes held a new tenderness. He wrapped her in a protective embrace, as if afraid to lose her."I promised to be your guardian angel," he murmured. "Why has it turned out the other way aro
Cornelius' funeral was grandly organized with the assistance of both the Becketts and Taylors.As the day came to a close, everyone from the Harper Group departed, leaving Landon alone, kneeling before his grandfather's photo for an extended period.Alyssa returned home to keep Winston company while Jasper remained with his best friend until the end."Landon, you're exhausted. You should go home and get some rest," Jasper urged, attempting to help him up, but Landon's resolve was unyielding; he couldn't even budge him."I can't rest. I need to arrange Angelina's funeral too," he responded almost mechanically.Jasper's heart ached at the sight of Landon's exhaustion.Angelina's name had been a taboo topic in the past few days, a reminder of a wound that would never heal in Landon's heart."I'll help you. You're not alone; you have me." Jasper's voice was strained and raspy. But no words could bring Angelina back."I remember Angeline telling me she wanted a simple and peaceful l
As Landon entered the living hall, his eyes reddened from the emotions swelling within him. Everything appeared unchanged, as if nothing had occurred.A gentle voice, once a source of comfort, broke the silence. "Mr. Landon, you're back.""I'm back," he choked out. His smile, though warm, faded as he realized there would be no reply to follow.With a heavy thud, Landon's knees buckled beneath him. He crumpled onto the floor, his once sturdy frame folding inward. Silent sobs wracked his body as he curled into a ball."Landon!""Mr. Landon!"Jasper and Jordan rushed to his side; concern etched on their faces. But the only response was the quiet sound of wet tears hitting the ground.Landon buried his head in his arms, his body wracked with silent cries."Landon, Jordan and I will help you gather Angelina's belongings. You don't have to force yourself to do it," Jasper said, holding Landon's trembling shoulders, his own eyes red with emotion."I-I'm fine," Landon insisted, wiping
In that moment, the room seemed to fall into a hushed stillness, with only the sound of Landon's heartbeat echoing in his ears.The pages of this diary had turned yellow; Angelina must have used it for years.With fingers wracked by tremors, Landon carefully opened the diary. Angelina's lack of formal education was evident, yet her handwriting surprised him. It was neat and firm, almost masculine, mirroring his own.A pang of bittersweet understanding shot through him. His father had taught him to write, and Angelina, ever-present by his side, had absorbed it all. More accurately, her life revolved around him, and this unconscious mimicry was a testament to that devotion.The diary wasn't a daily record but a collection of moments Angelina deemed precious. One entry read, "Went to Mr. Bill's funeral today with Mr. Landon. Now that he's gone, the burden of the family falls on Mr. Landon's shoulders. The road ahead won't be easy, but he doesn't have to face it alone. I'm here. Mr. Bi