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
Jasper and Landon rushed to the hospital with urgency. Upon reaching Lauren's ward, they were met by a group of medical professionals exiting her ward. "How is Lauren?" Landon's voice quavered with worry as he grabbed hold of the doctor-in-charge."Her body's weak," the doctor replied, wiping sweat from his brow with a worried grimace. "The news was a heavy blow. She went into shock earlier, but oxygen stabilized her. It's her mental state that's concerning."Landon's heart ached as he entered the ward. A heart-wrenching scream pierced the air. Javier and Rory struggled to restrain Lauren on the bed. Her frail form, adorned with medical tubes, writhed against their hold. Her eyes, bloodshot and unfocused, darted wildly as panicked shrieks escaped her lips. Her hands flailed, clawing at the air as if trying to ward off unseen demons."Ms. Lauren, calm down! Please!" Rory pleaded, his voice laced with a desperate gentleness as he gently restrained her."Lauren, don't do this!
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