Alyssa burst out laughing. "I can tell that you've really been trying to curb your urges, Mr. Landon. Jasper is just brushing my hair. I can't believe that your mind wandered elsewhere." Alyssa stroked her soft hair, which Jasper had helped with maintaining. "Landon, you don't have to rush the wedding. Just have your marriage with Lauren registered first. It's more important to make the relationship between the both of you as husband and wife official." Upon hearing that, Jasper was suddenly filled with regret. He observed the expression on Alyssa's face. Fortunately, she wasn't bothered at all. With a smile on her face, she was engaging in her skincare routine. Her face looked moist, drawing him closer and closer."Don't worry. I will definitely be getting that marriage certificate." Landon's voice was full of affection. "In the future, Lauren will be the wife of Harper Group's chairman." "In the future, Javier will be your father-in-law. You will be able to strut throughou
If Landon were to hear what Jasper just said, he would probably laugh at him. "Good-for-nothing!" "Useless president!" "Polyandry?" Alyssa narrowed her eyes at him. She tickled him on his chin with her fingers and tilted his chin up. "Would you be happy with that, Mr. Jasper?" "No, I won't." Jasper looked her in the eyes with his fiery gaze. He then gulped. The bob in his Adam's apple was exceptionally sexy. "But I know that I don't deserve it." If he didn't deserve it, who did? That said, The Taylors always maintained a level of conservativeness. Although Alyssa's heart was racing, she uttered in a neutral tone, "Also, what are you doing? Is this a proposal?" Jasper pursed his lips and didn't reply. "Others would usually have a romantic proposal and an expensive ring. I've never seen anyone hold a brush and a broken one at that." Alyssa put her hand on her hip, making herself look as if she was mad at him. Jasper clenched his hands into fists. The brush's bristle
Early November saw the first romantic snowfall of the year at Solana City. It was also Lauren's 24th birthday. Early in the morning, Alyssa led her "team of stylists" to the hospital with great joy. She prepared to give Lauren a glow-up.Though, rather than a team, it was her and two other people—Rose and Tatiana. But they were more than capable. Rose's styling and Tatiana's makeup skills were comparable to celebrities' team of stylists. The trio entered the hospital room with much hustle and bustle. To their surprise, Landon had dark circles under his eyes. He was sitting by the side of the bed and feeding Lauren some chowder. Lauren smiled widely when she saw Alyssa. She couldn't say anything, so she waved at them as her warm gesture of welcome. Lauren's sunken face was now plumper thanks to Landon's care over the past two months. The paleness on her face was also replaced by rosiness on her cheeks. She looked even sweeter than before. Love was indeed the best medicine
Landon looked at his reflection in the mirror. His face was well-defined, his eyes were deep, and his short hair was graying. He was like a cypress tree that was covered in snow after withstanding the vicissitudes of life. The only thing was that he no longer looked as majestic as he used to. Then, someone knocked on the door. Landon walked over and opened the door. He smiled. "Hey, Jasper." Jasper raised his brows slightly. He lifted a plastic bag in his hand and said, "I'm here by my wife's orders to dye your hair." Landon's lashes fluttered. The smile on his face became wider, and he let out a grin that hadn't been seen in a while. "I'm not sure if I should trust your skills, Jasper." "Just give it a try then. I won't charge you if it turns out bad." Jasper and Landon looked at one another and smiled. It felt as if they hadn't felt so relaxed in a long time. Landon sat in front of the mirror with a hairdressing apron around him. Jasper stood behind him and applied
Evening time came. The courthouse took Lauren's health condition into consideration. They reserved a private room specially for the couple to get their marriage registered. Lauren beamed like the sun the moment they received their marriage certificate. She was so touched that she ran her fingers across the document repeatedly. She treated it like a piece of treasure and was unwilling to let it go. "Wishing you both a happy and fulfilling marriage!" A staff member shared his sincere blessings. Everyone knew about the heartfelt story between Landon and Lauren. Their story had just begun."Ah! Ah!" Lauren smiled as she waved the certificate in front of Landon. "I'm yours for the rest of your life, Mrs. Harper." Landon said. The newlyweds looked deeply into each other's eyes. "Ah…" Lauren's cheeks blushed pink as she fixed her eyes on him. She couldn't express herself verbally. Even if she could, Landon wouldn't give her the chance to speak. He reached out his arm and
The joyous news about Landon and Lauren's marriage caused a buzz in Solana City. Soon enough, the news also spread to the entire country. The heartfelt vows and the fireworks lit only for Lauren were the envy of all. Countless people had recorded and spread the story about this exceptional union. Even when the time passed and it was no longer trending, those who entered "wedding" as a keyword would still find photos of the romantic moment from that time. Amber had her black coat on as she looked up at the fireworks in the starlit sky. Her eyes gleamed. The cool night breeze blew on her wavy hair. She curled her lips up into a smile. How wonderful. That woman named Lauren could finally be with the man she loved. She finally had her happy ending. Amber, on the other hand, was raised in darkness and cruelty. Neither did she deserve to, nor could she have such a pure love story. She could not even walk in the light. The fireworks of love ended at midnight. The entire world
Axel had lived a dangerous life. He never had time or energy to date properly, let alone orchestrate anything so romantic. The fireworks tonight were beautiful. He thanked Landon for that. However, no matter how bright and long the fireworks were, it would still be dull if he didn't have anyone to watch it with. As such, he couldn't help but think of her. Somehow, he took a huge risk and ended up outside The Millennium. "You see it too, don't you?" Axel looked up at the brightly lit nightclub. He mumbled to himself, "Does it make you feel lonely to watch the fireworks alone? I feel very alone." …News outlets gave Lauren and Landon's wedding great publicity. Newton was ecstatic as he swiped on his phone. He even had two extra servings of dinner that night. As such, he couldn't even buckle his belt after dinner. He was well aware that Lauren hadn't recovered from her trauma and that she wasn't in the best condition. Even so, as a grandfather who doted on her, he wished
Jasper and Alyssa hastily bid farewell to Newton, then sped off to the police station with Sean at the wheel."Jasper, did you do something stupid?"Alyssa, being extremely astute, hit the nail on the head. She glared at Jasper's darkened face. "I know Xavier. He wouldn't dare do anything against your wishes. How could he possibly touch that stuff? Did you ask him to buy it?"Feeling anxious, Jasper gripped her delicate fingers tightly while gazing intensely at her. "Lyse, I did tell him to buy it, but I didn't expect him to do it himself.""That fool!" Sean, who was driving, was both anxious and angry. He slammed the steering wheel hard."Even those unpopular celebrities who want drugs would have their managers handle it, going through layers of middlemen. One slip-up could tank their whole career, after all."But Xavier really is brave. He actually went to buy it himself so openly. Does he think Solana City's police force is useless? Doesn't he know that they have been cracking
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