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
Cyrus sat at the edge of his desk with his arms crossed while looking at Jasper and Alyssa with a grave expression."Firstly, we found drugs on him, and the member of the Ivory Gang named Harvey Palmer, who sold him the drugs, is also stubbornly accusing Xavier. The evidence against him is solid."Secondly, with the recent crackdown on drugs, Xavier happened to fall right into the crosshairs. Chief Novak specifically instructed not to let any black sheep off the hook, regardless of their background or identity.""Xavier's case must be completely sealed off from the public." Alyssa's gaze was sharp.Cyrus shook his head in frustration. "Before you two arrived, several reporters came to snoop around, but I had my people chase them away. But I think the news got out somehow. How else would those reporters know to come poking around?"What's even trickier is that higher-ups found out Xavier is connected to Jasper. Considering my relationship with Jasper, I'm not allowed to intervene i
Inside the interrogation room, Xavier sat silently beside Sean. He watched as Sean transformed into a cold and resolute fortress, shielding him from the officers' attack.His eyes shone brightly. He was almost shedding tears.If it weren't for his crush, he would fall for Sean.While Sean appeared calm on the surface, he felt uneasy inside.He felt that something about the whole situation was fishy. The attitude of the police seemed as if they were eager to pin the blame on Xavier immediately, fearing that he might turn the tables.Involvement in drug transactions as a buyer, even for small quantities, could result in a minimum six-month sentence.Once convicted, even if the sentence weren't severe, it would still be a huge blow to Xavier as the head secretary of Beckett Group's president. His future would be ruined.In another room, Harvey Palmer, the member of the Ivory Gang who sold drugs to Xavier, was having a private conversation with his attorney, Jabari Chapman."The Iv
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