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
Xavier successfully navigated this hurdle. When he emerged from the interrogation room, he maintained a calm demeanor, but his legs trembled inside his trousers.Jasper had once again taken away his first time. He needed an increase in salary.To avoid suspicion, Alyssa left through the back door of the police station. Meanwhile, Jasper and Xavier, accompanied by Sean, walked out of the police station gates.They expected to be swarmed by reporters outside, but strangely, there was no one there.Scratching his head, Sean remarked, "There's no one here? I had my press release ready.""Perhaps someone already got wind of Xavier being released, so there was no need to pay off reporters to spruce up his image for free," Jasper said coldly."Such a jackass," Sean couldn't help but curse."I've already notified Beckett Group's PR Department to work overtime tonight to withdraw the trending hashtags and control public opinion. We'll try to minimize the impact."Jasper continued calmly
Nathan waved his hand dismissively. "Please don't say that, Mr. Beckett. I was simply following Colene's instructions. It's just a small favor. Besides, Harvey is one of our guys. As the Ivory Gang's leader, it's my duty to handle this trouble. If you want to repay the favor, just repay Colene."The group entered Nathan's luxurious office, which was quiet compared to the bustling activity outside.Jabari immediately recounted Harvey's words to them."Meds?" Jasper and Alyssa looked surprised.Xavier's eyes lit up. "Yes, yes, when he was dealing with me, he asked if I was buying meds. Is that their code language?"Jabari explained, "Strangely enough, Harvey insists that what he was selling was not drugs but a type of medicine. It's a banned medicine popular overseas that has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration here."It's said that taking this medicine can produce the same sensation as drugs, and it can't be detected even in urine tests. So, it has become particu
At the Millennium, upon learning that Xavier was safely released, Jameson was engulfed in rage. He smashed several antique crystal glasses into pieces."Please calm down, Mr. Schmidt." Nicholas' voice on the phone sounded cautious and respectful."Everything was planned perfectly. Jasper's secretary was supposed to be doomed. Who would have thought that the scum from the Ivory Gang would change his statement at the last minute and shoulder all the blame himself? It was too unexpected. I couldn't do anything.""The Ivory Gang pressured him?" Jameson widened his crimson eyes. He then slowly bent down to pick up a piece of broken glass and clenched it tightly in his palm.The blood seeped through his fingers, staining his pale hand with its vibrant hue.However, he felt no pain. Instead, the suffocating feeling in his chest eased a bit."Marc is already old. Years of fighting have left his body riddled with ailments. He's already retired to the background. Now, the Ivory Gang is und
Carl parted his lips anxiously but didn't know what to say."Carl, did Mr. Justin… lie to me?" Jameson suddenly asked hoarsely. "Is the medicine he gave me poison? Will I be dependent on it for life?"Before Carl could reply, he comforted himself with a smile, "But it doesn't matter. After all, Mr. Justin gave me this life... I have no complaints, even if he wants to take it away one day."I just... can't bear to leave Lyse. If I can't love her and be with her… I hope, at the very least, I can be the person who accompanies her to the end of her life."At the same time, there was a waterproof, delicate miniature tapping device silently capturing every sound in the room. It was hidden under the pot of red roses carefully tended by Jameson.Jameson checked and dismantled every nook and cranny in the private room, but he held the pot of roses dear, untouched. Any damage to its petals was met with severe consequences.He never imagined someone would hide a tapping device there...T
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence. Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control. Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president—our direct competitor!"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest—outright cronyism!" Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression. Just then, a board member from Javier's
Despite his age, Newton exuded the same energy and sharpness he had in his younger days, even when surrounded by the board members brimming with vigor. Despite his quiet presence in the wheelchair, an intimidating atmosphere clung to him. In an instant, Javier was transported back to the days when he worked under Newton's strict supervision."Good day, Mr. Javier and all fellow board members. I assume no one has any objections to my presence at this meeting?"Newton's gaze swept across the room, a perfunctory smile gracing his lips."Of course not. You are part of the corporation's board of directors!" the members responded immediately.Newton nodded. "Much has happened within the corporation lately. Our shares have been fluctuating amid the controversy. "As you all know, I had intended to retire after dedicating most of my life to this company. I wanted to step aside for the younger generation rather than hover over them like a specter, micromanaging everything. "However,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc