It was business as usual for Amber at The Millennium. Not only that, she worked harder than before to gain Jameson's favor.At the same time, she had not given up on gathering criminal evidence against Jameson. The road might be difficult, and she might even risk everything in the process, but she was determined to see it through.It was the day of the month when Amber volunteered at the orphanage. She woke up early in the morning, put on her volunteer uniform, and brought the gifts for the kids before driving out in haste."Ms. Altman, you're here early!""Good morning, Ms. Altman!""How have you been, Ms. Altman?"The teachers and volunteers went up to greet her. She was popular among the people at the orphanage.She greeted everyone and distributed her handmade snacks."Wow! Ms. Altman, you're back with your apple pies! We love it!" Some younger volunteers could not help but take a bite of the pies in front of her. They beamed in satisfaction. "Ms. Altman, too bad you're onl
"You—" Amber glared at him in embarrassment. Her eyes were dewy and sparkling.Axel tilted his head with a roguish smile. He tapped his lips to remind her.Suddenly, he frowned and spun around. A group of smiling kids had gathered by the backdoor of the classroom to watch the drama unfold. Their cute heads peeked out of the door, one on top of another, which was rather hilarious to see.They would have made a fuss if they could speak."You rascal!" Amber's face reddened. She shoved him away before fleeing and herding the kids back into the classroom.Her scolding sounded flirtatious to Axel. His smile deepened when he relished her remark.Amber returned to the podium after soothing the children. When she looked up, she found Axel shamelessly sitting in a chair by an unoccupied table in the last row. He folded his arms and rested them on the table, blinking obediently like he, too, was a student.She flustered under his watch. It wasn't until she took a few deep breaths that she
Though Amber tried to kick Axel out, he shamelessly stuck around. However, he merely observed her from a distance without disrupting her work.He watched as she joined the cooks to prepare food. Despite her petite frame, she stirred the food in the industrial cooking pots with ease. She harvested, washed, and cut the vegetables expertly, as if it were second nature.With his arms folded across his chest, Axel became engrossed in her actions. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead, and a few strands of hair clung to her cheek. Despite her disheveled appearance while working, he found her beauty captivating.Every time they crossed paths, she carried herself like a flawless masterpiece, catching the attention of the opposite sex. However, Axel found her prettier in her current state—more vibrant and real.As Amber's "friend", Axel was invited to lunch with the other kids when food was served. Amber stood in a line with two other teachers to serve food."Thank you, Ms. Altman!" The kids
Amber remarked flatly, "That sounded so pervy."Axel's expression collapsed. He argued, "I was a brother who doted on his sister! You just don't get it!"He took care of Alyssa for another reason. Before their mother passed away, she called the four siblings to her bed and reminded the brothers to take care of Alyssa to the best of their ability. He recalled Jennifer comforting them, "Don't cry. Please don't think that Mommy is not around anymore. Mommy will be in the sky, looking after you and protecting you."He teared up at the thoughts—a lump formed in his throat."That was really sweet." Amber stared at her reflection on the water, which resembled Alyssa. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight, and she hurriedly hid the reflection with clothes. She added, "Ms. Alyssa certainly grew up in happiness."Despite taking on Alyssa's face, Amber knew her fate was the opposite of Alyssa's. Alyssa was the daughter of a wealthy family who was raised in love and great care, unlike herse
Amber returned to the laundry room after helping the teacher.Upon her return, she was forced up against the wall by Axel, who pressed his body against her and stared into her eyes.Her heart was beating uncontrollably. Drawn into his bright and sharp gaze, she found herself falling helplessly for him.She longed for a ray of light to shine through the cracks and illuminate her dark life. His eyes turned out to be the source of light she had been searching high and low for."Ms. Altman, did you leave something behind just now?" he teased her in a low chuckle that ended with a seductive lilt."What…" Her voice trailed off. She grabbed the edge of the wall firmly as her heart pounded like a drum.Grinning, he casually brushed his nose tip against hers. The gentle and cheeky move resembled the touch of a lover. Suddenly, he rasped, "You left my heart behind."Amber, whose heart had been racing, broke into laughter. Axel raised a quizzical brow at her. "Tsk! What are you laughing at
Amber stared at the sparklers vacantly as tears welled up in her eyes. She clutched her fists, holding back her emotions."Come join me! Let's have some fun." Axel bounced up to her and handed her a sparkler with eyes that shone bright like the sun.She accepted the sparkler with trembling fingers, knowing that he must have come prepared with them. It was impossible to get this stuff at the remote location of the orphanage.The light from her sparklers danced on her face. A smile appeared on her face. She took on a resemblance to the girl in the locket when she smiled."Do you like that massive fireworks show I put on for you the last time?" He glanced at her before asking.Staring at the sparkler in her hand, she replied softly, "Yeah.""Well, that doesn't mean anything. I'm not as rich as Landon Harper. Can't afford a showy performance worth tens of millions," Axel blurted out.She flashed a faint smile at him, having been used to his blunt and outspoken manner—probably the re
At midnight, Amber arrived at a countryside villa in her sportscar. She had changed into a flaming red slit dress and styled her long, dark hair into a bun that was held together by a golden hairpin.Her style, classic and alluring, was to Jameson's taste. However, she was dressed to the nines for a nasty deal. She ran her cold fingertips through the hem of her dress and chuckled bitterly. What a waste of high-grade silk and top-notch tailoring! Her perfect attire and her dignity would end up being trampled by the beasts she would host.She received a video call from Wesley when she was about to leave her car. The video call was their preferred way of communication as it was impossible to be tapped."Wesley," she began with a forced smile."Ms. Altman, are you about to…" Wesley choked up emotionally at the sight of her beauty. As an employee at The Millennium, he knew what that would signify."What's the matter? Is everything alright?" Amber hurriedly shifted the topic of conver
The women gaped in shock at Amber's calmness in the face of the two devils. Just like them, Amber was petite and vulnerable. However, she appeared towering and invincible in their eyes due to her courage.The two men exchanged gazes. One man, examining her with a lascivious look, suggested, "You'll take two pills, then! Tell us how you feel after that!"Knowing Amber's importance to Jameson, the two guests dared not force her to take too many pills to avoid getting into trouble.Amber shook two blue pills onto her palms and stared squarely at them. Then, she took the pills without water. The other women teared up from concern and fear for Amber.Within a minute, her ears started ringing, and her heart rate increased. Her body went into an uncontrollable seizure."Ms. Altman! Ms. Altman!" The worried screams of the women were the last thing she heard before the dizziness overwhelmed her. She fell face-first onto the floor and passed out.…Amber opened her eyes and found herself
"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
"Don't be so pessimistic, Jonah," Alyssa said. Perhaps having just seen Jasper and going through that heart-stopping moment made Alyssa emotional. Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued, "If you truly love someone, you don't need to possess him to find happiness. Isn't it enough to know he's alive, well, and living freely somewhere in this world?""You're right, Lyse." Sorrow filled Jonah's voice as he smiled bitterly. "Julien has already lost and sacrificed too much for my sake. I don't deserve to have such a good man. He'll only find true happiness by leaving me."…After Justin took over as president of Beckett Group, his first move was to wrest control of the A5 Project bid from Jasper's hands.Though Jasper had failed as the leader of Beckett Group, as the eldest son, it was only natural for Justin to inherit the position of power. Justin was aware of lingering opposition within the corporation. Some doubted whether he possessed the decisiveness and singular capabili