Wesley was severely injured, his life hanging by a thread.Amber gritted her teeth. A torrent of rage flooded her heart, threatening to spill over. Jameson held her waist so tightly that she was unable to move. Even if she could move, how on earth was she supposed to get there?"I can't believe I trusted and nurtured you. Yet, you chose to betray Mr. Schmidt! You good-for-nothing traitor!"Carl, already violent, was incensed. His outrage burned hotter than ever. He yearned to torture Wesley relentlessly, a display of his unwavering loyalty. "Do you have any idea what you've done by selling us out?" "What… if… I did?" Wesley rasped weakly, slumped sideways. "It... didn't... change... my decision..."Wesley's words piqued James' interest. He raised an eyebrow, taking a deliberate sip of wine. Amber's lips trembled as she stared at Wesley, who was on the brink of death. She counted down in her heart, barely breathing!"Why did you betray Mr. Schmidt? Speak!" Carl glared at him
Amber heard Jameson clearly but felt torn between her mind and body. She couldn't utter a response."Go. Now," Jameson urged, his gaze turning icy.A shiver wracked Amber as she rose, her dress clinging uncomfortably to her cold sweat. She was alive, but she felt as if she had died over and over again.She walked toward Wesley; a few steps felt like a lifetime.Wesley's hands were bound, so he used his head to prop himself up. He swayed as he kneeled before her.He had known he would die the moment he was captured. However, he wasn’t resigned to a meaningless death; he wanted to die with dignity.Carl approached and took Amber's cold hand, placing a gun in it and forcing her fingers to grip the handle.Despite the blood covering his face, Wesley offered her a wan smile, a gesture meant to comfort Amber.Tears welled in Amber's eyes as she squeezed them shut. The dank basement was a slaughterhouse. She opened her eyes again. Wesley's left eye was swollen and bloodshot; he co
The next day, Julien arrived alone at Alyssa and Jasper's villa."Jul, where's Jonah?"Alyssa and Julien sat in the living room while Jasper, ever the considerate host, brought out a platter of cut fruits for their guest. "Jonah is at home taking care of Dad and managing some household errands. We're leaving for Mosgravia in two days."A sweet sentiment welled up in Julien's eyes as he addressed Winston as "Dad" so naturally.Alyssa looked at him, feeling uneasy. She wondered if Jonah had destroyed the photos of his ex. "Lyse, I'm here because the medication test results are out," Julien announced, his voice firm as he handed them the document. Alyssa tore open the brown envelope while Jasper quickly sat beside her. "The breakdown seems complex," Alyssa said. She was a surgeon, so she knew very little about pharmaceuticals. Jasper, however, perused the document with ease. "Is this considered medication, not a drug?""It is a type of medication. I've checked the contents.
They hadn't finished their conversation about the medication when another problem emerged.Xavier drove Jasper's Rolls-Royce as they sped to the police station, a heavy atmosphere settling in the car. Cyrus was waiting at the police station, his expression intense. "Everything was fine. How did Uncle Nathan end up involved in a murder?" Alyssa asked eagerly. "We received a report last night that a male body was found in an obscure alley on South Harmony Street in the West City District. He was severely beaten, with many signs of lacerations and heavy impact. "The victim had a Northern Cardinal badge on his chest. After confirming his identity, it turned out he was a member of The Ivory Gang," Cyrus explained calmly. Cyrus continued, "The alley is near a high-end membership club. It's usually empty during the day, and guests drive directly into the basement car park at night. No one walks in that alley. "It was an old lady who was collecting recyclables that found the body
"I don't think this is something a street thug would do," Jasper knowingly said as he caressed Alyssa's neck."Cyrus, I think we should investigate the crime scene. Any clues could exonerate Uncle Nathan!" Alyssa's phone buzzed the moment she finished speaking. It was Colene."Colene.""Lyse, Nathan would never kill anyone! Someone must have framed him!" Colene's voice trembled with anxiety. "Colene, don't panic. We'll get to the bottom of this." Alyssa's heart tightened, but she continued to comfort her gently.Colene took a deep breath, her voice hoarse from distress. "Nothing can happen to Nathan. Otherwise, the den of thieves he has been holding off would rebel. The Ivory Gang will fall apart if he's gone!"Alyssa understood the gravity of the matter. The gang members were not interested in business politics; they would come with guns blazing if provoked.The call was on speaker, so Jasper heard everything Colene said. His gaze was fierce as he gently reassured her, "Fear n
Jameson adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, a sinister smirk playing on his lips as he heard Nicholas' confirmation. "Did you leave any traces?""As long as a crime is committed, there will always be traces. However, as long as there are no witnesses, there are no traces." Nicholas smiled gently. "Do you not trust me, Mr. Schimdt? I'm a professional."A crime committed by a seasoned criminal was terrifying. Even more so when the perpetrator was a veteran policeman with years of experience and professionalism in managing cases."Thank you for your hard work." Jameson had temporarily forgotten the grievance his wound had brought him. He smiled deeply. "You're so reliable, Chief Novak. Once I succeed, I assure you, you'll be handsomely rewarded.""You're too kind. I'm willing to do anything as long as it guarantees the success of the new drug's development." Nicholas sounded sincere."Of course. Believe me, there's nothing I can't achieve."After the call ended, Jameson stared at the
"Ms. Alyssa, I've got the information you requested," Sean said, casting a quick glance at the attorney. The attorney understood and stood up instantly. "Mr. Beckett, Ms. Alyssa, since Mr. Marc appointed me, I will do my absolute best for Mr. Nathan's case. I'll have to take my leave now; my apologies."Sean sent off the attorney while Alyssa and Jasper quickly flipped through the documents.Alyssa said, "This is the information that I asked Sean to investigate and gather on Nicholas."Jasper arched his eyebrows in surprise. "Lyse, we're thinking the same thing. I was thinking after investigating The Ivory Gang, I'd continue the investigation on this Novak guy. You're so smart."After he finished, he couldn't help but peck her lips. It wasn't enough for him, so he kissed her again."Hah! How could I follow in your footsteps if I weren't smart enough?"Alyssa pouted with some arrogance, then nuzzled against Jasper's cheek. "This is a difficult battle, so I can't let you handle e
The air froze, and the silence was so profound that one could hear a pin drop.Jameson's glare at Victor was as vicious as a wolf. Yet, a carefree smile remained on his lips. "Dad, there's only you and I left in Schmidt Group. Why should we beat around the bush? We might as well put things out in the open and speak frankly."Victor chuckled coldly as he picked up a document on the desk. Then, he smacked Jameson with it. They watched as the papers scattered to the ground."Jameson, what achievements you have. So this is your first incredible gift for me—embezzling the company's funds and lining your own pockets."Victor's gaze was sinister, and his jaw clenched. "Did you think you'd be the only one profiting if you bribed the finance department director and used him to transfer the company funds into his offshore account to build your secret stash?"That old dog also secretly transferred a portion of the funds for himself! Because he was greedy, I was able to trace it back to your
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her
The skies started to turn dark. Alyssa's dark hair was covered in a layer of snow. As she stood alone at the foot of the majestic mountain, she looked tiny, fragile, and desolate. "Ms. Alyssa, it's snowing. Heavy snowfall is forecasted tonight." Elias walked to Alyssa's side. Noticing the redness on her face due to the cold and the dull look in her eyes, he had a moment of realization. He couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness within him. "It's getting late. I suppose something came up for Mr. Beckett, and he's unable to make it." "Why didn't he inform me if that is the case?" Alyssa mumbled in a low voice as she gazed toward the darkness. She choked back on her tears so softly that her grievance couldn't really be heard through her voice. Elias slapped himself on his forehead. "Ah, perhaps you didn't manage to receive Mr. Beckett's message? The reception at the foot of the mountain isn't quite stable. You might have missed it. Would you like to come to my office? You'l
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t
That night, Alyssa stayed in the presidential suite of Solana City's KS World Hotel. She couldn't bring herself to return to her own manor—not yet. The lingering memories of her breakup with Jasper were still too raw, and the thought of revisiting their former home felt like reopening an unhealed wound.The following morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door. Groggily, she slipped on her night robe and opened it to find Sean standing there, carrying a complete set of brand-new hiking gear.Alyssa smiled. "Thank you, Sean." "Ms. Alyssa, it's freezing today. Are you sure you want to go hiking?" Sean walked into the living room and placed the items neatly on the couch. He still felt somewhat worried. "It's alright if it's cold, as long as the weather is good."Alyssa gazed out the window. The sun was shining brightly. The thought of going hiking with Jasper today made it impossible for her to conceal the sweet smile on her face and the delight in her eyes. She still love
Remy's eyes were bloodshot; his expression twisted with disgust as he stared at Sheryl. He could hardly fathom how someone so deranged and vile had once been close to Jasper. Even if Jasper and Alyssa had separated, Sheryl was nowhere near worthy of Jasper's side; she was not even fit to be the dirt on Alyssa's shoes.A sudden flash of memory struck him—the image of Alyssa during that traffic accident. He recalled her mustering all her strength to crawl out of her wrecked car, her face bloody, her body broken yet defiant. He had never seen such a fierce spirit in a woman before.His heart pounded uncontrollably, the memory triggering a sharp pain in his temples. Remy closed his eyes, gasping for breath.Sheryl broke into wild, unhinged laughter. Her entire body shook as she spat out her words, "Oh, Jasper, you poor, clueless fool!"If he ever discovers that the woman he's been tormenting all this time is actually his savior—the one he's been desperate to repay—that would be an eart