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
"Bastard… give… me the medicine…"As his hand clenched over his chest, Victor finally couldn't hold on anymore. With a resounding thump, he fell to the ground and knocked against the settee."Dad, I'll give you one more chance." Jameson bent toward Victor slightly, but he still looked down at him as if he were watching a panting, old dog that was on its last legs. "Now, if you kneel and beg me, I will give you the medicine. One should act according to different situations. Isn't that what you taught us when we were young?""Bastard… in… your… dreams!"Victor's eyes were almost popping out of their sockets as he glared at him and gnashed his teeth. He slowly crawled toward Jameson, but he couldn't stand it, no matter how hard he tried.Jameson stepped back as if a foul-smelling, dirty object was at his feet.Victor's pale face became ashen gray. His suffering made Jameson feel a trace of satisfaction, and he couldn't help but laugh while tears came to his eyes."I've already se
As a business tycoon who once stood shoulder to shoulder with Winston, the news of Victor's death should have been locked down. Only when the situation was more stable would they make a public announcement.Unexpectedly, various media outlets fought to release the news, and it spread across the city like wildfire.Jameson was the one who released the news. As of now, he was the only one left from the Schmidt family, so naturally, he would inherit the company.He finally got his wish. He climbed over mountains of corpses to reach the height of Schmidt Group's power.Victor's body was temporarily placed in the hospital morgue. As his relative, Jameson refused to do an autopsy. Since the police did not find traces of foul play, the case was closed as an accidental death.In the hospital's rest area, Jameson sat up straight on a black leather couch. His arms rested on the armrest naturally and with an air of authority. He closed his eyes and started imagining himself sitting on a thro
Jameson sat back down gracefully. His arrogant tone of voice carried a sense of intimidation at the same time. Jason stood there in fear. In his hesitation, Carl went up to him and offered him a lighter. "You are a smart man, Mr. Derullere. I'm sure you understand that a new management often brings in a new batch of personnel. That said, Mr. Schmidt is a generous and kind man. He recognizes your talents. He hopes that you will be able to continue with your role as Schmidt Group's legal advisor. "Once Mr. Schmidt is officially promoted, your family will also benefit from your loyalty. This is a win-win approach. Don't you wish to see this happen too, Mr. Derullere?" Jason was terrified. Deep down, he was immensely conflicted. But, it was obvious that Jameson's patience was running thin. A few minutes later, he flicked the lighter and set the will aflame.…Jameson's final hurdle was cleared. He announced his decision to call for an emergency board meeting the next day. He
Jameson's confession made the entire atmosphere in the hallway turn frigid. It felt as if they had already arrived at the morgue. Not only was Alyssa unmoved by Jameson's shameless and straightforward confession, but she was actually utterly disgusted. She observed the iciness and hatred in Jameson's eyes. It was as if she was looking at a terrifying monster. "I can't believe you had the guts to say those things, Mr. Schmidt. I feel ashamed just hearing it." Silas was the type of person who spoke his mind. He couldn't stand Jameson's nastiness. "Previously, you attacked Jasper repeatedly just to try and win Lyse over. Have you forgotten how much you hurt my brother-in-law?" Silas' reference to Jasper as his "brother-in-law" made Jameson's face drop. "Fine. You can say that you acted up out of jealousy because you were still young. Jasper isn't the type of person who would hold onto grudges, so there's not much we need to say about that. But don't you think that we've forgot
"Let's have a chat," Alyssa suggested. The sensor lights in the hospital stairwell didn't light up. Only a green glow from the emergency exit sign illuminated the stairwell. Alyssa and Jameson faced one another in the dim stairwell. The atmosphere around them was extremely icy. "It's been a long time since we last met at the Harper family's funeral, Lyse. How have you been?" Jameson was bright-eyed. He took a step closer to her. Alyssa took a step back. She gave him a cold smile. "Did you think that everything you did was flawless, Jameson? Do you feel like you are the smartest person in the world and that you can get a grasp over everyone else? "Did you think I am completely oblivious to your collusion with Lovelace Group's Aidan Lovelace and the things you've done to The Ivory Gang members?" She only mentioned Aidan and not Nicholas because she wanted to save him for the future when he could be a breakthrough for Amber.Moreover, Jameson was a vicious man. If he found ou
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