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 look in Alyssa's clear eyes became even more distant. Jimmy—the nickname seemed distant, almost forgotten, tucked away in the recesses of her mind. Yet now, it echoed in her ears once again.The youth with an innocent and tender smile from her past appeared again in her mind. Unfortunately, life's hardships and the cruelty of humanity had transformed the said youth into a despicable devil. There was no other way than for her to ensure that justice was served by getting rid of this devil. She had to do this for the sake of her loved ones and those who were controlled and harmed by him. Jameson noticed Alyssa's absent-mindedness. He thought that his words moved her. Waves of passion crashed within him, and his breathing became heavier. He lowered his eyes. He couldn't help himself and leaned in for a kiss that he had been yearning for.A sharp crack sounded in the dark stairwell. The next moment, Jameson froze. He felt a sharp coldness on his neck, and his lips went p
The next day, a piece of groundbreaking news spread across Solana City and throughout the entire country. Jameson was officially promoted to Schmidt Group's chairman and chairman of the board. He also inherited all of Victor's inheritance. Victor's funeral happened five days later. Jameson arranged a grand funeral for his father. It was comparable to the Harper family's funeral. One could say that it was even more showy than that. Harper Group was previously in a state of danger and devastation. In comparison to that, there was an endless stream of people who came to pay their final respects to Victor. It truly portrayed how extensive his connections were and how deep-rooted the Schmidt family was in Solana City. More importantly, over the past two years, the inconspicuous Jameson had saved Schmidt Group from the verge of collapse multiple times, demonstrating his strength as a leader. Naturally, many businessmen flocked toward him. They wanted to be in Jameson's good books
Alyssa lifted her wrist and checked the time. "I'll eat before we go. I need to recharge. Who knows if there might be a war to fight?" Sean frowned. "Are you sure you want to head there alone, Ms. Alyssa? Aren't you at least going to inform Mr. Beckett so he can keep a lookout for you?" The Ivory might be an organization, but it was actually an organization of outlaws! "Who says that I'll be alone? Colene will be there, won't she?" Alyssa responded casually. "But…""Plus, Jasper is occupied. He has other things to attend to." Alyssa's gaze was fiery, and she had a bearing of a sharp-witted commander. "We have to make our moves separately so that The Ivory will not end up in chaos." …In the afternoon, Marc was in the VIP ward at the hospital. His sideburns had started to go gray. He was seated in his bed with his back against the headboard while being hooked onto an IV drip. He had just thrown up the lunch that he had just eaten. Ever since Nathan was arrested, Marc's
The Ivory Group was facing troubles both internally and externally. They were like a cat on a hot tin roof. Marc's right hand, Nathan, had been arrested, and Colene had gone to take charge of the gang. Matilda was the only person he had left by his side. Marc took a deep breath. His gaze was gloomy. He studied Jameson's arrogant face and the mysterious intention in those eyes behind his gold-framed glasses. Matilda had seen all kinds of crafty people after being by Marc's side for so many years. Jameson was giving off an air of wild ambition and murderous intent. She had a feeling that Jameson wasn't here for a friendly visit. "You don't look too good, Mr. Waters. I can see that you are very sick." Carl had already moved a chair over for Jameson without waiting for Marc's prompt. Jameson then helped himself and sat down elegantly. His attitude was arrogant and condescending. He wasn't here to pay a hospital visit. He was here to challenge him! Matilda was enraged. She wa
Marc paused. He looked up and toward the door in shock. That strong, dissuasive voice was familiar. It was like a sharp knife that stabbed through Jameson's heart. He gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes. Slowly, he turned around.Jasper's cold gaze glanced over him. He stormed into the ward, with Xavier following behind him gallantly. "Mr. B-Beckett!" In a flash, Marc's defeated eyes lit up. Even though he had never met this exceptional man, oddly enough, Jasper gave him a sense of peace. After all, everyone knew that Jasper was Winston's future son-in-law. Winston wouldn't misjudge a person. He was willing to hand his beloved daughter, Alyssa, into Jasper's hands. Clearly, Jasper was an outstanding young man and a hidden gem.He was unlike the son of a bitch before him, who only looked kind on the outside, but was a cunning viper on the inside."What are you doing here, Jasper?" Jameson questioned with a horrified look on his face. "I'm here for the same purpose as yo
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