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
"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