"M-Mandy? Why..." Joseph's chest tightened. His expression changed in an instant.Despite their past animosity and Mandy slapping his face, seeing her still stirred something in him. His heated gaze lingered on her captivating face."With everything that's happened, you must be overwhelmed and haven't had time for Dad."Mandy set down the bowl and picked up a napkin to wipe Edgar's mouth. Without glancing at Joseph, she continued, "Even though I've married Winston, and you may not readily accept him, I am still a Lovelace. It would be heartless of me not to return at this time."Joseph frowned, feeling suspicious."Mandy... Thank you for coming to see me..."Edgar's eyes glistened with tears as he tightly squeezed Mandy's hand. "I've been too harsh on you before and caused us to misunderstand each other for so many years. We were at odds for so long. I don't know if I'll ever have a chance to make up for my mistakes...""Dad, it doesn't matter anymore. Everything's in the past,"
"Even if I did consent, so what?" Joseph admitted."Joseph Lovelace! Do you even realize what you did? You're trafficking drugs. You're leading Lovelace Group to doom!" Edgar was so angry that his view darkened, and his body trembled."Wrong! What I did was to save Lovelace Group!"Joseph stood tall. His eyes were devoid of any remorse or guilt. "Do you think the company's doing well now? Our drug sales have been declining year after year, with losses amounting to hundreds of millions annually. What you see is just what I wanted to show you!"Also, the Alzheimer's drug research project ran out of funds long ago! If Aidan hadn't come up with this idea and infused some cash, our company's financial chain would've snapped six months ago! So, in a way, you should thank me. Without me, Lovelace Group wouldn't have made it this far.""You jerk... You're spouting nonsense!"Edgar clutched his chest as he rebuked, "Even if our family falls into bankruptcy… and we have to beg on the stree
Joseph's face turned ghostly pale. His hand shook with rage as he gripped the mouse.With a loud bang, he slammed the laptop shut. His fury reddened his face.Panicked, Ernest asked, "Mr. Joseph, what do we do now?""So... that old man never truly saw me as his son! Even after all these years of loyalty, he only treated me as a tool! All he cares about is Mandy!" Joseph smashed the laptop in his anger.Though he had feelings for Mandy, that laughable affection vanished in the face of his self-interest.Joseph trembled with rage and gritted his teeth. "You brought this on yourself, Dad."…That night, Alyssa hurried back to Heightsnew Villa.She went straight to see Mandy, who had just finished giving Winston his medication and was stepping out of the room."Mandy, did you visit Mr. Edgar? How is he?" Alyssa asked with concern after pulling her into a corner."Not good."As Mandy held Alyssa's hand, her eyes were red-rimmed. "Lyse, there's something I need to tell you. I've a
Aidan's arrest caused an uproar, and Lovelace Group became the target of condemnation.Although no concrete evidence yet linked the human drug experimentation to Lovelace Pharmaceuticals, suspicion was a powerful force. Once doubt crept in, innocence became a distant memory."Mr. Schmidt, you're incredible! It's like you can see the future!"In the chairman's office, Carl excitedly showed Jameson the comments on his iPad. "Aidan has become our scapegoat. The public is now attacking Lovelace Group, thinking they're the culprits behind the human experimentation. Everything is under your control!"Jameson smoothly swung his golf club, making a perfect shot. "Anyone who works for me must be under my control. I won't use those who aren't. I promised Mr. Justin that everything in Solana City would be handled perfectly, and I always keep my word."Carl looked smug. "Aidan is in deep trouble now. If he dares to mention your name to the police, we'll release the video of him drugging the w
"Can I join you?" Jasper asked, his demeanor warm and friendly.Nicholas replied simply, "Sure." Jasper gracefully sat opposite him, arriving alone with no backup.A palpable tension hung in the air even before a word was spoken. "Mr. Beckett," Nicholas began, "a man of your stature wouldn't be drinking coffee in a place like this." Nicholas then took a deep drag of his cigarette. His eyes were grim. "So, this isn't a coincidence. You've been following me.""It's not what you think," Jasper countered. A slight twitch of Jasper's lips accompanied his sincere gaze. "My wife told me everything that happened at the nursing home. She knew you'd be here if I couldn't find you at home. After all, both of us prioritize our wives. We might take detours, but we always end up in the same place, don't we?"An intelligent man would never directly communicate what he meant.Nicholas continued to smoke. "Are you and Ms. Alyssa married?"Jasper blinked and said, "Not yet.""Then, addressi
The corridors along the VIP ward were quiet and deserted. There was no one in sight.A female nurse came to check on Edgar after doing her rounds. As she left, a figure dressed as a nurse silently slipped into the ward.The ward was silent; Edgar was sound asleep.The man quickly took a syringe and plunged it into Edgar's withered arm.Surprisingly a light sleeper, Edgar bolted awake, his eyes wide with alarm. "W-Who are you?" It was the first time the man had done something like this. He panicked and stammered, "I-I am a new nurse. I'm here to do my rounds." "Nonsense! My daughter personally selected a nurse for me. Who the hell are you?"This man set off alarm bells in Edgar's head. He reached for the call button, but the man reacted swiftly, clamping a hand around his neck."I'm sorry, Mr. Edgar. At this point, I have no choice!"A sinister glint flickered in the man's eyes as he tightened his grip. Edgar's mouth gaped open, his pale complexion turning a sickly purple.
On the way out through the airport halls, the police carefully covered Joseph's handcuffed hands with clothes to avoid creating unnecessary commotion. Despite that, whispers and curious glances followed them. The travelers even took pictures and posted them online.In the interrogation room, Joseph, who always cultivated an image of elegance and reason, now pounded the table with his cuffed hands, screaming in frustration, "Didn't Aidan confess to everything? I don't know anything about his illegal drug business, and it has nothing to do with me. Who put you up to this? Why target me and the Lovelace Group?"Cyrus stared coldly at the man he once called Uncle Joseph. His lips formed a thin, impassive line. "Mr. Joseph, is that foresight you're displaying, or perhaps a guilty conscience? I haven't even mentioned drugs, yet you're already incriminating yourself."Joseph broke out in a cold sweat under Cyrus' unyielding gaze. He attempted to leverage their relationship to his advanta
The news of Aidan's suicide sent shockwaves through Solana City.Upon receiving the news, Alyssa hurried to Solana City with Mandy. Jasper followed them, fearing someone would hurt Mandy during this sensitive period."Cyrus told me the police found what seems to be a suicide note from Aidan in his coat jacket. It mentioned remorse for his actions and letting his grandfather and father down," Alyssa shared in her villa. Meanwhile, Jasper took it upon himself to warm two glasses of milk. He handed one to Mandy and the other to Alyssa. "This all happened so suddenly. Why… How…" Mandy trailed off, her voice thick with disbelief. It was one bad blow after another, and it all happened within a night. Mandy, a woman known for her composure, was starting to unravel. "I watched Aidan grow up. He was always so competitive. They raised and groomed him to be the successor. This must have been a crushing weight on him—the biggest sin he'd ever committed. Aidan must have felt completely co
"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