Once the board meeting ended, the announcement about Mandy's and Julien's appointment was released to all Lovelace Group employees. Julien exited the meeting room. The moment he entered the chairman's office, he plunged into Jonah's arms. He nuzzled his sweaty face against Jonah's shoulder. He could finally feel at ease, knowing that he was finally back in his lover's presence. He also let go of the confident persona he was putting up and melted into Jonah's embrace."Congratulations, Mr. Julien. You've succeeded in taking over." Jonah lifted his hand and stroked Julien's hair gently. In a gentle and raspy voice, he said, "You are someone with status and a title now. You are the second-in-command in the Lovelace family. I'll have to rely on your support in the future, Mr. Julien." Julien clicked his tongue. "Forget it." Julien let out a long sigh. He said in a coy voice, "If you hadn't bulk purchased Lovelace Group's shares in secret to stabilize our share price, our corpora
Landon was finally done preparing for his wedding with Lauren at Bernardia. He had made arrangements according to Lauren's preferences. Over the past month or so, Landon wished that he could split himself into multiples of himself. He had to look after Lauren, manage Harper Group, and manage the decorations at the wedding venue—from personnel assignments, their wedding photo shoot, and the positioning of even a small pot of flowers—everything had to be vetted by him. He made sure that he was all hands-on. His private plane flew between Bernardia and Solana City multiple times, so much so that he used up a considerable amount of fuel. Jordan was worried that it would all be too tiring for Landon. He offered to go to Bernardia on his behalf to keep watch over the preparations there, but Landon refused adamantly. He would rather see to it himself. He didn't care if he was jet-lagged or that he was losing sleep. He made sure that he went there in person to have a hand in the decora
"Thank you for caring for my wife over this period. I've prepared a gift for you. My secretary has brought it to your office." Landon poured a cup of tea for Robbie. He was no longer the prideful man that he used to be. His speech and mannerisms were much friendlier now. The changes in Landon were indeed drastic. In order to become a brilliant leader like Jasper and for Lauren's sake, he was willing to let go of the man he used to be. "No worries at all, Mr. Harper. It's my job to be responsible for my patients. A gift isn't necessary. I am just doing my job." Robbie paused before continuing in a low voice, "Mr. Harper, we have performed a thorough body check for Mrs. Harper this morning. We found that she has endometriosis." Landon, while carrying a teacup in his hand, froze. His chest tightened. "What's that?" "It's not a major condition or anything. There can be many reasons why one develops this disease. In Mrs. Harper's case, it's a little more serious. "She told me
As Lauren wrote, a soft and motherly glow came across her face. Landon, on the other hand, hid behind her. His face was downcast, and his pale lips trembled uncontrollably. He hugged her from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder. He nuzzled against her longingly. His eyes filled with tears that were so close to streaming down his face. "Darling, didn't you say… that you didn't want to have children?" Landon's voice was unusually low and gravelly. With his lips right next to her ear, he asked, "Didn't you want to study art and be my only woman forever?" Lauren's lashes fluttered shyly. She focused her attention on writing, "That was in the past. That's not what's on my mind now." A lump rose in her throat. "Landon, I know that my physical condition isn't great. I have to take medications and get injections every day. I don't even know when I can be discharged. "It doesn't matter if it's a boy or a girl. I want to have a child whom we can raise together. This way, eve
"Can you come and speak to Mr. Landon? He looks like he's having a breakdown. I'm quite terrified!" Jordan exclaimed. Jasper's chest tightened when he heard that. He turned around and walked toward the door. "Give me the address. I'll head over right now!" …When Jasper arrived, Landon was the only patron in the dimly lit pub. He was sitting by the bar and taking a glass of vodka from the bartender. Jasper asked Jordan to wait outside. Then, he walked over to Landon and sat down by his side. He placed his hand on Landon's shoulder."That's enough, Landon. These strong alcohols are not good for your health. You're about to have your wedding. You need to look after yourself." Landon lifted his head slowly. His drawn and pale face was covered in tears. His eyes were bloodshot. It made Jasper's heart wrench to see him like that. "Why are you crying?" Jasper was astonished. He looked at him intently. "What in the world happened? Don't be like this. Tell me what's wrong, and we
A white winter day with fluttering snow was the perfect symbol of purity and romance. It was Christmas Eve. The time had come for Landon and Lauren's fairytale wedding at faraway Bernardia. The Becketts' and the Taylors' private planes set off. Both families landed at Bernardia Airport one after the other. Then, via Landon's arrangements, they were transported to a fortress where they would stay. Landon had booked the entire historic estate for a whole month. The fortress in front was to be used for their wedding reception, whereas the block behind was the accommodation for friends and family. In other words, if they wanted to stay on to enjoy Bernardia's beautiful scenery after the wedding, they could continue staying there temporarily while they toured around and soaked in the beauty of a foreign land. This estate was a historic site. Over the last century, it had never been rented out for anyone's private use. This was the first time in history and might also be the last.
Landon lowered his eyes and stared at the item in his hand. It was a gold pocket watch that was mounted with ruby and sapphire. He widened his eyes."Dad, this is…""This is a pocket watch that Jasper's great-great-grandfather passed down to his grandfather, Newton. It was then passed down to me." Landon felt like he had just heard a tongue twister, but he understood what was implied. Basically, it was a very precious item!"Now, I am giving it to you." A kind smile came across Javier's face. "This is an antique. It's an item that people at auctions will bid astronomical prices for. Don't underestimate its value." "Dad, this… This is too valuable. I can't accept it." Landon couldn't believe the amount of favor he was receiving. He declined immediately, "This is your family heirloom. You should be passing it down to Jasper. I don't deserve—""You're not an outsider. You are my son-in-law, and someone who's like a son to me. Why do you say that you don't deserve it?" Ja
There was silence. Jasper felt the chilly night breeze at Bernardia blowing across his face. He had an intense look in his eyes, and he could feel his heart pounding. Until today, he still had a glimmer of hope for Justin, who had once saved his life. With his own eyes, he had witnessed how the Schmidt brothers tore at one another and fought to their deaths. He didn't want the same cruelty to replay within the Becketts. "Jasper, I know that I'm unable to take care of myself because of my physical condition. Even so, I have always cared about Beckett Group. I think about Grandpa, Dad, you, and Lauren too." Justin's tone of voice was full of sincerity. "Firstly, I didn't know you were blowing the issue up from behind the scenes. All I did was look at it from Beckett Group's perspective. My intention was simply to protect our family's interests. "Secondly, even if I knew that you were the one behind all that, I don't think I would've done anything differently because everythin
In the evening, Xavier drove Jasper to meet with Newton. Along the way, news broke out that Sheryl had been bailed out. Xavier slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Damn it! Why is it so hard to get rid of that woman?" "She is Justin's right hand," Jasper said, eyes shut as he leaned back in his seat. His jaw tightened. "You could even say she knows more about his secrets than anyone. As long as she's useful, Justin won't discard her so easily. This is how he operates."Xavier shook his head, teeth gritted. "Where the hell did she even come from? When you had me investigate her, I found nothing. Her background was spotless. "What's in her past that Justin would go so far to keep it hidden? A man like him can have any woman he wants, yet he clings to her—some pretty-faced idiot who only seems to make things harder for him."Jasper's gaze turned glacial. Xavier's casual remark struck him.He was right. Justin wasn't short on capable subordinates. So why Sheryl?Was Sh
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,