"Nonsense!" Winston's pupils quivered. He slammed his hands on the couch's armrest in anger. "How could you find out about the royal family just as you wish? Moreover, if your feelings for that young woman are true, you shouldn't get close to her with an ulterior motive! "In order to see you, she stepped out of her palace and came all the way to another part of the world. You are clearly very important to her. She's fallen in love with you! "If you intend to use her, how is this fair for her? Do you think that the royal family will forgive you for playing with their princess's heart? Did you think that the special agents under the Kontinian royal family are just for show?" Liam's heart was pained. He was standing with his hands by his side. His hands started trembling uncontrollably. He curled his fingers into tight fists. Of course, he understood Winston's point. He wasn't a heartless person. However, without clarity on Jennifer's past, Winston's anxieties would fester, pois
In his deep sleep, Winston furrowed his brows tightly, and his fingers twitched reflexively. Perhaps he was dreaming, or perhaps it was a telepathic connection with his daughter, Alyssa. "Was Mom… a member of the royal family?" Liam held his breath. Alyssa shook her head. "I don't know. Even if she were and got chased out for some reason, there wouldn't be absolutely no record of her."So, I'm guessing that she might have been someone from the palace or someone connected to the royal family. However, I'm not sure about the specifics. After all, we aren't familiar with the situation in Kontina at all."There's one thing I'm sure of, though." Her eyes gleamed with a cold intensity as she clasped her hands together. "There was probably some kind of grudge between Mom and the Kontinian royal family that forced her into exile. "By some miraculous chance, she ended up in Belbanks, and of all people, Dominic saved her."The word "grudge" hit Liam like a sharp, invisible knife. "Dad h
It was late into the night. Liam retrieved his military uniform from his luggage and laid it beside his bed. Then, he used a flannel to polish his insignia. Although he found time to attend Landon and Lauren's wedding, he had to return to the military immediately. So, he brought his military uniform, which was his utmost pride, along with him. He still didn't feel sleepy after all that he busied himself with. He tossed and turned in bed for a long time before he started to feel drowsy. Amidst his drowsiness, he felt a sudden rise in his body temperature. A faint, sweet-smelling breeze blew across his face, and he jolted awake and stared in surprise at the sight before him. Under the dim lighting, Yuliana's pale skin was barely concealed by a delicate nightgown as she straddled him. As she leaned forward, he couldn't help but notice her ample and enticing breasts, a sight that seemed almost too irresistible. "Liam… Hold me. I miss you." Yuliana's eyes shimmered with affectio
The Taylors, when deeply in love, loved with all their heart. But when they wanted to appear heartless, they could act the part flawlessly. When Liam frostily uttered those words, it felt like a piece of flesh was being cut away from him. Not only that, it also felt like his wounded heart was being wrenched unsparingly. "Liam…" Yuliana, wrapped in his military uniform, shivered uncontrollably. Her shocked stares could burn holes into him. "Are you leaving me?"She seemed like a talented supporting actress, perfectly embodying her role in his charade. Tears streamed down her face when she asked that question, dripping onto the bedsheets.Liam's chest tightened. He couldn't bear to look at her anymore. If only her feelings weren't genuine. If only she were there merely to seduce him. But no. Here she was, pouring out her heart, raw and genuine. Every tear, every word, spoke the truth. "Have you forgotten? Have you forgotten everything we did in the palace? You risked your lif
Liam lowered his eyes, slowly clenching his fists as if trying to grasp the warmth that was gradually slipping away. "I hope you can find someone who can prioritize and love you with his life. It's not worth it for you to love someone like me." …Yuliana cried as she ran through the hallway in the fortress. When exhaustion finally claimed her, she slumped against a wall, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. She looked like a child who the entire world had just abandoned. Some time passed before a figure stood before her and then lowered itself until meeting Yuliana's eyes. "Oh, someone's crying. I thought a ghost might be haunting the fortress," Alyssa said gently with a twinkle in her eye. Yuliana lifted her swollen eyes, choked on a sob, and exclaimed, "Yes… I'm a ghost… but I'm also the prettiest ghost you'll ever find!" "You're right! You're absolutely right. You're the prettiest princess in the whole world." Alyssa coaxed her tenderly. To distract Yuliana from her sa
It was finally the day of the long-anticipated wedding. They were blessed with sunny and clear skies that morning. The interior of the fortress was filled with colorful decorations. Both sides of the staircases were adorned with blooming red roses that exuded a sweet scent. This display of roses extended all the way out of the fortress and toward the chapel behind it. The dreamlike setting was just like a scene from a fairytale. Family and friends from both sides were in attendance. Dressed in formal attires and with beaming faces, everyone stood outside the door, waiting for the bride's arrival. "The bride is here!" Alyssa's sweet and crisp voice echoed through the main hall of the fortress. Looking like a pure angel dressed in white, Lauren walked out slowly, accompanied by Rose, Tatiana and Alyssa. At this moment, female family members from both sides were in the room. Jasper, Sean, and Liam, who had no other duties, were also present. The rest of the men were standing b
Coincidentally, Lauren was also looking in Cyrus' direction gleefully. Their eyes met. Their gazes showed no romantic feelings, only pure and innocent affection. "Ah…" Lauren smiled even wider. She waved the roses in her hand at him. Cyrus smiled back. As he smiled, he started to well up with tears. His vision of the lovely woman before him began to blur. It would be a lie to say he didn't feel any regret. However, he had no qualms about it and no desire to make up for his regret. All he wanted was for her to be happy. Jasper stood by the carriage in a black suit. He was dressed in a classic best man outfit as he didn't want to steal the spotlight. Even so, his looks were as charming and captivating as ever. As Lauren's older brother, he was in charge of taking his beloved sister to the wedding hall. Jasper sniffled as he watched Lauren approach him step by step. Silently, tears filled his eyes. Even so, he lifted the corners of his lips into a relieved and joyful smile to
Everyone's jaws dropped in astonishment. Everyone except Liam was seeing Yuliana's crown for the first time. Even if they were already well-acquainted, it remained a fact that the crown was a symbol of royal lineage. How could it be gifted to someone else just like that? "Ah! Ah!" Lauren's cheeks burned crimson. She waved her hands repeatedly to decline. Flattered as she was, the thought of even touching the crown terrified her."This is far too valuable a gift, Your Highness." Jasper stepped forward and gently turned Yuliana down. "Lauren is incredibly grateful for your kindness, but perhaps you should—""It's none of your business to whom I want to give it!" Yuliana interrupted, her chin jutting out defiantly. She then cast him a haughty sidelong glance. "Besides, this is a reward from me. Who would dare to turn me down?" Jasper was speechless. He wondered if he was becoming more advanced in years that he was making others annoyed with his words. Colene clicked her tong
"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