"I'm sorry, Dad," Jonah furrowed his eyebrows and smiled awkwardly. "Jonah, Julien, when are you having your wedding?" Everyone grew excited upon hearing Silas' question. The atmosphere became lively again. "I don't need a wedding. Jonah has given me the perfect proposal." Julien's eyes twinkled like the stars. He gazed deeply into Jonah's eyes. "I feel very happy. This is all I need." Jonah Taylor and Julien Lovelace, a match made in heaven. They were now married. …Happy times always flew by. Landon and Lauren remained at the estate to begin their long honeymoon together. One by one, the others returned to Solana City and Belbanks. As for Yuliana, she was quick-witted. She bid everyone goodbye and followed Miley back to Kontina. She never even glanced back at Liam as she left the estate.What she heard that night blew her mind. It made her feel like she was struck by lightning. When she thought about the possibility that their royal family had something to do wi
Sean pushed thoughts of Tatiana aside temporarily, refocusing on work. "Since our trip to Bernardia until now, Chief Novak hadn't gone home at all. He has been at the station the whole time. Even if he had things to buy, he'd get his subordinates to go out and buy them for him. He seems to be almost cutting himself off from the world." The look in Alyssa's eyes deepened. "Didn't he visit his wife?" "No, he didn't. Not even once." Sean frowned in disbelief. "The more I think about it, the stranger it feels." Alyssa spun her pen nimbly, her eyes dark. "It's not strange. Chief Novak is an exceptionally alert man. I'm sure he has realized the danger he's in. Acting rashly could be fatal."Sean was dumbfounded. "Ms. Alyssa, do you mean—""I wouldn't be surprised if Jamiper is prepared to take him down," Alyssa interrupted, her grip tightening on the pen until her knuckles whitened. "There's also a chance Chief Novak dodged an attempt already, prompting his extra precautions and
"Age is catching up with me. I'm getting weak." Newton pouted despondently like a child. "All I did was go and attend my precious granddaughter's wedding, and my body is breaking down. How embarrassing is this?" "Not at all, Grandpa Newton. You're still a tough man. I'm sure that you'll live a long life." Alyssa held Newton's hand and gave him a gentle squeeze. Her eyes welled up with tears as she felt sorry for him. She understood that as people aged, their bodies couldn't handle as much. If it weren't for Lauren's wedding, she couldn't have borne to see Newton travel so much."Alyssa, this past year, I've felt like my physical body isn't as strong as before. Sometimes, when I fall asleep at night, I can't even be sure if I'll be able to wake up the next morning." Newton's sincere anticipation filled his eyes. His voice sounded nasally. "I don't have any particular wishes before I die… I just hope that I can attend your wedding ceremony with Jasper.""Grandpa Newton…" Tears fi
Accompanied by Sean, Alyssa reached the hospital's south wing. Heavily guarded, it resembled an impregnable fortress.Alyssa shot Sean a glance, and he took her hint. The moment he went forward, two of the Schmidts' bodyguards blocked him off coldly. "You're not allowed to enter here!" "I am the secretary of KS Group's president, Ms. Alyssa Taylor. She heard that Mr. Schmidt fell sick and was hospitalized. So, she came here specially to pay him a visit and see how he's doing," Sean explained in a cold voice. Heaven knew how revolted he felt when he uttered this nonsense. He really wished that Jameson would just die in the hospital today! The two bodyguards exchanged glances. Of course they knew who Alyssa was. However, Jameson's orders were decrees that they had to obey. Those who didn't would lose their lives. Thus, they rejected politely. "We're sorry, Ms. Alyssa. We're just following orders…"Despite feeling doubtful, Alyssa smiled in response. "If this is the case, I shal
Those who didn't know Jameson well would never associate him with villainous words like "viper", "monster", or "devil". Step by step, Alyssa walked to the side of his bed. Her gaze was calm as she examined him. "I'm not feeling well, Lyse…" Jameson's eyes turned red from holding himself back. Finally, he couldn't help himself. He gulped and reached for her hand. But she offered him no opportunity. A frown creased her face as she stepped back to avoid him."It's such a shame," she smirked mockingly, "that you're merely ill. Not dead."The air in the room grew thick with tension. After a moment, Jameson leaned back against the headboard, his eyes still filled with tender affection."I won't kick the bucket so easily, Lyse. I wouldn't be able to see you again if I died." Alyssa scoffed, clenching her fists. "I've toiled through so much to come back from Kontina to see you. All these years, you've been the reason I persevered. So, for your sake, I have to live a long life."
Newton's condition stabilized after getting his fluids replenished. He had a sound afternoon nap at the hospital before Alyssa escorted him home in the evening. Right as Alyssa and Sean exited the villa, they ran into Jasper, who had just rushed home. "Lyse!" Jasper wrapped his arms tightly around Alyssa, his labored breathing betraying his urgency. "Thank you. Even after rushing here, it seems I couldn't be of any help.""Don't say that. It's also my responsibility to look after Grandpa Newton." Alyssa smiled tenderly. She put her arm over his broad shoulders and gently squeezed. "I'll go see Grandpa." Jasper was just about to walk away when Alyssa held him back. "It took him a while to fall asleep. Don't disturb him. He's getting old. Having to attend Lauren's wedding took a toll on him. He's physically and mentally exhausted, so just let him rest." "Okay," Jasper sighed, feeling remorseful. "Hey, Jasper." Alyssa paused. She had a serious look on her face. "Let's talk in
Carl opened the hospital room door with a gloomy expression. A female nurse with an unfamiliar face stood at the door, holding a tray. She smiled, "Good day. It's time for Mr. Schmidt to take his medications. It wouldn't be good for his condition if he missed his dose.""You're not the usual nurse," Carl observed, his eyes narrowing."I was just transferred here yesterday. My last name is Thompson. You can just call me Ms. Thompson. The previous staff member met with an accident, and there isn't enough manpower." Briar Thompson reassured them confidently, "Please don't worry. I've signed a non-disclosure agreement. I won't reveal anything I'm not supposed to." "Come in," Carl said, still keeping a cold look on his face as he made way for her.Briar walked in and placed the tray by the side of Jameson's bed. As she was about to touch Jameson, he spoke frigidly, "You're not needed here anymore. My secretary can help me with the injection. You may leave."Briar was taken aback b
"It's alright, Ms. Alyssa. I'm not tired!" Briar's voice was shaky because of how overjoyed she was. "I'm really over the moon that I get to meet you! I feel as energetic as ever!" "I'm glad to see that you're fine too." Alyssa took a deep breath. Her eyes were filled with worry. "After all, you are approaching a vicious and dangerous person this time. Your life might be in danger if you lose focus." Briar shook her head slightly. With a determined look in her eyes, she said, "I'm not afraid. If I was afraid, I wouldn't have accepted your request when you came to me. "My brother and I… We grew up relying on one another. Ever since he went to The Millennium to be Jameson's bodyguard, he was beaten and reprimanded by Jameson every day. After that, Jameson beat him up and made him permanently disabled. His right leg is completely crippled! "Jameson is a wolf in sheep's clothing! He doesn't treat them as humans at all. They're merely tools for him to let his anger out on!" Alyssa
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her
The skies started to turn dark. Alyssa's dark hair was covered in a layer of snow. As she stood alone at the foot of the majestic mountain, she looked tiny, fragile, and desolate. "Ms. Alyssa, it's snowing. Heavy snowfall is forecasted tonight." Elias walked to Alyssa's side. Noticing the redness on her face due to the cold and the dull look in her eyes, he had a moment of realization. He couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness within him. "It's getting late. I suppose something came up for Mr. Beckett, and he's unable to make it." "Why didn't he inform me if that is the case?" Alyssa mumbled in a low voice as she gazed toward the darkness. She choked back on her tears so softly that her grievance couldn't really be heard through her voice. Elias slapped himself on his forehead. "Ah, perhaps you didn't manage to receive Mr. Beckett's message? The reception at the foot of the mountain isn't quite stable. You might have missed it. Would you like to come to my office? You'l
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t
That night, Alyssa stayed in the presidential suite of Solana City's KS World Hotel. She couldn't bring herself to return to her own manor—not yet. The lingering memories of her breakup with Jasper were still too raw, and the thought of revisiting their former home felt like reopening an unhealed wound.The following morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door. Groggily, she slipped on her night robe and opened it to find Sean standing there, carrying a complete set of brand-new hiking gear.Alyssa smiled. "Thank you, Sean." "Ms. Alyssa, it's freezing today. Are you sure you want to go hiking?" Sean walked into the living room and placed the items neatly on the couch. He still felt somewhat worried. "It's alright if it's cold, as long as the weather is good."Alyssa gazed out the window. The sun was shining brightly. The thought of going hiking with Jasper today made it impossible for her to conceal the sweet smile on her face and the delight in her eyes. She still love
Remy's eyes were bloodshot; his expression twisted with disgust as he stared at Sheryl. He could hardly fathom how someone so deranged and vile had once been close to Jasper. Even if Jasper and Alyssa had separated, Sheryl was nowhere near worthy of Jasper's side; she was not even fit to be the dirt on Alyssa's shoes.A sudden flash of memory struck him—the image of Alyssa during that traffic accident. He recalled her mustering all her strength to crawl out of her wrecked car, her face bloody, her body broken yet defiant. He had never seen such a fierce spirit in a woman before.His heart pounded uncontrollably, the memory triggering a sharp pain in his temples. Remy closed his eyes, gasping for breath.Sheryl broke into wild, unhinged laughter. Her entire body shook as she spat out her words, "Oh, Jasper, you poor, clueless fool!"If he ever discovers that the woman he's been tormenting all this time is actually his savior—the one he's been desperate to repay—that would be an eart