"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
It had been half a month since Jameson was hospitalized for treatment. Carl helped him with handling the matters at Schmidt Group. However, he was too busy to keep an eye on the matters at The Millennium. No matter how much he distrusted Amber, the business was back in her hands. She managed the company on his behalf for some time. Even so, Jameson had never stopped monitoring her, not even for a single moment. Other than when she went to the toilet, to shower, or when she was asleep, her every move was being watched. Furthermore, she couldn't even take a single step out of The Millennium. As long as she couldn't leave, she wouldn't be able to get her hands on the important evidence that Wesley had hidden. If she couldn't retrieve it, Wesley would have sacrificed himself for nothing! This was the period when Jameson was absent. It could also be her only chance. Even if she might end up sacrificing herself, she needed to get that evidence!Hence, tonight, Amber wore an incons
Without waiting for Carl to respond, Amber lowered her head timidly. "If it's a no, then… forget about it." "It's just driving a car. No problem." Carl didn't know how he should react. He lifted his hand and caressed the top of her head. "I may not have command over the major things, but I can still make decisions over small matters like this. If no one drives that high-end Ferrari Mr. Schmidt gifted you, it will eventually be scrapped. That was also Mr. Schmidt's kind gesture toward you. Don't waste it. Drive it." Amber beamed. Yet, that alluring smile of hers was not reflected in her eyes. She drove her red sports car toward Solana City's largest antique jewelry gallery. They planned to get a birthday gift for Jameson from there. A crystal oil burner caught Amber's eye. The shop owner sang praises of her for having a good eye. She smiled sweetly. Just as she was about to swipe her card, Carl jumped ahead and paid seven million dollars without batting an eyelid. "We've
"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