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
The days passed by without any turbulence. Twice each day—once in the morning and once at night—Briar and another nurse rotated shifts to take Jameson's medications to him and give him his shots. Each time, Jameson would have his primary physician conduct routine checks on his medication. Even so, the results were identical each time. There were no problems with the medications. Before they realized it, it was the day before Jameson's birthday. That night, determined to ease the tension between Jameson and Amber, Carl set off for the gallery to retrieve Amber's surprise birthday gift for him.Jameson's hospital room was heavily guarded from the outside. He only had a bedside lamp on in his room as he read under the soft lighting. Briar knocked on the door and walked in. In a gentle voice, she said, "Mr. Schmidt, it's time for your medications." "Okay." Jameson seemed to be in a good mood today. There was a faint glee in his eyes. Briar had an earnest smile on her f
Both Jameson's and Carl's jaws dropped."What are the cops doing here? I don't care what you do. Just stop them from entering!" Carl commanded while he glared. Jameson's bodyguard was drenched in sweat. "But… But they've already…"Jameson lowered his head. He asked gloomily, "What's their team leader's name?""His last name is… Taylor." Carl widened his eyes immediately. He looked nervously toward Jameson, who was looking emotionless.Right at this moment, the hospital room door burst open, and Jameson watched Cyrus march in. He was casually dressed, and he had a frigid air about him. "Hello, Mr. Schmidt. I believe I won't need to introduce myself again," Cyrus smirked coldly. That said, he still flashed his badge per his usual practice. "It's been a while, Cyrus." The smile on Jameson's face was friendly and warm. There was not a single hint of wickedness in his smile. "You don't have to address me in such a friendly manner." Cyrus was an experienced criminal investiga
Jonah's gaze burned with a mix of longing, sorrow, and something deeply affectionate. The world swam back into focus as Julien looked at Jonah. Without preamble, he asked, "Are you new? How much do you charge per night?"Light-headed and grinning, Julien reached out a hand, his fingers brushing softly against Jonah's cheek. "You're pretty good-looking," he said, his voice slurred. Then his expression shifted. "Why do you… look so much like someone I hate with every fiber of my being?"Jonah's heart clenched. Even so, he slid his arms around Julien's waist. Trembling, he pulled Julien into his arms. "I'm new here. Could you help me meet my target tonight, Mr. Lovelace?"Julien's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Jonah. Jonah's eyes teared up as he held Julien's waist tightly. "I promise you won't be disappointed," he said, his voice deep. Watching from the shadows below the stage, Evan nearly gagged at Jonah's sultry tone. Was this really the Judas he knew? The man sounded downri
The bar was alive with striking lights and thundering music, and the air was thick with the scent of tobacco and alcohol. The atmosphere was one of moral decay—corrupt, degrading, and vile. "Where's Julien?" Jonah's voice cut through the noise, his tone icy and sharp. When Jonah stepped inside, the eyes of several men turned toward him, their gazes filled with illicit intent."Why, hello there. Are you here alone? Are you feeling lonely?" A sexy man sauntered over, draping himself over Jonah's shoulders. He let his hands linger with a playful squeeze. "If you're bored, I'd be happy to keep you company." Jonah's expression darkened. His hands trembled, veins bulging with barely contained rage. Suddenly, Evan burst through the crowd, his face twisting in alarm at the sight of Jonah surrounded by a swarm of predatory men. Evan yelled, "Don't touch him!" A heavy thump reverberated through the room. Gasps erupted as people scrambled back.The man who had draped himself over
Rafe stated, "But Beckett Group is in the middle of a storm right now. If I insisted on giving your corporation the project, my superiors would investigate me. I wouldn't be able to escape unscathed!""If you're investigated, I'll make sure you can still live a life of luxury—even if you lose your job." Justin's tone darkened. "But if you turn against me, you won't just suffer a few losses. You'll lose everything."Under the dim moonlight, Justin fiddled with his antique tea cup, his gaze narrowing. "You've worked so hard to get to where you are. Are you prepared to lose it all?"After ending the call, Justin turned to Remy, who stood quietly at the side. "Sheryl is still being detained. She can't be bailed out for another two days. I need someone to watch over the research lab. You'll handle that."Remy was taken aback. "I failed my last mission. Aren't you going to punish me?"Justin's smile was cold and insincere. "It wasn't your fault. You were ambushed. If not for that, I tru
Remy pursed his lips, bending down to pick up the fallen poker card. It was the King of Spades—an entry pass to Kings' Club. "My attacker was…" Remy's pupils constricted as he tightened his grip on the card. "It can only be that dear uncle of mine, always claiming to see me as his own son." Justin's lips curled into a sinister smile. "He's trying to get rid of my right-hand man, taking advantage of my internal feud with Jasper. Weakening me is just his first step toward gaining control over me."He's been a fugitive ever since his successful prison break, never returning to Cyrris after receiving his life sentence. His power base remains in Kontina. "I'm the last surviving Dutton. The Dutton Group, as a cover, has declared bankruptcy and severed all ties with the country. "My dear uncle has taken a huge risk just to target me. He sent his men to attack you in Solana City. What a delightful surprise. It seems he truly doesn't trust me, his only remaining family."Remy lowere
The hospital ward grew heavy with silence. Mandy and Neil stared at Alyssa, stunned beyond words. "M-Ms. Alyssa, you knew that man was Mr. Damien?" Neil asked, disbelief etched into his voice. "Yes." Alyssa's reply was quiet, her lips pressed into a thin line. She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "We found out when Cyrus took Damien's cigarette butt for a paternity test."Mandy approached Alyssa, her shoulders trembling slightly. "So, you and Cyrus knew… and you both kept it from me?" Mandy said, her voice catching in her throat, tears welling up. Alyssa felt a sharp pang in her chest. "Mandy, I'm sorry. It was my decision. Cyrus had nothing to do with it."Mandy's tears fell freely now, her grief spilling out in raw sobs. "Do you know what it's been like for me all these years, thinking Damien was gone? Winston, Miley, Lyla, and Colene kept telling me to move on. I tried to accept that he was dead, that we'd never find his body. But I never did."Her vo
The hospital ward was bathed in a dim, yellow glow from the bedside lamp. The silence was thick, yet the room held a strange warmth—an unfamiliar comfort that felt oddly familiar to Remy.Pain radiated through his body as he struggled to sit up. His eyes fell on Mandy, who was asleep beside his bed. Her hair was a mess, and her swollen eyes suggested she'd been crying. She was sound asleep. Remy stiffened. His breath quickened as he stared at her fragile figure. Slowly, he leaned forward, his fingers lifting slightly, tempted to reach out.Just as his hand hovered close, Mandy's lashes fluttered. In her sleep, she murmured, "Damien… Damien… I miss you so much…" Tears slipped down her cheeks, silent and unbidden.A pang tugged at Remy's heart. Without thinking, he brushed away her tears with his calloused fingers. The moment his skin touched hers, a jolt shot through him, sharp and electrifying. Pain throbbed at his temples, but beneath it was a warmth he didn't want to let g
Justin's casual question hit Javier like a thunderclap. Shock rippled through him, freezing his expression. His voice trembled with fear as he barked, "What nonsense is that? Are you accusing me of causing Chester's death? I'm your father—how could you think I'd do such a thing?""It's not an accusation. Just the facts," Justin replied coolly, crossing his legs and savoring his tea with unsettling calm. "And I'm not condemning you. In fact, I understand why you did it. I'm facing the same dilemma now."Javier's breathing grew ragged. He had watched Justin grow from a child into the man before him—now a predator, circling with quiet menace."You were meant to be the heir as the eldest son," Justin continued, his voice smooth as silk. "But Grandpa favored Uncle Chester, handing him major projects, grooming him in plain sight. "Uncle Chester's reputation soon eclipsed yours. He was a natural leader, adept at business, with one fatal flaw—he was kind. Too kind. Unlike you."Justin
Nonetheless, night had fallen by the time Justin arrived at Seaview Manor. On his way there, he worked on two things. First, he secured the top legal team to get Sheryl out on bail as quickly as possible. Second, he tried reaching Remy—unsuccessfully. He had never lost contact with Remy before. Justin's face was as dark as the night itself. The moment he stepped inside Seaview Manor, Rory approached with a solemn expression. He gave a slight bow before speaking. "Mr. Justin, what took you so long? Mr. Javier has been waiting.""I was occupied," Justin replied coolly. Then, as if it were an ordinary evening, he allowed a faint smile. "Where's Jasper? Is he back here yet?" A conflicted look came across Rory's face. "Things between you and Mr. Jasper have soured. I doubt he'll want to see you anytime soon—or show up here.""Is that so? How disappointing."Justin's smile didn't reach his eyes. His gaze lingered on Rory, sharp and bottomless. "So, he'd rather believe what he se
Jonah scoured every corner of the hotel, desperation clawing at his chest, but Julien was nowhere to be found. "Jonah!" Alyssa called out, breathless as she caught up to him. She grabbed his arm. "Calm down! I'll help you search for Jul!""I can't find him. He's gone," Jonah murmured, sinking to the floor. His tears mixed with sweat, creating dark patches on the ground. "Lyse… I fear… if I can't find Julien this time, I'll lose him forever."The agonizing thought of losing the love of his life pierced him. "No, you won't!" Alyssa gripped his arm tighter, her voice trembling with conviction. "If Jul had given up on you, he wouldn't have come here today. The fact that he showed up means he still cares."Jonah's eyes were bloodshot, filled with a pain too deep to hide. He shook his head slowly. "Julien came back for Jasper. He did it because he's loyal… because he's a good friend. Not because of me.""He does care!" Alyssa insisted. "If he didn't, he would've faced you without fli