"There's no use talking about this now! He was arrested on the spot with evidence right before everyone's eyes. The cops are going to take a urine sample from Mr. Schmidt in a bit. If the results turn out to be positive, there's no way that he'll be able to clear his name!" "It would be best if they could run a test because Mr. Schmidt has never touched that thing at all!" Carl exclaimed confidently. He was Jameson's most trusted assistant. No one else might dare to guarantee that, but he dared to. After that, doubt filled his heart again. How did Jameson's medication get replaced with a drug out of nowhere? He checked on his medications personally every day. Today was the only day when…In an instant, Carl's face went pale. He took out his phone with trembling hands and immediately called one of his subordinates. Through gritted teeth, he ordered, "Bring that nurse, Ms. Thompson, who has been attending to Mr. Schmidt these past few days, to see me… right now!" "I was ju
It had been almost 24 hours since Jameson was detained in the police station's interrogation room. When he was at Kontina, countless people curried favor with him, sang praises about him, and sought favors from him. The amount of people who kissed up to him was outrageous. When he returned to his country, he ruled The Millennium at night. Currently, he was in complete control of Schmidt Group. He was an unparalleled leader whom many looked up to. He was surrounded by endless power, money, and pride. These placed him high up on a pedestal. It had been a long time since he was last put in captivity and treated disrespectfully like this. Every passing second and minute felt like ages. It was excruciating. More than that, it was humiliating. "We're almost at the 24-hour mark. When will I be able to leave?" Jameson sat on the cold and uncomfortable chair in the interrogation room with his legs crossed. There was a chilling harshness behind his gold-framed glasses. "What's with
"That's impossible! I didn't take drugs!" Jameson yelled. Cyrus took over the analysis report from his colleague. He flipped through it and reconfirmed the presented results. He got so excited that the corners of his lips started twitching. He walked over and slammed the document down before Jameson. There was a glimmer in his eyes. "The law will not accuse any innocent person falsely. In the same way, it will not spare any evil-doers. "These days, handling cases is more about the evidence than verbal statements. Although you insist that you've never taken drugs, there is hard evidence showing otherwise. You cannot deny this!" Jameson looked at the results written in black and white. His ears started ringing. When he was in Kontina, it was true that his business involved drugs. After all, it was a field that could reap the most fortune in the shortest time. That said, he was well aware that it was something that would bring about eternal destruction if he touched it. Thus
Jasper helped Briar settle down and ascertained that she wouldn't be in danger. After that, he traveled overnight to rush back to Solana City. Worriedly, he returned to his home with Alyssa. The moment he entered the door, he heard the sound of Alyssa's melodious laughter coming from the living room. She and Rosie were watching a television series together.Jasper felt relieved. A smile spread across his face slightly. He draped his suit over his forearm and walked over quietly. "Madam, you haven't rested at all after such a busy day. Yet, you even made dessert for Mr. Jasper. It must be so tiring for you." Rosie plucked an icy cold grape and put it on Alyssa's palm. Her eyes filled with concern. "You can leave these things to me. You should take the opportunity to rest." "It's alright. I'm not tired. Plus, I get to focus on doing one thing and declutter my mind when I'm making desserts. It helps me to feel more relaxed."Alyssa smiled and ate the grape. She even fed a grape
Cyrus clenched his teeth tightly. He became enraged. "No matter how we interrogate him, he simply feigned ignorance. After that, his lawyer told me that he will only start talking if he sees you." "Don't go, Lyse." Jasper's eyes turned red. He shook his head slightly. "This could be Jameson's scheme. I cannot allow you to meet with him!" "Why? Is my man being jealous?" Alyssa smiled. She moved her finger in a circular motion on his chest flirtatiously. "Don't go, Lyse. I'm being serious," Jasper insisted in a deep and husky voice. "I have to go. I'm being serious too." Alyssa fixed her fiery gaze on him. "I have to take the bull by the horns. This is a practice that's passed down in the Taylor family. I can't allow this practice to end with me." …Cyrus came out to the foyer at the station to meet Alyssa. With heavy footsteps, Jasper accompanied her. He only stopped when he was no longer able to advance further. Jameson occupied a single room at the detention center. T
Jameson stared at Alyssa deeply. There was a gleam in his eyes that was so full of yearning. "If you are the innocent and kind Jimmy that I once knew, I will send my sincerest wishes even without you telling me to do so." The expression on Alyssa's face was frigid. She remained unwavering. "But right now, I cannot fulfill your request. Even if I forced myself to say it, it would not be sincere. It won't mean anything." Jameson smiled slightly. He wasn't angered because of this. "Do you remember the birthday present you gave me when we were young? When my father chased me out of Solana City, I didn't bring anything with me. All I brought to Kontina was the gift that you gave me. Do you remember what you gave me, Lyse?" Alyssa clenched her hands into tight fists by her sides. She didn't reply. Of course she still remembered. "There was one year when the kids at school were into toy car racing. Everyone had them except for me. At that time, I was ostracized and became their
Alyssa stared at Jameson in disbelief. She could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage. Indeed, her scheme was flawless. Not only did she get Jameson arrested, but she had removed herself from the situation completely. She also managed to protect those involved in this so that their lives weren't in danger. Even so, she had still fallen short. She never accounted for the possibility that Jameson was ill and that he was really taking medications to cover up his illness! "Mr. Schmidt, even though you're on bail, you will need to wear an ankle monitor and keep us updated on your movements 24/7." The officer opened the door to Jameson's cell. With a calm expression, he walked out of the room.He stopped in his tracks when he brushed past Alyssa. In a gentle voice, he said by her ear, "Whatever it is, thank you for coming to see me, Lyse. This is the most unforgettable birthday of all these years." Following that, everyone from Schmidt Group stormed out. Alyssa was left
Jameson pursed his lips at the sound of Justin's name. A cold gleam flashed across his eyes. "It's alright. Lyse is cheeky and headstrong. I don't want to pursue it further." Jameson closed his eyes once again to take a rest. Carl was floored. Alyssa had caused so much trouble. She had almost turned Schmidt Group upside down and ruined Jameson's reputation. Jameson, however, merely described her as "cheeky" and "headstrong" and was going to let it go? It was so obvious that he was head over heels in love! "Not wanting to implicate Lyse is only one side of the story. Another thing would be that if the police were to investigate this further, it would not be beneficial to us either." Upon hearing that, Carl breathed a quiet sigh of relief. This was the Jameson Schmidt whom he knew. He was a cold and rational person who would put his interests first. "Now that things have come to this, we need to handle Nicholas as soon as possible. Otherwise, I'm sure that it wouldn't tak
"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,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc
Beckett Group was, in essence, Javier's heart and soul, forged from his own labor. "Justin set me up, framed me for drug addiction, and bribed my primary physician to give false testimony—all so he could drag me down. The fact that he dared to target me like this means he's willing to betray anyone."Jasper took a deep breath, forcing down the rage roiling inside him as Javier remained silent. "Fine. Even if you insist this is just a family matter, Justin's reputation is already in ruins, and the corporation's stock prices are fluctuating. Are you really going to stand by him, even now?""Justin has explained everything to me. He wasn't aware of the bribery. That female doctor who worked for him acted on her own. Besides, she's been arrested. The backlash against Justin will settle in time…"Jasper listened, his face unreadable, but his heart clenched painfully. A lump rose in his throat, suffocating him.He had lost his mother at a young age, but he had never longed for his fa