Nicholas felt his heart racing as Jasper's words hit him like a shockwave. Back when Jameson was still in Kontina, he had already ensnared Nicholas in his schemes. After years of working for him, Nicholas had forgotten the man he once was—a conscientious, passionate individual.Just then, a blur of motion caught their eyes—a blade was aimed at Jasper from the side. "Watch out!" Nicholas shouted, his eyes widening in fear.But Jasper reacted swiftly, seizing the attacker's wrist and with a snap, breaking it. After disarming the attacker, he delivered a kick that sent the latter crashing into a nearby wall, bones audibly breaking.With each calculated move Jasper made, Nicholas realized his initial impression was far off the mark. The polished, presumptuous president revealed surprising fighting prowess and a sharp mind. Nicholas understood he barely knew Jasper. If a powerful patron hadn't backed Jameson, he wouldn't even be a blip on Jasper's radar. The dark alley had become
"Do you hear yourself, Cyrus Taylor?" Nicholas' heart sank. He sternly rebuked Cyrus, "I am your superior. Besides, I was the one whose life was in danger tonight. I was the one being attacked!"Are you trying to arrest me right now? What are you thinking? Will you be able to handle it if news of this gets out?" Jasper watched Cyrus with a worried look in his eyes. Although he wasn't part of the police force, he understood that those in positions of authority had the power to crush those beneath them. "I've assigned officers to seal off this entire area. No one will find out about what happened here tonight. It's not just for your reputation, but also to avoid causing panic among the citizens. I don't want the residents here to feel unsafe leaving their homes at night." Cyrus lightly smirked. Fearlessness was written all over his face. In a firm tone, he continued, "Furthermore, you yourself said those thugs came after you. You're a victim. If that's the case, according to our
Anxiety gnawed at Cyrus as time ticked away. His colleagues had yet to extract any useful information from the leader of the assassins they were interrogating.Firstly, the assassins weren't locals, explaining their audacity in attacking the police commissioner. Secondly, the transaction with their client was recorded offshore, making investigation impossible. Even torture wouldn't make them talk.…The station chief arrived at Solana City Police Bureau over an hour later and made a stern request for Cyrus to release Nicholas. While Cyrus wrestled with the immense pressure, Alyssa was at the hospital, personally tending to a minor scratch on Jasper's knuckles. Her heart ached at the sight."Didn't you promise to take care of yourself?" she chided gently."Five years younger, and that wouldn't have been a scratch," Jasper replied with a hint of amusement in his eyes. He wrapped his left arm around her and pulled her close. He held her hand with his bandaged right hand. "Seems lik
Alyssa and Jasper's hearts lurched at the mention of Amber's name. A flurry of emotions—excitement, unease, and most potently, worry—washed over them. "Did you meet with Amber, Axel?" Alyssa asked, her voice laced with anxiety."No," Axel replied, his voice croaking with a barely concealed hurt. "She sent this video to me on my phone. I'm scared, Lyse. I'm terribly afraid something bad will happen to Amber!"Jasper spoke up reassuringly, "If she sent the video, she's likely still safe for now, Axel. Try not to worry too much.""For now..." Axel gritted his teeth. "But how long will that last? I need to get her out of there!""Don't act recklessly, Axel!" Alyssa warned, her gaze fierce. "You could expose Amber and put her in even greater danger. Remember, she's still in Jameson's clutches!""If this video leaks," Alyssa continued, "there's no evidence linking her as the source. But if you make a reckless move, it'll be as good as telling Jameson Amber's a traitor. He could elimin
Nicholas' emotionless eyes widened as he watched the video. It depicted a dimly lit alley behind a nightclub, where Nathan, the leader of the Ivory Gang, pinned his subordinate to the ground, raining blows upon him.Shortly after, Nathan left the scene. The subordinate was still alive. He was attempting to get up when a dark figure suddenly leaped down from a wall. Cyrus fixed Nicholas with an intense stare, his eyes betraying tension in the muscles around them.The unexpected assailant didn't hesitate. He stomped on the Ivory Gang member, grabbed a rock, and smashed it on the man's head thrice. The subordinate crumpled, his head a sickening mess of blood. A pool of crimson bloomed around him, a horrifying final image as life ebbed away.The initial lighting was dim, shrouding the killer's face in darkness.However, as if by fate's intervention, the lighting on the nightclub's flashy signage flickered to life momentarily, revealing the killer's face—Nicholas, his features spa
Carl was petrified. He immediately placed a call to cancel the meeting before helping Jameson back to his office and onto his couch. Jameson gasped for breath, his chest rising and falling rapidly. The pain felt like his insides were burning. His hands trembled as he pressed them to his burning forehead. His vision swam in and out of darkness."Here, drink some water, Mr. Schmidt!" Carl knelt beside him, his eyes red with worry. He held the glass to Jameson's lips, which were stained with blood."I've called your private doctor. He's on his way as fast as he can. Just hang in there..."Jameson raised a hand and slapped the glass away. In a gruff voice, he rasped, "All these years... Nicholas has done a lot of dirty work for me. He has always been meticulous, handling everything cleanly. How could he leave evidence, let alone a video?""Anyone who plays with fire gets burned eventually," Carl said through gritted teeth. "Even Chief Novak, with all his skills, isn't infallible. Sin
"It's true. She met with no one. I swear!" Carl asserted calmly, though his heart raced within.Jameson leaned back, a slight smile playing on his lips. "It seems like you've taken quite a fancy to her." "I…" Carl stammered, his face flushing in panic. "If that's the case, I shall decide on your behalf this time. You should marry Amber." Carl's eyes widened in shock. "You… You want me to marry Amber?" "I know you've always had feelings for her," Jameson replied, closing his eyes casually. "It's been too long since we celebrated anything in the Schmidt family. You've served me faithfully without asking for anything in return."I'm not heartless. I recognize your true desires. Consider Amber a token of my gratitude, if you will.""Thank you, Mr. Schmidt! I'm honored to marry Amber. She's a gift from you. Why would I ever mind? I'd be ecstatic!" Carl exclaimed gratefully, moved. "Start planning the wedding soon. I'll be generous with my congratulations," Jameson said with for
Alyssa excused herself from Colene and Nathan to continue her phone call with Jasper under a tree."Every criminal leaves a trace. Cyrus is adept at cracking cases. Once the task force starts digging into Nicholas, I'm sure they'll find clues that lead to Jameson," Alyssa explained."It's not that easy, Lyse," Jasper said, his voice dull. "Cyrus checked Chief Novak's accounts and phone records. No unusual profits in years, not even offshore. "As for his phone records, there were a few highly-suspicious unknown number. But those numbers were unregistered burner phones. There's no way to trace them. Chief Novak is essentially a cop. He'd be more professional than most criminals, and his countersurveillance skills would be top-notch.""It complicates things without financial motives," Alyssa admitted, pacing thoughtfully. "Chief Novak clearly isn't driven by money. Everything he's done has been to develop a new drug to save his wife. That's why he's given his all for Jameson. His con
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