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
"What did you say? That's impossible!" Amber's eyes widened in panic. She struggled fiercely against Carl's grip, pummeling his chest with her fists, but it was futile. "That's nonsense! You're lying!""Amber… Amber…"Unfazed by her resistance, Carl stared at her with unfocused eyes, breathing heavily. "Why would I lie? My feelings for you are genuine. I've never lied to you." "Look at me! I have Alyssa Taylor's face! Why would Mr. Schmidt allow me to marry you?" Amber was on the verge of hysteria. "I don't want to marry you! I don't!" Carl's glare intensified as he roared, "Who then? Axel Whitaker?" His eyes were bloodshot. Amber's body stiffened in his arms, a sharp pang shooting through her heart.Carl grabbed her chin forcefully, squeezing so hard it felt like it would break. "Mr. Schmidt has had his fun with you. You're also a woman who looks exactly like Axel's sister. Do you think he truly desires you? Can he? "He's Mr. Taylor's son, a man of high standing and influ
The deeply affectionate look on Carl's face was extremely touching. Yet, it failed to reach Amber's anguished heart. "Your past doesn't matter to me. Whether you betrayed Mr. Schmidt... It doesn't matter because it's you I care about.""It doesn't matter?" Amber scoffed. "You're loyal to Jameson, yet you say it doesn't matter?"This sounded like a cruel joke to Amber. She laughed bitterly until her eyes welled up."As I've said, it doesn't matter because it's you! Besides, even if Mr. Schmidt wanted you dead, I have ways to keep you safe!" In his haste, Carl blurted out, "You'll be perfectly safe if you marry me. I swear, Mr. Schmidt wouldn't dare do anything to you!"Amber's pupils constricted. Her sharp mind caught the implication of his words. He hadn't just assured her that Jameson wouldn't take action; he had boldly stated that Jameson wouldn't have the audacity to do so.Carl's loyalty to Jameson was evident, but self-preservation was a primal instinct shared by both ani
The station captain was under pressure from his superiors because the police officers still couldn't get Nicholas to talk. When he learned that Alyssa wanted to try negotiating with Nicholas, he decided solving the case was more important than following protocol. Although Alyssa wasn't a professional negotiator, he made an exception and allowed her to meet with Nicholas for a chat.Jasper and Cyrus watched Alyssa's confrontation with Nicholas through a one-way mirror in the observation room next to the interrogation room. Their faces were grim and filled with concern.In the interrogation room, Nicholas stared emotionlessly at Alyssa. "Ms. Alyssa, I've confessed everything I need to confess. I don't think we have anything left to discuss.""Chief Novak," Alyssa began. "Please don't call me that. Here, I'm just a cold-blooded murder suspect," Nicholas mocked. Even as a prisoner, he retained his elegance—decades as an official had imbued him with an air of calmness that wouldn't
Jameson felt like he was being burned at the stake. Every inch of his body was on fire, throbbing in pain. "My apologies," he rasped. "That said, please tell Mr. Justin not to worry. I will make sure to settle all the troubles here in Solana City!" "That's easy for you to say!" Sheryl jeered. "Since you took over as Schmidt Group's chairman, you haven't achieved a single success. Instead, Jasper and Alyssa have consistently outmaneuvered you."Jameson closed his reddened eyes. Hatred and dissatisfaction gnawed at him. He gritted his teeth."Don't say that I didn't warn you, Mr. Schmidt. Nicholas Novak is a threat. You'd better get rid of him. This is the last chance Mr. Justin is giving you. I'm sure you know what outcome awaits you if you fail again," she added with a chilling voice.She abruptly terminated the call before Jameson could utter a word. He stared at the dark screen, a sense of frigid entrapment washing over him.A knock at the door startled him back to his sens
Days passed. Everything looked calm on the surface. Beneath the surface, however, something was brewing.On the fourth day, a black car pulled up to the police station entrance. Jason emerged, his face etched with a dark scowl. He took a deep breath before entering the building.An officer stood guard outside a visitation room where Nicholas and Jason met."Mr. Novak—" Jason began, but Nicholas cut him off. "You don't have to say anything, Mr. Derullere. I understand. I've told the police repeatedly that I acted alone. No one else is involved. Regardless of the sentence, I won't appeal."Jason clenched his jaw. As he hesitated, Nicholas continued, his voice weak, "That being said, before everything is finalized, I'd like to see Mr. Schmidt one last time. There are things I need to ask him in person.""Mr. Novak, Mr. Schmidt is an important figure. He won't be meeting with you again," Jason said in a low voice. The mere mention of Jameson's name sent shivers down his spine.Ni
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
Julien's merciless, hate-filled words hit Jonah like a ton of bricks. The pain was unbearable, a gut-wrenching ache that shattered his heart.Under the dim lighting, Julien vaguely noticed a sorrowful tear forming at the corner of Jonah's eye. But before it could fall, Jonah forced a blink, swallowing his emotions whole. Despite Jonah's attempt to brace himself, sorrow engulfed him, a tidal wave of despair. His features mirrored the devastation ripping through his heart. As Evan opened the driver's side door, Julien lurched forward and vomited again. The sickening sound of him retching echoed in the air as if he were expelling everything inside him. "Judas, Mr. Lovelace looks like he's suffering from alcohol poisoning. We should take him to the hospital."Evan's worry deepened at Julien's condition. Jonah wordlessly removed his suit jacket and began cleaning the mess in the car. His chest tightened painfully as he watched Julien groaning, clearly suffering. Then, without he
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