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
Jasper smiled slightly at Jason as he got into the car. He extended his hand first."Nice to meet you, Mr. Derullere." "Nice to meet you too, Mr. Beckett." Jason shook Jasper's hand. Jasper's strength and composure eased Jason's nervousness."Please forgive my bluntness, Mr. Beckett. I am a lawyer for Schmidt Group. Meeting me privately like this… Isn't it inappropriate?" Jason was both stating a fact and testing him at the same time. "While we may be on opposing sides," Jasper explained seriously, "I share your deep grudge against Jameson. However, I've always believed the guilty should be held accountable. I'm a fair man and won't target the innocent.""Moreover," Jasper continued, his posture unwavering, "I have a feeling we're not enemies, but rather friends on opposite sides.""Friends…" Jason's eyes welled up. He couldn't believe his ears. "Since you risked meeting me," Jasper's gentle voice resonated with Jason, "I believe you acknowledge me as an ally. Am I right, M
Once Jasper heard the news, he became energized. He headed straight for the police station. Alyssa and Cyrus were already waiting outside the interrogation room when he arrived. "Sorry I'm late, Lyse," Jasper apologized breathlessly as soon as he arrived. He truly was the epitome of a gentleman."Don't worry," Alyssa said, coming closer. "I was afraid something might happen to you if you rushed over." She gently wiped the sweat from his forehead with her sleeve.Jasper grabbed her by her wrist, his gaze intense. "I met with someone just now, Lyse. I have good news!" Alyssa's eyes lit up. "What is it?" "Let's get down to business first," Jasper said, tapping the tip of her nose playfully. Affection gleamed in his eyes. "Nicholas will be here any minute. I'll handle the interrogation myself," Cyrus announced, beaming. The case had dragged out for far too long. Finally, there was a breakthrough."Cyrus, be mindful of your approach," Alyssa cautioned gently. "Nicholas has held
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her
The skies started to turn dark. Alyssa's dark hair was covered in a layer of snow. As she stood alone at the foot of the majestic mountain, she looked tiny, fragile, and desolate. "Ms. Alyssa, it's snowing. Heavy snowfall is forecasted tonight." Elias walked to Alyssa's side. Noticing the redness on her face due to the cold and the dull look in her eyes, he had a moment of realization. He couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness within him. "It's getting late. I suppose something came up for Mr. Beckett, and he's unable to make it." "Why didn't he inform me if that is the case?" Alyssa mumbled in a low voice as she gazed toward the darkness. She choked back on her tears so softly that her grievance couldn't really be heard through her voice. Elias slapped himself on his forehead. "Ah, perhaps you didn't manage to receive Mr. Beckett's message? The reception at the foot of the mountain isn't quite stable. You might have missed it. Would you like to come to my office? You'l
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t
That night, Alyssa stayed in the presidential suite of Solana City's KS World Hotel. She couldn't bring herself to return to her own manor—not yet. The lingering memories of her breakup with Jasper were still too raw, and the thought of revisiting their former home felt like reopening an unhealed wound.The following morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door. Groggily, she slipped on her night robe and opened it to find Sean standing there, carrying a complete set of brand-new hiking gear.Alyssa smiled. "Thank you, Sean." "Ms. Alyssa, it's freezing today. Are you sure you want to go hiking?" Sean walked into the living room and placed the items neatly on the couch. He still felt somewhat worried. "It's alright if it's cold, as long as the weather is good."Alyssa gazed out the window. The sun was shining brightly. The thought of going hiking with Jasper today made it impossible for her to conceal the sweet smile on her face and the delight in her eyes. She still love
Remy's eyes were bloodshot; his expression twisted with disgust as he stared at Sheryl. He could hardly fathom how someone so deranged and vile had once been close to Jasper. Even if Jasper and Alyssa had separated, Sheryl was nowhere near worthy of Jasper's side; she was not even fit to be the dirt on Alyssa's shoes.A sudden flash of memory struck him—the image of Alyssa during that traffic accident. He recalled her mustering all her strength to crawl out of her wrecked car, her face bloody, her body broken yet defiant. He had never seen such a fierce spirit in a woman before.His heart pounded uncontrollably, the memory triggering a sharp pain in his temples. Remy closed his eyes, gasping for breath.Sheryl broke into wild, unhinged laughter. Her entire body shook as she spat out her words, "Oh, Jasper, you poor, clueless fool!"If he ever discovers that the woman he's been tormenting all this time is actually his savior—the one he's been desperate to repay—that would be an eart