Jasper couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. He leaned into Alyssa, gently nibbling her earlobe. "I just wish I could do that with you right now." Alyssa's cheeks flushed a rosy red as she met his gaze, her beauty captivating.…Cyrus and Nicholas sat alone in the interrogation room, a camera recording their every move. "You may begin," Cyrus said gently, gesturing for Nicholas to speak. Nicholas, handcuffed and weary, leaned back with a desolate expression. "I've disappointed you, haven't I?" "Would you like to hear the truth? Yes," Cyrus replied honestly. Nicholas closed his eyes, a cold smile twisting his lips in a mix of relief and regret. "I appreciate your honesty. It's refreshing.""Back then, you personally awarded me my First and Second Order of Merit badges. I remember your words clearly. You told me always to uphold justice and eliminate evil while clinging to my virtues. You also told me to be a good officer and always to serve the people."Cyrus took a de
Nicholas burst out laughing and shook his head repeatedly. He wasn't disagreeing with what Cyrus said. Rather, he was feeling remorse over how much he had sacrificed over three years. He felt like it was not worth it at all. At this very moment, he was extremely regretful and sorry.He wasn't regretful about going down the wrong path and losing the reputation he had worked so hard for. He regretted that his righteous and upright self had become a slave to the devil. "Other than the evidence of your crimes that we found at your home, is there anything else you'd like to tell us?" Cyrus questioned with a serious look on his face."Yes." Nicholas lowered his eyes. "I was involved in Aidan's case too. Jameson instructed me from behind the scenes." Cyrus was shocked. "You killed Aidan? Didn't he die by suicide?" "He did, but Jameson forced him to his death. Jameson wrote and forged a suicide note for him in advance and then asked the lawyer to give it to Aidan so that he'd h
"Mr. Beckett and Ms. Alyssa share your concerns. They've already planted people to surveil the hospital area and even among the nurses caring for your wife. But these are all done in secret. You should know why." A sharp glint flashed in Cyrus' eyes. Nicholas was overwhelmed with gratitude. "Thank you… Thank you, Ms. Alyssa. Thank you, Mr. Beckett." He couldn't stop the tears from flowing down his face. …Later that afternoon, after the interrogation, Cyrus led his colleagues from the Criminal Investigation Unit and the search team to that construction site in the eastern district. With the help of the police search dogs, they were soon able to retrieve the woman's decomposing body from the cement foundation. The body was taken back to the station for autopsy. Cyrus then ordered another group of officers to the resort where the crime happened. They were to examine the surveillance footage for more leads. However, the chances of finding anything useful were slim. Even so, Cyrus
The hospital corridor was eerily silent in the dead of the night. The lone nurse on duty drowsed at the nurses' station, oblivious to the flashing red light from the malfunctioning surveillance camera down the hall.A figure clad in a white doctor's robe and mask darted past the station, his movements purposeful. He carefully scanned his surroundings before pushing open the door to Natalie's ward and slipping inside.The patient lay curled up in bed, seemingly fast asleep. The intruder crept closer, a glint of steel catching the dim light as he drew a dagger from his sleeve. He raised the weapon high and stabbed the person on the bed. All of a sudden, his vision went dark. Unexpectedly, the person on the bed leaped up and threw the blanket over his head! Panic surged through the assassin. He flailed wildly with the dagger, ripping the blanket free. But before he could react further, the cold muzzle of a gun pressed against his forehead froze him in place."Don't move. Not unless
Thunder rumbled, and lightning flashed across the vast night sky. It felt as if the heavens themselves were about to crack open."Has this day finally arrived?"Jameson stood with his back to Carl, hands clasped behind him, projecting an image of strength and resolve. His posture did not hint at defeat, despair, or emptiness. Yet, a profound loneliness emanated from him, tugging at the heartstrings.He had been a high achiever, a man of success and ambition. He had thrived like a firework that rocketed into the sky, exploding in a blaze of color that illuminated Solana City's night. He had been magnificent, passionate, and impossible to ignore. But in the end, all he was left with was a wasteland of ash."Once, I craved everything. I yearned to return to Solana City and make the Schmidts pay for what they'd done. I wanted to reclaim everything that was rightfully mine, and I dreamed of aiding Mr. Justin in seizing control of Solana City."But ultimately, I realized that none of
Jameson said, "What's there to be afraid of? I've faced and done far more terrifying, darker, and more evil things over the years."Trembling slightly, Jameson lowered his eyes. His face was pale. He reached out a hand as if to catch a butterfly but grasped at nothing. A moment later, he let his arms hang by his side. He curled his fingers into tight fists but still seemed powerless."Right now, all I want is to see Lyse one last time before I die."…The hired assassin was apprehended, and Natalie was transferred to a hospital under KS Group's care.After returning, Axel, with his superior hacking skills, identified the cellphone number's owner and the outgoing message's origin within a few hours. He was demonstrably more efficient than the police's Digital Forensics Department. After all, he was a seasoned professional.…The hush of night blanketed the manor. Jasper and Alyssa's bedroom was a scene of post-coital bliss. Their clothes lay scattered on the floor, and the
Jasper worried about Axel facing danger alone. He threw on clothes as quickly as possible and contacted Cyrus and Xavier, prepping them for a trip to The Millennium.He was determined to help Axel save Amber, their secret ally and Alyssa's future sister-in-law. No matter what, he wouldn't stand idly by.A pang of longing struck Jasper before he even left. He tiptoed back to their room, kneeling by the sleeping Alyssa. Brushing a strand of hair from her face, he leaned in, kissing her forehead, nose, and finally, her lips."Mmph… Jasper… Don't go…" Alyssa mumbled in her sleep, her eyelashes fluttering.Jasper's breath hitched. He fought the urge to stay, placing a gentle hand on her cheek. His chest rose and fell rapidly with each difficult breath. He knew he shouldn't linger. The longer he watched, the harder it would be to leave."Sleep tight, baby. I promise I'll be here when you wake up."…Meanwhile, Cyrus received the evidence from Axel. Armed with an arrest warrant, he led
"We… We are just escorts at The Millennium. We don't know anything… Please don't kill us!" Despite being in the face of two remarkably charming men, the two female escorts were on the brink of tears in fright. In a deep voice, Jasper questioned, "Why is The Millennium closed? Why are you two the only ones left? Where'd everyone go?" "We don't know the details," stammered the bolder of the two, pushing the other woman behind her for protection. "It's an internal matter. We're just lowly escorts."The woman in back added in a meek voice, "C-Carl dismissed everyone overnight. He gave us severance pay and told us to leave. The Millennium is no more. As for the rest, we have no idea..."Jasper's pupils constricted. A cold sweat slicked his skin. They hadn't given their game away; Jameson had abandoned everything in Solana City. He had fled the city, likely to escape punishment for his crimes."What about Amber? Where is she?" Axel shouted, glaring at them. The two women panicked. T
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