"It doesn't matter where I go. I'd rather die than run and hide like a coward," Jameson declared. He didn't need anyone to understand him. Jameson no longer sought Alyssa's forgiveness. Since she couldn't forgive him, he might as well become a villain she'd never forget.…After everything, Amber returned to Kontina, where she and Jameson had met. She was back in the manor where she used to live. Nothing had changed except her. Battered, bruised, and emotionally numb, she felt like she was living in a dream.Amber was confined to the manor for over a week. But she didn't idle her time away. Instead, she secretly searched the manor for the evidence Carl had hidden of Jameson's crimes. Carl didn't have his guard up against her. With no restrictions on her access to the study, she explored every corner, even searching Carl's computer. Yet, she found nothing.One evening, after showering, Amber sat at her vanity, combing her dark, silky hair, when a helper called from outside. "M
"Where will we go?" Amber looked back at Carl with a numb expression. After ending things with Axel, she felt like a wanderer. It didn't matter who she was with or where she went; nothing seemed to matter anymore.However, she sensed that something significant must have happened in Cyrris. Jameson's foundations were shaken, which left Carl, who idolized him, thinking of fleeing."We can go anywhere. I've saved enough money over the years working for Mr. Schmidt to live comfortably for the rest of our lives," Carl said, removing a USB flash drive from his computer and hiding it under his clothing.Amber's gaze lingered on his chest, her eyes dull. "Didn't Mr. Schmidt say he wanted us to get married in Kontina?""We can talk about that after we leave this place." Though Carl was Jameson's ruthless weapon, his feelings for Amber were genuine, evident in the way he looked at her."Getting married isn't the most important thing. What's important is that we can be together, always!"
"Let's not sleep in separate rooms tonight. Sleep with me," Amber said, her voice laced with forced flirtation. She suppressed a wave of disgust, pain, and self-loathing as she invited Carl into her bed.Her gaze, supposedly amorous, held a chilling undercurrent. Her eyes darted toward Carl's chest, where his cross necklace hung. She yearned to rip open his shirt with her eyes."Amber, what's wrong? Are you sick? Did you drink?" Carl asked, his voice hoarse and strained. He swallowed hard, his hand touching her forehead with practiced restraint. "No, I'm sober. I know what I'm doing," Amber replied. Leaning in, she adopted a tender expression. "Marriage doesn't change us. We're already like husband and wife, aren't we? Sharing a bed seems natural."She was desperate to find the evidence Carl had hidden. She didn't care about the cost, even if it meant sacrificing her battered body.A sense of impending doom loomed over her; she feared neither she nor Carl would leave Kontina aliv
Jameson had witnessed brutal fights and seen the darkest aspects of humanity right here in Kontina. Without these experiences, he might never have realized that the country's picturesque landscapes masked the dangers of a ruthless, dog-eat-dog world.Had things been different, he might have considered this place his true home, where he could have run a regular business and lived peacefully with his mother, Lily.Today was a rainy day. Holding a black umbrella, Jameson arrived alone at Rose Nursing Home to visit Lily.Across Kontina, every place he had invested in or had financial influence bore the name "rose". It was his way of reassuring himself and keeping the memory of his distant love alive."How are you feeling today, Mom?" Lily sat under the awning, staring blankly at the falling rain. Jameson gently held her hand as he sat beside her. Her hands were just skin and bones, devoid of vitality. With her mouth slightly agape, Lily's expression appeared blank. She didn't see
Axel was standing on a balcony at Heightsnew Villa when he answered Jameson's call, his black coat billowing in the wind. The chilling wind stung his cheeks. Jameson's mocking voice was like a devil's whisper. A lump formed in Axel's throat, making it hard to breathe. His eyes burned red."Jameson, you must have a fucking death wish!""I've heard that countless times in the last 15 years. But talk is cheap. No one's touched me yet," Jameson replied with a chuckle. "Care to be the one to walk into the lion's den, Mr. Axel?""You think you're a lion? Ha!" Axel scoffed, his chest heaving. "You're just a hyena feeding on carrion.""Amber and my secretary, Carl, will be having their grand wedding in Kontina next Saturday. She's the woman you're deeply in love with. Will it be a lifetime of regret for you if you missed her wedding?"A seasoned secret agent, Axel's instincts were razor-sharp, yet Jameson's words chilled him to the bone."Jameson, if you hurt Amber, I'll hunt you down.
"What are you saying, Jasper?" Axel's lips curled into his usual, careless smile. His nonchalance was as if the world's end held no consequence for him."Who said I'm going for a final battle? I'm just returning to work. I've been absent for days. The organization might fire me if I don't go back. Then I'll lose my pension.""Stop pretending. I've overheard your conversation with Dad." Alyssa pouted, pinching her earlobe. "Don't forget my awesome eavesdropping skills!"Axel was left speechless. Alyssa truly had a knack for eavesdropping on everything."I'm determined to get Amber back, no matter what." Axel took a deep breath. A dull pain spread throughout his heart. "Jameson's bold enough to reveal his location and even invited me to Kontina. This just shows that it will be one hell of a fierce battle. Honestly, I'm terrified.""Axel…" Jonah's eyes welled up as he stepped forward, placing his hands firmly on Axel's shoulders.Axel!" Jasper and Alyssa struggled to hold back their
The next four days were ordinary but fulfilling. Alyssa accompanied Jasper to visit Newton and spent the night there. They even had a video call with Landon and Lauren.The couple had already honeymooned in three countries and were about to embark on their next adventure."Jasper, Lyse, Jameson has now become a wanted man. He's escaped to Kontina, hasn't he?" Landon asked, taking advantage of a moment alone with the couple while Lauren was with Jordan for her medications. "Knowing you two, I'm sure you plan to head to Kontina to capture that bastard yourselves."He continued, "I'm worried. I want to be there to fight alongside you all!""If you truly care about us, there's only one thing you need to do—stay with Lauren," Alyssa responded, leaning into Jasper's arms. Her expression turned serious. "Remember, Landon, no matter what happens, you must stay by Lauren's side. Don't falter."She emphasized, "Don't forget what you went through to marry her. No one is more important than L
Miley kissed Alyssa's cheek. Her eyes were moist as she grumbled, "When will you stop making Jeremy and me worry? Stop getting yourself involved in all these risky businesses!" "This is the last time. It won't happen again," Alyssa said, sticking her tongue out playfully. "Miley won't feel at ease if all of you stayed at a hotel, so she asked me to host you here. In all of Kontina, the security at the presidential office is second to the royal palace." Jeremy smiled warmly. He still had the same air of elegance and nobility as before. The only difference was that his sideburns had started turning gray. Clearly, leading a country was taxing and taking a toll on him. "Jeremy was the one who suggested it. Though, he had the same thought as me." Miley looked at her husband, Jeremy, with a gaze full of affection. "He might not express it normally, but he thinks about all of you all the time." Alyssa sniffled, feeling moved. "Thank you, Jeremy."Jasper was also touched. "Sorry f
In the evening, Xavier drove Jasper to meet with Newton. Along the way, news broke out that Sheryl had been bailed out. Xavier slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Damn it! Why is it so hard to get rid of that woman?" "She is Justin's right hand," Jasper said, eyes shut as he leaned back in his seat. His jaw tightened. "You could even say she knows more about his secrets than anyone. As long as she's useful, Justin won't discard her so easily. This is how he operates."Xavier shook his head, teeth gritted. "Where the hell did she even come from? When you had me investigate her, I found nothing. Her background was spotless. "What's in her past that Justin would go so far to keep it hidden? A man like him can have any woman he wants, yet he clings to her—some pretty-faced idiot who only seems to make things harder for him."Jasper's gaze turned glacial. Xavier's casual remark struck him.He was right. Justin wasn't short on capable subordinates. So why Sheryl?Was Sh
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"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,