"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
Alyssa flipped through the documents and studied them carefully. She spotted a red-colored heading. Suddenly, she realized that these were classified documents. Compromising classified information from a foreign state was undeniably unethical and reckless. Regrettably, the damage was done. She had already opened it.Soon enough, Alyssa realized that the documents were likely submitted by the National Security Agency. They contained information on some of the top spies who had harmed Kontina's national interests over the years. These spies seemed to be on the run and had not yet been captured.They came from well-to-do families, were industry elites, or held significant positions. Yet, the crimes they had committed were terrifying, warranting sentences of death multiple times over if they were caught.With her exceptional speed-reading ability and memory, Alyssa was a natural fit for a special agent role. Her talents allowed her to remember every detail after reading a document j
Moreover, Alyssa still couldn't be sure if Felicity was her mother. Acting on impulse would just bring even greater trouble. "I'm sure you've been exhausted from the past few days. You get some rest," Miley urged with tears in her eyes. Her heart ached for Alyssa. All of the Taylor family looked like rather solemn people. But, in actual fact, they were all romanticists who loved being free. They were willing to do and give anything to pursue a life and happiness of their own. There was a kind of pompous selfishness about them. Alyssa was the only one who shouldered the responsibility of an heir. She gave herself willingly in treacherous battles in order to preserve KS Group for the Taylor family, which was also the business that Winston had built. Alyssa had the gentleness, intelligence, and beauty of a woman, as well as the strength, decisiveness, and bravery of a man. She was the chosen heir. But that heavy crown was not something just anyone dared to put on; it was als