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
Jasper widened his eyes. Truthfully, from the moment Alyssa entered the room, he had noticed that something was bothering her. Hearing her question at this moment alarmed him. He wrapped his muscular arms around her waist as he puffed his chest out. He stroked her waist gently and asked, "What happened, Lyse? What's with that question out of the blue?" "Jasper, I-I…" A troubled look filled Alyssa's face. "It's alright if you don't want to tell me about it. We're lovers, partners, but you don't have to force yourself." Jasper seemed to have a realization. He pulled her in even tighter and rested his chin on her shoulder. He nuzzled her longingly. "My dear Lyse, you'll always have the highest degree of freedom and liberty."Even though we're lovers and partners, you still have the right to keep secrets. I will not interfere or cross the line." Such consideration from Jasper made Alyssa well up with tears. She buried her face in his chest and started sobbing. Distrust gnawe
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
The hospital ward grew heavy with silence. Mandy and Neil stared at Alyssa, stunned beyond words. "M-Ms. Alyssa, you knew that man was Mr. Damien?" Neil asked, disbelief etched into his voice. "Yes." Alyssa's reply was quiet, her lips pressed into a thin line. She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "We found out when Cyrus took Damien's cigarette butt for a paternity test."Mandy approached Alyssa, her shoulders trembling slightly. "So, you and Cyrus knew… and you both kept it from me?" Mandy said, her voice catching in her throat, tears welling up. Alyssa felt a sharp pang in her chest. "Mandy, I'm sorry. It was my decision. Cyrus had nothing to do with it."Mandy's tears fell freely now, her grief spilling out in raw sobs. "Do you know what it's been like for me all these years, thinking Damien was gone? Winston, Miley, Lyla, and Colene kept telling me to move on. I tried to accept that he was dead, that we'd never find his body. But I never did."Her vo
The hospital ward was bathed in a dim, yellow glow from the bedside lamp. The silence was thick, yet the room held a strange warmth—an unfamiliar comfort that felt oddly familiar to Remy.Pain radiated through his body as he struggled to sit up. His eyes fell on Mandy, who was asleep beside his bed. Her hair was a mess, and her swollen eyes suggested she'd been crying. She was sound asleep. Remy stiffened. His breath quickened as he stared at her fragile figure. Slowly, he leaned forward, his fingers lifting slightly, tempted to reach out.Just as his hand hovered close, Mandy's lashes fluttered. In her sleep, she murmured, "Damien… Damien… I miss you so much…" Tears slipped down her cheeks, silent and unbidden.A pang tugged at Remy's heart. Without thinking, he brushed away her tears with his calloused fingers. The moment his skin touched hers, a jolt shot through him, sharp and electrifying. Pain throbbed at his temples, but beneath it was a warmth he didn't want to let g
Justin's casual question hit Javier like a thunderclap. Shock rippled through him, freezing his expression. His voice trembled with fear as he barked, "What nonsense is that? Are you accusing me of causing Chester's death? I'm your father—how could you think I'd do such a thing?""It's not an accusation. Just the facts," Justin replied coolly, crossing his legs and savoring his tea with unsettling calm. "And I'm not condemning you. In fact, I understand why you did it. I'm facing the same dilemma now."Javier's breathing grew ragged. He had watched Justin grow from a child into the man before him—now a predator, circling with quiet menace."You were meant to be the heir as the eldest son," Justin continued, his voice smooth as silk. "But Grandpa favored Uncle Chester, handing him major projects, grooming him in plain sight. "Uncle Chester's reputation soon eclipsed yours. He was a natural leader, adept at business, with one fatal flaw—he was kind. Too kind. Unlike you."Justin
Nonetheless, night had fallen by the time Justin arrived at Seaview Manor. On his way there, he worked on two things. First, he secured the top legal team to get Sheryl out on bail as quickly as possible. Second, he tried reaching Remy—unsuccessfully. He had never lost contact with Remy before. Justin's face was as dark as the night itself. The moment he stepped inside Seaview Manor, Rory approached with a solemn expression. He gave a slight bow before speaking. "Mr. Justin, what took you so long? Mr. Javier has been waiting.""I was occupied," Justin replied coolly. Then, as if it were an ordinary evening, he allowed a faint smile. "Where's Jasper? Is he back here yet?" A conflicted look came across Rory's face. "Things between you and Mr. Jasper have soured. I doubt he'll want to see you anytime soon—or show up here.""Is that so? How disappointing."Justin's smile didn't reach his eyes. His gaze lingered on Rory, sharp and bottomless. "So, he'd rather believe what he se
Jonah scoured every corner of the hotel, desperation clawing at his chest, but Julien was nowhere to be found. "Jonah!" Alyssa called out, breathless as she caught up to him. She grabbed his arm. "Calm down! I'll help you search for Jul!""I can't find him. He's gone," Jonah murmured, sinking to the floor. His tears mixed with sweat, creating dark patches on the ground. "Lyse… I fear… if I can't find Julien this time, I'll lose him forever."The agonizing thought of losing the love of his life pierced him. "No, you won't!" Alyssa gripped his arm tighter, her voice trembling with conviction. "If Jul had given up on you, he wouldn't have come here today. The fact that he showed up means he still cares."Jonah's eyes were bloodshot, filled with a pain too deep to hide. He shook his head slowly. "Julien came back for Jasper. He did it because he's loyal… because he's a good friend. Not because of me.""He does care!" Alyssa insisted. "If he didn't, he would've faced you without fli