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
It was a beautiful night. Jasper gently dried Alyssa off and dressed her in a soft silk nightgown. He lifted her in a princess carry, placed her gently on the bed, and tucked her in.At this moment, he had finally qualified to be every bit of a caring and attentive husband, tending to his partner with utmost care.His hands, roughened by combat and hardened by the business world, were unexpectedly tender toward Alyssa. He did not wake her at all throughout the entire process. Alyssa slept peacefully, occasionally letting out a contented sigh.She looked tempting. Jasper swallowed hard. He caressed her dark hair as he leaned down and kissed her forehead, and then her lips.Then, he left the room and stepped out onto the balcony.It was already the end of December. Solana City was already in its midwinter season, while Kontina was in its most enjoyable season. An evening breeze blew through the warm and moist atmosphere. Jasper pondered Alyssa's words with a gloomy look in h
The smile on Jasper's face froze. A dull pain rose within him. The White Dove was that woman who carried him out of that bloody scene all on her own. She was the woman who ended up covered in injuries because of him. Yet, she was now missing. He had never forgotten about her, not even for a moment. He also wanted to do all he could to search for her. He wanted to express his gratitude toward her in person and to repay her for saving his life. However, after they parted at Luminara, the White Dove was like a drop of water that fell into the deep sea. She vanished completely. He even once wondered if she had actually died. "Nope, it's not her." Jasper gazed at the night sky in the distance as his eyes swelled. But, soon enough, he composed himself once again. He answered calmly, "But she's a woman who is as brave and determined as the White Dove. "We've been through countless trials and tribulations together. She's the one for me in this life and the next. I love her very,
Jasper said, "I get it. I understand." "So, everything I tell you tonight must be kept to yourself. For one, I'm telling you because I trust you. Secondly, you're not Kontinian, so it's no harm telling you either," said Dexter. Dexter lowered his tone. "Felicity used to be His Royal Highness' personal bodyguard. But there was a rumor that she was actually his lover!"Jasper was gobsmacked. "His lover?" "I'm not sure about the details. After all, I was still young when that woman was sentenced for her crime. This was the royal family's secret, and I found it through various sources during these years of working in the palace." He continued, "I heard that back then, His Royal Highness was deeply in love with this woman. They had also been living together. I've also heard that she became pregnant with a royal heir!"After that, she was somehow sentenced to death because of treason. After she fled, she was even put on the wanted list worldwide. There has been no news about her fo
With Jasper's comfort and company, Alyssa soon fell back asleep in his arms. When she woke up a second time, the sky was already bright. The curtains swayed in the light breeze, and the warm rays of sunlight shone on her. The room was filled with amorous air and the fresh scent of plants unique to Kontina. It was such a beautiful day, yet she could not admire this refreshing and quiet scene with her beloved. Alyssa sighed softly. A feeling of sorrow filled her heart. After she got up and washed up, she sat on the balcony, lost in thought as she basked in the sunlight."What are you thinking about, Lyse?" Miley came up to check on Alyssa. She smiled as she brought out the breakfast she had prepared herself."Miley!" Alyssa scanned through the scrumptious-looking food on the table. However, a food lover like her had no appetite that day. Even so, she forced a smile and exclaimed, "Wow… It smells great. With just one glance, I can tell that you made all of this. "You are s
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,