Jonah placed his hand firmly on Jasper's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "The presidential office and royal palace are the safest places in all of Kontina. Plus, Lyse is together with Miley. If anything happened to Lyse, Miley would've already called us. Don't worry too much." Despite his words, Jonah felt a growing unease. As Alyssa's eldest brother, he cared deeply for her.Cyrus immediately called Miley. His expression hardened. "This isn't good. Miley isn't answering," he said grimly.In an instant, the faces of all three men turned grim. Jasper, Jonah and Cyrus raced back to the presidential office.The moment they entered the courtyard, they sensed something was off. The guards who were supposed to be standing outside the doors had disappeared."Miley!" "Lyse!" They called out as they ran into the living room. Their jaws dropped at the sight before them.Miley was curled up on the couch, her hands covering her face. She looked like she was in pain, her shoulders slig
The heavy atmosphere in the living could almost crush everyone to death. Even the air felt as cold as ice."Calm down, Jasper!" Jonah was extremely panicked over losing contact with Alyssa. However, as the oldest of the Taylor siblings, he could only force himself to remain composed. He went up to Jasper and helped to support him physically.Jonah quickly added, "Don't lose your head. None of us should. We need to figure out where Lyse might have gone and find her quickly."Cyrus's chest tightened, but he managed a reassuring tone. "Jonah's right, Jasper. Don't panic. We're all here—""You all have your loved ones safe and sound, but my Lyse has vanished!" Jasper's eyes were a terrifying shade of bloodshot as he roared in anguish, "Lyse is my heart, as precious to me as my own life.""If anything happens to her… If anything happens to her…" Jasper's voice faltered, and he was cut off by a sudden, searing pain that struck his head. The world darkened before him, and his powerful fr
"By the looks of it, Lyse left because of that phone call," Cyrus deduced, his investigative instincts kicking in. He frowned thoughtfully. "But it's unusual for Lyse to act so impulsively. Even if she had to leave the presidential office, she would at least consult with Miley before making such a decision.""So, the person on the other end must have had significant influence over her. They must have said something so compelling that she felt she had no choice but to comply," he reasoned."That's odd." The more Jonah thought about it, the more astonished and flustered he felt. "Jameson and his team are all in Kontina, and all the major threats are here. We were at the church, Miley was at the presidential office, and Jeremy returned safely from his event. Besides ensuring the safety of a loved one, what else could have driven Lyse to risk so much and accept that person's invitation?""It was… Jameson!" Jasper exclaimed, his face ashen. "With Carl dead and Amber saved by Axel, Jameso
A terrifying silence hung over the other end of the call. Sweat beaded on Jameson's temples as his heart pounded anxiously."Congratulations, Mr. Schmidt. Your wish came true, and you've finally gotten your woman," Justin's unmistakable voice came through, crisp and laced with amusement. "I need to thank you for coming up with this plan for me and making all of this happen. Otherwise, I wouldn't have Lyse come to me so easily."Jameson's deep eyes burned with passion. His voice, however, was rough and full of regret as he continued, "But I'm afraid I can never return to Solana City. "I'm sorry, Mr. Justin. I couldn't clear the path for you or eliminate your opponent. Even the experiment on the new drug had to be halted. I deserve to die." "Indeed, you do deserve to die." Justin's voice dropped, deep and cold. The words wrapped around Jameson like a chokehold. Suffocation crept in, cold sweat running down his stiffened back."But you've managed to take the love of my brother
It had been 15 hours since Alyssa vanished after leaving the presidential office. Jeremy mobilized multiple teams for the search using every bit of his authority. Joined by Jasper, Cyrus, and Jonah, he stormed Rose Nursing Home, Alyssa's last known location.Their arrival broke the silence of the nursing home.Miley, despite her insistence, was stopped by Jonah from joining them, given the high profiles of both her and Jeremy.Meanwhile, Axel had finally reunited with Amber after countless trials. He stayed by her side at the hospital, where she remained hospitalized. Jonah and Cyrus choose to keep him in the dark about Alyssa, unwilling to rob him of the bliss he had fought so hard to achieve.Outside the nursing home, the head of security and the Criminal Investigation Unit had sealed the building. No one could enter or leave.Alerted by the commotion, the on-duty security guard and the nursing home's administrator arrived, stunned by the sight before them.Cyrus, using his t
The security guard spoke up anxiously, "Mr. Schmidt didn't only purchase this nursing home when it was about to close. He spent a fortune rebuilding it, took in elderly people abandoned by their children, gave them shelter, and provided free medical care. He's also incredibly kind to us staff, even buying us insurance!"Mr. Schmidt is a true philanthropist with a heart of gold. How can you call him a heartless monster? Don't run your mouths like that!" Jonah and Cyrus were extremely shocked. The Jameson these people described was completely different from the one they knew. It was as if he had a split personality.But Jasper knew better. Being respectable and kind was just part of the well-crafted façade Jameson hid his dark soul behind."When that woman came by this afternoon, what did you talk about?" Jonah asked coldly."Mr. Schmidt warned us before," the caregiver stammered. "He told all of us that if that pretty woman showed up, we were to take her to see his mother."The m
"Jeremy and Miley have considered that possibility and blocked off Kontina's customs. Jameson is also a wanted criminal who is jointly pursued by two countries. There's no way he can leave Kontina." Jasper placed the brooch on his chest. He forced himself to hold back the immense hurt and make a rational judgment. "He's definitely hiding in Kontina. He's accustomed to luxury and power, and his pride won't let him live like a fugitive. He'll stay where he's familiar and where resources are useful."Cyrus was impressed. He almost wanted to applaud Jasper but knew it wasn't the right time.Despite his acute headaches, Jasper remained sharp, making sound judgments. Those around him couldn't help but feel for him."Jasper's analysis is spot-on but presents a huge problem." The look on Jonah's face was grim and drawn. "At the end of it all, all Jameson wants is Lyse. Now that he's achieved his goal, he might devise a heinous strategy to constrain Lyse physically and hide her away fo
Jameson held Alyssa in his arms, the woman he had sacrificed everything for, as if she was the most precious thing in the world. His clammy hands pressed her tightly against his chest, as though he wished their souls could merge."Jameson… You bastard… Let go of me…" Alyssa choked out, her bloodshot eyes brimming with tears. Despite her rage, a vulnerable air clung to her, evoking pity. Her fragile beauty only heightened Jameson's desire. "Lyse, when you look like this… it only makes me want you more." Sweat slid down his temple, his back quivering as he fought to control himself.Alyssa could feel his fiery, heavy breaths near her ear, filled with lust."Asshole…" Without any strength in her, Alyssa could only allow him to hold her in his arms as tears of hatred welled up in her eyes. Once so proud, Alyssa Taylor was now entirely at the mercy of her most despised enemy. The helplessness and despair were worse than death."Don't be afraid," Jameson whispered, running his fing
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,