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
Amber's eyes reddened as she darted toward the trapdoor in The Millennium, tears streaming down her face.Remy had let her go. He actually spared her! Didn't this prove that he was Damien? That his true nature lingered, even if his memories of the past had been lost?Hope and excitement bubbled within her as she ran. She had to reach Alyssa immediately and share this evidence—this incredible news!Emerging from the trapdoor, Amber navigated the tangled paths among the weeds on the mountain behind The Millennium.Suddenly, she froze. Her breath hitched. Beams of white light shone from all directions, focusing on her. The cold, unyielding spotlights told her everything—she was surrounded, the target of an ambush. Amber's heart pounded in her chest. Cold sweat slicked her palms as her fingers clenched tightly around her dagger. The veins on the back of her hand throbbed with adrenaline.Six assassins in black emerged from the shadows, their flashlights cutting through the gl
Amber glared at Remy through her bloodshot eyes, thrusting her gleaming blade toward his chest. In her early days of being Jameson's follower, the first lesson drilled into her was how to kill quickly and efficiently. Refinement wasn't necessary—only results mattered. Yet, despite mastering the techniques, she had never put them into practice. Deep down, Amber feared the sight of blood and loathed the idea of taking a life.And now, of all people, it was Remy forcing her to cross that line.The blade's tip hovered mere inches from Remy's heart when hesitation gripped her. Axel's voice echoed in her mind, raw with emotion. "Amber, I keep feeling that Remy is my fifth brother, Damien. We miss him… We want him to come home!"Her pupils dilated. The blade wavered, its deadly intent dissipating.That single moment of doubt was all Remy needed. With a calm, calculated motion, he seized her wrist and twisted it sharply.Amber gasped in pain, her grip faltering as the blade clattered
The password to Jameson's room was Alyssa's birthday. Jameson had always believed himself to be a devoted man, taking pride in that notion. Yet, in Amber's eyes, his devotion was nothing more than a pathetic joke—a sentiment she couldn't help but detest.Taking a steadying breath, Amber began rummaging through the drawers and shelves with swift precision.Years of observation had taught her that Jameson had hidden several secret compartments in this room, places meant to conceal vital information. Unless Jameson or Carl disclosed their existence, even the police might not have uncovered them.After what felt like an eternity, sweat beading on her forehead, Amber discovered a hidden compartment beneath a floor sculpture.As she pried the brick loose, her breath hitched. Inside the compartment lay a waterproof plastic bag containing a document and a USB drive.Amber retrieved the document. Her heart raced as she realized its contents—a research report from Mosgravia's RC Biotech
Ever since getting together with Axel, Amber had lived each day in bliss. Yet, when Winston assured her that he truly accepted her and approved of her marriage to Axel, that bliss reached its peak. For so long, Amber had struggled with feelings of inferiority, never truly believing she deserved Axel's love. Deep down, she had resolved to step away if Winston disapproved or insisted Axel marry a woman from a reputable family—a match more fitting of his status.She wouldn't have hesitated to leave if it meant sparing Winston and Axel any conflict. Amber loved Axel wholeheartedly and was willing to sacrifice everything for him.But instead of rejection, she found warmth. The Taylor family embraced her as one of their own, showing her kindness and understanding rather than disdain for her past.She could never repay such compassion. "Winston… Thank you. Thank you…" Amber's tear-filled eyes glistened, their brightness undimmed despite all the darkness she had endured. Winston s
Amber stifled a laugh and teased, "Stop talking, Mr. Whitaker. You're going to sound like a broken record if you keep going." …After breakfast and a quick packing session, Axel departed from Heightsnew Villa. Amber spent her day helping the Taylors with various tasks. She assisted Mandy in organizing documents for Lovelace Group's projects, helped Lyla with cooking, and even joined Colene in feeding her horse. With Tatiana's due date approaching, Amber also pitched in for her shower preparations.Amber had always been a diligent person, but today, she seemed particularly intent on keeping herself busy. She was counting down the hours until nightfall. After dinner, the Taylors sat in the living room and chatted casually as they always did. The warm, familial atmosphere filled the space, and Amber joined in, her perceptive nature making her a seamless part of the group.When everyone retired to their rooms, Amber rose to help the helpers clear the table. "Amber." Startled
Axel and Amber had only spent half a month together before the former was called back to report for work. The night before his departure, they spent hours lost in each other, their passion unrelenting. Again and again, they exchanged kisses, their love pouring forth in an endless tide."Amber, three months… Just give me three more months." When their fervor finally waned, Axel held Amber close in his arms. They rested against the headboard, leaning into one another, too exhausted to move yet unwilling to let sleep claim them."Once I finish all the missions I've taken on, I'll hand in my resignation. After that, I'll spend all my time with you," Axel murmured, his voice steady with resolve. "We'll go wherever you want. If you want fun, I'll have fun with you. If you want chaos, I'll spend my life going crazy with you."Axel wasn't one for flowery words. He simply spoke from the heart. Right now, his heart only wanted Amber—forever.Amber nestled closer, her soft smile masking t
"Sir." Sheryl immediately stood and greeted Justin respectfully as he entered the room. "What are you doing here?" Justin's cold gaze swept over her as he strolled leisurely to the couch and sat down.Sheryl quickly explained, "I received a parcel for you from the administrative secretary half an hour ago. I thought it might be something important, something you wouldn't want too many people to handle. So, I waited for you to return and open it personally.""A parcel?" Justin frowned. Why would anyone send him a parcel to Beckett Group, of all places? How strange. Sheryl presented the parcel to him with both hands. He took it from her and then opened it right before her. After removing three layers of wrapping, each from outside and inside the box, the parcel turned out to contain only a plain white envelope. His expression darkened. It felt like someone was toying with him.Then, he looked down and opened the envelope, which contained a stack of photographs. Pinching a co
"Don't be so pessimistic, Jonah," Alyssa said. Perhaps having just seen Jasper and going through that heart-stopping moment made Alyssa emotional. Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued, "If you truly love someone, you don't need to possess him to find happiness. Isn't it enough to know he's alive, well, and living freely somewhere in this world?""You're right, Lyse." Sorrow filled Jonah's voice as he smiled bitterly. "Julien has already lost and sacrificed too much for my sake. I don't deserve to have such a good man. He'll only find true happiness by leaving me."…After Justin took over as president of Beckett Group, his first move was to wrest control of the A5 Project bid from Jasper's hands.Though Jasper had failed as the leader of Beckett Group, as the eldest son, it was only natural for Justin to inherit the position of power. Justin was aware of lingering opposition within the corporation. Some doubted whether he possessed the decisiveness and singular capabili
Sebastian understood what Alyssa wanted. There wasn't substantial proof to prove that Jasper had abused drugs in the first place. The substance found in his blood was simply supporting evidence. As long as they found the right opportunity to reveal that, it wouldn't completely exonerate him, but it could at least divert public suspicion."Okay, okay… I'll do that. I'll do everything you say!" Sebastian promised. …After emerging from the Bender residence, Landon took Zayne away to keep him under close watch and ensure Sebastian wouldn't retract his statement. Landon planned to release him only after Sebastian fulfilled Jasper and Alyssa's request."Landon, it's really nice to see you. How's Lauren doing lately?" Afraid of looking at Jasper, Alyssa had no choice but to speak with Landon."She's doing great." A tender look came across Landon's eyes at the mention of Lauren. Landon blushed and continued, "We're now trying for a baby." "Really? That's wonderful!" Alyssa was