Immediately, Jasper reached for the seatbelt and helped Alyssa fasten it.She clenched her jaw and flinched as though she was in contact with filth. "Where are you bringing me?""Last night, we agreed on picking up your stuff from my place today." He let go of her and leisurely placed his hands on the steering wheel."I will be there. You didn't have to pick me up!""I don't trust you." He started the engine and stole a glance at her. "You're a bloody good liar. How many times did you lie to me in the past three years? Were you ever honest with me?""Had I never?" She smirked. "Think what you want. It doesn't matter."Her words were like bullets to his chest. He felt chills in his body. Sometimes, he'd rather she had never fallen for him. At least, he wouldn't have felt guilty for his poor treatment of her.The Ferrari sped on the highway as the scenic view passed them by in a blur. Since Alyssa could not escape, she decided to take things as they came. She crossed her arms an
Alyssa's lashes fluttered. Jasper's knowledge gave her the goosebumps."How did you know I am a size 5.5?"He remained stoic. "Your feet look tiny. It was a blind guess."She curled her feet in the slippers awkwardly but did not forget to take a dig at him. "All men are the same. They're either leering or openly touching the opposite sex."He went silent. Deep down, he knew he wasn't being upfront. He learned about her shoe size only because he had carefully scrutinized every single item she left behind at Seaview Manor.He also learned that she had a stockpile of snacks at home, like a squirrel collecting nuts. Most of them are chocolates. Her favorite perfume was La fille de Berlin by Serge Lutens, which he remembered well. At first, he thought the spicy scent did not suit her. Looking back, he was wrong. The arrogant and intense scent was created just for her.He learned about her shoe size. Her collection of white shoes was laid out cleanly on the shoe rack, as though she w
Alyssa felt creeped out by Jasper's sudden show of care. His belated attention was like expired food that only brought disgust.She made a call to Sean. "Sean, I'm at Seaview Manor in Solana City. Pick me up now.""What?" He was astonished to hear that. "W-Why are you there?""It's a long story. Let's talk when you're here."After the call, she made her way up the stairs. She planned to pack the clothes and leave the moment Sean arrived, as she did not want to overstay.Her former bedroom was near Lauren's room. From talking to the maids, she learned that Lauren had taken a break from her studies. She thought of checking in with the girl.Standing at Lauren's door, she overheard Betty's bitchy rant. "You little bitch! What did you do to Mr. Harper at Grandpa's birthday? Tell me!""No, I didn't … Betty, I didn't do anything to him." Lauren's teary voice was heart-wrenching to hear."Bullshit!" Lauren's denial only fanned Betty's anger. Betty believed that her sister was lying. "
Alyssa paused for a while before saying coldly, "I'm fine, but Lauren might not be."Jasper's eyes darkened as he tightened his grip on Betty's wrist."Ouch! Jasper, let go! It hurts!" Sweating from the pain, Betty was close to tears. He finally let go of her wrist. Betty stumbled backward and fell onto the ground from the strong impact."Jasper, that bitch started it! She threw her slippers at me! Look at the mark on my face—that's the evidence!" Punching the ground between sobs, she grumbled, "How could you blindly side with an outsider who beats up your sister at home?"Surprisingly, he did not so much as give Betty a look. Instead, he turned to Alyssa. "Are you really okay?"Alyssa secretly rolled her eyes and ignored him. Instead, she hurried over to Lauren and squatted on the floor, gently caressing Lauren's soft hair."Alyssa!" Lauren immediately went into her embrace and sobbed. She had never shed a tear when Betty hit her. However, she lost control of her tears when sh
Liana might be devious, but she lacked the backing of an influential family. She was also physically weaker. Betty figured that she could ride over Liana, either through brain or brawn.Alyssa was another story. Not only did she come from a powerful family, she was ruthless in her revenge. Betty worried she might be Alyssa's punching bag if the latter got back together with Jasper.A sudden idea popped up in Betty's mind. Since there was only space for one, she thought of calling Liana to Seaview Manor. She'd sit back and watch Liana and Alyssa fight.Once she decided on it, she called Liana and exaggerated, "Lia! This is bad! Jasper brought Alyssa home, and they're being touchy-feely! I'm worried that you might actually lose out."…Meanwhile, Jasper ordered the maid to clean up the mess in Lauren's room. At the same time, Alyssa hugged the poor girl while pacifying her."Lauren, don't be scared. I'm here.""You're my sister-in-law!" Lauren was a twenty-year-old but acted child
"Are we not over this yet?" Alyssa curled her fist and took a few deep breaths as her eyes lit up in fury. "I have said what's there to be said. I have nothing more to explain, even if you don't believe in me!""Had we come across each other a long time ago?" Jasper leaned closer to her, desperate for an answer. His body was close to pressing against her back. "Alyssa Taylor, answer me. Had we come across each other a long time ago?"Her chest tightened, and her lips paled. "No, you're overthinking. Our first encounter was when Grandpa declared our engagement. We never met each other before that."She was afraid that he might find out she was the girl who had saved him ten years ago. After the divorce, there was no point reminiscing her 13 years of love and pursuit of Jasper, for that would only remind her of how embarrassing and pitiful she had been.She was prideful. The last thing she wanted him to know was her 13-year crush on him. That'd be too humiliating.Disappointment fla
"Why?" Tears streamed down Liana's face, like a damsel in distress. Sophia had taught her this move because men would fall for it."Good question. Why?" Everyone heard Alyssa's voice from the top of the stairs. Looking over, they found her carrying a suitcase with ease and pompously made her way down with her chin held high.She was the embodiment of grace and charm, a stark contrast to Liana's gloominess.Liana hugged Jasper tightly with a sparkle in her eyes. She glowered at Alyssa. Everyone was anticipating drama at this point.With a hard look in his eyes, Jasper placed his hands on Liana's shoulders in an attempt to push her away. However, Alyssa mistook the action as a flirtation."So, that was why Jasper insisted I pick up my stuff at his place. How else would I have stumbled upon their public display of affection?" Alyssa thought.Her only wish at that moment was to take a bath and change into a fresh outfit at home. She definitely needed to take off her current outfit
Sean was pacing anxiously outside the Seaview Manor. When Alyssa emerged with a suitcase, he hurried over to help her with it."Ms. Alyssa, that bastard did not trouble you, did he?"She frowned at him. "You should quit the habit of calling him a bastard in private. What if you blurted that out when we were in a business meeting with him? That'd be a serious gaffe!""Okay," he answered glumly."He wouldn't have the guts to do anything to me unless he wants me to rip him into pieces." She cracked her knuckles.Sean was tickled by her antics. He grew concerned at the sight of the slippers on her feet. "Why did you wear—""I was in a rush when I left and forgot to change my shoes."If she wanted, she could have worn any pair of her white sneakers on the shoe rack by the door before leaving. However, she stubbornly refused to change into any of her shoes at Seaview Manor to express her disgust and aversion to Jasper and their three years of marriage.Alice White was the owner of th
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
While Alyssa spoke, Jasper remained expressionless next to her. Even so, he still couldn't help but peer at her from the corner of his eye. Others might feel that she was being too assertive and aggressive with that fierce gaze in her eyes, but for Jasper, that evoked an inexplicable feeling within him. To him, she looked even more attractive than she normally was. It was as if she gave off a captivating glow. Sebastian slumped to his knees again. Alyssa's words struck him like a ton of bricks. Still, he had already chosen the wrong side—Sheryl's side. What could he do now? He had no choice but to see it through to the end.After all, he had seen the news two days ago. Jasper was no longer the president of Beckett Group. He held no authority anymore. Aligning with Justin had seemed like the right decision.If he betrayed Justin and switched sides, he would surely be doomed."Mr. Jasper... Ms. Alyssa," Sebastian stammered, desperation etched into his voice. "What's the point of