Remy's face was an immense shock to Axel and Jasper, a staggering sight that hit them with the force of a bombshell. Axel, in particular, stared in disbelief, a quiver in his voice as he cried out, "Damien! Damien, is that really you?"Remy, however, stared back with a cold, emotionless gaze, his eyes as still as a tranquil pond."Axel, calm down. Have a good look!" Jasper, though internally stunned, managed to steady himself. Having never met Damien alive and only seeing him in the Taylors' family photos, he was able to quickly calm down.With a tense jaw, he remarked, "Damien was reported dead in a plane crash. It's been years, and they never recovered his body. How could he still be alive?"This could be someone who merely resembles Damien, a ploy by Jameson to throw us off. Axel, keep your wits about you. Don't let yourself be fooled!"When Remy heard Jasper's words, he couldn't help but frown. Here was another one. No, there were two of them. That man named Damien truly
Jasper's jaw was clenched tight as he sprinted forward, the sharp branches of the path leaving angry scratches on his face. The pain barely registered as he pushed on. His legs were numb from the relentless pace, but he continued, sustained only by his determination to rescue Alyssa. His legs trembled under him when he finally reached the manor, and he stumbled slightly against the biting cold wind.Had it been someone else, they would have crumbled and been unable to stand up again.No one was keeping watch outside the manor. It was eerily quiet. Jasper took a steadying breath, his grip tightening on his gun. Each step on the white rock tiles felt heavy as he approached the door. With a calm yet wary demeanor, he pushed it open and entered.The luxurious living room was empty. Even so, Jasper's heart raced, sensing an unseen danger. He was as focused and tense as a volcano poised to erupt.His intuition, honed by experience and training, told him something was amiss. A glint c
Jameson erupted into laughter, the sound sharp and cruel. "Return her to you?" he jeered. "Jasper, Lyse was meant to be mine from the start. You took her from me, seized her so shamelessly. "Not only did you fail to appreciate her, but you also subjected her to pain and loss—made her lose her child and denied her the chance to be a mother forever."Jasper breathed heavily, as if strangled, his heart plummeting. It felt as if the bullet had created an irreparable void in his chest, with fresh blood pouring from the wound.He knew Jameson was trying to unsettle him, using psychological tactics to break him down. Jasper tried to steady himself, but the truth in Jameson's words stung.There was no refuge. The searing pain caused him to tremble, and the weight of regret in his heart only grew heavier."You nearly destroyed my most cherished rose," Jameson continued, his voice dripping with venom. "She was on the brink of withering because of you. Jasper, you don't deserve to be with L
Axel pressed on, "Do you have family? Do you know how to fly a plane?" Remy furrowed his brows, his fists tightening with each passing second as Axel's questions gnawed at his patience. This was a life-or-death situation, yet Axel still had time for all these pointless questions.He really was quite a sick man! Remy had initially intended to restrain Axel, but his frustration grew to the point where he felt he had to take out his anger physically. Thus, he escalated his attack with more ferocity, landing heavy blows with his fists and feet.Axel decided to test Remy, realizing there was no point in prolonging the confrontation. Even if someone lost their memory in an accident, their ingrained habits and instincts might remain intact.Suddenly, Axel's eyes darted to Remy's feet. "There's a snake! Watch out!"Remy's face drained of color, and he stumbled backward in shock. His icy demeanor shattered as fear overtook him."Damien… You are Damien. I'm sure you are!" Axel's eyes we
The two figures before Jasper's reddened eyes resembled a matching pair of bride and groom. This was the first time Jasper had ever seen Alyssa in a wedding dress. Though he had dreamed of this moment countless times, he never imagined he would see her like this.Her beauty was stunning, her pale complexion sharply contrasting with Jameson's elegant black attire. The scene felt hauntingly bleak, poignant, and fragile.With every step Jasper took toward them, the pain in his heart intensified. Fresh blood seeped from his wound, leaving a trail in his wake.At this moment, Alyssa looked like a porcelain doll, meticulously dressed and placed in a glass display for her beloved to admire.Jasper could see her, but he couldn't touch her.This should have been a joyous scene, but the atmosphere was cold, cruel, and bizarre."Lyse! I'm here!" Jasper's voice cracked as he called out to her, tears blurring his vision. "Wake up, Lyse! Wake up… Look at me!""Shh…" Jameson stood tall and
Jasper stared at those three pills in shock. The coldness of the unknown surged and stirred within his chest. Jameson was a schemer, a man who thrived on manipulation. Every word he spoke could be part of an elaborate ploy. Maybe these pills were poison, a way to kill him without the mess of bloodshed."If I take all of them, will you let Lyse go?" Jasper's voice cracked, hoarse with pain.Jameson chuckled nonchalantly. "Of course." "Did you think that I would believe you? Show yourself or get those lapdogs of yours to come at me if you want me dead. Let's fight face-to-face. If not, you might as well just shoot me." Jasper then slammed his fist into the glass and added, "Don't use such a vicious tactic. I won't fall for it!" "Choose between the two," Jameson said, his grin widening. "If it's not you, it'll be her. The decision is yours, Jasper." Jasper's heart was wrenched. "Jameson, don't you dare touch Lyse!""It looks like you've made your choice." Jameson picked up th
Jasper felt a pain unlike any he had ever known. It wasn't a physical agony like having flesh torn away, but a slow, excruciating torture akin to being slowly sliced by a blunt blade. It was a hundred times worse than dying instantly.His mind raced through a chaotic sequence of images, like a black-and-white movie playing backward. He saw people retreating and leaving—Javier, Anne, Newton, Landon, Lauren, Jonah, Axel…He reached out desperately, trying to grasp any of them, but they were slipping away, one by one.Finally, the image settled on Alyssa's radiant face. "Lyse... Don't go..."Tears streaming down his face, he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around her. But she dissolved into golden dust, vanishing into the frigid air."No!"A beep sounded in his ear as if everything had been reset. Darkness enveloped him, and he fell unconscious.Now, there was just silence. Jameson stood motionless, staring at the fallen man. He wasn't sure if he was dead, but deep down, he was
A mysterious manor sat at the top of a mountain in Kontina. The green scenery around it was enchanting. In a dimly lit bedroom, a calm and soothing incense burned quietly in an antique burner. White smoke drifted through the air, dispelling all traces of unease, restlessness, and noise from the room.Alyssa lay still on the soft, spacious bed, a peaceful expression on her face as she slept. She was still dressed in her pure and elegant wedding gown, looking so delicate and ethereal that she seemed untouchable—more enchanting than even Sleeping Beauty herself.In the shadows, a tall man sat in a wheelchair, his back to the light, silently watching Alyssa."Sir, I've examined her thoroughly and confirmed that she has no external injuries," Sheryl reported. Despite her limited surgical training, she had the skill to conduct basic examinations. "Her blood test is also complete. There are traces of tranquilizers and sedatives, but nothing harmful to her health."A hint of sarcasm crep
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