It had only been a few days since Alyssa last saw Jameson, yet he was no longer the refined, wealthy, and confident man she once knew. The air of leadership that used to radiate from him was gone.Now, the Jameson sitting across from her looked pale and worn out. His usually immaculate hair was slightly tousled, and his sharp eyes were now bloodshot.The once proud fourth son of the Schmidt family had fallen—reduced to a mere, lowly prisoner.Still, when he heard Alyssa was visiting, he made an excuse to go to the washroom. Splashing water on his face, he quickly combed his disheveled hair. His pride had been shattered years ago when he first went to Kontina, but he still wanted to appear somewhat presentable for her.Jameson's pride had vanished in that first year. From then on, the fourth son of the Schmidt family ceased to exist. All that remained was a man consumed by hatred and evil, stepping over the dead to claw his way to the top.He cleaned himself up only for Alyssa. Yes
As much as Jameson's deceit was repugnant, it was also his way of trying to keep Alyssa safe. Given Alyssa's fearless and astute nature, she might inadvertently cause a catastrophic disaster—one that would be unbearable for her."There's another thing that I can be sure of. The medication that Jasper took isn't fatal. It will not affect his physical health negatively." Jameson took a deep breath. He chuckled bitterly. "Otherwise, Sir wouldn't have suggested having you take that medication." "Me?" Alyssa widened her eyes in shock. Her face paled. "Sir will not harm you. So, the medication he gave you will not be fatal. However, he said that you will be in agonizing pain after you consume it, so…"The look on Jameson's face darkened gradually. His cuffed hands quivered slightly as if he were trying his best to suppress an intense emotion. He didn't need to continue explaining. Alyssa understood it all. "This 'Sir' asked you to have me take that medication. Although he didn't
Alyssa wasted no time, hurrying to the hospital with Sean by her side.As they drove, Sean noticed Alyssa's distressed look and felt a pang of deep concern. "Ms. Alyssa, you should really get some rest first. You're still weak, and pushing yourself like this isn't good for you!"Since returning, Sean had dropped the formal address, speaking more casually when he was anxious."I'm fine. I'm just worried about Grandpa Newton…" Alyssa closed her tear-filled eyes. Her heart was aching with sorrow. Newton's illness was a consequence of his heartache over his grandson Jasper, who lay unconscious from his injuries, and Alyssa, who had been like a granddaughter to Newton, was the one responsible for the situation.…When Alyssa arrived at the hospital, her suit was drenched in a cold sweat, and her legs felt like they were walking on clouds.Ben was already waiting outside the door to the hospital ward. "I'm sorry for being late, Mr. Gorham," Alyssa choked as tears welled up in her e
Even though Newton was Javier's father, he still sided with Alyssa. He gathered his energy and said sternly, "What do you mean he's already ended up like that? Jasper's limbs are intact. He's just in a coma for now! Are you trying to curse your own son? "If you think that Jasper can't make it, why don't you go make preparations for his funeral instead of spewing rubbish here? Maybe you'll even shake off some of that bad luck while you're at it.""Dad, are you seriously defending her, even now?"Javier's rage boiled over as he glared at Alyssa, his eyes bloodshot. "It really makes me wonder if you are my son's kryptonite! What did Jasper ever do to deserve this from you?"Despite her sharp tongue, Alyssa kept her silence, fists clenched at her sides, swallowing the resentment sent her way. Her silence only fueled Javier's fury. He raised his hand impulsively, aiming to strike her pale face."Javier, stop it!" Newton's eyes widened in alarm, but his aging body was powerless to in
This came like a bolt from the blue to Newton and Javier. Even though Alyssa tried to conceal her shock, she was, in truth, as surprised as they were. Her dark eyes betrayed a flicker of doubt and judgment."Mr. Newton, Mr. Javier, allow me to explain," Sheryl said, stepping forward from behind Justin. Her eyes lowered as she spoke, her brows furrowing with concern. "During that kidnapping 18 years ago, after the kidnappers abused Mr. Justin, he began suffering from severe symptoms such as organ failure, nerve paralysis, and many others. "Over the years, Mr. Justin has endured immense hardship in Mosgravia. His condition only stabilized after he tried out various treatment methods. He has to rely on an assortment of medications every day in order to keep up with living a normal life." Upon hearing that, Javier's heart was pained. He sighed and mumbled, "It must've been hard on you, my son…"Justin responded with a relaxed smile on his face. He shook his head. Sheryl's face wa
Even considering Justin's health, Newton's actions seemed extreme. When he heard that Justin's condition had improved, there was no sign of relief on Newton's face. Instead, he looked anxious and fearful.What was Newton afraid of? Was he worried that Justin's return would jeopardize Jasper's place as the heir?Newton still controlled a third of Beckett Group's shares and held key businesses. Jasper also owned shares and was the acting president. Even if Javier favored Justin, it wouldn't be easy for Justin to take over the company, would it?As someone seasoned and used to upheavals, what was Newton afraid of?…Justin remained in his wheelchair as he left the hospital. Sheryl and his bodyguard helped him into his luxury Bentley. Just as the car began to move, Alyssa suddenly rushed out and grabbed the window as it rolled up.Justin's bodyguard hit the brakes immediately. Sheryl, startled, glared at Alyssa's cold expression. "Ms. Alyssa, why would you throw yourself at someone
Alyssa looked into Justin's eyes once again. This time, she was confident, firm, and fearless. "If Jasper wakes up, we will fight alongside one another. If he never wakes up, I will fight on his behalf. "I will watch over everything that belongs to him. No one can ever dream of getting their hands on his slice of the pie—no one." This was what she wanted to say when she approached Justin to speak to him privately. A startled look flashed across Justin's striking face. Then, he chuckled softly. In a slightly relaxed and amused tone, he remarked, "You're right, Ms. Alyssa. No one can take away that which belongs to Jasper." Alyssa could sense that he was implying something else. The look in her eyes dimmed. "You want me to take this report and find out the type of medication Jasper had ingested, am I right?" Justin readily agreed, "Sure. I'll help you out." "Thank you, Justin." Without pausing, Alyssa stepped out of the car.She watched coldly as Justin's car disappeared i
Jameson's case was officially handed to the Solana City Investigative Bureau, where Silas worked, for further investigation. Jameson would be officially sentenced within two months of the court hearing. If everything went well, he would be sentenced to death.The weather was dreary that day, with a steady drizzle falling from the gray sky. A woman in a white lab coat and heels walked confidently toward the detention center's entrance with an umbrella."I'm sorry for inviting you on a rainy day like this, Dr. Gillis." The head of the detention center welcomed Sheryl with a smile. Sheryl tilted her black umbrella upward, revealing her graceful and elegant face. She smiled slightly. "Even inmates have their rights. It is my duty as a doctor to heal the wounded. It has nothing to do with their identities." The head of the detention center seconded, "You're right." Sheryl's smile widened. In a compelling tone, she said, "The fact that you're willing to allow volunteers to provid