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
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her
The skies started to turn dark. Alyssa's dark hair was covered in a layer of snow. As she stood alone at the foot of the majestic mountain, she looked tiny, fragile, and desolate. "Ms. Alyssa, it's snowing. Heavy snowfall is forecasted tonight." Elias walked to Alyssa's side. Noticing the redness on her face due to the cold and the dull look in her eyes, he had a moment of realization. He couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness within him. "It's getting late. I suppose something came up for Mr. Beckett, and he's unable to make it." "Why didn't he inform me if that is the case?" Alyssa mumbled in a low voice as she gazed toward the darkness. She choked back on her tears so softly that her grievance couldn't really be heard through her voice. Elias slapped himself on his forehead. "Ah, perhaps you didn't manage to receive Mr. Beckett's message? The reception at the foot of the mountain isn't quite stable. You might have missed it. Would you like to come to my office? You'l
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t
That night, Alyssa stayed in the presidential suite of Solana City's KS World Hotel. She couldn't bring herself to return to her own manor—not yet. The lingering memories of her breakup with Jasper were still too raw, and the thought of revisiting their former home felt like reopening an unhealed wound.The following morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door. Groggily, she slipped on her night robe and opened it to find Sean standing there, carrying a complete set of brand-new hiking gear.Alyssa smiled. "Thank you, Sean." "Ms. Alyssa, it's freezing today. Are you sure you want to go hiking?" Sean walked into the living room and placed the items neatly on the couch. He still felt somewhat worried. "It's alright if it's cold, as long as the weather is good."Alyssa gazed out the window. The sun was shining brightly. The thought of going hiking with Jasper today made it impossible for her to conceal the sweet smile on her face and the delight in her eyes. She still love
Remy's eyes were bloodshot; his expression twisted with disgust as he stared at Sheryl. He could hardly fathom how someone so deranged and vile had once been close to Jasper. Even if Jasper and Alyssa had separated, Sheryl was nowhere near worthy of Jasper's side; she was not even fit to be the dirt on Alyssa's shoes.A sudden flash of memory struck him—the image of Alyssa during that traffic accident. He recalled her mustering all her strength to crawl out of her wrecked car, her face bloody, her body broken yet defiant. He had never seen such a fierce spirit in a woman before.His heart pounded uncontrollably, the memory triggering a sharp pain in his temples. Remy closed his eyes, gasping for breath.Sheryl broke into wild, unhinged laughter. Her entire body shook as she spat out her words, "Oh, Jasper, you poor, clueless fool!"If he ever discovers that the woman he's been tormenting all this time is actually his savior—the one he's been desperate to repay—that would be an eart