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
Sean was a little upset at being temporarily demoted from Alyssa's right-hand man to a door guard. After the door was closed, Alyssa took a seat on the couch. She crossed her legs and placed her left arm on the armrest. Her right arm was casually placed on her thigh in a graceful and regal posture that screamed boss. Landon couldn't take his eyes off her.Swallowing hard, he glued his eyes to Alyssa. Her vibe was something else, and he was further drawn into her."Heh, I knew you wouldn't kick me out, given how close we are …" He squinted and was about to lean closer when she stopped him with a frosty tone. "Landon Harper, are my words a joke to you?"He froze up and looked confused. "Alice White tolerated your behavior because you helped her out. Alyssa Taylor is different—she does not have the patience to entertain your bullshit."The distant look in her eyes suggested that they were strangers. It gave him the goosebumps.Feeling indignant, he took two steps forward, only to
The color drained from Landon's face. Before he knew it, Alyssa had pressed the butterfly knife against his neck.The butterfly knife was the most notorious of all weapons, as it was insidious and lethal. It perched precariously on the end of one's fingers, striking a perfect balance between style and deadliness.How cruel and heartless of a woman to fight him with a butterfly knife."Stop pestering me, Landon Harper." She narrowed her eyes and gently slapped the reflective blade against his cheek. "I would never pick you even if there were no men left in this world.""What if there were only me and Jasper in this world? Who would you pick?" he asked in a shaking voice and a trembling heart.She snickered. "Not you."His heart instantly shattered into pieces.The door to her office opened at that moment."Lyse, what are you—" Jonah stood at the door in shock.She squinted and swiftly tucked away her butterfly knife. Putting on a bright smile, she chirped, "Jonah, why didn't yo
Smiling, Jonah handed Alyssa a leather envelope."This …" She puzzledly accepted the envelope and checked the documents within. Soon, she was energized."The Beckett Group won the bid for the Verdane Valley project. Javier Beckett handed the project to Sophia. "Look, this is a multi-billion-dollar project with huge profits and lots of opportunities for abuse of power. Not only that, it is a good chance to widen her web of connections in Solana City."More importantly, Sophia would advance her influence in the Beckett Group using the project and rise to power against Jasper. She might have been an actress, but she is ambitious in business. She dreams of having full control of the Beckett Group, especially when she has Javier's affection.""Full control? Haha, she is delusional. She does not have the capability to do so." Alyssa checked the documents with a spark in her eyes. She added, "Even if Jasper runs Grandpa's business empire to the ground, she has no say in anything.""T
In the deep of the night, Liana sat in the corner of a rowdy and tiny bar. She kept a low profile by wearing black athleisure, which was a stark contrast to the women around her with heavy makeup and skimpy clothes. She was like a fish out of water.After a long wait, she felt the hot breath of a man who reeked of alcohol.She quickly looked up and saw a familiar face. He took a seat beside her. The strong cologne on him made her sick."Ashley, you're as gorgeous as before. I'm … aroused." He flashed a suggestive smile at her. She inched to the side. His words made her skin crawl.When she was in Mosgravia, she hung out with him all the time. She loved his sweet talk and enjoyed running her fingers over his muscular body.Now, she felt nothing but disgust at the sight of his face. How thirsty was she to have fallen for a trash like him? He was nothing compared to her handsome Jasper."When did you come back? And why?" she whispered coldly."I'm back here for you. I have a place
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
Sheryl's eyes lit up. "And what might that reason be?"Justin's lips curved into a faint smirk, his voice calm yet carrying a cold, ethereal tone. "Besides Ms. Alyssa, there's another woman who holds great significance to Jasper. She's the only one who can compel him to act without hesitation." Remy, usually a man of few words, abruptly spoke up. "Is she the one you've mentioned before? The woman who saved Jasper on the battlefield?""After Jasper retired from the military, he was plagued by PTSD. He came back shattered, dispirited, even on the brink of taking his own life."During that time, I often spoke with him over the phone, urging him to hold on, to keep living. I reminded him that if I could endure this half-disabled existence, then surely, he could find a reason to go on."Justin's tone was leisurely, as though recounting something insignificant. He continued, "I told him that if he were gone, what would become of Beckett Group? More than that, he would leave Dad and G
A first-rate Wiktorian mansion was located in a secluded and quiet area on the East Side. It was Justin's private residence. Outsiders were unaware of its existence. Sheryl arrived in the early hours of the morning, rushing to report to Justin, only to bump into Remy, who exuded an unmistakable air of coldness. His eyes were bloodshot as if he hadn't slept in days. A menacing vibe surrounded him, and his eyes burned with feral intensity. Sheryl felt unsettled and longed to flee his presence."You're like a ghoul," she muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes before knocking on the door to enter Justin's study.Remy remained expressionless in the face of her contemptuous remark. He followed her into the room. In his classically-decorated study, Justin sat in his wheelchair, idly toying with a colorful cockatiel in its gilded cage.Jameson once possessed an exquisite, costly cockatiel at The Millenium. A devoted follower of Justin, the former idolized the latter, mimicking
Alyssa released Jasper's hand and quickly opened the car door. "Mr. Beckett, see you there, rain or shine." The warmth of her touch left his fingers as she withdrew. Jasper instinctively curled his fingers inward, his mouth parting to say something—anything—but hesitation held him back.Without waiting for his response, Alyssa slipped out of the car and disappeared into the night without a backward glance. It wasn't until she was fully gone that he whispered in a low, hoarse voice, "See you there, rain or shine." …When Alyssa returned to the parking lot, Sean was standing worriedly beside the car, waiting for her. Seeing her approach, eyes glistening with unshed tears, he knew she had just seen Jasper. A dull ache tugged at his heart, and he was certain their conversation had been anything but pleasant."Ms. Alyssa," he began softly, "I know you're relentless in everything you pursue. But some things in life… they just can't be forced. Sometimes, letting go can be its own k
Xavier was confused. He caught the tie bar in his hands and asked, "What's this, Mr. Beckett?" Jasper closed his eyes to rest. He tugged at his tie knot but still felt suffocated."It was from Sheryl," he answered. Xavier let out a cry. "This filthy thing is from that wild woman? I don't want it!" With a disgusted look on his face, Xavier hurled the tie bar aside. "I'm already seeing someone. I don't want my girlfriend to misunderstand me." "Girlfriend?" "Yeah, Mr. Beckett. Maggie is my girlfriend." With his eyes closed, Jasper frowned. "She's become of age?" Xavier didn't know how he should react. "She's already in university, Mr. Beckett. Am I that much of an animal in your eyes?" Suddenly, the memory of himself and Alyssa rescuing Maggie flashed through Jasper's mind. Just then, Xavier exclaimed in surprise, "Mr. Beckett, look!" Jasper opened his eyes slowly, and his heart jolted. Standing alone before his car was Alyssa, framed against the piercing headlights,
Alyssa balled her hands into fists as she pressed them against the faux rock. All her focus was now directed onto Sheryl instead of Jasper. At this moment, Sheryl picked up the tie bar from its box. While Jasper was distracted, she clipped it onto his tie. Jasper was taken aback. He quickly stepped back, but Sheryl was quicker, and the tie bar was clipped on. "Mr. Jasper, it suits you really well." Sheryl's eyes were captivating, and her voice was sultry. If she were speaking with any other man, they would be easily captivated by her. "It looks like I made the right choice." Jasper's eyes dimmed. Yet, out of courtesy and because Sheryl worked for Justin, he did not react in any way that would put her in a difficult spot. Alyssa's eyes reflected a deep sorrow as she watched them, her gaze carrying the silent desolation of a snowstorm beginning to overtake her heart. Even so, she forced herself to stay rational. She pulled out her cell phone, wanting to record Sheryl's ever
Jasper stumbled into the hotel's back garden and stopped by the pond. He panted hard, feeling as if he were drowning. Even so, he could not return to his usual composure. As he shook all over, he bent down and grabbed a handful of snow. The bone-piercing cold spread through his body, but he still couldn't suppress the throbbing pain in his temples. His eyes became bloodshot. He stuffed that handful of snow into his mouth and swallowed all of it. He couldn't suppress it. He couldn't suppress it at all.The pills. He needed those pills! "Mr. Jasper? What are you doing here?" Sheryl's surprised voice came from behind Jasper.He held his breath, his fingers tightening around the snow in his grasp, veins bulging as he clenched his fists. Slowly, he straightened his back and turned to face her. "I came out for some fresh air," he answered in an extremely hoarse voice. Sheryl narrowed her eyes and studied him. "Mr. Jasper, you look awful. Are you feeling unwell?" "I'm fine." A
When Justin and Alyssa stepped into the banquet hall together, another uproar swept through the hall. Everyone focused their astonished gazes on the pair. "I'm not dreaming, am I? The one accompanying Alyssa isn't Mr. Jasper, but another man?" "That man has such a confident air about him. His looks and bearing are comparable to Mr. Jasper's!" "Ms. Alyssa has so many brothers in the Taylor family. Could it be one of her brothers whom we have never seen?" "Justin!" Javier was pumped up in an instant. Beaming, he strutted to the front of Justin and Alyssa. Justin? The room fell silent as the crowd exchanged confused glances."Hey, Dad." Justin smiled, his eyes looking clear and bright. Alyssa was a daughter from a wealthy aristocratic family. Although she and Javier used to be on bad terms, she still attended the Beckett family's event. She politely greeted Javier. "Mr. Javier, my father is resting up at home and is unable to make it. So, he got me to come especially to