Today, after undergoing a full-body checkup, Jasper was cleared to return home for rest, having met the conditions for discharge. After lunch, Xavier brought a suit set over and helped Jasper change into it piece by piece. When it was time to tie his necktie, Xavier was naturally reminded of those countless sunny mornings when Alyssa tied Jasper's ties for him. Alyssa was good with her hands and knew how to tie Jasper's tie in all sorts of ways. Every time she finished, Jasper would wrap his arms around her waist, pulling her close before pressing a deep kiss against her lips.Xavier wondered if there would ever be a chance to witness that beautiful scene again. He was discontented. He uttered, "Um, Mr. Beckett…"Jasper was silent. He lowered his eyes slightly and stared at Xavier with a frosty gaze. Just as Xavier was about to muster up his courage to talk about Alyssa, someone in a white lab coat strutted into the room. "Mr. Jasper, you look rather good today." The sm
The room was silent. Sheryl heard the name "Lyse" clearly. Alarm bells started ringing in her head. Didn't Justin warn that this type of medication could interfere with a person's emotional processing? It was meant to erase all traces of Jasper's passionate devotion to Alyssa so he would never yearn for the woman he once loved. So why would he mention Alyssa's name now?Jasper stared at his reflection in the mirror, surprised to see himself standing there alone. He had convinced himself he didn't need anyone else in his life. Yet, for some strange reason, the moment he said "Lyse", it felt as if a hole had formed in his heart. An echo reverberated through that void, one he couldn't ignore.He didn't realize that her name echoed because he couldn't forget her.While Jasper stood lost in thought, soft hands suddenly glided across his broad shoulders and around his neck. A light fragrance drifted to his nose.Looking down, he met Sheryl's eyes, filled with tenderness. The intens
Sheryl took a deep breath. Maintaining that same gentle posture of hers, she said, "Dr. Lovelace, you're mistaken. I was just helping Mr. Jasper with his tie. I'm afraid you're being overly sensitive and making a mountain out of a molehill." "He can do it himself. Or, if not, he has Mr. Hall. Why would it even concern you?" Human attraction was fascinating. Julien's initial impression of Sheryl was unfavorable—he found her insincere. Furthermore, he had heard from Jonah about the Beckett family dynamics. Justin and Jasper, born of different mothers, had a strained relationship. Given Sheryl's allegiance to Justin, Julien became increasingly wary of her."Dr. Lovelace, I've set things straight with Ms. Alyssa." Jasper pursed his lips so tightly that they turned pale. In a deep voice, he clarified, "We have gone our separate ways." A shocked expression came across Julien's face. He stumbled a step backward. "What did you say?" Stepping aside with a seemingly calm look, Sheryl
Initially, Julien had suppressed his emotions the best he could. Yet, the moment he heard Jonah's rich-sounding voice, he broke down. "I can't take it anymore… I feel really bad for Lyse!""Don't cry, my love." Jonah quickly comforted Julien in a warm, slightly throaty voice, "I know you care for Lyse. So do we. Don't worry. She had acute bleeding in her stomach, but she's already awake now. "According to the doctor, it was caused by her irregular eating habits on top of being too heartbroken and consuming too much alcohol. Moreover, Lyse already suffers from gastritis. It's a condition that she developed as a result of having irregular meals when she used to work as a medic on the battlefield." Julien was astounded. "Lyse… has been on the battlefield?" "She was with Doctors Without Borders at Luminara that year when they were at war. She saved a good number of citizens and soldiers from the Peacekeeping Forces." Jonah's voice contained heartache and an inexplicable feeling
In the study, Justin sat at his desk, engrossed in the art of calligraphy. The ink flowed gracefully over the paper, inscribing the words, "Spring adds new life and new joy to all that is."His strokes flowed like a river. They looked to be full of life and endless vigor. "Mr. Justin, Jasper has been discharged." When Julien came to Sheryl's mind, she became enraged. "That Dr. Lovelace is such a hindrance. Because of Alyssa, he slapped Jasper and shoved me at the hospital today! He's not a man at all, that bugger!" With a slight smirk on his face, Justin spread out a new piece of writing paper. "Why, does it make your heart ache to see Jasper getting hit?" "No, I just think that he's being too nosy. I was just worried that he would mess your plan up." Sheryl had a gloomy look in her eyes. "With someone like this by Jasper's side, provoking and stimulating him over and over, I'm worried that it would invoke his curiosity about Alyssa. His subconscious feelings for Alyssa migh
Thanks to timely treatment, the acute bleeding in Alyssa's stomach didn't turn into anything serious. She was sent to a regular ward to rest that same evening. Jonah stayed by her side the whole time, looking after her. Cyrus, the workaholic, applied for time off from work. That night, he stayed back to look after Alyssa. After hearing the news, Silas and Rose wanted to visit her. However, Jonah prevented them from doing so. He was well aware that Alyssa was currently heartbroken and devastated. She would only force herself to smile and appear energetic when she faced them. She was too drained. Staying at the hospital now actually gave her a chance to rest and prevented her from hurting herself before she came around. "Cyrus… Can you tell me now?" Alyssa leaned back against the headboard weakly as she blinked. Her eyes were swollen. Cyrus welled up with tears. In a pained voice, he remarked, "You're really rebellious, Lyse." "I've always been rebellious." With a frown o
Jonah knitted his brows together while an icy gleam flashed across Alyssa's eyes. They exclaimed in unison, "Sheryl?" With a serious look on his face, Cyrus nodded. "Two days before Jameson's death, Sheryl gave free medical care to all the inmates at the detention center. "Not long after that, Jameson died of a heart attack. Even though there isn't any evidence to prove that Sheryl murdered him, out of everyone who came in contact with Jameson before he died, she was the one who was qualified and capable of doing something like this. "After all, it's really unexpected for her to show up at the detention center out of the blue, isn't it?" Alyssa leaned back against the headboard again. She lowered her eyes. "If Sheryl was really the one who did it, that would mean that Justin was acquainted with Jameson. Justin sent Sheryl to get rid of Jameson because he's worried that he would confess something when he goes to court to be put on trial. So, he decided to silence him in case i
"Back then, the Dutton family was a wealthy family who was as highly regarded as the Beckett family is today. Mr. Javier's first wife was the second daughter of the Dutton family, Caroline Dutton. Their marriage was ordained by Mr. Newton personally and was publicly known as a marriage alliance between corporations. "It is said that both parties barely met a few times before their marriage, so there was no opportunity for them to date romantically. In other words, their marriage wasn't built on love. Back then, the marriage alliance Mr. Newton forged with the Dutton family was only to salvage the Beckett Group, which was embroiled in some financial turmoil at the time." As Alyssa listened to Jonah's elaboration, she looked unperturbed. "Marriage alliances between wealthy families are commonplace. Winston even wanted to have Taty marry into the Schmidt family previously." "Mrs. Beckett only had one son, Mr. Justin. Even though the relationship between Mr. Justin's parents wasn't g
Alyssa followed Jasper into the study. The door closed behind her with a soft click. She didn't move to switch on the lights or sit down. Instead, she stood quietly in the dim room.They faced each other, eyes locked. In the darkness, their gazes seemed brighter, charged with emotions that neither could put into words. Whatever stirred within them was tangled and silent—kept at bay by something unspoken, as if a wall had formed between heart and mouth. After a pause, Alyssa offered a faint smile. Her voice was soft, almost courteous. "Go ahead, Mr. Beckett. I won't be staying long tonight—I've made other arrangements."It was clear she didn't want to be alone in a room with him.Jasper's chest tightened, overwhelmed by a surge of emotion he couldn't define. His voice was rough when he finally spoke. "You didn't vote against the motion at today's board meeting. I wanted to know… are we still on the same side?"Alyssa's gaze lowered, her voice steady and calm. "You didn't object
In the evening, Xavier drove Jasper to meet with Newton. Along the way, news broke out that Sheryl had been bailed out. Xavier slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Damn it! Why is it so hard to get rid of that woman?" "She is Justin's right hand," Jasper said, eyes shut as he leaned back in his seat. His jaw tightened. "You could even say she knows more about his secrets than anyone. As long as she's useful, Justin won't discard her so easily. This is how he operates."Xavier shook his head, teeth gritted. "Where the hell did she even come from? When you had me investigate her, I found nothing. Her background was spotless. "What's in her past that Justin would go so far to keep it hidden? A man like him can have any woman he wants, yet he clings to her—some pretty-faced idiot who only seems to make things harder for him."Jasper's gaze turned glacial. Xavier's casual remark struck him.He was right. Justin wasn't short on capable subordinates. So why Sheryl?Was Sh
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence. Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control. Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president—our direct competitor!"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest—outright cronyism!" Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression. Just then, a board member from Javier's