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
"M-Mr. Beckett?"Jasper was in a daze. He turned his eyes slowly toward Sean and stared at him coldly. "How's Ms. Alyssa?" he asked. His voice was deep and throaty, as if he was parched. Sean fixed his eyes on the man before him. Suddenly, he was overcome by a plethora of emotions and was moved to tears. He choked, "Ms. Alyssa… She's sick. Very sick. Go on in and see her. I'm sure she will be very happy to see you and she will get better." Promptly, Sean pushed the door open for him.Jasper pursed his lips into a thin line. Clenching his hands into fists, he walked into the ward slowly. Jonah and Cyrus were moved by Jasper showing up. Even so, they did their best to keep a straight face before coming up with an excuse to leave the room. Soon enough, Alyssa and Jasper were the only ones left in the room. As much as they used to be a sweet, intimate, and happy couple in the past, they had nothing to say to one another when they now looked into each other's eyes. There was
Alyssa stared blankly at Jasper. The icy look on his face reminded her of a mountain that was covered in white snow. She was clearly right in front of him. Yet, it was as if they were separated by the farthest distance in the world. Although he was clearly aware that she was in love with him, he was drawing a clear and firm line in front of her, separating himself from her passionate and tumultuous love for him. Jasper had returned to the person he was three years ago. Or, perhaps he was worse now than he was then. Maybe he was expressing his concern for her. But he couldn't be as gentle and caring as he was. He could no longer cajole her affectionately or think of her. All of a sudden, she was completely submerged in that overwhelming feeling of disappointment. As flustered as she was, it woke her up. "As you're also aware, I've always had gastritis." Alyssa looked into Jasper's dark and dull eyes. She smiled in relief. "Don't worry. From today onward, I will take good c
In a flash, two days passed, and it was Jonah's birthday. Last night, Solana City had its first snowfall of the winter. That day, a thin blanket of white clung to the branches outside the window like newly bloomed lilacs, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere."Dr. Lovelace, the white roses you ordered have arrived." Julien was in the midst of studying Jasper's medical records and scans when he saw a nurse standing before him with a huge bouquet of white roses. Only then did he realize that it was time to get off work. "Thank you. Just leave it on the tea table." He smiled so brightly that the smile reached his eyes. His face looked far more captivating than the snowy scene out the window. The young nurse looked at Julien, blushing. Out of curiosity, she couldn't help but ask, "Dr. Lovelace, the roses you bought are beautiful. Who are you giving them to?" Julien stretched his back. His eyes twinkled brightly as a flush of pink came across his cheeks. "It's for my lover
Jonah? There was a mystery surrounding Jonah?Every word was like a blooming poppy, drawing Julien in, tempting him to the point where it was difficult to resist. But that was only because of how deeply he loved Jonah.And that love was the chink in Julien's armor, leaving him vulnerable to manipulation. In the end, Julien wavered. In a heavy voice, he asked, "How long will this take? I need to go home to celebrate my lover's birthday." "It'll be quick." Uri Holland shut his gloomy eyes. He turned to his side and slipped a hand into his pocket. He gestured to Julien. "Let's take my car. This way." …As the black vehicle sped through the dark winter night, colorful lights flashed past them on both sides. Seated in the passenger seat, Julien held onto that bouquet of white roses in his arms as he gazed out the window with a restless, doubtful expression. As Uri drove, he glanced at Julien's strikingly handsome, almost ethereal face as he drove, his gaze unreadable."What'
Julien was gradually losing his patience. He glanced at his watch before snapping, "If you've got something to say, spit it out. I'm not wasting more time here.""Do you like watching movies, Dr. Lovelace?" Uri disregarded Julien's growing frustration and chuckled slyly. "I know Jonah does. I've got a film he'll find quite special."As soon as he finished, the large screen came to life, casting a glow on Julien's confused face.The surround sound system produced amorous-sounding laughter, making it an immersive experience. Julien recognized Jonah's voice quickly. But the other one—the warm, crisp, pleasant voice—belonged to a stranger."Jonah, do you love me?" the man in the video asked gleefully. "I do." Jonah's deep, raspy voice quivered slightly with emotion. "I love you. Very much. I'll love you forever." Jonah was typically so composed and restrained. Hearing this level of raw passion in his voice was jarring. "What if… I died one day?" The man's voice was gentle th
Uri pressed on, "More than that, how absurd is it that he found a ridiculous substitute like you? Did he truly think that he was so deeply in love with Blake? Was it because his love for Blake was so unforgettable that he needed someone to ease his lovesickness?"Substitute, substitute, substitute! The word sliced through Julien's suffocated heart like a sharp knife.He had never dared to hope he would be the only one Jonah ever loved. But it would be enough for him to be Jonah's last. He didn't care about the past. Yet, what he couldn't bear was that it was his face—so similar to Jonah's ex-lover—that had drawn Jonah in and made him fall in love.Uri laughed mockingly. "If I had the chance, I'd ask Judas if he was being fair to Blake by finding a new lover. I'd want to know if he was being fair to you by making you Blake's substitute."His laughter was so hysterical that tears streamed down his face. In an extremely sarcastic tone, he continued, "I doubt Jonah feels he made a
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