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
He wasn't about to risk his life fighting in the underground rings again! Nor was he about to become another rich cougar's boy toy!"Because … because he has eyes for someone else now …" Liana's eyes reddened as tears welled up in them. She continued, "What can I do? He doesn't love me anymore. You want money from me, yet I can't even get through to him for my own needs. You could kill me for all I care, and he still wouldn't budge!""Is-Is there no other way?" the man asked hurriedly."Maybe … maybe if that other woman were no longer in the picture, things would change for the better …" Liana was sobbing by now, though there was a sly glint in her eyes."Do you want me to—?" The man made a cutting motion across his throat.Liana looked up at the man, saying, "So long as you can help me ensure she never interferes in my relationship with Jasper, I can give you all that you want."She even caressed his cheek, her eyes turning soft and warm. "You could ask for 50 million, and I w
To facilitate the Verdane Valley project, Javier invited Mayor Hodgson and his wife to play golf.This place was usually frequented only by society's elite. But today, it seemed Javier had booked the whole place, leaving the golf range to only their own men.Sophia was terrible at golf. Still, she dolled herself up well for today's outing. Light makeup, cotton golf clothes, and a sleek golf club made her look quite youthful, especially while standing by her daughter, Betty. They looked almost like sisters.She had brought Betty over so the Mayor and the wife could get a glimpse of her. Betty was 25 now, after all. Sophia believed it was time for Betty to marry, despite her obsession with Landon Harper."Mr. and Mrs. Hodgson," Betty greeted politely, putting on her sweetest smile."This must be your daughter. She's even more beautiful in person!" Minnie Minks, now Mrs. Hodgson, said with a beam.That made Sophia and Betty tense up for a quick second. While Minnie might not have in
"Good morning, Mr. Hodgson and Mr. Javier."Jasper's heart leaped into his throat when he realized who was speaking.Sitting on the golf cart was none other than Alyssa herself! His blood felt both warm and cold, and a sense of awe washed over him. This happened despite the humiliation he endured from her yesterday.Yesterday felt more and more like a dream that never happened.Everyone present was stunned. Betty was the first to cry out, "How did you get in here?""Through the front entrance? I'm a VIP here." Alyssa gave her a lazy side-eye, making her anger go from zero to a hundred in a matter of seconds. Even Betty's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.After being humiliated by Alyssa that day, she couldn't even look at a pair of flats without getting PTSD.Sophia's expression was one of being taken aback. Meanwhile, Minnie was enthralled by Alyssa. Who was this beautiful young woman? She was just how she envisioned her daughter-in-law to be—elegant, beautiful, regal.
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
While Alyssa spoke, Jasper remained expressionless next to her. Even so, he still couldn't help but peer at her from the corner of his eye. Others might feel that she was being too assertive and aggressive with that fierce gaze in her eyes, but for Jasper, that evoked an inexplicable feeling within him. To him, she looked even more attractive than she normally was. It was as if she gave off a captivating glow. Sebastian slumped to his knees again. Alyssa's words struck him like a ton of bricks. Still, he had already chosen the wrong side—Sheryl's side. What could he do now? He had no choice but to see it through to the end.After all, he had seen the news two days ago. Jasper was no longer the president of Beckett Group. He held no authority anymore. Aligning with Justin had seemed like the right decision.If he betrayed Justin and switched sides, he would surely be doomed."Mr. Jasper... Ms. Alyssa," Sebastian stammered, desperation etched into his voice. "What's the point of