Jasper's pupils trembled uncontrollably. Suddenly, the pain deep within his brain intensified, as if someone was punching his skull from the inside, trying to break free."Lyse."From the depths of his mind, he could vaguely hear himself calling that name."Jasper. Jasper, are you okay? You look awful," Justin asked in a concerned voice. Jasper ran his tongue across his teeth and blinked hard, his eyes already red. "I'm fine," he answered. Justin continued, "I'm telling you this because I don't want you to feel uncomfortable when I start officially pursuing Ms. Alyssa. Even though you two have broken up, you were once truly in love."He smiled slightly. "I don't want you to feel like I'm stealing the woman you loved. I just hope I can pursue the person I fancy without being influenced by anyone."Jasper's headache worsened, causing dizziness. Afraid that Justin might notice, he ended the conversation quickly. "I've already broken up with her. Whatever you do is none of my
Alyssa wasn't yet fully recovered. She was still limping when she walked. Despite that, she wouldn't allow herself to lie in bed like a useless person. Even though she was still in crutches and her left leg was still in a cast after resting for a week, she insisted on getting discharged from the hospital.She didn't inform Winston and his wives on the day of her discharge. Still, seeing Jonah, Silas, Rose, and Sean show up to take her home warmed her heart. "Lyse, are you and Jasper really…" Rose clung onto Alyssa's arm, which had grown noticeably thinner. She welled up with tears. "Yeah. It's over," Alyssa said with a soft smile, sounding almost relieved. "We were once deeply in love, and that was enough. I have no regrets."The urgency in Rose's voice made her eyes redden. "How can you say that? After being with him for so long, he never proposed or gave you the grand wedding you deserved. He owes you so much! How can it end like this?""Rose, even if Jasper did owe me somet
It was no wonder Axel hadn't been around recently. It turned out that he had accompanied Amber for her plastic surgery. "I found one of the best plastic surgeons in the world," Axel said. He walked over and stood next to Amber. They gazed deeply into each other's eyes, as if all they could see was one another. He explained, "Initially, we wanted to restore her original face completely. But the previous procedures she had undergone had changed her face so much, even altering her bone structure. Because of that, even the best surgeon could only restore about 80% of her original look."Alyssa exclaimed in surprise, "Oh my word... She's already so gorgeous at 80%. Wouldn't she be a goddess at 100%?"Everyone laughed, turning the atmosphere into a livelier one. "It's okay if my original face can't be restored," Amber said with a bright smile. "I'm just happy to have a fresh start."Her new look wasn't as strikingly beautiful as before, but it exuded a gentle elegance. Her face no
The moment Rosie spoke, the atmosphere in the car came to a standstill. The air turned frigid.Alyssa and Sean exchanged terrified glances. Alyssa then asked, "Mrs. Rosie, you said he's mentally disturbed… What do you mean?" Rosie felt a slight twitch around her eyes as if she had fallen into a deeply unsettling memory. She took a deep breath and explained, "I've been working with the Becketts for almost 30 years. "Among all the staff at Seaview Manor, apart from Mr. Durham and Mr. Odom, who assists Mr. Javier, few have been here as long as I have."When I first joined the Becketts, I was tasked with serving Mrs. Beckett and Mr. Justin, though I wasn't their personal helper. I was simply following the lead helper, doing heavy manual labor like laundry. More conscientious tasks—pouring and serving tea and the like—were outside my job description then."Initially, I thought Mrs. Beckett didn't like me because I came from a humble village and seemed careless. I later realized that
Caroline was deranged, and Justin tortured and killed animals. To make matters worse, Zachary, the Dutton family's heir and Justin's uncle, had brutally murdered his own lovers.A horrifying thought struck Alyssa—Was everyone in the Dutton family mentally disturbed?Did Justin inherit Caroline's insanity, which explained his wild behavior?"Is it true that Justin isn't sane?" Sean shook his head in disbelief. "But he looks completely normal! His emotions are absolutely stable!""That's what scares me the most. I'm afraid he has been disguising himself all these years, suppressing his true nature just to get closer to Madam. I'm worried he might harm you!" Rosie exclaimed, her eyes brimming with tears."Justin's torture and killing of animals suggest he has violent tendencies and a cold-blooded nature. This behavior indicates antisocial personality traits, but it doesn't provide sufficient evidence of a mental illness."Alyssa took a deep breath to calm herself. She continued with
Instantly, Alyssa's waterworks were turned on. Warm tears of joy streamed down her cheeks. She knew it. She had always known it. From the moment she first saw Remy, she was certain he was Damien. Despite his cold, heartless, and distant demeanor, that familiar sense of kinship had left no doubt in her mind."Madam, what's wrong?" Rosie quickly pulled out a handkerchief and hurried to wipe Alyssa's tears.Alyssa forced herself to stay calm. In a low, steady voice, she asked, "Cyrus, have you told anyone else about this?"Having worked on many cases over the years, Cyrus knew how to maintain his composure."No," he answered. "This is big news. I've only told you. I haven't mentioned it to Dad or Mom.""Good. For now, we need to keep this between us. Don't tell Dad or Mandy."Alyssa's chest tightened, her eyes burning with intensity. "I'm worried we'll tip off the enemy. Worse still, the person controlling Damien might hurt him if his identity is revealed."Cyrus responded with e
Jasper had been feeling mentally exhausted for three days since his fainting spell at the hospital.During a regular corporate meeting, he even zoned out and started nodding off in front of everyone.He turned down all evening business parties and social events, opting to return to Seaview Manor with Xavier.Xavier's eyes were filled with concern as he trailed behind Jasper. "Mr. Beckett, you haven't been doing well lately. Would you like to go to the doctor's?" "Which doctor?" Jasper felt a heaviness in his body, a throbbing in his head, and a chill in the air that made him uncomfortable in a way he couldn’t quite explain. "Dr. Lovelace is gone. Who else can solve my problems?"Xavier, deeply worried, sighed like a father fretting over his son. "But if you keep ignoring this, what will you do if it gets worse? After today's meeting, the higher-ups were already whispering about you behind your back. If rumors start spreading...""I am not sick," Jasper replied, his breath labo
Jasper's eyes widened. In a low voice, he asked, "How did you know that?""Dr. Gillis isn't just an exceptional surgeon. When she was in Mosgravia, she also researched mental illnesses and related medications." Justin took a casual sip of tea. "I heard from Dr. Lovelace that you suffered brain damage after taking some unverified medication while you were with Jameson. "Since Dr. Gillis identified your symptoms, she may be able to treat you. Why not let her give it a try? It might bring you some relief from the pain."Jasper remained expressionless and replied calmly, "Thanks, Justin, but I'll pass.""If Dr. Gillis can help, you should go ahead with it." Javier's face brightened upon hearing this. "Dr. Gillis, I officially appoint you as Jasper's private physician! Don't worry about your salary. As long as Jasper recovers, I'll make sure you're well compensated."Jasper furrowed his brow in protest. "Dad, I don't need a private physician. Besides, Justin needs Dr. Gillis' care. Sh
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