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.
Now Orlander and Minnie were truly starstruck.Winston Taylor's daughter? THE Winston Taylor from Belbanks?"Y-You're Mr. Taylor's daughter?" Orlander gasped, looking Alyssa up and down.Behind Alyssa, Sean scowled just the slightest. "People usually whip out their credit cards, not their fathers.""Yes. Mr. Javier and Mr. Beckett are aware of this as well." Alyssa grinned. "We've met."Jasper looked away briefly, thinking, "We've met? Was that all?"She spoke as if they were mere strangers."Ah, so you're all acquainted!" Orlander chuckled heartily. As someone experienced in politics, he knew just when to change his tune. "I'm terribly sorry for my ignorance, Ms. Alyssa!"He then shook Alyssa's hand."I'm sure I'm just an equal business match as Mr. Javier, no?" Alyssa's words sounded light on the surface but carried an imposing sense behind them.Orlander blinked rapidly. He found it amazing how someone so young could already carry such an imposing air. Like father, like da
"Besides, isn't it a bit sudden for you to come all the way here without notifying Mr. Hodgson or acknowledging our booking of this venue today just to pitch your offer? It sounds to me like you don't take this seriously at all.""Exactly!" Betty muttered.Alyssa sighed. "I know. But I couldn't help it. If I had come by any second later, Mr. Hodgson would have never had a chance to regret his decision.""Regret his decision?" Sophia shrieked. "What do you mean?"Alyssa ignored her and said to Orlander, "Mr. Hodgson, won't you consider working with us? You're not refusing my offer just because I'm a woman, are you? I was sent here on behalf of my brother Jonah. "As CEO of KS Group, he gave me permission to oversee everything in relation to this project. I can have him verify my statement if you don't believe me.""I believe you, Ms. Alyssa, but Javier and I truly do go a long way back. Our countless business partnerships have solidified my unwavering trust in them." Orlander's to
Jonah's gaze burned with a mix of longing, sorrow, and something deeply affectionate. The world swam back into focus as Julien looked at Jonah. Without preamble, he asked, "Are you new? How much do you charge per night?"Light-headed and grinning, Julien reached out a hand, his fingers brushing softly against Jonah's cheek. "You're pretty good-looking," he said, his voice slurred. Then his expression shifted. "Why do you… look so much like someone I hate with every fiber of my being?"Jonah's heart clenched. Even so, he slid his arms around Julien's waist. Trembling, he pulled Julien into his arms. "I'm new here. Could you help me meet my target tonight, Mr. Lovelace?"Julien's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Jonah. Jonah's eyes teared up as he held Julien's waist tightly. "I promise you won't be disappointed," he said, his voice deep. Watching from the shadows below the stage, Evan nearly gagged at Jonah's sultry tone. Was this really the Judas he knew? The man sounded downri
The bar was alive with striking lights and thundering music, and the air was thick with the scent of tobacco and alcohol. The atmosphere was one of moral decay—corrupt, degrading, and vile. "Where's Julien?" Jonah's voice cut through the noise, his tone icy and sharp. When Jonah stepped inside, the eyes of several men turned toward him, their gazes filled with illicit intent."Why, hello there. Are you here alone? Are you feeling lonely?" A sexy man sauntered over, draping himself over Jonah's shoulders. He let his hands linger with a playful squeeze. "If you're bored, I'd be happy to keep you company." Jonah's expression darkened. His hands trembled, veins bulging with barely contained rage. Suddenly, Evan burst through the crowd, his face twisting in alarm at the sight of Jonah surrounded by a swarm of predatory men. Evan yelled, "Don't touch him!" A heavy thump reverberated through the room. Gasps erupted as people scrambled back.The man who had draped himself over
Rafe stated, "But Beckett Group is in the middle of a storm right now. If I insisted on giving your corporation the project, my superiors would investigate me. I wouldn't be able to escape unscathed!""If you're investigated, I'll make sure you can still live a life of luxury—even if you lose your job." Justin's tone darkened. "But if you turn against me, you won't just suffer a few losses. You'll lose everything."Under the dim moonlight, Justin fiddled with his antique tea cup, his gaze narrowing. "You've worked so hard to get to where you are. Are you prepared to lose it all?"After ending the call, Justin turned to Remy, who stood quietly at the side. "Sheryl is still being detained. She can't be bailed out for another two days. I need someone to watch over the research lab. You'll handle that."Remy was taken aback. "I failed my last mission. Aren't you going to punish me?"Justin's smile was cold and insincere. "It wasn't your fault. You were ambushed. If not for that, I tru
Remy pursed his lips, bending down to pick up the fallen poker card. It was the King of Spades—an entry pass to Kings' Club. "My attacker was…" Remy's pupils constricted as he tightened his grip on the card. "It can only be that dear uncle of mine, always claiming to see me as his own son." Justin's lips curled into a sinister smile. "He's trying to get rid of my right-hand man, taking advantage of my internal feud with Jasper. Weakening me is just his first step toward gaining control over me."He's been a fugitive ever since his successful prison break, never returning to Cyrris after receiving his life sentence. His power base remains in Kontina. "I'm the last surviving Dutton. The Dutton Group, as a cover, has declared bankruptcy and severed all ties with the country. "My dear uncle has taken a huge risk just to target me. He sent his men to attack you in Solana City. What a delightful surprise. It seems he truly doesn't trust me, his only remaining family."Remy lowere
The hospital ward grew heavy with silence. Mandy and Neil stared at Alyssa, stunned beyond words. "M-Ms. Alyssa, you knew that man was Mr. Damien?" Neil asked, disbelief etched into his voice. "Yes." Alyssa's reply was quiet, her lips pressed into a thin line. She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "We found out when Cyrus took Damien's cigarette butt for a paternity test."Mandy approached Alyssa, her shoulders trembling slightly. "So, you and Cyrus knew… and you both kept it from me?" Mandy said, her voice catching in her throat, tears welling up. Alyssa felt a sharp pang in her chest. "Mandy, I'm sorry. It was my decision. Cyrus had nothing to do with it."Mandy's tears fell freely now, her grief spilling out in raw sobs. "Do you know what it's been like for me all these years, thinking Damien was gone? Winston, Miley, Lyla, and Colene kept telling me to move on. I tried to accept that he was dead, that we'd never find his body. But I never did."Her vo
The hospital ward was bathed in a dim, yellow glow from the bedside lamp. The silence was thick, yet the room held a strange warmth—an unfamiliar comfort that felt oddly familiar to Remy.Pain radiated through his body as he struggled to sit up. His eyes fell on Mandy, who was asleep beside his bed. Her hair was a mess, and her swollen eyes suggested she'd been crying. She was sound asleep. Remy stiffened. His breath quickened as he stared at her fragile figure. Slowly, he leaned forward, his fingers lifting slightly, tempted to reach out.Just as his hand hovered close, Mandy's lashes fluttered. In her sleep, she murmured, "Damien… Damien… I miss you so much…" Tears slipped down her cheeks, silent and unbidden.A pang tugged at Remy's heart. Without thinking, he brushed away her tears with his calloused fingers. The moment his skin touched hers, a jolt shot through him, sharp and electrifying. Pain throbbed at his temples, but beneath it was a warmth he didn't want to let g
Justin's casual question hit Javier like a thunderclap. Shock rippled through him, freezing his expression. His voice trembled with fear as he barked, "What nonsense is that? Are you accusing me of causing Chester's death? I'm your father—how could you think I'd do such a thing?""It's not an accusation. Just the facts," Justin replied coolly, crossing his legs and savoring his tea with unsettling calm. "And I'm not condemning you. In fact, I understand why you did it. I'm facing the same dilemma now."Javier's breathing grew ragged. He had watched Justin grow from a child into the man before him—now a predator, circling with quiet menace."You were meant to be the heir as the eldest son," Justin continued, his voice smooth as silk. "But Grandpa favored Uncle Chester, handing him major projects, grooming him in plain sight. "Uncle Chester's reputation soon eclipsed yours. He was a natural leader, adept at business, with one fatal flaw—he was kind. Too kind. Unlike you."Justin
Nonetheless, night had fallen by the time Justin arrived at Seaview Manor. On his way there, he worked on two things. First, he secured the top legal team to get Sheryl out on bail as quickly as possible. Second, he tried reaching Remy—unsuccessfully. He had never lost contact with Remy before. Justin's face was as dark as the night itself. The moment he stepped inside Seaview Manor, Rory approached with a solemn expression. He gave a slight bow before speaking. "Mr. Justin, what took you so long? Mr. Javier has been waiting.""I was occupied," Justin replied coolly. Then, as if it were an ordinary evening, he allowed a faint smile. "Where's Jasper? Is he back here yet?" A conflicted look came across Rory's face. "Things between you and Mr. Jasper have soured. I doubt he'll want to see you anytime soon—or show up here.""Is that so? How disappointing."Justin's smile didn't reach his eyes. His gaze lingered on Rory, sharp and bottomless. "So, he'd rather believe what he se
Jonah scoured every corner of the hotel, desperation clawing at his chest, but Julien was nowhere to be found. "Jonah!" Alyssa called out, breathless as she caught up to him. She grabbed his arm. "Calm down! I'll help you search for Jul!""I can't find him. He's gone," Jonah murmured, sinking to the floor. His tears mixed with sweat, creating dark patches on the ground. "Lyse… I fear… if I can't find Julien this time, I'll lose him forever."The agonizing thought of losing the love of his life pierced him. "No, you won't!" Alyssa gripped his arm tighter, her voice trembling with conviction. "If Jul had given up on you, he wouldn't have come here today. The fact that he showed up means he still cares."Jonah's eyes were bloodshot, filled with a pain too deep to hide. He shook his head slowly. "Julien came back for Jasper. He did it because he's loyal… because he's a good friend. Not because of me.""He does care!" Alyssa insisted. "If he didn't, he would've faced you without fli