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
That day, after Cyrus and Alyssa reached an agreement, Cyrus returned home to update Winston and Mandy.Winston had already assumed that Mandy had misidentified Remy, thinking it was just a result of her longing for Damien. He hadn't held out much hope from the start. Mandy, however, was devastated. Her disappointment ran deep, and her emotions were heavily affected.Initially, she was doubtful, but she eventually had to accept the truth. She spent three or four days in bed, overwhelmed with despair.It wasn't until Alyssa returned home that Mandy forced herself to sit up. She pressed on, asking once more, "Lyse... are you certain? Are you sure he wasn't Damien?"Tears brimmed in her eyes as she spoke.Thanks to her meticulous self-care, Mandy always appeared refined and younger than her years, but she looked noticeably aged after just a few days of sadness."Mandy, I understand exactly how you feel," Alyssa said, her voice thick with emotion. She held Mandy's cold hands tightly.
"Consuming or injecting large doses of drugs can damage the brain's amygdala. That's likely why Mr. Beckett ended up like this. Right now, it seems to be the only explanation."Alyssa was utterly shocked. Her voice cracked as she muttered, "Could it be that what Jameson forced Jasper to take was some kind of drug?" Mandy couldn't believe her ears. "Didn't he only take three pills? How could they have caused such serious damage?" "A small dose of a drug can make someone feel euphoric, but large doses can feel worse than death."Joseph lowered his eyes and sighed. "There are many addicts who've died after injecting substances into themselves. If the pills Mr. Beckett took were highly pure drugs, three of them could very well be fatal."Alyssa felt a sharp pain in her chest. Anxiety washed over her, and sweat formed on her forehead. "Will... Will Jasper show any side effects?""I can't say for sure without knowing exactly what he took," Joseph replied. "But addicts who stop using
Jasper discreetly clenched his trembling hands into fists under the table. With a dim look in his eyes, he answered Sheryl, "I'm fine. What brings you here, Dr. Gillis?" Sheryl smiled warmly. "Mr. Jasper, have you forgotten? Mr. Javier instructed me to stay by your side and keep a close watch on your health whenever I have time." "Even so, don't you know what the most basic manners are?" Deep down, Xavier rolled his eyes. "Even if you wanted to look after Mr. Jasper's health, the president's office isn't a place you can barge into just as you wish. Dr. Gillis, are you as impolite as this before Mr. Justin too?" Sheryl wasn't offended. Instead, she lifted her lips into a smile. "Every field of work is different. Mr. Hall, you're only saying this because you've never been in this field. So, I don't blame you. "But, if Mr. Jasper's condition were to flare up while there was no one around him to tend to him, would you be responsible if anything bad happened to him?" Xavier burned
"Please thank Justin on my behalf." Jasper looked at Sheryl with an emotionless gaze. "I will take the medications. I've got work to do, so you may go ahead and take your leave, Dr. Gillis." "I shall not take up any more of your time, Mr. Jasper. Contact me promptly if you feel unwell in any way." Upon saying that, Sheryl turned and walked to the door. "Xavier, I will attend the charity event on the weekend," Jasper informed in a deep voice. Xavier was overjoyed. "Got it, Mr. Beckett. I will make the necessary arrangements shortly!" Sheryl's eyes briefly lit up before they narrowed. Then, she strutted away. The moment the door was closed, Jasper picked up the pills. With a frosty look on his face, he tossed them into the trash can. "Mr. Beckett, have you come to your senses?" Xavier was so close to bursting into happy tears. He had thought that Jasper had already been blinded by that cunning fox!"It's true that Justin saved me. But that doesn't mean I'd have to accept e
Even though Justin was fully capable of operating his wheelchair, two young and adorable boys still helped with pushing him toward Alyssa. "Mr. Justin, I didn't expect to see you here." Although Alyssa responded politely with a smile, an observant person could tell that her smile was forced. "I didn't think you would attend an event like today's." Justin lifted his elegant and bright face. He chuckled and asked, "Were you disappointed to see me?" Alyssa's heart trembled. She posed an obvious question. "What is there to be disappointed about?" "Logically speaking, Jasper should be the one to attend the charity events. I am not Beckett Group's president. So, in order to avoid having too many speculations going around out there, I won't be attending tonight's charity dinner. I will simply give them my best wishes." With an understanding smile on his face, Justin explained in a tender voice, "Even though you didn't get to meet Jasper here, you will be able to see him when you
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