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
None of the Becketts knew what to do now. From Henry's arrest being leaked to public media to Sophia being detained for questioning—it all left what remained of their family reeling in utter shock."Why are you arresting me? Do you have any evidence?" Sophia cried, her composed demeanor caving like an avalanche.Betty could only gape in fear as the men led her mother away."Javier, Javier help me!" Sophia cried as the men brought her away. "Please help me!" Javier wanted to, but he couldn't risk losing composure in front of these people. He growled, "What is the meaning of this, Ms. Alyssa?""Whatever do you mean, sir? The Investigative Bureau is the one responsible for arresting your wife. Not me." Alyssa grinned."How did you know this news would come out at 3:00 pm? How could you have had the guts to spew all those baseless nonsense beforehand? It all points to you having been the mastermind behind this trickery!""That might be a stretch, Mr. Javier. My family business is a
"I appreciate the thought, Mrs. Hodgson." Alyssa nodded kindly. "But I'm a divorcee with no intention of remarrying anytime soon. I'd only waste you and your son's time in that regard.""Oh, never! So what if you've divorced? You're still a gorgeous, strong young woman, far more formidable than many other women your age!" Betty's cheeks grew hot with embarrassment and anger upon hearing this. She shot Alyssa a hateful glare, feeling like a fading star beside a bright sun. With Alyssa around, nothing else ever shone.Alyssa and Sean soon left in the golf cart, leaving the Becketts to their mess."Well, Javier, I take it you'd understand if we call this partnership quits. There will be better opportunities in the future." Orlander nodded at Javier, then quickly left with his wife.If he insisted on giving Javier this project, nothing good would come. His entire reputation might be dragged through the dirt.Meanwhile, while Javier was getting a headache trying to resolve the curren