Newton's eyes widened as he clenched his fists. "Alyssa… you—""I saw and heard everything that happened at the cemetery today." Alyssa took a deep breath, her voice steady. "Grandpa Newton, was what Ms. Rollins said true? Did Justin really cause her daughter's death?"Newton's pupils constricted. He closed his eyes, as if trying to avoid Alyssa's questions. Alyssa's gaze sharpened. "Grandpa Newton, your reaction has already answered my question."Newton remained silent. "I know what's on your mind. Justin is Mr. Javier's eldest son, and he grew up right alongside you. Even though you might favor Jasper, you wouldn't want something from the past to tarnish Justin's reputation. After all, he was still a minor back then. No matter what he's done, as a Beckett, you'll do anything to protect him."Alyssa's words hit the mark, each one piercing with precision. She continued, "But you also believe his actions were unforgivable. You've been angry but too afraid to expose him. Keepin
"Grandpa." Jasper's breaths were heavy, and his eyes were dark as the night, concealing deep concern within. Unfortunately, his amygdala had been damaged by drugs, sealing off his intense emotions. Despite the turmoil within, there was no way for those feelings to escape. As a result, Jasper appeared completely cold and heartless. Newton and Alyssa exchanged knowing glances, seemingly able to read each other's minds. Newton quickly wiped his tears and forced a kind smile. "Hey, Jasper… Thankfully, Alyssa was here to look after me, so I'm fine now. Don't worry."Alyssa's thoughts were still fixed on Newton's earlier advice. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly as she spaced out. It wasn't until she sensed a cold, masculine presence beside her that she lifted her head, only to find Jasper's intense gaze locked on hers. He pursed his lips slightly, lowering his eyes.In that instant, it was as if someone had pressed the pause button on her heart. Her cheeks flushed pink as she panicked
On the way home from the hospital, Alyssa replayed Jasper's words in her mind, recalling the promise they'd sealed with a high five. Her heart swelled with a mix of emotions that she could barely define. Watching the snowfall outside, her eyes shimmered with tears. Softly, she murmured to herself, "Alyssa, he came to see you of his own accord and was willing to go along with what you wanted. Isn't that enough?"You no longer have the right to be carefree and proud in front of him. You need to be grateful."As Sean drove, he glanced into the rearview mirror. Seeing Alyssa's desolate expression stirred a deep sorrow within him. Being separated from Jasper had turned Alyssa's world upside down. If Jasper were to die, Alyssa's life would be completely shattered. Perhaps having Jasper alive was the best outcome fate could offer after all they had endured, however bittersweet it was. "Ms. Alyssa, it's late. Why don't you go home to rest instead of heading back to KS Group? You'll s
Could that be the case? Could Justin really have harbored such sinister plans at such a young age?Alyssa wasn't keen to believe in a conspiracy, but she had begun to suspect something two years ago. How could a 15-year-old manage to rescue Jasper from the kidnappers' hideout? Even an adult would have struggled to pull that off. It would have been impossible for a teenager like him. Moreover, the kidnapper—Gustav Holm, infamously known as "Crazy Gustav" among gangs—was a vicious criminal with numerous kills to his name. And yet, Justin freed a captive right under his nose. Forget Gustav; if Alyssa herself had been in his place, Justin's return to the Beckett family would have been out of the question. Snapping back to reality, Alyssa quickly pulled out her phone and called Silas. As soon as he picked up, she said, "Silas, can you help me retrieve a case file? I need to look at something." Silas sighed. It was either radio silence from Alyssa or a shocking request like this. "L
Coincidentally, both Jasper's and Newton's expressions darkened, and they both fell into silence. It was as if they had read each other's minds and learned that neither of them wanted to let Justin in. Yet, their unwelcome guest had already taken the liberty of coming in. Ben, who had been waiting at the door, reluctantly opened it for Justin. "Grandpa, I heard that your condition suddenly flared up. How are you feeling? Are you feeling better now?" Then, as if only just noticing Jasper in the room, Justin's eyes flickered briefly. He gave a warm smile. "Oh, Jasper. You're here too." Jasper's expression remained grim. He nodded slightly. "Hey, Justin." "If I'd known Jasper was here, I would've come tomorrow instead. I don't want to disrupt your rest." Justin wheeled himself over to Newton's bedside. "It's fine, Justin," Newton replied, though his smile seemed forced. "But it's late, and you're not in great health yourself. You didn't have to make a trip to visit me." Just
Justin, whether intentional or not, had struck a nerve with Jasper. Yet, Justin was his older brother, someone Jasper deeply respected. Jasper could only restrain himself. "But right now, Jasper and Ms. Alyssa are separated. Since he no longer wants her, I want her. Grandpa, you'll support me, won't you?" A slight smile appeared on Justin's lips as a strip of apple peel fell to the floor. "I know you've always been fond of Ms. Alyssa and wanted her to marry into our family. If she and Jasper aren't meant to be, then I'll be the one to marry her. That way, your wish will still be fulfilled, right?"Despite Justin's calm, graceful demeanor, he radiated an unspoken intensity. Jasper held his breath, his frown deepening.Newton braced himself, struggling to keep his composure. He attempted to sit up but lacked the strength. With a strained breath, he murmured, "Justin, it's not that I have anything against you or that I don't support you and Alyssa. It's just that I understand Alyssa
After lunch, Alyssa and Sean headed straight for Mildred's home.This area was a well-known slum in Solana City. The poverty, neglect, and chaos were even more desolate under a blanket of snow. Mildred's family lived in a rundown house with dirty bricks on the rooftop, giving the impression that the entire structure might collapse with the slightest gust of wind. "This is terrible. How could this be?" Sean shook his head, feeling indignant. "The victim's family lives in such dire conditions, and their lives have been shattered. Meanwhile, Justin continues to live as a high-and-mighty, well-respected scion, completely unpunished for his crime. Where is the justice?" With a gloomy look in her eyes, Alyssa sighed. "How can an ordinary citizen fight against a powerful tycoon? This is only one case that you know of. There are countless other dehumanizing and immoral incidents in this world that remain hidden. Many people may never learn about them."As Alyssa and Sean conversed, the
Ben often heard Newton refer to Alyssa as a heroine, but he never truly believed it. Today, he finally witnessed it with his own eyes. She embodied the strength expected of Winston's daughter. Her commanding presence and intimidating demeanor would have many men humble themselves before her."Ms. Alyssa, w-what are you trying to do?" Ben stammered, his voice trembling. With a stern look in her eyes, Alyssa answered, "Mr. Gorham, besides Grandpa Newton, I believe that you're the only one who knows about Justin's murder. Am I right? I want to know how Mildred actually died. How did you and Grandpa Newton dispose of her body?"Ben clenched his teeth, remaining silent."Even if you refuse to speak, my family and I can find out. It's only a matter of time." Alyssa forced a slight smile. "Once I discover the truth, I can't guarantee what the consequences will be." "Ms. Alyssa, this is a serious matter! This incident involves Mr. Newton and threatens the entire Beckett family's reputat