"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
Alyssa knitted her brows together tightly as she took that bag of pills from Cyrus and examined it. "This stuff is extremely addictive. Not only will its user become addicted just after a one-time consumption, but it also has few adverse reactions for its users. It can cause its users to become greatly excited; they wouldn't feel tired even if they stay up for a few nights." Cyrus glared at the criminals in the car with a fierce glare. He burst out in anger, "Damn it! After so much effort getting rid of that drug completely last year, we now have this Crystal Ice? It's freaking never-ending!" Alyssa asked, "Cyrus, was this Crystal Ice first distributed from Solana City? Is it available in other cities?" "We haven't heard of it being available in other places as of now. It only appeared within Solana City this month. We're investigating the source of this drug. But we've only managed to arrest a few underlings to date. We haven't had any breakthroughs yet." Alyssa pondered for
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