At that moment, a sharp, metallic taste of blood surged up Jasper's throat, choking him so violently that he struggled to breathe.Winston and Silas stared at them, mouths agape. Chills went down their spines. Silas could feel Winston's arm stiffening up and his palms turning cold. Alyssa, the darling of their family, was everything to Winston. Yet, even though bonded to Jasper, she had been repeatedly hurt—physically and emotionally.Jasper loved Alyssa with all his heart. He'd humbled himself, giving his all for her and Winston's sakes. Even so, could Winston forgive him and let it go when his most beloved daughter fell into danger once again, almost losing her life? To make matters worse, the current Jasper had lost his ability to feel emotions due to his brain injury. He no longer loved Alyssa, and this had since been a thorn in Winston's flesh. Justin's gaze remained fixed on Jasper, his eyes hardening with cold fury."As for you," Justin continued, his voice steady b
Alyssa was still unconscious. Despite feeling drained, both physically and emotionally, Winston refused to leave her side until she had regained consciousness. Nevertheless, his heart was filled with a plethora of gut-wrenching emotions. Afraid of losing control of himself before his family members, he walked to the balcony on his own and silently wiped away his tears while braving the chill winds. He had been a strong man all his life. It was extremely rare for him to shed a tear. Yet, each time he teared up, it was because of Alyssa and her mother. "Mr. Taylor." A crisp and pleasant voice sounded from behind him. Winston quickly composed himself, swallowing back the tears, and turned around to see Justin. His gaze became guarded, distant, but he masked it swiftly.He nodded at him and said, "Mr. Justin, I know you're not in the best of health. The winds here are cold; it would be better if you went back inside and rested.""Mr. Taylor," Justin began, his voice sincere, "My
Tension rose within the empty underground parking lot. An incandescent bulb cast a harsh white light from the ceiling, drawing an invisible line between Justin and Jasper, separating their worlds—one of harsh light, the other of oppressive darkness.Sheryl's chest tightened. Instinctively, she lowered her gaze to Justin.Nonetheless, Justin remained relaxed. He glanced at Jasper with a grim face and said calmly, "As long as it's something I wish to find out, I will have countless ways to do so. Not only did I find out about the promise between you two, but I am also privy to even more of Ms. Alyssa's secrets." His declaration was a clear display of his ambition and more subtly, a challenge to Jasper.Jasper's breath hitched, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white and veins bulged."Even though you both were once a pair of lovers, I know her way more than you do," Justin uttered with a smile on his face. Upon saying that, he turned his face away and signa
Justin tilted his chin upward slightly, his eyes flashing with a cold, ruthless glare that made him seem like an entirely different person."As the saying goes, a leopard cannot change its spots. Ms. Gardner, are you trying to prove to me through your actions how impotent of a person you naturally are?" "Mr. Justin, please calm down…" Sheryl flinched, her face marked with a handprint, her skin pale with fear as she trembled. "I know I'm not very bright. I honestly don't know what I did wrong. Please, enlighten me…""When speaking with Jasper, all you need to do is to get the main point across. There is no need to get into the details." Justin closed his eyes and leaned back casually. "Yet, tonight, you brought up the kidnapping incident from 20 years ago at a crucial point in my conversation with him. That was very untimely." Feeling perplexed, Sheryl responded, "But… you saved his life. This is a fact. I was just reminding him of it so that he remembers to be thankful!" Just
Dripping in sweat, Xavier went up and stood behind Jasper right away. He stared fixedly at the screen of the computer. After inserting the memory card, Jasper fast-forwarded to check the surveillance recording and listen to the recorded sounds. "Mr. Beckett, the dashcam can only record scenes outside the car and not anything from within the car. All we can listen to are the sounds. "If anyone had actually pried the doors open and snuck into the car to install anything, we wouldn't be able to see anything, " Xavier said, feeling quite troubled. Seconds and minutes passed. Just as Xavier was about to nod off from watching all the footage, Jasper exclaimed, "The video has been edited." Xavier jolted awake. He licked his lips to stop himself from drooling. "Oh? But it doesn't look like there are any differences between the earlier and later images." With a cold look in his eyes, Jasper lowered his earphones. "It's subtle, but the airflow sounds don't match up between the earl
Looking at the sullen expression on Jasper's face, Xavier leaned forward. In a serious voice, he said, "Mr. Beckett, no one in this world stays the same forever. You have to be extra wary of Justin. When needed, you have to strike back! You can repay his kindness, but that cannot be why he is guilt-tripping or even threatening you!" After a moment of silence, Xavier added, "No, wait. There's one thing in this world that I believe will never ever change." Jasper lifted his eyes. "What is it?" "The love Madam has for you!" There was a slight quiver in Jasper's lashes while a strange ball of emotions surged within him. …Three days passed. Alyssa was transferred from the ICU to a regular ward. Fortunately, after being subjected to a full body checkup, she was found not to be suffering from any after-effects after she regained consciousness. The only issue was that her frostbitten hands had to be bandaged up after medication had been applied. She pretended to be relaxed
"Like you said, Fifth Prison is where many mentally ill criminals are imprisoned. Perhaps that man is also mentally unstable, which was why he claimed that he was sane." Jonah wasn't too bothered. In a cold voice, he continued, "It's just like how drunk people would never admit that they've had too much to drink." "There's a huge difference between the two," Alyssa interjected, drawing both Sean and Jonah's attention. "In fact, people with mental illness often believe everyone else is insane, while they are the only sane ones in the room."Sean's eyes lit up. "That makes sense!" Jonah nodded. "Yeah, that sounds right.""According to what Sean described earlier, that man was very articulate and didn't seem like he was mentally ill. Moreover, he seized an opportune time to dash out before Mr. Steven. This suggests he had been waiting for the right moment, indicating he didn't want to miss his rare chance."Alyssa then asked, "Sean, what did your brother do in the end?" "Steven m
After speaking with Alyssa for some time, both Jonah and Sean noticed her fatigued state. Realizing she was still weak and needed rest, they quietly withdrew from her hospital room, one after the other."Why does Ms. Alyssa have to endure so much misfortune since meeting Jasper?" Sean only dared to express his heartache after steering clear of Alyssa. "The frostbite on Ms. Alyssa's hands is really severe. I'm worried it will affect her future. "She is one of the top surgeons in the country and an excellent sculptor. If her hands are ruined…" Jonah's eyes reddened, his fists clenching in silent agony. "She'll be fine. We'll find the right treatment and ensure that even the scars heal completely," he said with quiet conviction."Mr. Jonah, please pardon me for saying this." Sean wiped his face, looking worn from a sleepless night. His voice cracked, emotion barely held in check. "I know Jasper is a remarkable man. "I also know how deeply they love each other. But if this story co
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