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
Jasper steadied his breath the moment he pushed the door open to Alyssa's hospital ward. For some reason, he was feeling really nervous. There was almost nothing that could ever unnerve him. Other than Newton, Alyssa was the only other person who could make him feel disquieted. A strange serenity filled the room, broken only by the faint hum of the medical equipment. Alyssa was still awake. She was sitting upright against the headboard. Her gaze was fixed on the darkness outside the window; her face turned to the side as if lost in thought.The new moon cast no light; there were no stars. She seemed to be staring at nothing, into the endless pitch black.Jasper froze in the doorway, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the sight of her. His breath hitched in his chest. This woman, once so full of optimism and light, now appeared fragile, defeated. Her spirit seemed so broken that it felt as if a single touch could shatter her completely.It wasn't until a few moments later
The hot soup soaked through Jasper's clothes, and the scalding heat mirrored the intense temperature of his body at that moment.Yet, his focus wasn't on the discomfort. He leaned forward and grabbed Alyssa by the wrists, pulling her hands toward him with firm insistence."Let me have a look. Do your hands still hurt?" "Let go of me!" Alyssa struggled as tears filled her eyes. "Stop struggling. You haven't recovered from your injuries!" Jasper's breaths became heavier as he tightened his grasp over her wrists. He saw her tears glistening in her eyes as she waved her bandaged hands at him, her face a mixture of misery and comic helplessness. Yet, there was an undeniable adorableness about her that sparked a deep, protective instinct in him.Memories of the past flashed in Jasper's mind. As his gaze remained fixed on Alyssa, something dark stirred within him, a coldness he had held for so long rising to the surface.Then, without warning, his mind blanked. He pressed his chap
The massive, opulent gates creaked open slowly as Remy steered the luxury car into the Sedonian fortress, a relic from the Middle Ages, with casual ease.After parking, both Remy and Sheryl got out of the car and attended to Justin.As Justin emerged from the vehicle, his expression remained impassive, but his eyes were chillingly dark, reflecting an intensity he kept tightly in check.His stride was steady, exuding an air of authority, eerily reminiscent of Jasper's presence.He was only able to appear so because he got Sheryl to inject a dose of adrenaline before he got out of the car. This shot was one that RC Biotechnology Research Institute had recently developed.His only purpose was to no longer look like an invalid before that man. He had to make himself presentable. "This is a private residence. Please hold on for a moment." This place was heavily guarded at the door. Bodyguards wearing suits and white gloves stopped them in their tracks. With a vicious look in his
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
In the living room of the Bender residence, Sebastian clung tightly to Zayne, whose bruised and battered body slumped limply on the floor. They held onto each other for warmth as they shivered. Meanwhile, Alyssa and Jasper sat on the couch, but not without leaving a massive gap between them. Once deeply in love, their current distance was a heartbreaking contrast to the intimacy they had shared. It was heartbreaking to see them like this. Alyssa took a quick peek at Jasper's cold, expressionless face before turning her dull gaze away. Her hands lightly rested on her shoulders, where his touch still lingered—a ghost of warmth that refused to fade."How dare you attack my friend?" Landon sneered, towering over Sebastian and Zayne. His black leather gloves creaked as he clenched his fists. "You wouldn't know fear if it slapped you in the face. Maybe I should teach you a lesson.""M-Mr. Harper… Everything happened so quickly. Z-Zaynie just reacted out of fear and ended up overrea