"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
Some people never change, no matter how much they alter their appearance or get a second chance at life. They still cling to the habit of sucking up to others. To Remy, Sheryl was no different than that vile woman, Alyssa."Remy is right. Aces are the noblest of all VIPs." Justin narrowed his eyes. "I may not be an Ace, but I am quite familiar with someone who holds the Ace of Spades."As they spoke, the attendant led them toward a massive door.The door opened with a loud mechanical whirr, releasing a cloud of smoke and a heady, sensual atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the serenity outside. It felt as though they were entering a completely different world.The room they stepped into was expansive, with rows of seats rising in tiers from the second floor upward, all facing a stage at the center. People were seated in the stands, their faces hidden in the dim lighting, making them appear as unsettling, lifeless marionettes from a distance.But it was what was happening on th
Remy's gaze was icy as he took in the scene before him—Zachary lounging with a woman perched on his lap. Her scant clothing barely concealed her while Zachary's hands groped her roughly. She forced a smile, her expression betraying a mix of discomfort and resignation.The room reeked of debauchery. Dim lights cast a murky glow over the scene, amplifying the suffocating atmosphere. Around them, women stood like objects behind glass cages, each wearing a choker with a string of numbers—price tags marking their value.And just like those women in the glass cages, she, too, had a choker around her neck. As Justin's loyal follower, Remy was no stranger to the darkness of the world. Yet, an unfamiliar heaviness pressed against his chest as he stood in this room. The degradation of these women, stripped of dignity and reduced to commodities, made his stomach churn.Unable to bear it, Remy averted his eyes, fists clenching involuntarily. He turned abruptly, unable to stomach the vile disp
Justin explained, "Jasper and Winston might have gotten along well initially, but things have changed. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa have broken up, and he's repeatedly hurt her. "As much as Winston favors Jasper, Ms. Alyssa is his daughter—the apple of his eye. His love for her outweighs anything else. Over time, the distance between Winston and Jasper will only grow, and that will no longer hinder our plans.""That's my dear Jay! Well done!" Zachary's expression shifted instantly. His lips curled into a smug smile. "Jasper is nothing more than the bastard child of Javier's one-night stand. How could someone like him ever deserve Ms. Alyssa? She's of noble status, far beyond his reach. Jay, you're the only one truly worthy of her."Justin's deep, inscrutable eyes revealed no emotion. Through gritted teeth, he replied, "Uncle Zachary, you're overthinking it. My only intention is to strip Jasper of his power and show him what true loss feels like."Zachary's eyes gleamed coldly as he waved
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence. Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control. Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president—our direct competitor!"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest—outright cronyism!" Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression. Just then, a board member from Javier's
Despite his age, Newton exuded the same energy and sharpness he had in his younger days, even when surrounded by the board members brimming with vigor. Despite his quiet presence in the wheelchair, an intimidating atmosphere clung to him. In an instant, Javier was transported back to the days when he worked under Newton's strict supervision."Good day, Mr. Javier and all fellow board members. I assume no one has any objections to my presence at this meeting?"Newton's gaze swept across the room, a perfunctory smile gracing his lips."Of course not. You are part of the corporation's board of directors!" the members responded immediately.Newton nodded. "Much has happened within the corporation lately. Our shares have been fluctuating amid the controversy. "As you all know, I had intended to retire after dedicating most of my life to this company. I wanted to step aside for the younger generation rather than hover over them like a specter, micromanaging everything. "However,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc