"Grandpa, please calm down." After a long period of silence, Justin stepped forward with a warm smile on his face. "You've misunderstood both Dad and me. I've never intended to take over Jasper's place. "I'm already grateful to be alive, even with this broken body of mine. I desire nothing more. Besides, there's no one more suitable than Jasper to lead Beckett Group as its president. So, please don't trouble yourself or get angry over this."Newton stared at Justin, his gaze locked on the faint smile that lingered on his grandson's face. Suddenly, he was struck by a vivid memory—of a young Justin, covered in blood, holding a knife, his lips curling into a sly smirk.Pain shot through Newton's chest, sharp and unrelenting. He staggered, but Justin caught him just in time."Grandpa, be careful!" Newton struggled to catch his breath, his hands clutching Justin's icy ones. His voice trembled as he spoke, "Justin… you wouldn't harm Jasper, would you? That boy lost his mother at such
As Sheryl looked back at the empty corridor, a chill ran down her spine, and the hair on the back of her neck stood on end.She heard someone calling her Liana Gardner. It was a name she had discarded long ago—a part of her past she thought she had buried forever. Yet now, it came rushing back, unbidden and relentless.After all this time, she believed she had severed ties with her old life. But the moment she heard the name that had once been hers for over 20 years, she reacted instinctively, unable to suppress the surge of unease."Ms. Gillis!" A man, who appeared to be the hospital director, approached her with two medical staff in tow. He offered a polite smile and said, "I've prepared this round of medications. Shall we administer them to the subjects today?""How many times have I told you not to call them subjects? They are patients," Sheryl said coldly, fixing him with a sharp glare. "You make it sound like we're running some kind of inhumane experiment."The doctor laug
"Also… my entry pass is missing. That woman must have stolen it from me!" said the healthcare worker. Sheryl's heart dropped. She recalled how someone had called her by her real name earlier. It seemed none of that was her imagination. Cold sweat broke out on her back instantly.She immediately ordered Remy, "I need to meet Sir right now. Check the surveillance footage and find out who had the audacity to provoke us. Then report back to Sir and me as soon as possible!"Remy pursed his lips as he watched Sheryl storm away. …After successfully escaping the hospital, Alyssa rushed into her car. With Sean in the driver's seat, they sped away.While on the road, Sean noticed Alyssa's pale expression and completely white lips. In a concerned voice, he asked, "Ms. Alyssa, did you manage to find Grover? Was he in there? How is he doing?"Alyssa, still shaken and lost in thought, remained silent. Her eyes were dull and grim."Ms. Alyssa, are you alright?" Sean spoke louder. "She tu
It was a quiet night, with pin-drop silence filling the hospital's VIP ward. In the office of Jasper's primary physician, Sheryl placed a bank card on the coffee table and sipped her tea relaxedly."Ms. Gillis, what is the meaning of this?" Sebastian Bender stared at the black-colored bank card in shock. Nonchalantly, Sheryl smiled and asked, "Mr. Jasper's blood test results are out. I'm sure you have identified some issues with them, haven't you, Dr. Bender?" Sebastian hesitated. "Indeed, there was an unusual substance detected in Mr. Jasper's blood sample…""Methamphetamine, for instance?" Sebastian cried out in shock, "How did you know that?" "To be frank, you've had your suspicions ever since you started treating Mr. Jasper, haven't you? His symptoms are more like those of drug addiction rather than a simple headache. Am I right?" Sheryl pressed on, a sinister gleam in her eyes. Sebastian's hands trembled as he held his teacup. He argued, "Patients under extreme pain
"In a casual voice, Justin remarked, "Grandpa, you really do spoil Jasper. But, how much longer can you continue this?"His smile was no longer bright. Instead, it was cold and sly. With an infinitely deep look in his eyes, he continued, "Don't you know that the kinder you are toward him, the more you are dragging him down?" "Mr. Justin." Sheryl hurried toward Justin. "The matter is settled." Justin shot her a look, and she got what he meant. She pushed his wheelchair to the lounge so they could talk privately."Mr. Beckett Senior is so frustratingly stubborn!" Sheryl felt indignant on Justin's behalf. "To hell with Jasper. You should be the heir to Beckett Group! Why is he still insisting on protecting that bastard even at a time like this? Has he gone senile?" "It's just as I had expected," Justin said with a perfunctory smile. "In Grandpa's eyes, Jasper is his biological grandson, whereas he and I have been distant for a long time.""That's absolutely horrible. He can't e
Justin asked, "Who are you talking about?""Amber Altman! It must be her." Sheryl clenched her teeth in anger. "She was by Jameson's side the entire time. She must have heard things about me. "On top of that, she went with Jameson to Mosgravia to meet with you on several occasions. Now that I'm back, she must be suspicious of me and tailing me in secret. That previous encounter at the orphanage should have been a warning!"Justin smiled slightly and did not comment. The look in Sheryl's eyes turned grim. "Sir, we can no longer spare Amber. I don't care if she suspects me, but if she starts suspecting you and blabs to Alyssa, you would be in trouble!" A tired expression crossed Justin's face. "I understand why you're worried, but I don't have the energy to waste on these irrelevant people at the moment."Don't worry, Sir!" Sheryl lowered herself in front of Justin once again. She picked up his hand and held it tightly. "Leave that bitch to me. No matter what it takes or what
The unsuspecting Colene was filled with joy when she saw Axel had returned. Just as she was about to greet him, Lyla quickly dashed forward and covered her mouth. Lyla gave her meaningful looks as she gently pulled her away from the kitchen. With that, only Amber and Axel remained in the kitchen. Amber was puzzled when she realized Colene and Lyla had gone quiet. As she was about to turn around, Axel covered her eyes with his hands. Amber's heart skipped a beat. She pursed her lips briefly, then said in a tender voice, "Quit joking around, Axel." Axel chuckled softly. "Couldn't you at least pretend to guess who I am? Where's the romance?"He removed his hands from her eyes and began to trace the curves of her body, all the way down to her perky bottoms and stopping there. "Why, you—Behave yourself." The fiery touch from Axel's palms was making Amber quiver all over. She leaned into his arms; her eyes red and moist. She was moved, but more than that, she missed him very
Axel didn't care that he was soaked to the bone. He grabbed onto Amber's shoulders as she trembled violently."You're alright… I'm here! Don't be afraid!"Amber stared at him blankly. Her face was pale, and her mouth hung open. It was as if she were drowning, gasping for air. "Was it a nightmare? You're okay. Don't be afraid… I'm right here." Axel panicked. He pulled her into his arms. "I-I… I'll help myself." Amber shivered uncontrollably, trying to cover the old scars on her body. Back at The Millennium, Jameson had tormented her for days. That dark, humiliating past was suffocating her.She avoided leaving the lights on because intimacy deeply traumatized her.She only showered alone; those hideous scars were constant reminders of her shameful past. The trauma lingered, and she didn't want the love of her life to see her in such an ugly state. Surprise flashed across Axel's eyes. He realized what was happening.He stepped into the bathtub with her, embracing her tigh
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
Alyssa's chest rose and fell. The tip of her nose and her eyes were red. She simply stared blankly at Jasper and couldn't say a word. Without Jasper around, she never realized that fear was an emotion that she could feel. She wasn't afraid of God or the devil. She had fought the dark and evil forces of the world with bravery. But fear overtook her when Jasper appeared just in time to shield her from danger.She wanted to cry, her heart softening. The façade of strength she had built crumbled, leaving her feeling like a fragile pebble in Jasper's hands.She had never known she could feel fear like other women, but it was only with him.Ignoring the pain in his back, Jasper held Alyssa by her trembling shoulders, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. Once he confirmed she wasn't physically hurt and was likely in shock, he exhaled in relief."M-Mister…"Wide-eyed and mouth agape, Sebastian watched Jasper appear out of nowhere. He was shaking uncontrollably, as if his soul had lef