Liana was getting blood transfusions at Solana City's private hospital's emergency room.Her face had been so pale earlier that she appeared almost lifeless. The gash on her wrist had been equally gruesome, resembling a grim, bloody snarl.Her mother paced nervously in the hallway, her eyes swollen from countless tears."Alright, that's enough. You're not a child anymore, so stop crying before someone takes a picture and sends it to the newspapers!" Andrew said sternly."So what? My daughter is still in danger! She could leave us at any moment! What kind of father are you if your own pride matters more than your daughter?" Rosaline cried. She grabbed her husband's collar and cried hysterically. "I can't bear to see Liana following in Dylan's footsteps!"Andrew's face turned as purple as a raisin, scrunched up with anger. First, his daughter had done something reckless all because of a man, and now his wife was causing a scene in public. Feeling embarrassed in front of Javier,
"Calm down? Calm down? I don't even know if my daughter will survive the night! She has shed tears and blood for you, Jasper. She might not even live to see another day! Don't tell me to calm down!" Rosaline screamed. She continued, "If you didn't love my Lia, then why did you lie to her? Why did you promise you would marry her? My Lia is too sweet a girl. When you wanted to kill yourself all those years ago, she rescued you! How could you do this to her? Have you no heart?"Jasper's heart ached dully. Those dark memories flooded his chest and mind, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. Those memories consumed his thoughts until they were all he could think about.…Alyssa had been sent to the hospital to have her wound bandaged up, thanks to Jameson Schmidt. She had asked Sean to stay back and look after Tatiana. She was concerned that Tatiana would be frightened by the sight of her injury.Meanwhile, Tatiana kept blaming herself for her sister's accident, making Sean's
Alyssa froze in surprise, then slowly turned around.Once again, it was him. Jasper felt like the ground was sinking as he watched Alyssa stand beside the man from earlier. He looked down and noticed her heavily bandaged arm. His heart clenched at that sight. He instinctively took a step forth. "Your arm—"Alyssa swiftly stepped back behind Jameson.Nervously, Jasper gulped when he locked eyes with the other man."People say the third time's the charm. However, I usually make sure it ends the second time," Jameson said deliberately, adjusting his spectacles. "You've taken her away from me once tonight. Do you think I'd allow it a second time?""Who are you?" Jasper asked frostily.Having learned his lesson with Alyssa's brothers, he worried that this might be another one of Winston Taylor's sons. However, Alyssa gazed at the man differently, a look distinct from the one she used with her brothers. "He's someone with a closer relationship to me than you, someone more importan
Alyssa was seeing someone else now.Jasper clutched his chest, wondering why the pain was so intense. It felt as if someone had carved a hole behind his ribs. It was only at this moment that the realization of their divorce struck him like a freight train of bricks.…When Sean saw Alyssa and Jameson emerge from the elevator in the underground parking lot, he hurried over. "Ms. Alyssa! How's the injury?""All taken care of. What about our attacker?" "I've had someone escort him back home, undercover. He's currently at our private headquarters. There's no way he can escape," Sean whispered to her."Great! We're going to have loads of fun for the next few days." Alyssa grinned devilishly.Sean nodded. "Whenever you're ready, Ms. Alyssa.""Wait for me by the car. I want to talk to the guy first." Alyssa then turned back to Jameson.Jameson gazed steadily at her, leaning against his sleek Bentley like a marble Adonis."You've seen my relationship with Mr. Beckett. It's more co
Alyssa, Sean, and Tatiana arrived at the former's private villa around four in the morning.Having been worried about her sister, Tatiana had forced herself to stay awake. Her tired, bloodshot eyes were a somber sight."Don't blame yourself anymore, Taty. I'm really okay. Don't you have a class in the morning? Go and get some sleep," Alyssa said, hugging her sister."Am I useless?" Tatiana mumbled, tears welling up in her eyes. She continued, "You've always protected me since I was a kid, yet now that I'm older, I can't do anything to protect you in return …""Silly girl." Alyssa gently tapped her forehead. "Our family is better because of you and your mother. We love taking care of you and watching you grow. "If you really want to do something for me, then pursue your dreams and never give up. When you make it big in the world of celebrities, I plan to make you an ambassador for my business. What do you think?""I will realize my dreams, Alyssa. You can count on me!" Tatiana
"Miss … Ms. Alyssa has gone to bed, Mr. Jonah," Sean muttered. "Your balls must be growing bigger while you're away from my side, Sean. Are you seriously lying to me on her behalf now?" Jonah rarely got angry, but when he did, he was a menacing force. Jonah then said, "I'll repeat myself. Pass the phone to Alyssa. Or else you'll be removed from your station right away!"Alyssa chewed on her lip, her heart beating fast in her chest as she took the phone and put it up to her ear."Jo-Jonah."Jonah took a deep breath, as if suppressing some intense emotion. "Come outside. We need to talk."…Alyssa walked out of her house, her heart in her throat as she went up to Jonah's Aston Martin by the road.The man remained stoic and still against the car, his gray suit making him seem like some sullen god. All Alyssa could think of right now was how terrified she was."Jonah," she murmured."Get in. It's cold." Jonah took off his coat, put it over Alyssa's shoulders, then led her into
The man's name was Curtis Halloway. The documents included a surgical history stating this man had undergone full facial plastic surgery before.However, Alyssa recognized the man's face pre-surgery. It was the same man from the information packet Silas had given her. Curtis was Liana's personal trainer and lover during her time in Mosgravia."It's him! He's the one who was involved with Liana!" Alyssa exclaimed, her excitement evident. Jonah cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Be mindful with your words, Lyse.""I was right!" Alyssa grinned. "I knew it! I knew Liana was the one behind this!"Jonah's gaze hardened once again. "Looks like I underestimated just how vile that bitch can be.""I don't understand why this man would go all out and get plastic surgery," Alyssa sneered. "Why give up his looks after going back to kiss Liana's ass?""Read through the rest of the papers," Jonah advised her.Alyssa turned to the next page, finding a contractual agreement between Curtis Hall
"What are you smiling at? Do you think this is a joke?" Javier snapped. Jasper replied, "Yes, I do.""You've crossed the line, Jasper Beckett!" Javier roared, slamming his fist on the table."You want me to marry her so the company's reputation can stay intact. I would applaud you for the quick thinking, really. But if we're arguing about personalities, then I can only say 'like father, like son.'"His lips curled into a sneer."What … What are you …" Javier tensed up instantly."Liana used to be the woman of my dreams, yes. But I can no longer convince myself to marry her." Jasper looked away. "Still, she saved me. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have lived to this day. I will repay her with this. After she recovers, I'll break up with her.""You … You want to break up with Liana?" Javier cried in disbelief."Yes," Jasper replied without hesitation. "Do you think she could handle that news, Jasper? She has serious depression and took her own life because of the marriage p
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