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
Jasper walked out of the study, his chest so heavy it might shatter under the invisible weight. He had come to realize that Alyssa felt like a red-hot burn in his heart. She was something he didn't dare touch or think about, lest he wanted pain to course through his entire being.But beyond this, what he didn't want to think about the most was that Alyssa once loved him.Jasper had always been a person of pride. Even in his childhood, when he endured hunger and hardships, he never resorted to begging. He had even gambled with Alyssa, not for money, but for pride. Now, he couldn't help but admit that he had lost."Mr. Beckett," Xavier came up to him, saying, "I have three things to report to you, sir."Jasper hummed in acknowledgment, signaling Xavier to proceed. "Ms. Liana has awakened from her rest, but her condition isn't too good. She's repeatedly asked to see you.""Next.""Mr. Javier has employed a prominent lawyer to defend Sophia Kirkman. She'll be released tomorrow
Jasper had long heard about KS Group and Schmidt Group's joint ventures, both in the country and overseas. Additionally, the family heads had cultivated a close friendship spanning more than two decades. Jasper pondered whether this meant that Alyssa had known Jameson since her childhood. He contemplated whether their close bond had its roots in their shared childhood. Xavier sighed, a look of envy and admiration in his eyes. "Ms. Alyssa truly is blessed. Her father dotes on her so much that he surrounds her with all these elites. Even someone like Sean Lynch is only her personal assistant."He then eyed his boss, feeling pitiful on his behalf. Jasper's title as CEO and soon-to-be VP of the board of directors seemed minute accomplishments compared to the grandiose Alyssa was steeped in.Even blind men would be dazzled by her!A vein in Jasper's temple was throbbing. He leaned against the wall, hands slowly curling into fists. "First the Lynch family, then the Schmidts … What the
Jonah carefully watched his sister as she spoke. Alyssa was an opportunist, always seizing whatever chance she got, even if that meant breaking the rules of the game. One small opening was all she needed to turn the tide in her favor and strike down her enemies.Curtis appeared puzzled for a moment, not expecting that question."It looks like you know the answer." Alyssa sneered."I … I do …" Curtis swallowed nervously. His voice shook as he said, "Because … the child is mine."Both Alyssa and Jonah tensed up in surprise. Alyssa flexed her hands excitedly. They had caught a big fish!Jonah snapped, "Details. Now.""Liana frequented the gym in Mosgravia, where I worked as a personal trainer. She was so sexy, always batting her eyes and trying to seduce me. One thing led to the other, and we started sleeping together …"Alyssa cocked an eyebrow. "Go on.""We both know this was purely transactional, friends with benefits and nothing more. Liana always had other men to play aroun
It appeared that Curtis had acted impulsively, which explained why he had landed in his current predicament. It seemed like he was in desperate need of money.Alyssa couldn't help but think that Curtis was a real shithead."Don't do anything to Alyssa Taylor yet. Wait for my call." Liana's voice was sickly sweet, oozing with glee. "Things are looking up right now. I've gotten Jasper's attention on me all over again. "He's been by my side these past few days. Mr. Javier promised the marriage would go on, too. The wedding should be any day now."At the mention of the wedding, Jonah glanced at his sister, worried for her emotions.But Alyssa seemed unaffected. In fact, she barely looked bothered.Jonah smiled lightly, feeling glad."Since you two are going to marry, then that five million you promised—""Why are you in such a hurry? Geez!" Liana scoffed. "That's barely any money. I'll send you half a million first. Then, when Jasper and I marry, I'll pay you the remainder.""The