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
"What's wrong, Sean?" Alyssa asked, feeling worried now. She had never seen Sean so pitiful and upset. His eyes were reddened, his lips as pallid as a stray pup rescued from the gutters. "Is this about Sophia?" Jonah asked, walking over to them. His gaze was kind as he rubbed his hands clean with a cotton cloth.Alyssa noticed there was redness on it and sighed internally. She still couldn't stop her brother from taking revenge in the end. She cursed silently, pondering when her moment to shine would finally arrive. "I'm sorry … I'm so sorry!" Sean cried, nearly sobbing.Just as Alyssa was wondering what was going on, her second brother called."Silas?""Sophia Kirkman just left my custody, Lyse." His tone was more exasperation than anything else. "My team tried all we could to gather information and evidence on Sophia's crimes these past few days, but she seemed to have already prepared her defenses. "Her cousin is taking responsibility for all crimes. Javier has also found
"Find Liana's daughter. I need to set the bait beforehand, though." Alyssa narrowed her eyes slyly. "Curtis said only Liana's mother, Rosaline, knows her whereabouts, so we'll have to let her lead the way for us."Jonah smiled. "What about Liana Gardner?""Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first makes mad." Alyssa sat back, yawning. "Isn't she about to marry Jasper Beckett? We can't make her crash and burn without first letting her sit in the high seat."Jonah pursed his lips, suddenly recalling what Curtis had said earlier. "Jasper Beckett is a blind, foolish man, Lyse.""I couldn't care less. I've regained my sight regardless, so he'd better stay out of my way."Alyssa took out her phone, recalling the pictures she had taken of Jameson from days ago. "By the way, see if you recognize this guy. He saved me from a potentially serious injury when Curtis attacked earlier today.""Really?" Jonah said, "We'll have to properly thank him then.""But he has been quite mysterious and
After nearly a week spent in the Investigative Bureau, Sophia finally walked out, heaving her tired body like a lump of sand. Without her makeup and skincare routine, she seemed to have aged an additional decade. Even her hair had more gray strands than before.She avoided the crowd of reporters and decided not to go home first. Javier would probably pass out at the sight of her. So Betty accompanied her to a beauty parlor, where she could wash up, pluck away her gray hairs, and put on some makeup before going back."We'll go see Liana first." Sophia plucked away the hair around her lips as she spoke. "I have to check up on her. She's my niece, after all. That way, your Dad's image of me will maintain."She couldn't have her carefully crafted persona of twenty-five years crash just like that."I couldn't believe she pulled such a trick, Mom!" Betty cried. She hated Liana. Yet, she couldn't help but feel upset by the memory of that bloody bathtub. "Whether or not Jasper takes the ba
Sophia's face was lined with tears as she gazed sadly and lovingly at Javier. "I thought I'd never see you again. I've suffered so much, Javier. I was so scared …"Javier did not feel an ounce of pity for her right now. He had undergone too much these past few days to spend energy making her feel better. Just then, the news channel came on the television. It was news of KS Group's CEO, Jonah Taylor, signing the Verdane Valley project joint venture with Orlander Hodgson and his company. The two exchanged contracts, then shook hands as the reporters frantically took pictures of this historical moment. Jasper stared at the screen, hand slowly tightening around his glass. Javier's face was darkening at the same time.Their milk was spilled, and it was all because of Alyssa Taylor!Sophia's heart skipped a beat, and then she quickly grabbed Javier's arm. "Ms. Alyssa is too cruel to us! How have we offended her? She not only stole our company's project, but she even tried to send me t