Alyssa had always been like that. She would be completely focused on an object of her interest and fall into a world of her own.Suddenly, it occurred to her that Jameson was waiting for her. She quickly spun around to find him patiently standing on the side, this time with a straw basket in his hand filled with pink roses that carried an understated beauty.The breathtaking charm of the flowers reminded her of a quote from Wislawa Szymborska, which said, "Only a rose blooms as a rose, no one else.""Ms. Taylor," Jameson addressed her while approaching with the flower basket."Oh, don't step in here! Be careful not to dirty your clothes!" she hurriedly stopped him when she noticed his sparkly clean outfit. However, he made his way through the thorny shrubs in an attempt to get to her.She pursed her lips in embarrassment."Ms. Taylor, this is for you." His eyes were as soft as the sunset colors when he handed her the basket."Thank you, but I can't accept your gift," she turned
Jasper, looking grim, was experiencing an emotional rollercoaster at the moment. Alyssa did not share the same sentiment. She merely felt unlucky to have run into him.Bumping into Jasper in the lovely rose garden was akin to stepping on dog shit—a mood killer. She secretly grumbled, thinking that she might need to start reading her fortune of the day before leaving her house.Liana, clinging tightly to Jasper, was an eyesore to Alyssa.Jameson leaned closer to Alyssa and chuckled into her ear. "Don't panic. I'm here for you."Feeling ticklish, she thought, "What's there to panic about? I'll take things as they come.""Ms. Taylor, what a coincidence!" Liana was no longer the belligerent young lady from before. She asked softly, "Is this gentleman your boyfriend? You make a perfect couple."Alyssa had a deadpan look in her eyes. She obviously wanted to ignore Liana. However, Jameson replied, "Thank you for your compliment. Though, I'm not her boyfriend yet."Alyssa had not caug
Jasper's entourage stared at each other in shock, especially Xavier, who looked like he was struck by lightning.Noticing Jasper's grim expression, Liana tried to be thoughtful and quickly comforted him. "Jasper, don't worry. It's just a rose garden. You can still reach out to the many rose gardens across the country."Jasper removed his arm from her grip while she was talking. The impact of his movement caused her to stumble backward in an embarrassing moment."Let's go, Mr. Schmidt." Alyssa didn't bother to take another look at Jasper and Liana. She beamed gently at Jameson instead."Sure. I've made a reservation at the restaurant. We can leave at any time now."Jasper felt suffocated when Alyssa and Jameson exchanged smiles. His brows knitted in anger as he stepped forward to stand in Jameson's way."Mr. Schmidt, let's talk in private." Jasper did not falter even after he had lost the deal."If this is about the rose garden project, I have nothing more to discuss with you." J
As the visitors gradually exited the rose garden, only Alyssa and Liana were left behind in the endless sea of roses.In the fading light, Alyssa's bare face looked as luminous as the moon, to the envy of Liana. Putting aside their grudges, Liana had to admit that Alyssa was an extraordinary beauty. Alyssa's beauty evoked fear and resentment in Liana. After all, Alyssa had spent three years under the same roof with Jasper, despite their relationship being a sham marriage.She bit the bullet and went up to Alyssa while flicking her straight hair. She no longer looked like the frail woman when she was around Jasper. She flashed Alyssa a victorious grin."You found a new lover pretty fast. Quite skillful, aren't you? You should have done that sooner. No matter how much you bother Jasper, he will not take another look at you."Alyssa stared at Liana, as though she was staring at a madwoman. "Why would I want his attention like a peacock?"Liana choked and silently cursed at Alyssa.
Alyssa stated, "You could get plastic surgery or change your name, but you'll never cover up your past no matter how hard you try. "The clues will show up if we look closer. I choose to keep my silence, not because I am nice. I couldn't be bothered because it's none of my business, that's all."If you try me again, don't blame me for airing your dirty laundry."Liana felt her heart tighten. She was sickened by Alyssa's threat, as though she was sucked dry.…Alyssa and Jameson were gone when Jasper emerged from the rose garden. After the conversation with Jameson, Jasper stood alone like a statue in the chilly breeze for a while.The night had fallen. Jasper arranged for Liana to be driven back to the hospital while he returned to Seaview Manor with Xavier.During the trip, Xavier sweated profusely and apologized furiously to Jasper with a reddened face. "Mr. Beckett, I'm so sorry! Punish me in any way you want! It's all my fault for not doing my research and failing to recog
Jameson arranged a molecular gastronomy dinner for Alyssa, the perfect meal for someone who loved a surprise.The air-flown bluefin tuna was fresh and succulent. The fish and chip amuse-bouche served was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Additionally, the blackfish was extremely fresh and melted in her mouth. In conclusion, every single dish that night was amazing.After enjoying the good meal, she ordered some alcohol. Drinking helped to liven the air.Jameson and Alyssa, both knowledgeable, conversed about a wide range of subjects, including literature, music, and video games. He was able to chat about any topic.What surprised her the most was that they played the same asymmetrical multiplayer game. Both of them loved playing the role of killer.Alyssa chatted animatedly on the topic of games. Her face was flushed as she gestured wildly in growing excitement.He merely offered simple replies with a doting smile, allowing her to babble on.After he wined and di
Alyssa's Bugatti disappeared into the night. Jameson nudged his glasses with an uncontrollable smile. His heart fluttered with burning passion.…The La Voiture Noire sped on the flyover. Alyssa rolled down the window to enjoy the night breeze. She fell into deep thought while staring at the cityscape across the river."Ms. Alyssa, have you warmed up to Mr. Schmidt? That was fast." Clutching the steering wheel, Sean asked in a stuffy manner."I guess so. We had a lot to talk about.""He might have saved you before, but he had also stalked you to our neighborhood. You should be careful around him," Sean grumbled."Maybe he did so because he recognized me and was curious to know more. I think he's a decent fellow after two meetings with him. Sometimes, he does sound a little funny, though. Is it because Kontina is more liberal than us?" Her eyes sparkled, and she added, "Most importantly, he is playing the same game as me! He's my soulmate! We even made a pact to crush the newbie
Liana was terrified and lost when she got back to the hospital. Alyssa's threatening words echoed in her ears. She bit her nails anxiously and paced her room."No, I can't let this go on! She's the daughter of the Taylor Family, not to mention that she's a snake. Now that she has learned about my history of studying in Mosgravia, she'll only dig deeper!"Liana couldn't sit back anymore. She needed to handle the matter proactively. Trembling, she dialed Curtis' number. It took him a while to pick up. "What's up? It's late …""Curtis! Alyssa Taylor is looking into me. She might find out about our relationship soon." Gaze smoldering, she felt her throat catch fire. "You must leave Solana City as soon as possible." "Pfft … Is this a trick to ditch me? I will not stop until I get my money.""If Alyssa learns about us, my marriage to Jasper will go down the drain! You won't even get five cents, not to mention five million!" she growled."Fine. Fine. I'll trust you this once, but you
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