Alyssa yawned. "Curtis must have hated Liana and me after all the torture he's been through these days. If I treat him better, he feel thankful to me and shift his hate to Liana instead. He'll do anything to make her pay.""How smart!" Sean praised her with a smirk. "I couldn't wait to watch their fight!"…After inspecting the hotel's restaurant, Alyssa went back to her office in satisfaction and rewarded herself with a few rounds of games.Six months had passed since she took over the KS World Hotel. The hotel was running well, and business was good. Not only did the hotel maintain its star rating, but it also received the "Most Popular Hotel of the Year" award. However, that alone did not suffice for Alyssa. She was aiming for the "Best Hotel of the Year" award that the Beckett Group had won for five consecutive years.After her appointment at the KS World Hotel, it would be Taylor Group's turn to bag the award.In the past few days, Alyssa accepted interviews from three pop
Liana exerted herself for her birthday party. She was no longer her previous sickly self and mustered all her energy to plan the event. She called up event venues and made arrangements for the dress and makeup. One would have thought she was getting ready for an engagement party.Jasper was not involved in the preparation in any way. Knowing that she was doing much better, he stopped visiting her at the hospital.Liana was obviously upset at his indifference. Still, the birthday party remained her top priority at the moment.The night before the birthday party, Liana tried on the evening dress she had borrowed from Rose after much persuasion.She could not keep the dress from slipping down because the dress had a wider bust. The two maids were sweating with worry, but they failed to keep the dress in place."Clumsy losers! Why did we even keep you around the house?" Liana gave the maids a shove in the heat of the moment. Her face was flushed."Why don't we … get a tailor to alt
Betty was chatting with a few acquaintances at Liana's birthday party."Congratulations, Betty. You'll have a new sister-in-law soon," Mabel remarked with a smile."More accurately, she'll have a new sister-in-law 'again,'" Jessica joked. "Anyway, new is always better. I heard Ms. Gardner is the niece of Madam Sophia. You'll be one big family soon. I bet you all will get along brilliantly."Betty faked a smile. "Get along? What a joke!" Betty scoffed inwardly."I was told that Ms. Gardner and Mr. Beckett are childhood sweethearts who have gone through a lot. I believe she's his true love because he's marrying her right after his divorce."Your brother's really lucky in love. What about you? When will you get yourself a boyfriend and get hitched?"Hearing that, Betty scanned the venue passionately in an attempt to locate Landon.…Landon was in the presidential suite with Jasper. Looking smart in their suits, they sat in front of the gigantic glazed double doors overlooking th
While Liana was enjoying the spotlight at Berenike Hotel, Alyssa was driving her sports car up a winding mountain road and enjoying the night breeze.She sang to the tune of "Burning Revenge" that was playing in the car, seemingly in a good mood. Silas called her at that moment. She picked up and cooed, "Silas!""Aw, I'm melting! I should have recorded you and sent it to Axel. He's going to burn in jealousy!" Silas sounded excited. It didn't take much to make a man happy."Did you call me because you have everything arranged?" asked Alyssa."Yes, it's done. Jonah has made his arrangements too."She replied sweetly, "I trust you and Jonah. By the way, I'm on my way to visit Newton Beckett. I heard that he's the only one in the family who isn't at Liana's birthday party—Sophia has dragged everyone else there."I know he enjoys company and can't stand loneliness, but he never tells anyone because he doesn't want to burden them. I should keep him company because he adores me."The l
"Ah, my chronic illness has flared up again. It's not a big deal." Newton comforted Alyssa by caressing her head. His face was a shade of sickly grey.Her chest tightened at the sight. She held his right hand and checked his pulse. A moment later, she addressed him sternly, "Grandpa, I will visit you weekly to perform acupuncture. I'll give you a new prescription. You shouldn't slack on taking your meds. I'll get Mr. Gorham to keep a tab on you.""Alice, things are different now. You're Winston's beloved daughter. How could I trouble you? "I heard from Jasper that you are running the Taylor Group's hotel business as well. That must be very stressful for you. You don't have to travel back and forth. Mr. Gorham will take care of me." Newton longed to see Alyssa but worried that the traveling might tire her.She was surprised that Jasper would discuss her with Newton. Jasper had been neglectful and dismissive in the past, but he started thinking about her after the divorce. How ridic
"Wow!" There was a collective gasp from the audience, followed by an even more thunderous applause.Landon was taken aback by the announcement and shot Jasper a worrisome gaze. Jasper stood frozen with a cold expression, as though he'd turn anyone to ice upon touch. Worse, a spotlight traveled across the audience and hit Jasper like a ruthless mockery. It further highlighted his lifeless face."Lia and Jasper are childhood sweethearts. They've been through a lot to finally settle down. The Beckett family is happy at the news, and we'd like to share the joy with everyone here!"Sophia grasped Liana's hand tightly. Her face was flushed from excitement, and her tone was animated as if she were at a wedding.Liana blushed hard like a new bride. She looked at Jasper affectionately and mistook his stiff expression for nervousness.…At the same time, Alyssa was busy making some desserts for Newton and Lauren in the kitchen when Lauren stumbled in with a pale face and waved her hands.
Liana was aware of the gossiping. Nonetheless, she lifted her chin like a graceful swan without any hint of anger.The ladies could talk as much as they wanted. At the end of the day, they would look up to her as she started her amazing new life!"Jasper, look!" Landon widened his eyes when he saw the trending topics on Twitter. He hurriedly showed his phone to Jasper.The top trending hashtag, #engagement, was an eyesore to Jasper."I'm shell-shocked." Stunned, Landon hissed in Jasper's ear, "I thought you said you'd break up with Liana? Why did your stepmom announce your engagement instead? You're even on trending topics!"Uncle Javier isn't against the engagement, it seems. What's going on? Are you still with her or not?"Jasper felt his ears buzzing. His body and fingers stiffened. Like a pulled bow, he was close to a breakdown.All of a sudden, the screen that was filled with falling pink petals switched to total darkness."Huh? What's wrong?""Is there a power cut? Or is
Daughter? Her daughter?Liana was shaking incessantly. Her temples throbbed, and her mind went blank. Once pointed out, everyone could see the resemblance between her and the little girl."That's impossible … Impossible!" she mumbled like she was put under a spell."Hah. How ridiculous!" Curtis stared at her pale face with a vile smile. "How could you call yourself a mother if you can't even identify your daughter? A poor excuse of a mother!"The audience gasped. The revelation sent a ripple of shock and unease in the crowd. Half of the audience stared at Liana, who was losing it on the stage. The other half was focused on Jasper, who clenched his jaw icily. The poor man just got cuckolded in public."Lia, what's going on?" Sophia was close to losing her composure. She tugged at Liana hard and hissed, "Who's this guy, and how did he sneak in? What's between you and him?"On the other hand, Rosaline lurched at Curtis in anger because she was terrified of being exposed. "You filt
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her
The skies started to turn dark. Alyssa's dark hair was covered in a layer of snow. As she stood alone at the foot of the majestic mountain, she looked tiny, fragile, and desolate. "Ms. Alyssa, it's snowing. Heavy snowfall is forecasted tonight." Elias walked to Alyssa's side. Noticing the redness on her face due to the cold and the dull look in her eyes, he had a moment of realization. He couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness within him. "It's getting late. I suppose something came up for Mr. Beckett, and he's unable to make it." "Why didn't he inform me if that is the case?" Alyssa mumbled in a low voice as she gazed toward the darkness. She choked back on her tears so softly that her grievance couldn't really be heard through her voice. Elias slapped himself on his forehead. "Ah, perhaps you didn't manage to receive Mr. Beckett's message? The reception at the foot of the mountain isn't quite stable. You might have missed it. Would you like to come to my office? You'l
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t
That night, Alyssa stayed in the presidential suite of Solana City's KS World Hotel. She couldn't bring herself to return to her own manor—not yet. The lingering memories of her breakup with Jasper were still too raw, and the thought of revisiting their former home felt like reopening an unhealed wound.The following morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door. Groggily, she slipped on her night robe and opened it to find Sean standing there, carrying a complete set of brand-new hiking gear.Alyssa smiled. "Thank you, Sean." "Ms. Alyssa, it's freezing today. Are you sure you want to go hiking?" Sean walked into the living room and placed the items neatly on the couch. He still felt somewhat worried. "It's alright if it's cold, as long as the weather is good."Alyssa gazed out the window. The sun was shining brightly. The thought of going hiking with Jasper today made it impossible for her to conceal the sweet smile on her face and the delight in her eyes. She still love
Remy's eyes were bloodshot; his expression twisted with disgust as he stared at Sheryl. He could hardly fathom how someone so deranged and vile had once been close to Jasper. Even if Jasper and Alyssa had separated, Sheryl was nowhere near worthy of Jasper's side; she was not even fit to be the dirt on Alyssa's shoes.A sudden flash of memory struck him—the image of Alyssa during that traffic accident. He recalled her mustering all her strength to crawl out of her wrecked car, her face bloody, her body broken yet defiant. He had never seen such a fierce spirit in a woman before.His heart pounded uncontrollably, the memory triggering a sharp pain in his temples. Remy closed his eyes, gasping for breath.Sheryl broke into wild, unhinged laughter. Her entire body shook as she spat out her words, "Oh, Jasper, you poor, clueless fool!"If he ever discovers that the woman he's been tormenting all this time is actually his savior—the one he's been desperate to repay—that would be an eart