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
Curtis' explosive claims dropped a bombshell at the venue."Oh my God! Is that filthy and vulgar man Liana Gardner's lover? What's wrong with her taste in men? Why would she go after that man when she has Jasper Beckett?""You might not know this, but people sometimes get tired of the good stuff and go for wild game meat instead.""How could she give birth to his child and then dream of marrying Jasper Beckett? She's so cruel! That child is her flesh and blood!""This is shocking news!""Crap … Jasper must be so ashamed of being cuckolded!"Landon put a hand in his pocket and marched over to pick up the test result from the floor amid the chaos. Frowning, he double-checked the result before bringing it to Jasper. He deliberately raised his voice and spoke clearly so that everyone around him could hear. "Jasper, the organization that issued the result, is the leading authority in the nation. The result is likely legitimate."Jasper pursed his lips and slowly closed his eyes. To
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence. Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control. Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president—our direct competitor!"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest—outright cronyism!" Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression. Just then, a board member from Javier's
Despite his age, Newton exuded the same energy and sharpness he had in his younger days, even when surrounded by the board members brimming with vigor. Despite his quiet presence in the wheelchair, an intimidating atmosphere clung to him. In an instant, Javier was transported back to the days when he worked under Newton's strict supervision."Good day, Mr. Javier and all fellow board members. I assume no one has any objections to my presence at this meeting?"Newton's gaze swept across the room, a perfunctory smile gracing his lips."Of course not. You are part of the corporation's board of directors!" the members responded immediately.Newton nodded. "Much has happened within the corporation lately. Our shares have been fluctuating amid the controversy. "As you all know, I had intended to retire after dedicating most of my life to this company. I wanted to step aside for the younger generation rather than hover over them like a specter, micromanaging everything. "However,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc
Beckett Group was, in essence, Javier's heart and soul, forged from his own labor. "Justin set me up, framed me for drug addiction, and bribed my primary physician to give false testimony—all so he could drag me down. The fact that he dared to target me like this means he's willing to betray anyone."Jasper took a deep breath, forcing down the rage roiling inside him as Javier remained silent. "Fine. Even if you insist this is just a family matter, Justin's reputation is already in ruins, and the corporation's stock prices are fluctuating. Are you really going to stand by him, even now?""Justin has explained everything to me. He wasn't aware of the bribery. That female doctor who worked for him acted on her own. Besides, she's been arrested. The backlash against Justin will settle in time…"Jasper listened, his face unreadable, but his heart clenched painfully. A lump rose in his throat, suffocating him.He had lost his mother at a young age, but he had never longed for his fa