As they exited the theater, Zoe clung to Jasper, just like how she did when they were younger. She blabbered about her experiences abroad and professed her longing for him.The only difference was that she'd hold hands with both Landon and Jasper when she was a kid. Now, she treated Landon like a servant, completely disregarding him. She only had eyes for Jasper.Landon trailed behind them with a gloomy expression. Even his sister had ditched him after Alyssa rejected him. He started having doubts about his attractiveness.Upon reaching the parking garage, Jasper abruptly came to a stop. He took a deep breath and firmly withdrew his hand from Zoe's grip."Jasper, what's wrong?" She blinked innocently, her hand left suspended in mid-air."Zoe." He turned to her, looking cold and distant, a stark contrast to how he acted around her when they were kids. She froze up in panic. "You're not a child anymore. Some of your behavior is inappropriate.""What's inappropriate about it? Yo
The night was illuminated only by the solitary presence of the moon. Jasper's Maybach pulled up at the gates of Seaview Manor, and he stepped out alone. He instructed the chauffeur, "Send Xavier home. I'll head in alone.""But Mr. Jasper, we heard thunder on our way back. It will rain soon." Xavier's face was full of concern. The distance from the gate to the manor is quite far. I'll send you in.""I'm fine." Jasper coldly adjusted the knot of his tie. "I feel a little stuffy. A short walk will do me good. You should head back.""Alright, then," Xavier reluctantly agreed but kept a watchful eye on Jasper until the Maybach disappeared from view.With a heavy sigh, Jasper continued on his path toward the manor. Just a few steps later, the ominous sound of thunder echoed through the night.The rain was pouring relentlessly outside. By the time Jasper arrived at the manor, he was thoroughly drenched. The cold fall winds and rain had assailed him mercilessly, further adding to the
Betty was one of Zoe's few friends. Zoe had befriended Betty primarily because Betty hailed from the esteemed Beckett family. Zoe deemed Betty worthy of her friendship."Gosh, Betty, you look gorgeous today! And you've even brought gifts. You really didn't have to do that," Zoe smiled brightly and welcomed Betty at the entrance. They held hands like best friends. "Zoe, I missed you so! You look prettier than when we last met!" Betty complimented Zoe with a hidden agenda.Knowing that Landon adored his sister, Betty believed that forming a strong friendship with Zoe would give her a valid reason to visit the Harper Residence. Her plan involved playing the long game by winning over Penelope Harper's affection and eventually getting Zoe to speak highly of her to Landon.It was only a matter of time before she and Landon talked about marriage. She couldn't help but gloat over her clever plan."I came back from my Sedona trip a few days ago and picked up some souvenirs. I bought som
As Landon was away and Penelope was recovering abroad, Betty's plan of sucking up to her future mother-in-law was on pause.Still, she was overjoyed when Landon accepted her gift.The girls enjoyed the fall scenery in the afternoon with high tea under the sprawling sycamore tree in the Harper Residence's backyard."Zoe, when did you first meet Alyssa?" Betty felt an alarm bell ringing within her. She resented and feared Alyssa."I bumped into her backstage at Christina's performance by accident," Zoe replied, casually crossing her legs and taking a sip of black tea. She glanced at Betty and remarked, "You seem to hold some kind of grudge against her.""A grudge? More like a long feud!""Oh, that sounds serious.""You've been away for years and missed out on the drama," Betty ground her teeth. "Alyssa Taylor is a master manipulator who has been toying with Jasper and Landon! She's made our family into a circus!"Betty realized that she might have inadvertently likened herself
"But Mr. Javier and Madam Sophia adore you! You can be my spy and send me intel. We'll win against Alyssa if we team up!" Zoe's eyes shimmered with desire.Betty perked up at the mention of taking down Alyssa. "Okay! Deal. Let's see if that will put a dent in her arrogance!"Zoe crossed her arms on her chest with a smug smile. She had been raised in affluence and showered with love from her mother and brother. She even attended school alongside members of the royal family and received numerous international awards. Her life in the limelight was filled with a continuous stream of applause. She had never lost to anyone and always got what she desired."And I'll save my hand-holding for the woman I love." Jasper's words echoed in her head.She silently vowed, "Jasper, I won't let you slip away, not this time. I will marry you no matter what. I'll be the one to hold your hands!"…Soon, it was time to go home to Belbanks. She had been diligently managing her work, attending mee
Alyssa stared at him blankly. "W-Why are you here?"Sean felt his heart sink when Jameson showed up out of nowhere once more. He curled his fists."I was told that this is your private elevator. So I waited for you here." He smiled softly and changed the topic."I'm not talking about the elevator. I'm asking you, why did you come for me?" She frowned."My dad is visiting Uncle Winston tonight, and I heard you were heading back to Belbanks," he replied with a calm smile. "That's why I'm here to offer you a ride. Let's go to Belbanks."She pursed her lips, plagued by doubts. There was nothing wrong with Jameson's remark, but it sounded somewhat off."Thank you for stopping by, but Jonah has already agreed to pick me up. He should be here any minute now. I'll be heading home with him," she said, offering a polite smile. "I'll see you at Heightsnew Villa.""I've actually informed Jonah about my intention to give you a ride, and he has agreed to it. So, he won't be coming," Jameson r
A black Lamborghini parked across the road rolled down its windows, revealing Jasper's chiseled features.Lips pursed and eyes burning, he fixated on the Bentley that drove away. He recalled how Alyssa and Jameson went about in a pair and felt a jolt of pain that coursed through his veins.He hadn't slept for two days. Even the sleeping pills were useless now.He had been out of it since he parted ways with Alyssa at the concert. While he usually maintained a high level of focus at work, he had been struggling to pay attention to the recent reports.He couldn't quite pinpoint why he had fallen into this state, but he knew Alyssa was at the root of his troubles. That was why he had come to the KS World Hotel alone, without informing Xavier, and had been waiting for Alyssa since 1:00 pm.He admitted that he was dying to meet Alyssa, even if it was just for the sake of sleeping better that night.He was hit hard by the sight of Jameson with Alyssa, and a throbbing headache suddenly
In the main hall, Jonah, Silas, and the properly dressed Cyrus welcomed Victor and his second son into their home, with Mandy and Colene by their side."Jonah, Silas! You both seem to grow more handsome with each passing day! Oh, pardon me, I should address you as the president and the prosecutor now!""Mandy, is this your youngest son? I remember him being a mischievous and adorable little boy the last time we met. He has grown into such a handsome young man! What is he working as?" Victor Schmidt, the chairman of the Schmidt Group, exchanged hearty handshakes with all the Taylor siblings."I'm a policeman. I'm working in the Criminal Investigation Unit," Cyrus answered."Oh, you joined the police force?" Victor's eyes flickered with surprise. To him, being a police officer was one of the least desirable positions, given the comparatively low pay and the inherent risks associated with the job.More importantly, the career progression was limited. The best Cyrus could do was to be