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
"How are you doing, Uncle Winston?" David Schmidt went up and greeted Winston. He bore little resemblance to Jameson because they were half-siblings.David was more genderless in his appearance, in stark contrast to Jameson's burly yet slender physique, characterized by chiseled features and thick brows. Jameson shared the same razor-sharp gaze as their dad, Victor."David! I'm fine. How are you doing?" Winston beamed affectionately at David, who grew up before his eyes. "Vic, I thought you were also bringing your youngest son along. It's been quite some time since I last saw your fourth son. Will he not join us today?""That little rascal claimed he was tied up with something, so he'll be arriving late," Victor remarked as he surveyed the surroundings. Victor asked with curiosity, "Winston, didn't you mention that Lyse would be joining us as well? Where is she?"Winston cleared his throat and replied, "Well, Lyse mentioned she'd be here once she had finished dealing with somet
The hall fell into a deep silence. There was a shift in the air.Alyssa turned around and looked into Jameson's eyes with surprise. David's face fell at Jameson calling her nickname.Winston looked at his dear daughter before turning to Jameson. Still, he calmly remarked, "Oh, did you pick up Lyse? Sorry to trouble you.""It's nothing, Uncle Winston."Silas nudged Jonah and whispered, "When did Lyse become so friendly with Jameson? Why didn't I know about it?""Does she need to share every detail with you?" Jonah replied carelessly."Did you know about them?""Yes.""Are you freaking boasting about it?""I made Jameson pick her up."Silas let out an audible gasp. "How could you push our dear sister into the arms of a random man? You don't even know if he can be trusted. What if he were ill-intentioned and laid his fingers on her on the way here?""Him falling for Lyse is normal. Even gay men would fall for her charm. You don't have to worry about her safety, though." Jonah j
At dinner, the Taylor family and the guests enjoyed the feast in harmony and savored the Chateau Lafite Rothschild that Winston had stored for years.For Winston and Victor, the dinner was just another ordinary catch-up, like what they always did 20 years ago. The only difference was the presence of their children.Furthermore, Victor had an ulterior motive this time—to assess his future daughter-in-law.David sat across Alyssa at the long and wide table while Jameson was seated beside her. Jameson had gained the upper hand because he was closer to her.David could only stare with envy as his brother attentively cared for Alyssa. He almost crushed the utensils in frustration as he agonized at starting on the wrong foot. That little prick Jameson had gained a head start!Jameson discovered Alyssa's penchant for seafood, particularly crabs and shrimps, through their previous dinner date. If there had been no time limit, she would have indulged in seafood all day long.With that k