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
David's face fell when Jameson made a jab at him. He curled his fists.The Taylor family chose to ignore the siblings' rivalry, except for Victor, who shot Jameson a furious glance."She still needs something to warm her up. Lyse, I'll get you some white wine. It's perfectly fine to enjoy a little drink." Jameson smiled gently, ignoring the pale David.She coughed and replied, "I'm fine with anything." Feeling uneasy about being caught in the middle of the two siblings, she declined their offers in an attempt to defuse the situation. "I'd actually prefer a beer—"Surprisingly, they turned to her at the same time, warning, "No! You might get gout!"…When the dinner drew to a close, Jameson excused himself from the table and headed to the washroom. There, he dispensed loads of handwash into his hands. His pale hands looked like they were specimens in Formalin. He scrubbed his hands until they turned a shade of red.After five times of handwashing, he brought his hands to his
As long as Jasper could meet her …The doors to Heightsnew Villa groaned as it slowly opened. Jasper's heart leaped into his throat, and he tensed up. He leaned forward and stared a hole into the gates. Even his breathing grew heavier in anticipation.His heart sank when Jameson appeared in his vision with an amused expression. He watched as his rival walked up to him."Mr. Beckett, isn't it rather inappropriate to arrive unannounced on a quiet night like this?" Jameson's eyes held a mocking glint.Jasper remained composed and smirked. "That's none of your business. The Schmidts don't run Belbanks.""Are you always this stubborn and this pathetic of a sore loser?" Scoffing, Jameson said, "I know why you showed up, and I know what's on your mind. "You regretted choosing Liana over Lyse. You finally recognized your foolishness after being lied to, and you're now on a mission to get back with Lyse to recoup your losses and save some dignity."What do you take her as? A tool to e
Jasper, standing with his back facing her, felt a thrill in his heart as a smile flashed across his lips. However, he did not have the courage to face Alyssa.Meanwhile, Jameson pursed his lips. A storm was brewing in his eyes. Alyssa and Jasper might have divorced on bad terms, but he sensed the complicated feelings that lingered between the two."Since you're already here, why don't you clear the air before you leave?" She took a step forward and stared at Jasper's straight back. "Don't skulk around like a thief. You're going to give me nightmares."His Adam's apple moved. He turned to her and said, word by word, "Nothing. I've just been losing sleep these past few days."She frowned as she was puzzled by the relationship between his Belbanks trip and his insomnia. Was his insomnia related to her?Speechless, she felt unfairly blamed for his troubles. She certainly hadn't caused him any problems!"Take your sleeping pills if you're having trouble sleeping. Coming to Belbanks