Winston grew stern like he was at the court. "Lyse only eats the shrimps peeled by you and me. She has never allowed any other men to serve her! "That Jameson fellow was overly passionate toward her. He almost hand-fed her the food, and she did not seem resistant. Tell me, what's their relationship? Has Lyse fallen for him?""Dad, you don't sound like you like Jameson," Jonah pointed out. Winston responded with a silent pout."Jameson and Lyse have known each other since childhood, and they get along well after reuniting. It was rare to see her getting along with someone from the opposite sex. "On top of that, we are family friends with the Schmidts. It will be good news if they end up with each other," Jonah calmly explained his rationale."You know Uncle Victor's agenda for this visit. He intended to set up a marriage between the Schdmits and the Taylors. Why else would he have brought his two single sons along? He had his eyes on Lyse!" Winston stared at the ground and shoo
There was a period of relative calm between the Berenike Hotel and KS World Hotel on the surface, but they were secretly competing with each other.Their potential client, Ada Kingsley, was an international star who was an icon of the entertainment industry. She loved high-profile, extravagant events, and naturally, she would scoff at any wedding sponsors that were not luxury brands.It was public knowledge that Ada herself was a seasoned jewelry collector. She had even hosted small-scale private jewelry exhibitions, showcasing pieces worth no less than millions.For her grand wedding, she made a strict request at the two competing hotels—offering her one-of-a-kind jewelry crafted by true masters."Ada made it clear that she wanted something one of its kind to match her superstar status," Xavier reported the request by Ada's assistant word by word to Jasper and the upper management in the meeting. He continued, "She also mentioned that she has no limits for the design and desig
Jasper's eyes darkened. "No. She's bound to give it her all if she takes action, striking out all potential opponents. That's why we must win over Alexa before she even starts."The staff and directors were still dubious. It didn't seem likely that Alyssa could tackle someone like Alexa when their company was having trouble already."I want a complete dossier on Alexa's personal life before the day is over. Exclude any information pertaining to Alexa's professional endeavors," Jasper directed.Just then, the design department head muttered, "Sir, we're able to give you everything under the sun about Alexa's professional information, but as for her personal info … there's only one thing available.""Yes?""Alexa is … a woman."…The next day, Alyssa found herself craving her favorite comfort food after returning to her office post-meeting."Get me some fried chicken and beer, will you, Sean? I'm hungry," Alyssa requested while playing her video game.Sean chuckled. "Aren't you
Sean's jaw dropped in astonishment. But Alyssa remained calm. She yawned and muttered, "What's with the name-calling, hm? Look. You scared my secretary.""Why did you sever all communication after returning to Solana City, Alexa? Everyone on the team has been praying and hoping for your swift return." Tears welled up in Sliva's eyes."I'm sorry, dear. I won't be able to return to you guys for a long time. I need to help my family out here. You'll have to take charge of the firm in Yoarkley in my stead." Alyssa sighed. She continued, "Don't worry about the funding, though. My previous designs will fetch prices that can keep the firm running for the next couple of decades. "But please tell everyone not to delay their own progress and ambitions for my sake. If it's their wish to leave the firm and pursue greater heights, they have my full blessings. "The same goes for you, Sliva. Don't wait for me."Sliva rubbed her eyes. "I … I would never leave your team, Alexa.""You've hel
"Every year, I watched him buy plane tickets to Mosgravia to celebrate Liana's birthdays with her. I've never seen someone who hated doing extra work give up their own principles just to make someone happy. "He even went to Furancia to hire the best artisans for her. Let's say I could let go of that. But I was his wife. The least he could do was show me some respect," Alyssa remarked. All this while, Alyssa's back was to Sean, making it impossible for him to discern her emotions. She spoke like a narrator, calmly recounting a story that had happened.Sean felt upset on her behalf. He knelt down beside Alyssa and said, "Jasper Beckett truly deserves the worst punishment for hurting you all because of an irredeemable piece of trash!"Alyssa shook her head, smiling. "I would've yelled and screamed all my emotions out to him back then. But things are different now. I feel a calm I've never felt before, like hearing an unfunny yet amusing joke. "If Liana is trash, then Jasper is a t
Just then, Xavier came over with a cup of coffee. "Sir, I've contacted Ms. Sliva from Alexa's firm. She's willing to meet up with you to discuss the matter.""Really?""Yes. But she's made it clear that that's all it is. She seemed pretty cold and unwilling to do it, honestly." Xavier sighed. "I just hope our endeavor doesn't go kaput.""Don't worry. I'm not giving up until Alexa meets me herself."…They waited in Yoarkley for three days before Jasper met with Sliva at a café near Alexa's design firm. He wasn't even invited over to the actual office."I'll get straight to the point, Mr. Jasper." Sliva's expression was one of pride and mild annoyance. "Thus far, Alexa has only made jewelry for presidential members, royalty, and those who have contributed exceedingly to societal and human welfare. "Ada Kingsley may be a celebrity, but she does not fall into any of the above precedent categories."Xavier scowled, unable to understand what the fuss was all about when it was just
After returning from Yoarkley, Xavier constantly paid close attention to Alyssa and KS World Hotel's activities. Unfortunately for Jasper, Alyssa hadn't done a single thing moving forward since that day. She was still busy managing the hotel, not even stepping out of Solana City once. Jasper gazed outside his window, brows wrinkled in thought.Wasn't Alyssa worried? Ada's wedding was right around the corner. Or had she secretly given up on hiring Alexa for this project? The rose garden affair, Sophia's arrest, and the Verdane Valley project being snatched out of his hands had slowly instilled a sense of apprehension in Jasper toward her.Jasper couldn't help but curse at himself for fearing Alyssa after their divorce. Just then, the phone on his desk rang."Mr. Jasper, Mr. Landon is here for you.""Have him come inside."Landon strode into his office like he owned the place, then lounged on his couch. "How many times do I have to tell you to not come over here without
Landon said, "How long do you think it will take for you to drag this out before those two end up married, or worse—start having babies?" Jasper's heart skipped several beats at the thought. Nevertheless, he said coldly, "Who told you I was going after her again? "I need the information because she has taken away yet another project of mine. This time, she's working with Jameson Schmidt. It will negatively impact the company moving forward.""Whatever you say, dude." Landon cackled, then tossed an orange peel at his friend.Jasper caught it with his hand before crushing it into dry pulp.Xavier had to resist the urge to laugh with every fiber of his being. "Mr. Jasper, there appears to be no relationship between Madam and Mr. Jameson that is worth losing sleep over. "She had eyes only for you in the past three years, and there's no evidence of any involvement with the Schmidt family on her end prior to that."Only then did Jasper's expression lighten up. Jameson's affection
Jonah's gaze burned with a mix of longing, sorrow, and something deeply affectionate. The world swam back into focus as Julien looked at Jonah. Without preamble, he asked, "Are you new? How much do you charge per night?"Light-headed and grinning, Julien reached out a hand, his fingers brushing softly against Jonah's cheek. "You're pretty good-looking," he said, his voice slurred. Then his expression shifted. "Why do you… look so much like someone I hate with every fiber of my being?"Jonah's heart clenched. Even so, he slid his arms around Julien's waist. Trembling, he pulled Julien into his arms. "I'm new here. Could you help me meet my target tonight, Mr. Lovelace?"Julien's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Jonah. Jonah's eyes teared up as he held Julien's waist tightly. "I promise you won't be disappointed," he said, his voice deep. Watching from the shadows below the stage, Evan nearly gagged at Jonah's sultry tone. Was this really the Judas he knew? The man sounded downri
The bar was alive with striking lights and thundering music, and the air was thick with the scent of tobacco and alcohol. The atmosphere was one of moral decay—corrupt, degrading, and vile. "Where's Julien?" Jonah's voice cut through the noise, his tone icy and sharp. When Jonah stepped inside, the eyes of several men turned toward him, their gazes filled with illicit intent."Why, hello there. Are you here alone? Are you feeling lonely?" A sexy man sauntered over, draping himself over Jonah's shoulders. He let his hands linger with a playful squeeze. "If you're bored, I'd be happy to keep you company." Jonah's expression darkened. His hands trembled, veins bulging with barely contained rage. Suddenly, Evan burst through the crowd, his face twisting in alarm at the sight of Jonah surrounded by a swarm of predatory men. Evan yelled, "Don't touch him!" A heavy thump reverberated through the room. Gasps erupted as people scrambled back.The man who had draped himself over
Rafe stated, "But Beckett Group is in the middle of a storm right now. If I insisted on giving your corporation the project, my superiors would investigate me. I wouldn't be able to escape unscathed!""If you're investigated, I'll make sure you can still live a life of luxury—even if you lose your job." Justin's tone darkened. "But if you turn against me, you won't just suffer a few losses. You'll lose everything."Under the dim moonlight, Justin fiddled with his antique tea cup, his gaze narrowing. "You've worked so hard to get to where you are. Are you prepared to lose it all?"After ending the call, Justin turned to Remy, who stood quietly at the side. "Sheryl is still being detained. She can't be bailed out for another two days. I need someone to watch over the research lab. You'll handle that."Remy was taken aback. "I failed my last mission. Aren't you going to punish me?"Justin's smile was cold and insincere. "It wasn't your fault. You were ambushed. If not for that, I tru
Remy pursed his lips, bending down to pick up the fallen poker card. It was the King of Spades—an entry pass to Kings' Club. "My attacker was…" Remy's pupils constricted as he tightened his grip on the card. "It can only be that dear uncle of mine, always claiming to see me as his own son." Justin's lips curled into a sinister smile. "He's trying to get rid of my right-hand man, taking advantage of my internal feud with Jasper. Weakening me is just his first step toward gaining control over me."He's been a fugitive ever since his successful prison break, never returning to Cyrris after receiving his life sentence. His power base remains in Kontina. "I'm the last surviving Dutton. The Dutton Group, as a cover, has declared bankruptcy and severed all ties with the country. "My dear uncle has taken a huge risk just to target me. He sent his men to attack you in Solana City. What a delightful surprise. It seems he truly doesn't trust me, his only remaining family."Remy lowere
The hospital ward grew heavy with silence. Mandy and Neil stared at Alyssa, stunned beyond words. "M-Ms. Alyssa, you knew that man was Mr. Damien?" Neil asked, disbelief etched into his voice. "Yes." Alyssa's reply was quiet, her lips pressed into a thin line. She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "We found out when Cyrus took Damien's cigarette butt for a paternity test."Mandy approached Alyssa, her shoulders trembling slightly. "So, you and Cyrus knew… and you both kept it from me?" Mandy said, her voice catching in her throat, tears welling up. Alyssa felt a sharp pang in her chest. "Mandy, I'm sorry. It was my decision. Cyrus had nothing to do with it."Mandy's tears fell freely now, her grief spilling out in raw sobs. "Do you know what it's been like for me all these years, thinking Damien was gone? Winston, Miley, Lyla, and Colene kept telling me to move on. I tried to accept that he was dead, that we'd never find his body. But I never did."Her vo
The hospital ward was bathed in a dim, yellow glow from the bedside lamp. The silence was thick, yet the room held a strange warmth—an unfamiliar comfort that felt oddly familiar to Remy.Pain radiated through his body as he struggled to sit up. His eyes fell on Mandy, who was asleep beside his bed. Her hair was a mess, and her swollen eyes suggested she'd been crying. She was sound asleep. Remy stiffened. His breath quickened as he stared at her fragile figure. Slowly, he leaned forward, his fingers lifting slightly, tempted to reach out.Just as his hand hovered close, Mandy's lashes fluttered. In her sleep, she murmured, "Damien… Damien… I miss you so much…" Tears slipped down her cheeks, silent and unbidden.A pang tugged at Remy's heart. Without thinking, he brushed away her tears with his calloused fingers. The moment his skin touched hers, a jolt shot through him, sharp and electrifying. Pain throbbed at his temples, but beneath it was a warmth he didn't want to let g
Justin's casual question hit Javier like a thunderclap. Shock rippled through him, freezing his expression. His voice trembled with fear as he barked, "What nonsense is that? Are you accusing me of causing Chester's death? I'm your father—how could you think I'd do such a thing?""It's not an accusation. Just the facts," Justin replied coolly, crossing his legs and savoring his tea with unsettling calm. "And I'm not condemning you. In fact, I understand why you did it. I'm facing the same dilemma now."Javier's breathing grew ragged. He had watched Justin grow from a child into the man before him—now a predator, circling with quiet menace."You were meant to be the heir as the eldest son," Justin continued, his voice smooth as silk. "But Grandpa favored Uncle Chester, handing him major projects, grooming him in plain sight. "Uncle Chester's reputation soon eclipsed yours. He was a natural leader, adept at business, with one fatal flaw—he was kind. Too kind. Unlike you."Justin
Nonetheless, night had fallen by the time Justin arrived at Seaview Manor. On his way there, he worked on two things. First, he secured the top legal team to get Sheryl out on bail as quickly as possible. Second, he tried reaching Remy—unsuccessfully. He had never lost contact with Remy before. Justin's face was as dark as the night itself. The moment he stepped inside Seaview Manor, Rory approached with a solemn expression. He gave a slight bow before speaking. "Mr. Justin, what took you so long? Mr. Javier has been waiting.""I was occupied," Justin replied coolly. Then, as if it were an ordinary evening, he allowed a faint smile. "Where's Jasper? Is he back here yet?" A conflicted look came across Rory's face. "Things between you and Mr. Jasper have soured. I doubt he'll want to see you anytime soon—or show up here.""Is that so? How disappointing."Justin's smile didn't reach his eyes. His gaze lingered on Rory, sharp and bottomless. "So, he'd rather believe what he se
Jonah scoured every corner of the hotel, desperation clawing at his chest, but Julien was nowhere to be found. "Jonah!" Alyssa called out, breathless as she caught up to him. She grabbed his arm. "Calm down! I'll help you search for Jul!""I can't find him. He's gone," Jonah murmured, sinking to the floor. His tears mixed with sweat, creating dark patches on the ground. "Lyse… I fear… if I can't find Julien this time, I'll lose him forever."The agonizing thought of losing the love of his life pierced him. "No, you won't!" Alyssa gripped his arm tighter, her voice trembling with conviction. "If Jul had given up on you, he wouldn't have come here today. The fact that he showed up means he still cares."Jonah's eyes were bloodshot, filled with a pain too deep to hide. He shook his head slowly. "Julien came back for Jasper. He did it because he's loyal… because he's a good friend. Not because of me.""He does care!" Alyssa insisted. "If he didn't, he would've faced you without fli