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
Zoe blushed instantly, feeling awkward."She hasn't used those silverware yet, Jasper. Don't worry about saliva." Landon frowned, defending his sister."I'm sorry, Jasper. I'll use a clean fork."Zoe then used a new fork to serve Jasper the seafood paella, but Jasper stopped her once again. "I can help myself."That made Zoe pout. "We used to be inseparable, Jasper. Have a few years apart really changed our bond? Remember how we used to share the same ice cream?""We were children then. Now, none of us are." Jasper looked away, scooping some stir-fried garlic green beans into his plate before eating them.Zoe bit her lip and silently ate her helping of paella, expression upset.Jasper gazed at the spread of food on the table and remembered how Alyssa used to cook these for him, too.These dishes took a long time to prepare. Alyssa usually spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen making them until oil and vapor stained her skin. Yet, he never once thanked her for them. Even a
Amber's eyes reddened as she darted toward the trapdoor in The Millennium, tears streaming down her face.Remy had let her go. He actually spared her! Didn't this prove that he was Damien? That his true nature lingered, even if his memories of the past had been lost?Hope and excitement bubbled within her as she ran. She had to reach Alyssa immediately and share this evidence—this incredible news!Emerging from the trapdoor, Amber navigated the tangled paths among the weeds on the mountain behind The Millennium.Suddenly, she froze. Her breath hitched. Beams of white light shone from all directions, focusing on her. The cold, unyielding spotlights told her everything—she was surrounded, the target of an ambush. Amber's heart pounded in her chest. Cold sweat slicked her palms as her fingers clenched tightly around her dagger. The veins on the back of her hand throbbed with adrenaline.Six assassins in black emerged from the shadows, their flashlights cutting through the gl
Amber glared at Remy through her bloodshot eyes, thrusting her gleaming blade toward his chest. In her early days of being Jameson's follower, the first lesson drilled into her was how to kill quickly and efficiently. Refinement wasn't necessary—only results mattered. Yet, despite mastering the techniques, she had never put them into practice. Deep down, Amber feared the sight of blood and loathed the idea of taking a life.And now, of all people, it was Remy forcing her to cross that line.The blade's tip hovered mere inches from Remy's heart when hesitation gripped her. Axel's voice echoed in her mind, raw with emotion. "Amber, I keep feeling that Remy is my fifth brother, Damien. We miss him… We want him to come home!"Her pupils dilated. The blade wavered, its deadly intent dissipating.That single moment of doubt was all Remy needed. With a calm, calculated motion, he seized her wrist and twisted it sharply.Amber gasped in pain, her grip faltering as the blade clattered
The password to Jameson's room was Alyssa's birthday. Jameson had always believed himself to be a devoted man, taking pride in that notion. Yet, in Amber's eyes, his devotion was nothing more than a pathetic joke—a sentiment she couldn't help but detest.Taking a steadying breath, Amber began rummaging through the drawers and shelves with swift precision.Years of observation had taught her that Jameson had hidden several secret compartments in this room, places meant to conceal vital information. Unless Jameson or Carl disclosed their existence, even the police might not have uncovered them.After what felt like an eternity, sweat beading on her forehead, Amber discovered a hidden compartment beneath a floor sculpture.As she pried the brick loose, her breath hitched. Inside the compartment lay a waterproof plastic bag containing a document and a USB drive.Amber retrieved the document. Her heart raced as she realized its contents—a research report from Mosgravia's RC Biotech
Ever since getting together with Axel, Amber had lived each day in bliss. Yet, when Winston assured her that he truly accepted her and approved of her marriage to Axel, that bliss reached its peak. For so long, Amber had struggled with feelings of inferiority, never truly believing she deserved Axel's love. Deep down, she had resolved to step away if Winston disapproved or insisted Axel marry a woman from a reputable family—a match more fitting of his status.She wouldn't have hesitated to leave if it meant sparing Winston and Axel any conflict. Amber loved Axel wholeheartedly and was willing to sacrifice everything for him.But instead of rejection, she found warmth. The Taylor family embraced her as one of their own, showing her kindness and understanding rather than disdain for her past.She could never repay such compassion. "Winston… Thank you. Thank you…" Amber's tear-filled eyes glistened, their brightness undimmed despite all the darkness she had endured. Winston s
Amber stifled a laugh and teased, "Stop talking, Mr. Whitaker. You're going to sound like a broken record if you keep going." …After breakfast and a quick packing session, Axel departed from Heightsnew Villa. Amber spent her day helping the Taylors with various tasks. She assisted Mandy in organizing documents for Lovelace Group's projects, helped Lyla with cooking, and even joined Colene in feeding her horse. With Tatiana's due date approaching, Amber also pitched in for her shower preparations.Amber had always been a diligent person, but today, she seemed particularly intent on keeping herself busy. She was counting down the hours until nightfall. After dinner, the Taylors sat in the living room and chatted casually as they always did. The warm, familial atmosphere filled the space, and Amber joined in, her perceptive nature making her a seamless part of the group.When everyone retired to their rooms, Amber rose to help the helpers clear the table. "Amber." Startled
Axel and Amber had only spent half a month together before the former was called back to report for work. The night before his departure, they spent hours lost in each other, their passion unrelenting. Again and again, they exchanged kisses, their love pouring forth in an endless tide."Amber, three months… Just give me three more months." When their fervor finally waned, Axel held Amber close in his arms. They rested against the headboard, leaning into one another, too exhausted to move yet unwilling to let sleep claim them."Once I finish all the missions I've taken on, I'll hand in my resignation. After that, I'll spend all my time with you," Axel murmured, his voice steady with resolve. "We'll go wherever you want. If you want fun, I'll have fun with you. If you want chaos, I'll spend my life going crazy with you."Axel wasn't one for flowery words. He simply spoke from the heart. Right now, his heart only wanted Amber—forever.Amber nestled closer, her soft smile masking t
"Sir." Sheryl immediately stood and greeted Justin respectfully as he entered the room. "What are you doing here?" Justin's cold gaze swept over her as he strolled leisurely to the couch and sat down.Sheryl quickly explained, "I received a parcel for you from the administrative secretary half an hour ago. I thought it might be something important, something you wouldn't want too many people to handle. So, I waited for you to return and open it personally.""A parcel?" Justin frowned. Why would anyone send him a parcel to Beckett Group, of all places? How strange. Sheryl presented the parcel to him with both hands. He took it from her and then opened it right before her. After removing three layers of wrapping, each from outside and inside the box, the parcel turned out to contain only a plain white envelope. His expression darkened. It felt like someone was toying with him.Then, he looked down and opened the envelope, which contained a stack of photographs. Pinching a co
"Don't be so pessimistic, Jonah," Alyssa said. Perhaps having just seen Jasper and going through that heart-stopping moment made Alyssa emotional. Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued, "If you truly love someone, you don't need to possess him to find happiness. Isn't it enough to know he's alive, well, and living freely somewhere in this world?""You're right, Lyse." Sorrow filled Jonah's voice as he smiled bitterly. "Julien has already lost and sacrificed too much for my sake. I don't deserve to have such a good man. He'll only find true happiness by leaving me."…After Justin took over as president of Beckett Group, his first move was to wrest control of the A5 Project bid from Jasper's hands.Though Jasper had failed as the leader of Beckett Group, as the eldest son, it was only natural for Justin to inherit the position of power. Justin was aware of lingering opposition within the corporation. Some doubted whether he possessed the decisiveness and singular capabili
Sebastian understood what Alyssa wanted. There wasn't substantial proof to prove that Jasper had abused drugs in the first place. The substance found in his blood was simply supporting evidence. As long as they found the right opportunity to reveal that, it wouldn't completely exonerate him, but it could at least divert public suspicion."Okay, okay… I'll do that. I'll do everything you say!" Sebastian promised. …After emerging from the Bender residence, Landon took Zayne away to keep him under close watch and ensure Sebastian wouldn't retract his statement. Landon planned to release him only after Sebastian fulfilled Jasper and Alyssa's request."Landon, it's really nice to see you. How's Lauren doing lately?" Afraid of looking at Jasper, Alyssa had no choice but to speak with Landon."She's doing great." A tender look came across Landon's eyes at the mention of Lauren. Landon blushed and continued, "We're now trying for a baby." "Really? That's wonderful!" Alyssa was