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
"It's really a fine plan, Mr. Jasper!" Xavier said, then asked timidly, "It's just, with Madam's personality, there's a risk she just might win over Ada Kingsley. Why don't we …""Get to the point.""Why don't we let Madam have this small win instead? It doesn't determine the final victor anyway. We'll be the gentlemen in this scenario and let the lady have it. Plus, you two were married before—"No!" Jasper said sharply. "If we can't move Alexa, then we have no choice but to start from Ada Kingsley. Alyssa must be in the same boat as us if she's doing the same thing. "Every whiff of progress is enough to set us back to square one. We cannot let her have this win. We need Ada to attend our welcoming party no matter the cost!"Jasper then entered his car while Xavier was left standing there alone. The latter's face slowly crumbled into despair.Jasper pondered how his boss could ever win back Alyssa with the current approach.Jasper sighed heavily in his seat. He was actually co