Jasper sat in his office, quietly gazing at his desktop. Each time he clicked his mouse, a different picture would appear on the monitor.All of the pictures featured none other than Alyssa herself.These were the pictures Xavier had taken after shadowing her over the past few days. His initial goal had been to gather information about KS World Hotel's next move. However, he had only succeeded in capturing these candid, everyday-life images of her.Jasper's gaze was intense as he examined the pictures, as though he were hoping they might spring to life at any moment.Just then, his phone vibrated.Then it vibrated again.Then again.It went on for ten more times. Jasper pursed his lips as he looked at the notifications. What he saw made his heart leap to his throat. He swiftly got his coat and ran out the office door.…Alyssa and Cyrus had a blast catching up with each other at the Tenggrian barbecue place, topping each other off with wine every twenty minutes.Alyssa
Cyrus wasn't fond of males who got close to his sister, save for their siblings."Cool it, will you, Cyrus? He's no stranger." Alyssa chuckled."No, he's not. But he's still a man." Cyrus shot Sean a look. "You should really consider a female personal assistant.""Damn. This police job is really getting to you, Cyrus. Not everyone's a criminal, you know," Alyssa said as she swayed on her feet."There's no harm in being alert."Cyrus helped Alyssa get in the car and shut the door. Sean nodded politely at him and was about to head to the driver's seat when Cyrus said, "Wait.""Yes, Mr. Cyrus?" Sean asked solemnly."I understand that given your position as Lyse's secretary, you have to stay around her all the time." Cyrus' gaze was sharp as a hawk. "However, you are also expected to keep yourself in check. What doesn't belong to you will never belong to you, so don't cross the line. Ever. "I am not as tolerant as Jonah or Silas. I have seen the vilest depths of evil a human is
When Jasper finally reached the barbecue restaurant, Alyssa and her "companion" had long left. He gritted his teeth, recalling how she had been so intimately close to him in the pictures Xavier sent him.Jasper felt like a fool at the moment. However, he couldn't shake his concern about Alyssa coming to such a place late at night for a meal. Did she not understand the concept of boundaries?His phone suddenly rang with an unknown number."Yes?"A monotonous female voice asked, "Is this Mr. Jasper Beckett?" "Yes.""This is the East Solana Police Bureau. What is your relation to Xavier Hall?"Jasper's brows furrowed. "He's my secretary. What's going on?""Please come over to the station."…The night seemed to be passing by like a dream. Jasper couldn't for the life of him figure out how Xavier had gotten himself arrested by the police.When he entered the police station, he came face to face with a man in a black leather jacket. This was the man who was with Alyssa earlier!Cyrus caref
Jasper turned around slowly to find Alyssa standing a couple of steps behind him. Her eyes were cold and flat as they locked onto his."Why did you come all the way here, Lyse?" Cyrus ignored Jasper and went up to her. "I told you I would handle this myself. You should be getting to bed.""No. I need to take care of this myself." She then turned to Jasper, her gaze icy. The sight made Jasper's heart clench. She had never shown him an ounce of warmth since their divorce. Jasper was honestly more frightened than angry over this nowadays. Deep inside, he felt terrified at the thought of being treated like a stranger by Alyssa. He would rather she hated him with all her passion than treat her so coldly."Alyssa …""Walk with me," Alyssa said, then walked out of the police station. Jasper was about to walk when Cyrus grabbed his shoulder. "Hey! Let me remind you to keep yourself in line. This is the police department. Any silly moves, and I'll lock you up for a week!""You're h
Alyssa had almost snarled the word "shameless".Winston Taylor's children had always been cherished and nurtured by him and his wife, Lyla. They were provided with abundant support and room to chase their aspirations and realize their dreams. Alyssa had once thought she could do the same for her love with Jasper, choosing to leave her home to be with him. However, all that transpired was her putting herself in jeopardy and Jasper gradually stripping away her pride and her heart, layer by layer, until she could bear it no longer.She had acted foolishly then. Now that she had regained her senses and returned home, her decision to take on the mantle as the family's heiress was to empower her siblings to do the same.Alyssa didn't want her and her family's life to be disrupted any further, but that seemed to be all that Jasper was accomplishing.She couldn't take it anymore."Shameless?" Jasper's eye grew hooded. He pressed his hands beside her head, leaning in close. "So you d
Jasper was about to punch Cyrus in the face when Alyssa cried, "Don't hit my brother!"That made Jasper freeze instantly, and his hand paused in mid-air.Cyrus leaped on the chance to land a punch on his cheek, the skin at his lip breaking from the force.Jasper hissed, the taste of blood filling his mouth. He stumbled back just the slightest, wincing in pain.Alyssa looked on in shock, not expecting Jasper to have actually listened to her. Jasper just stood there and let Cyrus hit him.Cyrus hurried back to protect his sister, glaring at Jasper, whose lip was now bleeding. "Touch my sister again, and I'll kill you, bastard!"Unbeknownst to him, Alyssa was grateful that Jasper had actually let up on her brother. If he hadn't, Cyrus might have ended up in the hospital.…Alyssa didn't press charges in the end. She knew what kind of person Xavier was, having spent time knowing him for three years. Xavier followed Jasper back to the car like a wounded dog, hunched over and wit
Three days passed in a blur. News of Ada Kingsley's arrival in Solana City reached both national and international media in a blitz of reports.On the night of the welcoming party, Ada Kingsley arrived at Berenike Hotel dressed in a lavender haute couture gown, her hair styled into waves that cascaded down to her knees.Sophia had invited herself to the party. Her hair was styled in an elaborate bird's nest atop her head, revealing two large sapphire earrings and a teardrop-shaped sapphire at her neck. They were named "Halcyon" by its creator. It looked like she had a mini apartment building on her head."Didn't you have another piece of crystal prettier than this teardrop, Mom? Why aren't you wearing that one?" Betty asked curiously.Sophia gritted her teeth, hand clenching around her necklace. "Because of that bitch, Liana! God knows what she and her family got into, owing that much debt! "With my shop having no sales and the police still on the lookout, I had no choice but t
"But Mom, I'll be able to help you when I marry Landon." Betty was pale with shock at her mother's reaction.Sophia pursed her lips, eyes turning dark. She suddenly asked, "How far along is Zoe and Jasper?""What do you mean by how far along? Jasper seems to be still infatuated with that whore, Alyssa. Zoe has no chance whatsoever.""Good.""Mom?""Don't you see? This is a great chance to distance Landon and Jasper from one another!" Sophia prodded her daughter's forehead. She continued, "Landon is his father's only son. Even if his father is still leading the company and family, Landon is bound to take over the mantle sooner or later!"Using Zoe to form a rift between Jasper and Landon was a far better deal than having her marry into the family. "I know Jasper. He never surrenders no matter how much you push him. Regardless, Zoe will still become the thing that separates them in the end!"Betty looked in awe at her mother, now understanding her plan.Suddenly, a faint knoc
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence. Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control. Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president—our direct competitor!"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest—outright cronyism!" Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression. Just then, a board member from Javier's
Despite his age, Newton exuded the same energy and sharpness he had in his younger days, even when surrounded by the board members brimming with vigor. Despite his quiet presence in the wheelchair, an intimidating atmosphere clung to him. In an instant, Javier was transported back to the days when he worked under Newton's strict supervision."Good day, Mr. Javier and all fellow board members. I assume no one has any objections to my presence at this meeting?"Newton's gaze swept across the room, a perfunctory smile gracing his lips."Of course not. You are part of the corporation's board of directors!" the members responded immediately.Newton nodded. "Much has happened within the corporation lately. Our shares have been fluctuating amid the controversy. "As you all know, I had intended to retire after dedicating most of my life to this company. I wanted to step aside for the younger generation rather than hover over them like a specter, micromanaging everything. "However,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc