The party at Berenike Hotel continued, though it had lost a significant amount of its enthusiasm with the departure of their guest of honor.Zoe had longed to show off in front of Ada to feed her unbelievably swollen ego. But now that the celebrity was gone, all her hard work and planning had gone down the drain—all because of that sneaky bitch Alyssa.Jasper stood in the hallway, watching the green Rolls Royce drive away in the dark of the night. His posture was rigid and stoic, and the air around him seemed to go down a few degrees."This might not sound very nice, Mr. Jasper, but I believe we've been played the fool again," Xavier reported shakily. He continued, "Everyone online is focused on Alyssa and her hotel, leaving ours in the dust. Even Mr. Javier has caught wind of it."Berenike Hotel's reputation is facing serious scrutiny, with some malicious comments questioning whether our standards of hospitality have declined …"Xavier was practically drenched in cold sweat by
"What transpired between Alyssa and me is a private matter and no one else's concern. She's already moved on from the past, so please refrain from dredging up old affairs to create a scene," Jasper stated firmly.Zoe nearly hissed at that, though fear still quivered in her heart. She couldn't believe that Jasper was still defending Alyssa. "Now that Ada has left, you're free to leave if you'd rather not continue with your charade. I'll have someone send you back home." Jasper turned away and left Zoe standing alone in the hallway.Next to him, Xavier expressed his disapproval with a tsk before departing with his boss. He couldn't help but wonder if this irate, seemingly immature individual was truly Landon's sister.She appeared rather unsophisticated. "Jasper. Jasper! Jasper Beckett!" Zoe screamed. Jasper only came to a halt when she called his full name."You're protecting her because you love her, don't you? She's all you can think about, isn't it?" Zoe screeched."No," h
Like a vulnerable creature finding safety, Lauren instinctively nestled in the person's arms.Landon looked down in surprise, feeling the front of his shirt soaked through. He could sense the warmth of her skin through the damp fabric of her dress as it made contact with his own. His breathing picked up slightly, and he tightened his grip around her waist."Laurie?" he murmured hoarsely.Lauren clung to his arm, staying mute."Are you hurt?" Landon asked, worried.She weakly shook her head, her vulnerability tugging at Landon's heart.When the two guards saw Landon there, their attitude took a 360-degree turn. They quickly paid their respects. "Good evening, Mr. Landon!""What happened just now?" Landon asked nonchalantly, his arms still wrapped around Lauren."N-nothing much, sir," the guard that had snapped at Lauren earlier shot him a courteous smile. "This young lady claimed to be Ms. Ada Kingsley's fan, but we couldn't let her in. She didn't have an invitation. When she
"You don't approve?" Landon's smile deepened.Lauren's eyes were downcast as she nodded."I think they deserved far worse, though."Landon couldn't help but stroke her hair. "You're Jasper's sister. It's only right that I stand up for you when they push you around. I've gone easy on them this time. I didn't want to scare you."Lauren could feel the warmth of his palm on her head. She closed her eyes and nestled into it, much like a contented little kitten. Betty just so happened to stumble upon this scene as she walked out from the main event hall. She was shocked to find her demure little sister all the way here."You bitch! I knew you were seducing my man!" she shrieked, then stormed up to them. But she quickly caught herself.Landon was here. She couldn't lose her precious image before him and make him dislike her even more. Betty had learned some useful things from Liana, so she could restrain herself even more now.She decided to hide in a corner to observe the two.Land
Landon booked one of the presidential suites upstairs in Berenike Hotel and promptly had his female secretary buy a gown for Lauren. He then had his secretary help Lauren get dressed while he waited in the suite's living area.His fingers rhythmically tapped on the sofa's armrest as he waited. Were he in a black suit, he would have the appearance of a groom awaiting his bride's arrival.The bedroom door soon opened. His secretary walked out with Lauren, a smile on her face. "Ms. Lauren is ready, Mr. Harper."Landons' gaze shifted to Lauren, who timidly approached him in a wine-red lace-trimmed gown, her eyes blinking innocently.He was taken aback for the slightest second.Landon's world had always been filled with chaos, violence, and women, but he had never met such a pure, sincere woman as Lauren.He worried that he might tarnish her purity if he gazed at her any longer."Why did you get her this color? She's still young. Pink or peach would have been more suitable." Landon
"What the hell? She scared the shit out of me.""Jeez. Isn't she from the Harper family? Why was she so rude? Doesn't she know any manners?"Zoe had always been accustomed to getting her way, both at home and abroad, whether it involved throwing a tantrum or making outright demands. She had vented some of her current frustration and anger just like that, especially when thinking about what Jasper had said to her.Now that she was back in the country, in front of all these guests who were part of Solana City's upper echelon, she realized that she should reconsider how she portrayed herself in public.Zoe cleared her throat, feigning composure. She then began playing Beethoven's 5th Symphony.Having graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in Yoarkley had its benefits. The music flowed effortlessly with each stroke of her fingers on the keys, allowing her earlier outburst to fade into the background of everyone's minds.Betty stormed over from the back of the hotel to her moth
"What did I tell you, Mom? I told you Lauren was plotting to ruin my plans!" exclaimed Betty. Betty was outraged seeing Lauren there, her wine-red gown catching everyone's attention, even though her sister hadn't the least bit of makeup on. Jealousy burned in her like a flame that refused to die. What was worse was that Lauren's gown matched Landon's, making them look like a couple!At this moment, they even bore a resemblance to a bride and groom attending their own wedding! Betty felt like her purple gown was a slap in her face right now. "I know Lauren better than anyone else, Betty!" Sophia gritted out. "She might be 22, but her mental state and behavior are no older than a child of 10 to 12 years old! "She's still a child with no concept of romance, nor would she be smart enough to think about stealing Landon away from you!"Betty calmed down somewhat after that, though her teeth remained clenched."Things have become more complicated for you. Since Newton's birthday di
A car honked furiously in the distance, its headlights glaring at Lauren as she stood frozen in the middle of the street. Fear gripped her, rendering her unable to move. The vehicle rushed toward her, and in her terrified state, she shut her eyes tightly."Lauren, watch out!"Just then, Landon ran out into the street, diving straight for Lauren and pulling her out of harm's way at the very last second. Before they fell onto the pavement, he used his body to shield her fall, his shoulder slamming into hard rock. Pain shot through his entire arm, nearly making him cry out.The car driver also swerved to the other side of the road to avoid hitting Lauren, ramming right into a couple of decorative flowerbeds. Luckily, he was unhurt.Landon was about to ask if Lauren was okay when she clambered out of his grasp and ran off."Hey! Hey, Laurie! Come back, goddammit!" Landon nearly choked himself with how upset he was. He couldn't help but spat under his breath, "What an ungrateful br
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