Betty thought that Zoe was a bluff. She couldn't help but wonder how someone like Zoe could possibly get her hands on Alexa's designs when even a celebrity superstar like Ada had trouble doing so.Betty rolled her eyes silently, though she still praised, "You're amazing, Zoe! If you can find one of Alexa's designs to give Ada, she'll definitely join us! "That way, we'd get revenge on Alyssa and help my brother. You'll leave a good impression on him, too. I'm sure your relationship with him will blossom then!"Zoe was grinning so widely that her teeth looked like they might fall out. "That's why we need to win Ada over from KS World!"Betty, meanwhile, had other ideas. She wasn't going to help Jasper. They didn't even share the same mother. Instead, she intended to use this opportunity to prove herself to their father and wrest control of the project from him. That would earn her father's favor and help reconcile her mother's relationship with him. And Zoe would become the ca
Being a Mosgravian, Ada had never eaten such a variety of dishes, so she naturally dug in with gusto. Alyssa and Sean kept her company, the former chatting merrily with Ada as she ate but never once bringing up anything about her marriage with Jasper nor insulting the Beckett Group. They talked about everything from their hobbies to Ada's career to jewelry.When dinner was over, Alyssa and Sean escorted Ada down to the parking lot."Thank you for the delicious meal, Ms. Alyssa. It was quite amazing. I'm particularly fond of that flaky pastry filled with pistachio. Your hotel's chefs are every bit as skilled as you say they are!""That's a pistachio and chocolate cream baklava. I can have a box or two of those sent to you before you leave for Mosgravia. One for you and one for your mother," Alyssa offered kindly."Madam Ada, most of the dishes tonight are actually cooked by Ms. Alyssa here, including the pastry you just ate," Sean said excitedly."Truly? Did you really make tha
Jasper rushed to the hospital first thing after getting word that Landon had been in a car accident. Landon was lying in the VIP ward in a neck and spine brace while his secretary fed him apple slices.He looked like some impotent bum trying to act high and mighty."When did you swap your hair for a potbelly? You're not some greasy 45-year-old man who still has the hots for women twice your age, Landon. So don't act like it," Jasper quipped as he walked into the ward.The secretary quickly got up and greeted Jasper before leaving the room, giving them privacy."Jeez! Are you here to visit me or make me look bad? I can't even move my hands, man!" Landon cried, then winced when he accidentally shifted his wrist too much."Stay put." Jasper went up to help his friend settle back down, though his face remained stoic."Would you wheel me around if my legs get paralyzed, Jasper?" Landon asked pitifully."Ask one of your hundreds of girlfriends to do that for you," Jasper scoffed, "Par
"Autism?" Landon's heart ached at that thought. No wonder Lauren behaved so strangely. Though she was 22 years old, she still had the behavior of a young, naive child.No wonder Sophia never let her out of the house."Did you ask her what she thought about those things you did for her? Whether she wanted you to do them or not? Did you ever step in her shoes and think for a moment? "No, because you're not capable of that." Jasper's breathing was intermingled with a dull pain in his chest. "All she ever wanted was a peaceful, quiet life. Don't go ruining that for her now. You'll only make things worse."Landon was silent for a moment. He asked hoarsely, "Can she be cured?""Do you think she'd still be like this today if she could?"Landon thought about how frightened Lauren was last night, his heart pounding painfully behind his ribcage.Just then, Jasper's phone rang. He crinkled his nose but still answered. "Dad.""Come back to the office right now. We need to talk."The call
The secretary swiftly turned on the television and tuned it to the 3 o'clock news. Jasper bristled, having flashbacks to the Verdane Valley project."Welcome to the 3 o'clock news, providing you with the most up-to-date afternoon updates. "Last night, the renowned international actress Ada Kingsley made her entrance into Solana City, sparking immense enthusiasm among her fans. "According to sources, her visit to the city is to honor her mother's request, which was to have her wedding held here in Solana. "The Berenike Hotel and KS World Hotel in the city have engaged in a fierce competition, vying to be selected by Ada Kingsley as the venue for her wedding. "After several days of intense rivalry, Madam Ada Kingsley has made her decision."Jasper couldn't keep his eyes off the screen."At 3 o'clock news, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to KS World Hotel for their successful efforts in securing Ada Kingsley's endorsement and being chosen as the venue for her wedding!
"Even if Alyssa and I are divorced, that does not mean you get to do anything to her." Jasper took slow steps forward, a dark surge rising in his eyes.Javier bristled angrily, meeting his son's gaze.Betty was shocked by the murderous gleam in Jasper's eyes as well, but she quickly recovered. She went up to her father, gently kneading his shoulders. She said, "Alright, Dad. Don't get so worked up because of Alyssa. Though she might have the upper hand now, it's not over yet. The odds might still be in our favor in the end."Javier frowned. "Do you have a plan, Betty?""Yes, Dad. All I need is to have the authority to manage this project. I'll win Ada Kingsley back from Alyssa Taylor's hands!" Betty grinned. "The news can say what they want about Ada choosing KS World, but we all know things can always change, no?"Jasper narrowed his eyes. Despite Betty's constant desire to gain some influence within the family business, she consistently fell short and ended up making a mockery
Jasper left the president's office and went back to his own."How did it go, sir?" Xavier asked worriedly, giving him a warm mug of coffee. "Mr. Javier … didn't push you, did he?"Jasper went to sit on the sofa, taking a sip of the coffee. "No."Xavier sighed in relief."He did worse."Xavier scowled and started exclaiming, "I knew nothing ever good comes from him when it comes to you! He's not a good father at all!""Sometimes I wish he wasn't," Jasper murmured, swallowing the now-bitter-tasting coffee. Unfortunately, I have 50% of his blood in me."Xavier slumped over, not knowing what to say."Javier's given Betty full power to handle Ada's wedding.""What?" Xavier exclaimed, then cussed aloud. "What the hell is he thinking? You were the one who spearheaded all discussions, negotiations, and plans regarding Ada's wedding, from trying to win her over to even suggesting that our hotel hosts it in the first place! "Is he blind? You're the last person who would want to see us
No woman had ever left Jasper feeling as defeated as Alyssa did. Even when Liana had used and betrayed him, the strongest emotion he'd felt was rage.Staring at the newer and tidier lobby than Berenike Hotel, Jasper smiled helplessly.When Alyssa had married him, she always seemed unworldly and acquiescent. He had never looked down on her countryside background, but he always believed that they were worlds apart and shared no common ground.He finally understood that he was too far removed from her world, even if he tirelessly played catch up.He realized that Alyssa had put aside her pride to stay by his side for three years. That was the only time she was within his reach.She was never out of his league. It was the other way around.Sean happened to engage in a work discussion with two hotel managers. He turned around and was shocked to find Jasper standing in the lobby. His eyes darkened."That's all for now. Go.""Got it, Mr. Lynch." After the managers left, Sean marched u
In the evening, Xavier drove Jasper to meet with Newton. Along the way, news broke out that Sheryl had been bailed out. Xavier slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Damn it! Why is it so hard to get rid of that woman?" "She is Justin's right hand," Jasper said, eyes shut as he leaned back in his seat. His jaw tightened. "You could even say she knows more about his secrets than anyone. As long as she's useful, Justin won't discard her so easily. This is how he operates."Xavier shook his head, teeth gritted. "Where the hell did she even come from? When you had me investigate her, I found nothing. Her background was spotless. "What's in her past that Justin would go so far to keep it hidden? A man like him can have any woman he wants, yet he clings to her—some pretty-faced idiot who only seems to make things harder for him."Jasper's gaze turned glacial. Xavier's casual remark struck him.He was right. Justin wasn't short on capable subordinates. So why Sheryl?Was Sh
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,