"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
Alyssa might not be in the lobby, but she was aware of all the happenings in the hotel."Ms. Alyssa, Mr. Beckett and Mr. Schmidt are here. They wanted to meet you. What should I …" Sean placed a finger on his Bluetooth earbud and turned around, lowering his voice.Jasper and Jameson immediately straightened up, their expressions growing tense."Meet me? What for? Are they looking for a discount?" "They won't leave without meeting you. I can't call the security on them, can I?" Sean was stuck between a rock and a hard place because of the two obstinate men."Ask them what they're here for." Alyssa's voice was devoid of warmth, like a judge in court."Ms. Alyssa would like to know your purpose for meeting her," Sean said with a hint of irritation."I'm here to invite her to dinner as a thank you." Jameson smiled and nudged his glasses. "I have mailed the signed CD to my mom, and she loves it so much. She wanted me to treat Ms. Alyssa to a meal, or she'd feel bad."After explaini
"Ms. Alyssa wants you to go in." Sean turned aside as though Jasper was infectious."Thank you."Sean snickered, openly displaying his disgust. "You don't have to thank me. It's all because of Ms. Alyssa's generosity. I would have beaten you up and thrown you out." With that, he left the back kitchen.Jasper inhaled and stepped into KS World Hotel's spotless back kitchen that looked like a sterile lab with white decor and stainless steel tables and equipment.The air was quiet. The only thing he heard was his breathing and his beating heart.Turning a corner, he spotted a slender figure standing by the wide table that only highlighted her petite frame. Today, Alyssa was charming in the white chef uniform, her hair tied and tucked neatly into the chef's hat. She wore a transparent mask on her face and was fully focused on shaping a ball of dough into pastry. She did not even notice his presence.His eyes turned misty when he recalled Mrs. Rosie's words. She told him, "Mr. Ja
Alyssa's eyes wavered, and she sprung to her feet by pushing herself away from Jasper's muscular chest. She hurriedly stumbled backward and slammed her back against the fridge door.Her breathing remained uneven. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead. Despite having a face mask on, she could feel the heat from his lips lingering on hers.Damn it! Why did she …Gasping for air and flushed with emotion, she angrily tore off her mask and tossed it to the floor. It was now contaminated and utterly useless.Meanwhile, Jasper slowly rose to his feet, leaning against the table's edge. There was a hint of exhaustion in his face, like a beast after a hearty meal.He pursed his lips to maintain composure, but his heart continued to race."Does your back hurt?" He was still in a daze after the accidental kiss. Still, he maintained his composure. His tone sounded icy, just like usual."None of your business!" She seethed with anger over him helping himself to one of her pastries. "I never perm