"Sophia is a calculative cunt. I'm concerned that they might try something against you. I wanted to give you a heads-up so you can be prepared," said Jasper.Alyssa's clear eyes flickered before she turned away."That's all. I'll leave you to your work now." He shot her another loaded gaze before leaving."Wait, Jasper," she suddenly called out to him. He felt his chest tighten as he swiftly turned back."Why did you tell me all of that? You're the type to look at the big picture. Whoever from the Beckett Group takes over the Ada Kingsley account will still boost the influence and reputation of Berenike Hotel. It's something you've been working on." She threw him a quizzical look. "So, why did you tell me that?""Because I want you to win," he responded with a genuine and innocent look in his eyes. It was a rarity after his many years of hustling in business."And why do you want me to win?""You were once my wife—"She cut him off with a scoff. "You never showed me any kindnes
Two weeks away from Ada Kingsley's wedding, Alyssa was busy updating the proposal from Ada's comments. She also had to oversee the on-site decorations and review crucial documents concerning materials, costs, and manpower. On her worst day, she managed to grab only three hours of sleep.Still, she enjoyed the hustle. As long as there was something in it for her, she would feel invigorated by the frenzy.After joining the team meeting in the morning, Alyssa returned to her office, where she munched on her sandwich and approved documents.Sean knocked on the door to deliver coffee and shook his head at her tired and adorable look. "Eating while working is bad for your health.""I don't have time! I have another fashion event to attend later this afternoon," Alyssa replied, taking a hearty bite of her sandwich without once looking up from the documents."Why is your schedule so packed today? I was about to book a spa for your relaxation during your free time." Sean felt sorry for h
"That's not all! How could they walk the red carpet after Ada Kingsley? Who do they think they are?""I didn't take any photos of them. Just a waste of my storage space.""I know Betty is Javier Beckett's daughter, and I heard that Zoe is Landon Harper's sister. They might not be famous, but they're filthy rich. I bet they paid a huge sum to show up last!"Betty and Zoe entered the venue with satisfaction, thinking that they had garnered enough attention.To their dismay, they found reporters clamoring to interview celebrities like Ada or brand designers. No one wanted to interview the two young ladies at all."This is unacceptable! Are they blind?" Betty stomped when she was given the cold shoulder. "How dare they ignore us? They don't know their stuff! Don't they know I could end their careers if they get on my bad side?""Reporters are only after those who are worth something. They'll come after you like sharks lusting for blood if you're famous, well-connected, or influential
Alyssa did not attend the jewelry show to flaunt her status as Winston Taylor's daughter. She had two goals. Firstly, to address the allegations of snatching the opportunity from Beckett Group through media interviews to stop the speculations. Secondly, she delivered pastries to Ada at the venue, mainly to monitor Betty's movements and gain control over the situation. She would never allow that calculative bitch to gain the upper hand.Ada showed up with a distinguished middle-aged man dressed in a brown suit."Ms. Alyssa, allow me to introduce you," Ada said with a smile. "This is Vincent Carter, the global CEO of AX and a dear friend of mine.""Vincent, this is Alyssa Taylor, the manager of KS World Hotel. She's a talented lady!"Vincent, a native of Yoarkley with blonde hair and blue eyes, hailed from a blue-blooded family."Mr. Carter, it's a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to Solana City," Alyssa greeted him with a warm smile as she extended her hand."Nice to meet you t
"Alyssa Taylor should have known such basic rules of the industry!""Of course she does! Maybe she just wanted to take advantage. These businesswomen always play dirty. Perhaps she had used the same tricks to win Ada Kingsley's trust and beat Mr. Beckett!""Tsk tsk. To think that I admired her before. Now, looking at her again, she seems quite shameless."Zoe snickered, feeling victorious for getting Alyssa into trouble. She thought that Alyssa had become too arrogant and decided to teach her a lesson that day, with the best approach being character assassination.Little did Zoe know that Jasper had arrived late and had witnessed the scene. He stood in the shadows quietly and cast an icy glare at the gloating woman.Tall and gorgeous like a deity, he stood stiffly in his suit and wore a glum expression."Mr. Beckett, that girl is bullying Madam!" Xavier was worried.Jasper pursed his lips and leaned forward. The look in his eyes hardened as he halted in his tracks. "Let's wait
There was a collective expression of shock among the onlookers.Even Ada Kingsley, who was not only Vincent's good friend but also Alexa's number one fan, found herself taken aback by Alyssa wearing jewelry from the elusive "Dark Rose" collection—a name she had heard of but never seen. She briefly experienced a rare moment of envy at Alyssa's wealth.Alyssa quietly cast Vincent a grateful look. There was no need for her to explain herself. This was Vincent's turf, and it was his job to address those who were up to no good. She wouldn't need to lift a finger for something as insignificant as Zoe's slander.Jasper's eyes had never left Alyssa. There was a hint of envy in them. He was sure that Alyssa knew that man, and the two shared a close relationship at that."Who's that old man?" Jasper demanded to know."Vincent Carter is the global CEO of AX. His grandfather holds the title of the last Duke of Yoarkley, and his grandmother is the founder of AX. In simple terms, they own the b
Betty took a step back, putting some distance between herself and Zoe to steer clear of the ongoing controversy.The reporters who came to their senses scrutinized Zoe. One of them remarked, "So, Ms. Harper was pointing fingers, even though she wasn't even a VIP member at AX. That's quite absurd."Another chimed in, saying, "She should have minded her own business."A third reporter added, "She believes she can have a say just because she bought a few pieces from AX. Look at her, making these bold accusations in front of the CEO, who probably doesn't even know her name. It's rather tactless. She's no match for Ms. Alyssa!"Zoe couldn't help but grumble inwardly about the media. How could they compare her to Alyssa? Zoe's mind went blank as she almost blacked out from the anger. That was the greatest humiliation she had endured in her young life.Alyssa paid no attention to Zoe as she left the scene, chatting merrily with Vincent and Ada.The reporters flocked after them, leav
Vincent led Alyssa and Ada to the backstage dressing room, where they chatted and sipped champagne.After a while, Ada's manager summoned her for an important interview, leaving only Alyssa and Vincent in the room."It's been three years since we last met. How have you been, Alyssa?" Vincent gave her a fatherly look, devoid of any romantic passion."Just like what you see. I'm still the old me." Alyssa opened her arms with a cool smile."You seem more worldly than three years ago. I can see in your weathered eyes that you went through a lot. Where did you go in the three years you vanished? Did you travel the world for inspiration?" Vincent detected a hint of melancholy in her expression and asked with genuine concern."Nah, I did not go traveling. I wasted three years working as a slave, and I'm completely burned out." Alyssa let out a sigh with an empty look in her eyes."You're as funny as before." He clinked glasses with her and chuckled. "When do you plan to reveal your iden
"How about now? Is Ms. Altman at home?" Alyssa asked urgently."She isn't," Clark replied. "She drove out the back gate alone around 11:00 pm. Our security personnel stopped her then, but she said she was just going out for some fresh air because she had trouble sleeping. She promised she wouldn't be long, but it's strange—she hasn't returned even now."Alyssa's ears began to ring, her heart sinking like a stone.When she ended the call, her nightgown clung to her skin, drenched in cold sweat. Her trembling hand gripped the phone tightly.She thought of calling Jonah, but he was still searching for Julien in Mosgravia. He wouldn't be able to return in time. Silas wasn't home tonight; he was likely with Rose. Besides, he was more of an academic than a fighter—not someone who could help in a crisis. Getting him out of bed in the middle of the night couldn't possibly solve any of their problems. Axel had returned to his organization, leaving Cyrus as the only one accessible who mi
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