The light and shadows danced on the two figures who were entangled. Lauren's tiny frame trembled in his arms. She did nothing at all, but her innocence was a deadly attraction for Landon, who had breached the first base.Under the influence of the alcohol, he went all out. Lauren watched a flash across her eyes before feeling the weight of a man on her.Her body sank deeper into the couch, turning her into an imprisoned bird.Landon started breathing laboriously, but he continued kissing her aggressively and toying with her lips.At that moment, the female singer on the stage sang in a low and sultry voice, "I've been watchin' you for some timeCan't stop starin' at those ocean eyesBurning cities and napalm skiesFifteen flares inside those ocean eyesYour ocean eyes …"Lauren was dizzy from all the kissing, and her eyes were glossy."Mmph …" She struggled to breathe, then started twisting and turning underneath him. His eyes were burning from a new wave of desire she had j
Landon's sister?The two guys who shot up just now exchanged a look before sinking onto the couch again. The one with a bleeding head managed a feeble smile and chuckled, "Haha, it turns out it's Ms. Harper! Please forgive me!""Landon, what are you planning to do?" Zoe was spurting fire at the sight of Lauren in Landon's arms."Zoe, what are you planning to do?" Frowning, he shot the same question back at her."Hah, how dare you interrogate me? Is it because I am in your way? Do you feel like I've thwarted your plan?" She glowered at him.Landon responded, "I'm fine with you hitting him with a bottle because he disrespected you. But have you forgotten what I told you? I told you not to visit ACE unless necessary. Even then, you need to inform me beforehand, and I'll make the arrangements."Acting like a stern, concerned older brother, he continued, "Why are you always rebellious? You can't let me have a moment of peace. ACE is a rowdy place. I can't protect you in time if anythi
Alyssa did not have the time to blow her hair dry. She hastily put on a wool coat over her night robe and sped to KS World Hotel in her Bugatti with her hair still damp.During the drive, she made a rare call to Jasper after giving it some thought.Jasper was on a business trip at Edenfells City, approximately 62 miles from Solana City. The Beckett Group had bought a piece of land by the countryside to build a hot springs resort, which was already in the works.At that very moment, Jasper and Xavier, wearing safety helmets, were inspecting the construction progress under the lead of the person in charge.Just as Xavier was shining a flashlight for Jasper to read the blueprint, Jasper's phone rang. He frowned and impatiently dug out his phone. Alyssa's name lit up the screen, a golden glimmer amidst the darkness. He held his breath and felt his heart race. His hand was trembling slightly as he clutched the phone."I-It's Madam!" Xavier's face beamed with exhilaration."I know. C
The grating sound of the car tires against the parking lot ground echoed in the space. Sean watched as Alyssa drifted the Bugatti and parked it nicely into her parking spot.He wore a proud grin on his lips.Alyssa left her car, looking damp from the bath and seething in anger. She hissed, "Which room is that scoundrel in?""He's in the presidential suite on the hotel's top floor," answered a worried Sean. He lowered his voice and continued, "They just entered their suite. There's only one presidential suite on the top floor, so no other guests would be disturbed even if there's a commotion.""Got it."A few minutes later, Alyssa arrived at the door of the presidential suite in her stilettos, a bundle of murderous rage.Sean followed closely behind her. Judging by her demeanor, it seemed as though she was here to confront a cheating couple rather than rescue a young lady who had made a poor choice."Swipe the room card.""Of course, Ms. Alyssa," Sean acknowledged as he unlock
Landon's eyes widened at the perfect "couple" in front of his eyes. Jasper's remark was meaningless, but paired with his longing gaze and his deep, hoarse voice, he sounded like a man in love.After some contemplation, Landon's perspective shifted. He believed, to be precise, that Jasper was, at most, a man tormented by unrequited love.It was a pity Landon didn't have a phone with him. If not, he would have taken a photo of Jasper's cheesy expression and showed it to the latter."And it seems you never learn," Jasper frowned, his eyes simmering with anger as he chastised Landon. He continued, "We asked you not to make a move on Lauren, but you kept crossing our lines. Do you think it's unfair to be slapped thrice?"I, on the other hand, think that it's not enough. You should be slapped every time we run into you."We?Alyssa felt uneasy at the way Jasper had lumped them together. After all, he had once been a heartless man who wanted nothing to do with her."Mr. Beckett, pl
Was he the same man who had never performed an act of service as simple as pouring a glass of water?How could he have helped dry her hair? At that moment, it felt more like a horror story."Get your hands off me!" she hissed through clenched teeth, but the soft noises had stirred Lauren. Lauren curled up under the blanket but thankfully did not wake up."Go louder if you want to wake her up." Jasper curled his lips into a grin and went on drying her hair, happy that he had figured out her weakness."Well, at least be gentle! I've been dealing with hair loss, you know. Your rough handling might just make me go bald!" She scowled, her cheeks flushed with anger."Sorry. This is my first time drying someone's hair. I'm inexperienced …" Jasper apologized. As he worked the towel through her hair, he could feel a warm, fuzzy sensation inside.He promised, "I'll do it better the next time."Alyssa had goosebumps on her skin and retorted, "I'm only letting you do this because of Lauren.
After settling Lauren's matter, Alyssa returned to the villa with Sean. She replayed the scene where Jasper dried her hair, and she felt her throat drying.He had said to her, "Sorry. This is my first time drying someone's hair. I'm inexperienced …"That was bullshit. He had dated Liana for years. Even if they didn't score a home run, they must have done everything possible with each other. What was the point of acting all innocent?To her, Jasper and Landon seemed equally terrible. They were a bad influence on each other.Back home, Alyssa kicked off her heels and sat on the couch glumly instead of retiring to her bedroom. Sean handed her a glass of hot milk with concern. He advised, "It's way past midnight. Take some rest after you've had the milk.""How did Lauren and Landon run into each other? She has always been kept at home under the tight supervision of her family. So, what happened?" Alyssa wondered aloud.Alyssa did not feel sleepy at all as she couldn't shake off her
"Zoe, Lauren is not an idiot! You can't call her that!" Landon chastised Zoe, deeply disturbed by her hurtful description of Lauren.In his eyes, Zoe had always been an angel. Sure, she could be a bit petulant at times, but she was inherently kind and soft-hearted.However, in this particular moment, Zoe seemed contorted by rage and hatred, as if she had a personal vendetta against Lauren and wanted nothing more than to tear her apart.Was it all because he had spent the night with Lauren?Throughout his years of casual encounters, Landon had never witnessed Zoe reacting so strongly against any of his romantic partners. Why was she agitated just because he was being good to Lauren?"Y-You yelled at me for calling her an idiot. How could you …" Zoe's flushed face had now paled, and the icy, piercing look in Landon's eyes caused beads of sweat to form on her forehead."Lauren is not an idiot, Zoe. I never want to hear you say that again. If it happens one more time, I'll be genuine
"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