Betty's words attracted some curious passersby, most in awe at how much Betty was insinuating in those few words. Firstly, she asserted that KS World Hotel was responsible for this mistake, thus making Ada the victim. Secondly, she claimed that Alyssa had yet to resolve the aftermath of said mistake and was using MINT's charity auction to tide things over. Thirdly, she accused Alyssa of being an irresponsible general manager unsuitable for her role. She claimed that Alyssa couldn't meet customers' needs and couldn't maintain confidentiality.That meant Ada's choice to go with Berenike Hotel was affirming that they were far better than KS World in all these aspects.The reporters erupted into yet another flurry of questions like fish that had been tossed bait.Alyssa had anticipated that Betty would do this already, attacking her and the hotel's reputation on such an important evening. She looked at Sophia and Betty's extravagant makeup, feeling that the two of them resembled
Jasper began, "First, remove that nosy, lying, good-for-nothing reporter from this venue and the city. I want him gone for good.""Yes, sir!""Second, have Beckett Group's PR department monitor any comments, statements, rumors, or gossip that could harm Alyssa and KS World Hotel's reputation. Eradicate all of them at once.""On it, sir!" Xavier then went to get those done, leaving Jasper where he was to continue gazing at Alyssa. His gaze softened as he watched her determined expression.He silently said, "No thanks needed. Dance as long as you please. I'll take care of everything in the background for you." …"We are sorry to see you unable to work with Ms. Kingsley, Ms. Alyssa," Sophia said gently, taking advantage of the situation. She continued, "You're only new to this line of work. You're still young. You're bound to make some mistakes. "Never fear, though. You'll learn from them. After all, who here hasn't made a mistake when they were your age? The most important thi
The guests made their way to the next venue in the hotel for the charity auction. Alyssa was quick to dodge the spotlight, making sure no reporters or paparazzi were on her tail. She went to take a breather out in an empty hallway."Ms. Alyssa!" Sean cried, coming up to her. "Are you alright?""Of course I am. Those small fries were easy to placate," Alyssa reassured him, then said, "But you really shouldn't be here right now. You should be watching after the event flow at the venue.""But … But I'm worried about you." Sean's voice was raspy when he continued, "Those reporters were purposely sent to ruin your reputation!""That's to be expected. The media aren't going to praise and worship me just because I'm hosting an event for charity." Alyssa was not the least bit perturbed. She went on to say, "Plus, it makes sense that they would grill me. Technically, this mistake was caused by my slip-up, albeit some other more frivolous-looking peacocks took advantage. "I still have
"What are you saying?" Jasper frowned, taken aback."Leave me alone. I don't need you to be nice to me. Not anymore." Alyssa slowly stood up, trying not to wince as her gastritis acted up. She added, "Don't try shoving your useless affection here now that Liana has broken your heart. I'm not a trash recycling center—not even if you beg."Jasper clenched his hands into fists, anger rising fast with her insults.He had come to help her out because he was worried about her. Why did she have to demonize him so? Why did she humiliate his small gesture of kindness?Alyssa put on her heels again and left the room while Jasper slowly cleaned up the cupcake mess on the floor, heart aching.Alyssa was no longer the kind, affectionate woman who would smile at him and tend to him with all her heart. Their failed marriage remained a lasting trauma in her heart center. It sculpted her into the hard-shelled, abrasive, and fierce woman. One small hint of kindness was enough to make her pu
The surrounding guests and reporters shot Alyssa incredulous, awe-filled looks."My apologies, Madam Yves. I didn't know you were waiting for me," Alyssa said with a blush.Yves grinned. "Don't sweat it. You've had a busy night."She then wrapped an arm around Alyssa's shoulders, making the two look quite like close friends. She said to the reporters, "Come on, where are our photos?"Alyssa was just as shocked as everyone else.This was the first time a cold, terrifying, dominating woman like Yves had initiated a photo with someone else. The reporters thought that Alyssa must be someone special or unique to have caught her attention. How tremendous!Betty and Zoe were devastated, especially the latter, who felt shame burst inside her veins like fireworks.Why? Why was this happening? Why were all the famous, influential, powerful people flocking toward Alyssa? Zoe couldn't figure out why. Alyssa did her best to appear calm and happy while taking the photo with Yves,
Yves' eyes lit up at the thought of Jonah. Alyssa was speechless. She tried to figure out what exactly her brother had done to make her love him."You really did a number, Jonah," Alyssa muttered under her breath. …Jasper had finished three cigarettes outside the venue. Yet, he remained upset and disappointed. Nonetheless, he still dragged himself to the auction venue when it was time.While he continued walking, another man approached the scene from the opposite end of the hallway.The two immediately locked eyes as they stood outside the venue entrance. Tension hung in the air between them, with Jasper's intense glare clashing against Jameson's icy gaze.The latter pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up, a smirk rising on his lips. "What a coincidence. Are you here to contribute to charity too?"Jasper smiled lazily. "Nah. I'm just here to help her in any way I can."Jameson slowly curled his hands into fists, knowing who Jasper meant.…The charity auction was finally startin
The opal necklace incited a wave of awe and gossip to resound through the hall. Anyone could see just how fine the craftsmanship of the opals was and instantly estimated its value to be at least seven digits.The Schmidt family was truly being generous tonight by donating this piece!Just then, a spotlight fell on Jameson, making the crowd turn their attention to him. Many gasped and squealed at how refined this man looked.Yet he only had eyes for Alyssa, as if she was the only thing that mattered."Who is he? He's so handsome. He looks like some carved marble statue!""That must be someone from the Schmidt family. How else could such a precious jewelry piece be available tonight?""I've never seen him before!""Hmm, if he's already contributing this much to Ms. Alyssa, does that mean … they're together?""So what if they are? Ms. Alyssa is a modern-day Queen Sheba. They match very well together!"The more Jasper was privy to these conversations, the more irritated he was. Wi
There were no longer any new bidders for the time being. Alyssa was still pleased with the result, however."Seven million."A deep, sonorous voice rang out from behind her, making her expression fall.The unexpected bid caught the crowd's attention, prompting them to turn and identify the speaker swiftly.Jasper was in the last row, his paddle raised high in the air. He exuded sheer confidence and stability among the gawking guests."It's Jasper Beckett from the Beckett Group!""When did he get here? I didn't see him at all tonight!""He's so handsome …"Jasper gazed steadily at Alyssa, his paddle never once lowering. But she never turned around.Seven million, and she wouldn't even spare him a glance. It looked like he would have to continue bidding. "Seven million is a tad bit overpriced for this necklace," Yves said, shaking her head. She disapproved of Jasper's action. "Just because you can doesn't mean you should.""At least it will help those orphanages," Alyssa grum
"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