Yet those words had to come from his kin—his beloved kid sister. A deep part of him still didn't want to see her suffer from too harsh a punishment. The conflicting emotions pained Landon to no end."Are you having PMS or what?" Jasper flicked away the ash on his cigarette. "Seriously. What the hell is up with you?"Landon took a deep breath. "Zoe was the one who had someone make the counterfeit jewelry for Betty."Jasper's eyes darkened, but he remained silent."Did you know this from the start?"Jasper nodded. "I did."Guilt plagued Landon's heart. "Jasper, my sister is—""There's something else you should know now that it has come to this point." Jasper huffed out a puff of smoke. "Your sister was also the one who set up the reporters to catch Alyssa unaware."Landon's expression fell, as if he was stuck in quicksand that he could not pull himself out of.A moment later, he murmured weakly, "I'm sorry, Jasper."Jasper merely said, "The person who should be saying that is y
In the three days Alyssa stayed at home, she did nothing except eat and sleep like a farmed animal. Her three stepmothers took exceptional care of her. Lyla whipped up delectable dishes, leading to Alyssa gaining over three pounds in three days."I'm turning into a pig if I keep eating!" Alyssa groaned."Alright, just one last meal, dear," Lyla and Colene coaxed her toward the dining hall.With Winston and Jonah away in another state for an important event, Alyssa found herself sharing lunch with her stepmothers."Ms. Alyssa, good news!" Sean rushed in with a grin on his refreshing face. "The police have arrested Betty Beckett for suspected business crime. Sophia Kirkman is worried dead for her daughter, and Javier Beckett is busy bailing his daughter out!""It took them three whole days to arrest Betty. The Solana City Police Department certainly isn't as efficient as our Belbanks police," Alyssa remarked without surprise and gracefully dabbed her mouth with a napkin."They
Colene plugged her fingers into her ears and mumbled, "Nope, not listening to you!"Alyssa was speechless at her antics."There was indeed some history between Lyla and Sophia. Lyla wouldn't have retired from the entertainment industry at the peak of her career if not for that woman." Mandy's unfeeling voice seemed to materialize out of thin air, causing Colene and Alyssa to yelp in shock."Gosh, what are you doing, Mandy? You have a talent for sneaking up on people silently. Are you an apparition?" Colene rested a hand on her chest. It was funny that she never acted cute in front of Winston, but she was unusually adorable around Mandy."Mandy, since when did you show up? I had no idea." Alyssa sighed with relief, grateful that it wasn't Lyla who had walked in on them."I've been here since the beginning of your 'private conversation,' which was far too loud to be considered private," Mandy quipped, briefly glancing outside the door before closing it. She went up to them an
Alyssa was quiet on the way from Belbanks to Solana City. There was no hint of her good mood from days ago. Her face was shrouded in gloominess.Back at the hotel, she kept Sean out and locked herself in her office. Then, she plunged into her investigations about Lyla's incident years ago."The anniversary celebration was the darkest moment in Lyla's life. Yet, it was because of this incident that her relationship with Winston Taylor blossomed," wrote an article."The internet was in its early stages back in those days. People read their news from magazines or newspapers. "Winston Taylor was rumored to have bought all the publications that reported on the incident and destroyed all the evidence to suppress the news. "On top of that, he meted out punishments for the reporters who penned stories on Lyla's mishap.""Still, there were some foreign media at the event. Someone filmed the incident and uploaded it to the internet. Winston Taylor had sent his men to take the videos down
Alyssa pursed her lips coldly, looking unbothered and even a little impatient. In contrast, Zoe was furious, almost ready to explode right then and there.For Zoe, Jasper openly taking his ex-wife's side felt like the harshest blow he could deliver.Why on earth would Jasper choose his former flame over her—an attractive, well-bred single lady? What made him go back to a woman he had once let go?Besides, Alyssa always had many men around her. She had been close to Landon before, and lately, she had been seen with someone named Jameson Schmidt, who wasn't particularly well-known. Who knew how many men she had been involved with?Zoe couldn't help but wonder why Jasper didn't find Alyssa repulsive."I heard that you brought Ms. Harper here to apologize. That was why I took the time to meet with you. You should know that I'm not just Alyssa Taylor but also the renowned designer, Alexa."Many are lining up to meet with me, spamming my secretary with calls. I don't have the time
Jasper inhaled sharply. That hit Zoe where it hurt."Tyler might be from Yoarkley, but he understood the importance of respecting one's mentor. He's my mentee, and he'll never betray our trust for short-term gains," Alyssa said with a smirk. She then added, "So, Ms. Harper, you made a mistake from the beginning. One shouldn't have underestimated the noble character of a gentleman with one's questionable values."It was a clear insult directed at Zoe.Jasper wore a grin on his lips despite looking calm. Landon's lips drooped as his face looked clouded, losing his composure.He had braced himself for Alyssa's straightforwardness but hadn't expected it to sting so deeply."Alyssa Taylor! You're a sly, devious bitch!" Zoe was seeing red. She pointed a finger at Alyssa, which only highlighted her farcical behavior. "Y-You acted like you didn't know I met with Tyler. You knew Betty would give Ada Kingsley that necklace, but you said nothing until the charity auction. Was that to hum
Alyssa decisively walked out of the door and added, "I will be donating the compensation to Solana City Hope Foundation. I won't take a single cent."Landon was surprised by her statement and then smiled wryly.Alyssa not only exuded ethereal beauty; she was strangely devoid of human emotions as well.…Alyssa returned to work in her office while Sean brought Landon to settle the compensation matters. As an attorney, Sean had itemized the compensation, which was an astronomical sum for the average citizen.That was the price for forging Alexa's work.Landon let out a heavy sigh when he looked at the agreement, a bitter taste in his mouth. He could afford to pay up, but the humiliation was too much.He had once truly loved Alyssa. Even though they weren't destined to be lovers, he still hoped to remain friends with her and never thought of hurting her.Sadly, their friendship seemed to drift further away with each passing day.On the way to the parking lot, Zoe was sobbing and
Sean returned to Alyssa's side after completing his task. He quizzed, "Are you really going easy on Ms. Harper? This is the nicest you've ever been."Sean couldn't help but smile when he noticed Alyssa's high heels carelessly strewn on the floor. He neatly placed them under her table.Meanwhile, Alyssa was engrossed in a gaming session, relaxing by wreaking havoc in the virtual world.Lucifer, also known as the Queen of Killers, had become a revered figure for most players in the gaming community. Every time she live-streamed her gameplay, she'd attract hundreds of thousands of viewers, further proving her popularity.She snickered. "Who do you take me as? Be kind to her? I'm an enthusiastic philanthropist, but I'm no Mother Teresa."I haven't dealt with her because I do not have solid evidence. Betty was her scapegoat, and she wasn't directly implicated. My hands are tied now.""Looks like Ms. Harper has really rubbed you the wrong way," Sean said indignantly. "She doesn't see
"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