When Alyssa realized she was completely cornered, she yelled, "Help! Somebody—Mmph—"Jasper lost his composure when he heard her screams. Gripped by a sense of urgency, he sealed her mouth with a kiss and stopped her from shouting.Her eyes wavered, and her mind went blank like a grenade had gone off in her head.His hot breath surrounded her shaky lips. His sweaty palms held her wrist. Even his forehead was dotted with sweat.The last time he had kissed her so passionately, he was under the influence of alcohol. He had no better excuse for crossing the line this time."Jasper Beckett, you are divorced. You shouldn't do this," a voice in his mind warned.But he had lost his bearing of right and wrong and succumbed to passion. He was overcome by an urge to claim her.At that thought, his heart raced as he clung to the final shred of self-control. Eyes burning with lust, he had initiated the kiss to stop her from shouting, but it progressed into an aggressive kiss like he wanted t
Alyssa hurriedly held tight onto Sean, who went numb and limp. Had she not done so, Sean would have fallen on his knees before Jasper."Ms. Alyssa … I'm okay …" Panting, Sean assured her despite losing all his strength."How are you okay when you can't even stand up straight?" Alyssa's eyes were furious and filled with worry for Sean. She shot a death glare at Jasper, who stood there looking unaffected. Then, she accused him, "How dare you lay a finger on my staff before me? Are you still human? You're just a heartless animal underneath that human skin!"Jasper winced from the pain. His eyes burned with anger, as if his efforts had all been in vain. He tried to explain, "Didn't you see it? He was the one who attacked me first! And I didn't even hurt him! He'll be back to normal at night when his pressure point is relieved!""Don't bother explaining yourself. The more you do, the worse you make yourself look." The tears in Alyssa's eyes pained Jasper. He watched helplessly as
After Jasper left, Alyssa helped the paralyzed Sean back to her office. She carefully laid his trembling body on the couch, her forehead damp with sweat and her lips pressed together in concentration. She began examining him like a skilled physician."Ms. Alyssa, I'm fine …" Sean managed to move slightly despite being paralyzed. Tears welled up in his eyes as he witnessed Alyssa's genuine concern. "I'm sorry for the trouble.""Don't be ridiculous! You were trying to protect me, but you should avoid acting recklessly in the future," she replied, leaning in to gently massage his legs."I wasn't being reckless." Sean summoned all his strength to sit up on the couch. His eyes sparkled with determination as he swore, "If it ever happens again, I'll still choose to protect you.""Sean Lynch, you shouldn't expose yourself to unknown dangers just because you think you have some chops. "You're no match for Jasper at all! Did you think he wasted four years in military school for nothing?
A day had passed after Betty was subjected to a grueling overnight interrogation by the police. It had been a harsh ordeal for a sheltered young woman like her. Although they provided her with food and drinks, she wasn't allowed to lie down or sleep, which left her with dark circles under her eyes and a disheveled appearance. Her backside ached from sitting for so long.The harsh fluorescent light above her head had nearly dried out her hair, which she had spent a lot of money to maintain. It was truly a torturous experience! "I didn't. Abigail wasn't a corporate spy. I have nothing to do with it. This is all Alyssa's plot to frame me. I'm innocent …" Despite her fatigue and exhaustion, Betty continued to argue and refused to give in.At that moment, the door to the interrogation room opened. A confident and good-looking man in a suit entered with a black suitcase in his hand. The man introduced himself, "Gentlemen, I am Betty Beckett's attorney, Simon Lynch."Simon Lynch …
"You don't have to worry about that," advised Simon. As the top attorney in Solana City, he didn't solely rely on his family's influence and connections in the legal profession to reach the apex of his career. He was capable and employed a cunning and daring approach to achieving his goals. He had to resort to certain means to turn the tables and win the case.…Alyssa insisted on giving Sean some time off despite his pleas. She made it clear through the decision that she wanted him to set his intentions right and think carefully about how he perceived his relationship with her. It wasn't exactly a vacation for relaxation.After Ada Kingsley's multiple requests, Alyssa, now adorned with Alexa's reputation, finally agreed to meet with her.The global superstar, Ada Kingsley, put aside her ego before Alyssa and groveled at the latter. Alyssa did not intend to give her a hard time. She might be the famed designer Alexa, but she was also a businesswoman who knew that ego was
Ada chided, "Is this my wedding or yours? Don't you think it's rather rude to butt in while I'm talking business with Ms. Alyssa?" Ada then glared at her manager and added, "I gave her my full trust when I picked her. I'll accept all her suggestions, so I don't need your opinion."…After signing the agreement, Alyssa sent her staff to see Ada's team out. Next, she relayed the new tasks to her team before leaving work.When she stepped out, she immediately spotted Jonah's Rolls Royce waiting by the hotel entrance. The driver courteously opened the car door for her."Jonah! Are you free today? Why did you come to pick me up?" Alyssa wrapped her arms around Jonah's neck."I heard you gave Sean some time off." He caressed her soft hair."Yeah, he's been really tired lately and needed a break.""Is that the only reason?" Jonah squinted, as if he could read her thoughts. "You are at a time when you need extra help at work. Why send him away? Did you fight with him?"She frowned an
After spending three days behind bars, Betty finally regained her freedom. However, despite Simon's request for Javier to keep the news under wraps, Jasper quickly got wind of it."How did Betty get acquitted? Didn't you have someone keeping an eye on Abigail Grant? Did Simon meet with her?" Jasper looked icy as he slammed his fist against the car window."Mr. Beckett, the issue isn't with Abigail. It's Bryan Hanssen!" Xavier's eyes blazed with anger. He explained, "Our intel revealed that Simon Lynch had a secret meeting with Bryan Hanssen as Betty's attorney, all arranged by Javier. He probably spooked Bryan out with some bullshit because that dude immediately took all the blame for Betty.""What else could Simon have done? He must have threatened to harm Bryan's family! How could an attorney pull such a dirty trick? How could an attorney resort to such dirty tactics?" Jasper's eyes darkened like the calm before the storm, his fists trembling. He lamented, "The good name of Ju
Meanwhile, Sophia fanned the fires, chiming in to demonize Alyssa, "She concealed her identity as Winston Taylor's daughter and stuck around to gain your trust. She even married Jasper."Think about it, didn't that seem like a calculated move? Thank goodness Jasper didn't fall for her charms and divorced her to cut the losses. "If she had won his heart and your affection, you might have had reason to worry that she'd gradually take control of the Beckett Group!""Stop it. Alice isn't what you make her sound," replied Newton with a wave of his hand. He looked glum. "I know Winston. He might be a player, but he's a loyal, honorable man. I don't believe he'd raise a corrupt daughter," stated Newton. "Dad!""Grandpa!""Besides, the Taylors are on par with us when it comes to influence and wealth. Why would she give up her happiness and marry Jasper for some cheap Beckett Group stocks?"Ms. Gardner might resort to something like that, but not Ms. Alyssa. She's a proud woman and w
Alyssa followed Jasper into the study. The door closed behind her with a soft click. She didn't move to switch on the lights or sit down. Instead, she stood quietly in the dim room.They faced each other, eyes locked. In the darkness, their gazes seemed brighter, charged with emotions that neither could put into words. Whatever stirred within them was tangled and silent—kept at bay by something unspoken, as if a wall had formed between heart and mouth. After a pause, Alyssa offered a faint smile. Her voice was soft, almost courteous. "Go ahead, Mr. Beckett. I won't be staying long tonight—I've made other arrangements."It was clear she didn't want to be alone in a room with him.Jasper's chest tightened, overwhelmed by a surge of emotion he couldn't define. His voice was rough when he finally spoke. "You didn't vote against the motion at today's board meeting. I wanted to know… are we still on the same side?"Alyssa's gaze lowered, her voice steady and calm. "You didn't object
In the evening, Xavier drove Jasper to meet with Newton. Along the way, news broke out that Sheryl had been bailed out. Xavier slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Damn it! Why is it so hard to get rid of that woman?" "She is Justin's right hand," Jasper said, eyes shut as he leaned back in his seat. His jaw tightened. "You could even say she knows more about his secrets than anyone. As long as she's useful, Justin won't discard her so easily. This is how he operates."Xavier shook his head, teeth gritted. "Where the hell did she even come from? When you had me investigate her, I found nothing. Her background was spotless. "What's in her past that Justin would go so far to keep it hidden? A man like him can have any woman he wants, yet he clings to her—some pretty-faced idiot who only seems to make things harder for him."Jasper's gaze turned glacial. Xavier's casual remark struck him.He was right. Justin wasn't short on capable subordinates. So why Sheryl?Was Sh
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence. Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control. Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president—our direct competitor!"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest—outright cronyism!" Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression. Just then, a board member from Javier's