With that, Jasper walked away in huge strides, leaving Simon frozen on the ground in humiliation.He was born into a family of attorneys. His parents had high hopes for him from childhood, and he was the role model of his siblings. He sailed through life and was considered one of the elite attorneys in Solana City. Even the scions in Solana City had to humble themselves to seek his services. He had never felt so humiliated after the exchange with Jasper.Simon thought of something.Brows furrowed, Simon turned around to glance at Jasper's proud figure. He wondered about the relationship between Jasper and Alyssa. Why would the unfeeling, ascetic Jasper Beckett fly into temper for Alyssa?Simon himself was an acquaintance of Alyssa. He knew her as a beauty and the beloved daughter of Winston Taylor. She had higher standards and better taste than most people. She wouldn't be interested in just any ordinary man.There seemed to be only one possible explanation—Jasper Beckett, t
Anyone could tell that Newton was being sarcastic. He was doubting Simon's integrity.Jasper couldn't hold back a grin while Javier and Sophia put on sour faces."Sir!" Ben hurried over and announced courteously, "Ms. Alyssa is here!"Jasper's heart sank, and his eyes faltered. Everyone shot complicated glances at the door.Alyssa's high heels clicked sharply, echoing in Jasper's heart. She walked alone into the compound, her confident and regal air making it seem like her first visit despite her three years of living there.Jasper fell into a daze, feeling as though they were still married."Grandpa, I'm here!" Beaming, she approached Newton with bright eyes. She did not pause for a second as she brushed past Jasper, treating him like a stranger.He felt suffocated as his fingers curled into a fist. His heart skipped a beat and sank. After the divorce, every time he crossed paths with her was like torture."Alyssa …" Betty glowered at Alyssa, ready to lash out, only to be rein
Alyssa had effectively labeled Simon as an ingrate with her firm and strong statement.If he wanted to distance himself from the Taylor family, she would air their dirty laundry in front of everyone.With a fake smile on his face, he shot a chilling look at Alyssa. He couldn't help but question Sean's taste in women. She seemed insolent and argumentative. If Sean married her, she would only bring trouble to the Lynch Family.The air turned awkward and tense. Javier viewed Alyssa as a troublemaker who seemed to bring chaos with her every appearance. While he acknowledged Simon's capability, he felt uneasy upon learning about Simon's connection to the Taylor Family."I didn't know you had a hidden past with the Taylor family," Jasper chimed in, seemingly addressing Simon, but his eyes were on Alyssa. "So, does that make Ms. Alyssa the daughter of your benefactor? Is this how you repay her—by going against her?"Alyssa furrowed her brows and sulked at Jasper's words. Was he actuall
After Alyssa's verbal attacks, Betty hid behind Sophia cowardly without any thoughts of causing trouble, seeing that Simon had been defeated.Alyssa went over to Newton and clasped his bony hand with worry, looking closer to him than Betty ever did. "Grandpa! Why did you call me over at this hour? Are you feeling unwell?""Don't worry, child. I'm fine." Newton looked into her bright eyes tenderly and patted the back of her hand. He reassured her, "I'm perfectly fine. In the best of health."She let out a long sigh. "That's good to hear.""Alice, it isn't anything serious. I wanted you here because, firstly, I missed you, and secondly, I wanted to understand. What happened between you and Betty? Why did things escalate?" He sounded sincere. He added, "You and Betty are both dear to me, and I wish to see the two of you doing well. I get nervous and concerned every time the both of you cause a stir."Despite his choice of words, Alyssa could tell he wanted to speak up for Betty. Sh
Alyssa felt the warmth from Jasper's hand against her skin. She kept her complaints to herself, deeming Jasper a "crazy piece of garbage." She couldn't fathom his actions and wished he would withdraw his dirty hands.Sensing her urge to free herself, he gripped her tighter, almost crushing her body. Everyone was surprised by the intimate display between the ex-couple.Only Newton looked pleasantly surprised and glad, his earlier moodiness giving way to joy. Was Alice back together with Jasper? She looked reluctant, though.He didn't care how Jasper went around it. He was just glad that Jasper finally got it straight. The progress in his romantic relationship was worth celebrating.Alyssa couldn't stand Jasper's advances anymore. When no one was looking, she slowly raised her foot and stomped on his toes with her high heels."Ugh—" Jasper grimaced, letting out a muffled groan audible only to her. She couldn't help but grin wickedly as she continued to press her heel down on his
Every time Alyssa showed up, the Beckett family would fall into chaos and leave on a bad note.Alyssa had no mood nor reason to explain herself to Newton, for the truth was on her side.Besides, she had learned about Simon's character from Winston and Mandy. If he had managed to secure Betty's release, it indicated that he had tied up any loose ends.Even though Alyssa was aware that Simon had coerced Bryan Hanssen into becoming the scapegoat, she could not get the police to reopen the case for the time being.Simon might appear courteous, but he was equally cunning.Meanwhile, Newton did not want to put Alyssa on the spot because he had faith in her character. He had witnessed her sincerity, and if he were to lose trust in Alice, there would be no one else he could rely on.Alyssa wheeled Newton back to his bedroom, with Jasper annoyingly tagging along the entire time. However, Newton seemed content that night, a satisfied smile gracing his face when he saw Alyssa and Jasper a
After offering some health advice to Newton, Alyssa left the room. Jasper wasted no time and quickly caught up to her. He said curtly, "I'll send you home."Alyssa had held back from lashing out at Jasper in front of Newton. Now, she finally exploded and jumped back while pointing a finger at his face. She yelled, "Naw!"Jasper was a little confused by the sound she made. She pursed her lips awkwardly. It appeared she had accidentally uttered "no" with an accent, but the meaning was clear."I don't need your help. I'm an adult who knows my way home!""It's late at night. I'll see you home," insisted Jasper, who took a step forward.Alyssa's anger flared as she recalled how Jasper had pulled her into a hug earlier. She seethed and dusted her shoulders, confronting him, "I didn't lash out at you not because I condoned your behavior. I did it for Grandpa's sake. Don't take a mile when I give you an inch!"I'm already pissed at Simon and Betty, and I'd take it out on anything t
Sophia and Betty were in the study. Javier would never ask Newton to join. In his eyes, Newton was on Jasper's side.Javier had firmly positioned himself in the opposite camp from his father. Ever since the tragic loss of Anne Bartley, Jasper's mother, who had taken her own life, there was nothing left between him and Newton.Their already strained relationship grew even more distant, exacerbated by the presence of Alyssa.However, for Sophia, this growing rift was a welcome sight. She needed father and son to turn against each other for her personal gain.Upon further thought, no matter how powerful Javier was, he would always be under Newton's thumb for having an illegitimate son."I want you here to inform you about this," croaked Javier. He sat on the couch with a stoic expression and tossed a freshly printed appointment letter in front of Jasper. He declared, "I've chosen to hire Simon Lynch as Beckett Group's legal counsel and Director of Legal Affairs. The letter will be
"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