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
Jasper had the same wild look in his eyes, as though he was in a colosseum.Javier's breath caught in his throat, his lips quivering. He recalled the very same look Jasper had cast upon him when he arrived late to the tragic scene. Anne had jumped off a high floor, and Jasper was hugging her bloodied body tightly.Javier hated and resented Jasper, but more than anything, he feared his son. Was Jasper ready for a fallout with his father over Alyssa?Sophia and Betty had wanted to see Jasper make a fool out of himself. Instead, they found themselves horrified, unable even to draw a breath.Jasper closed his eyes and breathed heavily. Since there was no point arguing, he spun around to leave."Jasper Beckett!" Javier called his name in a shaking voice. "Are you planning to side with Alyssa and the Taylors while going against your father? Do not forget whose last name you've taken or the blood that flows through your veins. "Remember, you wouldn't have the opportunity to lead the Be
A week later, the highly anticipated wedding between Ada Kingsley and the CEO of an internationally renowned luxury car brand proceeded as planned at KS World Hotel.News of the wedding spread across the internet and social media within the country and abroad. Media outlets in Solana City were quick to jump on the story, churning out sensational headlines online."KS World Scores Big with Wedding, Dealing a Crushing Blow to Its Competitor.""Belbanks' KS Group's First Win in Solana City! Legacy Brand Beckett Group Legacy Tarnished!""A Series of Scandals Plague the Beckett Family; Huge Disparity in Class Between the Becketts and the Taylors."The attention on KS World Hotel soared to a new height on the big day. Netizens piled compliments for Alyssa, who had revealed her other identities. It came as no surprise that they'd compare the unimpressive Betty to the accomplished and dazzling Alyssa."Ms. Alyssa is destined to win the competition. How could Jasper Beckett even dream of
"Thanks. Sorry for the trouble," said Jasper. "Why did you suddenly think of hiking this year?" Xavier wondered."I go hiking every year," Jasper answered flatly.When he was younger, he had once spent one summer volunteering at Crater Mountain Park to relieve his stress. Life was simple back then, consisting only of eating, sleeping, and hiking with Elijah to assist hikers or check for safety concerns.Such peaceful moments had been rare in his life.When he was appointed president of the Beckett Group, he'd make a hefty annual donation to the park, which was unknown to most except for himself and Elijah."Mr. Beckett, did you catch Ada Kingsley's wedding? Wow! Madam was incredible!" Xavier gushed with admiration. "How did she come up with the idea of using black roses as decorations? I'm surprised Ada agreed to it!"Jasper's eyes narrowed as he whispered, "That's because Alyssa is no ordinary woman. That little muffin always has a solution for everything."That prompted Xa