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
Steven reacted swiftly, pulling Sean away from Simon and embracing him from behind to restrain him. He scolded Sean, "Are you out of your mind? How could you attack Simon like that?""Yeah, he is fucking crazy!" Simon got up from the ground, pressing against his face. "He's about to abandon his family for that Taylor chick!""I'm not the monster here. You are!" Sean spat out in anger."Enough! Shut up, the two of you!" Spencer yelled back at his sons while holding his wife, Sinead Everton.Sinead was deeply concerned, as she had never seen her sons in such a state before.Steven positioned himself between his two brothers, acting as a mediator, fearing that they might start fighting again. He reasoned, "Sean, I heard that Simon took on the Becketts' legal case. You shouldn't blame him. He's just doing his job.""I'm staying out tonight," Sean declared, storming out of the house with a bruised face."Sean, where are you going?" Sinead called after him, her voice filled with wor
Ada Kingsley's wedding wrapped up amid praises. Alyssa emerged victorious from the wedding, garnering both reputation and profit. She had successfully turned the failing KS World Hotel business around and returned it to its glory.Within half a year, she had completed Winston's mission for her and more. The first thing she wanted was, of course, to get her reward from Winston in Belbanks!That evening, she picked up Tatiana from school. They sat in her Dark Emerald Rolls-Royce, chatting and fooling around merrily as the car headed to Belbanks."Lyse, I never thought that you were the renowned jewelry designer Alexa!" Tatiana clapped her hands, her cheeks flushed from the excitement."Okay, stop. I know what you will say. You're going to profess your admiration for me again, aren't you?" joked Alyssa. She flicked her hair and lifted her chin. "You don't have to. I'm sick of all those compliments. Just let me know if you ever want to put on any jewelry.""T-That's not okay!" Tatian
"Ms. Alyssa, it's been a while!" Spencer led Sinead over to greet Alyssa."Uncle Spencer, just call me Lyse like you did when I was a kid," replied Alyssa warmly. Despite being the Taylor family's daughter, she did not put on any airs."That was a long time ago. You are in management, and you're Sean's boss! Things are different now," Spencer remarked. He knew about Alyssa's fame and the likelihood that Winston would groom Alyssa to be his successor. Therefore, he was extra cautious in his exchange with Alyssa.However, Simon scoffed at his dad's humble manner, which he found shameful. Why did the Lynches always have to lower themselves in front of the Taylors?Successful men did not always come from blue-blooded, wealthy families.Alyssa let Spencer be, seeing that the latter insisted on courtesy. Meanwhile, Sinead silently studied the two Taylor sisters.She was amazed by Alyssa's beauty. As a child, Alyssa resembled a delicate porcelain doll. She had since grown up to be a
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