"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
Simon remarked with an amused expression, "I will do my best to win the case if the defendant seeks my help and gives me their trust.""I found something interesting," chirped Cyrus, who crossed his legs and examined Simon in the manner he'd observe a suspect. "Your clientele appears to be quite rich. I assume you have your standards for selecting your clients.""That's not the case. I might be the person in charge of our law firm, but I don't own the firm. I need to pay my two shareholders and the ten or so attorneys working under me. Look, I don't have a choice." Simon ended his sentence with a troubled sigh.Silas, Cyrus, and Alyssa almost barfed at Simon's hypocritical explanation. How could Simon and Sean turn out so differently when they were both Spencer Lynch's sons?"Simon is a top attorney in Solana City. He's also a famous name across the country," Sean broke his silence and snickered. He continued, "Two million dollars—that was the lowest amount in legal fees you were
Sean had always looked down on his "useless" brother, feeling aghast at Sean's lack of ambition. How could one be content slaving away as Alyssa's secretary?Hence, Simon was taken aback when Winston confessed that he considered Sean his godson. It was the Belbanks tycoon's subtle way of aligning with Sean.What angered Simon the most was the undertone of Winston's praises for Sean, which insinuated that Simon did not exhibit similar qualities.The Taylor siblings had different looks on their faces. Alyssa grinned and almost burst out laughing at Winston's clever maneuver. Simon probably hadn't anticipated this dinner would turn into a trap."M-Mr. Taylor, you're flattering us!" Spencer and Sinead were overjoyed by Winston's words. Still, Spencer waved his hand humbly and added, "My youngest isn't good enough to be your godson. He'll simply keep his head down and work at KS Group. We don't expect more than that!""Spencer, we've known each other for years. I don't put on an
Alyssa went to the bathroom to wash up before changing into a new set of clothes. After that, she went out for a stroll to clear her mind. She recalled when Sean knelt before her, delicately wiping spilled wine from her feet before everyone. It left her with a strong sense of discomfort. Yes, he had always been kind to her, but she could no longer tolerate his kindness after that passion-filled embrace.They had been childhood friends, and over the years, she had only seen him as a friend who later became a subordinate. And him? He had taken her as a potential lover or possibly his childhood crush.Alyssa couldn't tolerate it. She sighed, frustrated.Just then, she noticed Sean standing in the distance, looking unnaturally pale and tense."Ms. Alyssa," he called out weakly."Sean? What are you doing here?" Alyssa asked, surprised.Sean swallowed nervously and slowly walked up to her. "I came to check up on you. I was worried.""Sean …""A week has passed, Ms. Alyssa. Wh
In a corner around this hallway was Tatiana, her eyes brimming with shock and sadness. She felt as if invisible blades were thrusting into her heart as she observed the scene before her. She had thought that she had already accepted the fact that Sean loved her sister. Yet tonight's events proved to be unbearably painful for her, shaking her to her core. Tears streamed from her eyes as she cupped her mouth to silence her sobs.Not wanting to disturb the two, she turned and ran away.Her love for Sean could only be transmuted into sheer pain right now. There was nothing more devastating than to willingly let him go."By the way, what has been up to you tonight?" Alyssa asked, gently knocking on Sean's temple. "We're not playing Werewolf here. You don't need to be so hostile. "Simon's still your brother, and your parents are present tonight, too. You can't always take my side. You need to have your own stance, too. How else would you be able to show yourself at home?"Sean was
"You're not Sean. Let go of me," Tatiana stammered, her face reddening with embarrassment as she attempted to free herself from Simon's grasp. However, she could barely exert any energy with how weak she was."Oh? Only Sean can hold you, then? Do you fancy him?" Simon teased, gazing at her flushed, delicate face. The urge to mess with her grew the more she struggled in her arms.Tatiana really took after her mother, Lyla.Like any other man, Simon's instincts beckoned for something carnal in response."N-No!" Tatiana cried, and her face grew even redder."Please don't mind if I take you back to your room." Simon's hold on her waist did not lessen in the slightest."No, thank you. I can go myself.""Aw, don't push yourself." Simon leaned in so close that they were inches away from kissing, but Tatiana's hands on his chest pushed him back. He continued, "We've known each other since we were young. You can just call me Simon.""Ms. Tatiana!"An abrupt cry jerked Tatiana awa
Simon wasn't going to humiliate himself all for a woman.As he watched Sean and Tatiana's figures fade into the distance, he recalled how furious Sean had looked when he snatched her away.Suddenly realizing something, a cunning grin rose on Simon's face. "If you can be Winston's godson, why can't I be his son-in-law?"…Sean brought Tatiana back to her room, slamming the door behind them.She moaned weakly before collapsing on the couch. The earlier commotion had swiftly shattered her sobriety.Upon witnessing her profound discomfort, Sean's initial upset rapidly faded away. "You know you can't drink that much. Why did you do it anyway?"He sighed and shook his head, quickly filling up a glass of water for her. "Here, drink this.""No, I don't want." Tatiana turned away from him. "Go away. I want to be alone.""At least sleep on the bed. You'll catch a cold here.""I said go away! Why don't you go bother Alyssa instead?" Tatiana shouted, curled up into a ball.Sean's hear
"By the way, I'll be here tomorrow morning to fetch Ms. Alyssa and drive her back to Solana City. It's time I get back to work."Sinead thought back to when her beloved youngest son knelt to clean Alyssa's feet. She wrinkled her nose, saying, "You were doing just fine by Mr. Jonah's side, Sean. He's KS World's CEO, after all. "Why are you going back to Ms. Alyssa's side now? What kind of future would that hold for you? Winston will want to pass his family business onto his sons one day, not his daughter.""Haven't you read the news, Mom? Ms. Alyssa's been taking Solana City by storm," Steven cut in excitedly. He continued, "The netizens are even calling her 'Queen of Pseudonyms' now. By the looks of it, she's nearly as capable as her brother, Jonah.""That's because she has her father to help her!" Sinead said, still upset.Sean held his mother's hand and said earnestly, "Mom, Ms. Alyssa is very generous and kind to me. She needs me. And as long as she still needs me, I'll alwa
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
Despite his age, Newton exuded the same energy and sharpness he had in his younger days, even when surrounded by the board members brimming with vigor. Despite his quiet presence in the wheelchair, an intimidating atmosphere clung to him. In an instant, Javier was transported back to the days when he worked under Newton's strict supervision."Good day, Mr. Javier and all fellow board members. I assume no one has any objections to my presence at this meeting?"Newton's gaze swept across the room, a perfunctory smile gracing his lips."Of course not. You are part of the corporation's board of directors!" the members responded immediately.Newton nodded. "Much has happened within the corporation lately. Our shares have been fluctuating amid the controversy. "As you all know, I had intended to retire after dedicating most of my life to this company. I wanted to step aside for the younger generation rather than hover over them like a specter, micromanaging everything. "However,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc