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
Alyssa opted for a mediocre-looking sedan for her drive to the park later that day with Sean's company.13 years ago, she had nearly lost her life here while searching for her mother's belongings. Supposedly, the memory should still traumatize her, but that trauma wavered in the face of her determination to be strong. Ever since that incident, all that changed was that Alyssa would pay the park a visit every year and hike around the area with Elijah Forrest, aiding any trekkers or hikers in peril.At first, the park rangers underestimated Alyssa, thinking she would go running back to her parents after a day's work and never return. To their surprise, Alyssa pushed through every obstacle without complaint, finally leaving a good impression in front of everyone.Sean looked at her from the rearview mirror. She was clad in full hiking gear, with no makeup on her skin. She had a robust elegance to her, like some determined huntress."I'll come with you on the trek, Ms. Alyssa. It w
Jonah's gaze burned with a mix of longing, sorrow, and something deeply affectionate. The world swam back into focus as Julien looked at Jonah. Without preamble, he asked, "Are you new? How much do you charge per night?"Light-headed and grinning, Julien reached out a hand, his fingers brushing softly against Jonah's cheek. "You're pretty good-looking," he said, his voice slurred. Then his expression shifted. "Why do you… look so much like someone I hate with every fiber of my being?"Jonah's heart clenched. Even so, he slid his arms around Julien's waist. Trembling, he pulled Julien into his arms. "I'm new here. Could you help me meet my target tonight, Mr. Lovelace?"Julien's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Jonah. Jonah's eyes teared up as he held Julien's waist tightly. "I promise you won't be disappointed," he said, his voice deep. Watching from the shadows below the stage, Evan nearly gagged at Jonah's sultry tone. Was this really the Judas he knew? The man sounded downri
The bar was alive with striking lights and thundering music, and the air was thick with the scent of tobacco and alcohol. The atmosphere was one of moral decay—corrupt, degrading, and vile. "Where's Julien?" Jonah's voice cut through the noise, his tone icy and sharp. When Jonah stepped inside, the eyes of several men turned toward him, their gazes filled with illicit intent."Why, hello there. Are you here alone? Are you feeling lonely?" A sexy man sauntered over, draping himself over Jonah's shoulders. He let his hands linger with a playful squeeze. "If you're bored, I'd be happy to keep you company." Jonah's expression darkened. His hands trembled, veins bulging with barely contained rage. Suddenly, Evan burst through the crowd, his face twisting in alarm at the sight of Jonah surrounded by a swarm of predatory men. Evan yelled, "Don't touch him!" A heavy thump reverberated through the room. Gasps erupted as people scrambled back.The man who had draped himself over
Rafe stated, "But Beckett Group is in the middle of a storm right now. If I insisted on giving your corporation the project, my superiors would investigate me. I wouldn't be able to escape unscathed!""If you're investigated, I'll make sure you can still live a life of luxury—even if you lose your job." Justin's tone darkened. "But if you turn against me, you won't just suffer a few losses. You'll lose everything."Under the dim moonlight, Justin fiddled with his antique tea cup, his gaze narrowing. "You've worked so hard to get to where you are. Are you prepared to lose it all?"After ending the call, Justin turned to Remy, who stood quietly at the side. "Sheryl is still being detained. She can't be bailed out for another two days. I need someone to watch over the research lab. You'll handle that."Remy was taken aback. "I failed my last mission. Aren't you going to punish me?"Justin's smile was cold and insincere. "It wasn't your fault. You were ambushed. If not for that, I tru
Remy pursed his lips, bending down to pick up the fallen poker card. It was the King of Spades—an entry pass to Kings' Club. "My attacker was…" Remy's pupils constricted as he tightened his grip on the card. "It can only be that dear uncle of mine, always claiming to see me as his own son." Justin's lips curled into a sinister smile. "He's trying to get rid of my right-hand man, taking advantage of my internal feud with Jasper. Weakening me is just his first step toward gaining control over me."He's been a fugitive ever since his successful prison break, never returning to Cyrris after receiving his life sentence. His power base remains in Kontina. "I'm the last surviving Dutton. The Dutton Group, as a cover, has declared bankruptcy and severed all ties with the country. "My dear uncle has taken a huge risk just to target me. He sent his men to attack you in Solana City. What a delightful surprise. It seems he truly doesn't trust me, his only remaining family."Remy lowere
The hospital ward grew heavy with silence. Mandy and Neil stared at Alyssa, stunned beyond words. "M-Ms. Alyssa, you knew that man was Mr. Damien?" Neil asked, disbelief etched into his voice. "Yes." Alyssa's reply was quiet, her lips pressed into a thin line. She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "We found out when Cyrus took Damien's cigarette butt for a paternity test."Mandy approached Alyssa, her shoulders trembling slightly. "So, you and Cyrus knew… and you both kept it from me?" Mandy said, her voice catching in her throat, tears welling up. Alyssa felt a sharp pang in her chest. "Mandy, I'm sorry. It was my decision. Cyrus had nothing to do with it."Mandy's tears fell freely now, her grief spilling out in raw sobs. "Do you know what it's been like for me all these years, thinking Damien was gone? Winston, Miley, Lyla, and Colene kept telling me to move on. I tried to accept that he was dead, that we'd never find his body. But I never did."Her vo
The hospital ward was bathed in a dim, yellow glow from the bedside lamp. The silence was thick, yet the room held a strange warmth—an unfamiliar comfort that felt oddly familiar to Remy.Pain radiated through his body as he struggled to sit up. His eyes fell on Mandy, who was asleep beside his bed. Her hair was a mess, and her swollen eyes suggested she'd been crying. She was sound asleep. Remy stiffened. His breath quickened as he stared at her fragile figure. Slowly, he leaned forward, his fingers lifting slightly, tempted to reach out.Just as his hand hovered close, Mandy's lashes fluttered. In her sleep, she murmured, "Damien… Damien… I miss you so much…" Tears slipped down her cheeks, silent and unbidden.A pang tugged at Remy's heart. Without thinking, he brushed away her tears with his calloused fingers. The moment his skin touched hers, a jolt shot through him, sharp and electrifying. Pain throbbed at his temples, but beneath it was a warmth he didn't want to let g
Justin's casual question hit Javier like a thunderclap. Shock rippled through him, freezing his expression. His voice trembled with fear as he barked, "What nonsense is that? Are you accusing me of causing Chester's death? I'm your father—how could you think I'd do such a thing?""It's not an accusation. Just the facts," Justin replied coolly, crossing his legs and savoring his tea with unsettling calm. "And I'm not condemning you. In fact, I understand why you did it. I'm facing the same dilemma now."Javier's breathing grew ragged. He had watched Justin grow from a child into the man before him—now a predator, circling with quiet menace."You were meant to be the heir as the eldest son," Justin continued, his voice smooth as silk. "But Grandpa favored Uncle Chester, handing him major projects, grooming him in plain sight. "Uncle Chester's reputation soon eclipsed yours. He was a natural leader, adept at business, with one fatal flaw—he was kind. Too kind. Unlike you."Justin
Nonetheless, night had fallen by the time Justin arrived at Seaview Manor. On his way there, he worked on two things. First, he secured the top legal team to get Sheryl out on bail as quickly as possible. Second, he tried reaching Remy—unsuccessfully. He had never lost contact with Remy before. Justin's face was as dark as the night itself. The moment he stepped inside Seaview Manor, Rory approached with a solemn expression. He gave a slight bow before speaking. "Mr. Justin, what took you so long? Mr. Javier has been waiting.""I was occupied," Justin replied coolly. Then, as if it were an ordinary evening, he allowed a faint smile. "Where's Jasper? Is he back here yet?" A conflicted look came across Rory's face. "Things between you and Mr. Jasper have soured. I doubt he'll want to see you anytime soon—or show up here.""Is that so? How disappointing."Justin's smile didn't reach his eyes. His gaze lingered on Rory, sharp and bottomless. "So, he'd rather believe what he se
Jonah scoured every corner of the hotel, desperation clawing at his chest, but Julien was nowhere to be found. "Jonah!" Alyssa called out, breathless as she caught up to him. She grabbed his arm. "Calm down! I'll help you search for Jul!""I can't find him. He's gone," Jonah murmured, sinking to the floor. His tears mixed with sweat, creating dark patches on the ground. "Lyse… I fear… if I can't find Julien this time, I'll lose him forever."The agonizing thought of losing the love of his life pierced him. "No, you won't!" Alyssa gripped his arm tighter, her voice trembling with conviction. "If Jul had given up on you, he wouldn't have come here today. The fact that he showed up means he still cares."Jonah's eyes were bloodshot, filled with a pain too deep to hide. He shook his head slowly. "Julien came back for Jasper. He did it because he's loyal… because he's a good friend. Not because of me.""He does care!" Alyssa insisted. "If he didn't, he would've faced you without fli