"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
"And who might this be, Alice?" Elijah turned to Sean."Oh! He-He's my cousin." Alyssa quickly made a white lie. The park rangers were largely oblivious to how things were transpiring in Solana City, given their focus was on the park itself. Naturally, they had no idea of her identity as Alyssa Taylor."Your family has quite the genetics. Even your cousin appears to be a fine man!" Elias praised.Sean blushed happily. He could accept that instead of "boyfriend"."The weather's been peculiar of late, Alice. A storm might spring up on us when we least expect it," Elijah said worriedly. "I'm truly glad you could pay me a visit today, but you don't need to come up into the mountains with us.""I don't mind. Did you forget? I got a community award for helping people up there before. They even called me a living Mountain Goddess!" Alyssa said proudly, thumping her chest."Hahaha! How blessed we are to have two great individuals in our midst!" Elijah chuckled fondly.Alyssa cocked he
"Lead the way!" Elijah said gruffly.Elias was concerned for him, however. "But sir, the weather might turn against us any minute, and you're already … ""Don't worry about me, I'm fine!""Leave this to Elias and me, Mr. Forrest!" Alyssa cried. "I've volunteered as a medic in a warzone before. If this hiker is in any danger, I can come to their aid immediately!"A look of shock and respect surfaced on Elias' expression."Well … alright then." Elijah nodded. He gave Alyssa's hand a firm grab. "We're counting on you, Alice!"…Jasper drove into Crater Mountain Park on his own. He had swapped for a less-showy-looking SUV, so Sean hadn't noticed his arrival outside the park.He soon parked the car and got out."Mr. Forrest? Is that you?" He called, dressed in camo for the hike. He looked just like some special ops team sergeant."Mr. Jasper!" Elijah greeted him warmly at the entrance. "The weather is not on our side today. What brings you here out of your busy schedule?""It's p
Just then, thunder sounded in the skies, followed by a strike of white lightning.It seemed to have struck Jasper to the ground, making his entire body numb and fixed to the spot. Only his heart remained tossing and turning in turmoil."How long has she been joining you on your hikes, Mr. Forrest?" Jasper inquired restrainedly as if he were suppressing some emotion."For the past three years now, actually."The past three years. That meant since the start of their marriage.Jasper's heart lurched once again. Bile filled his throat, flooding his senses.Alice … Alyssa …Jasper came to realize that Alyssa had been keeping that from him all these years, even though they were doing the same thing. While Jasper had his own reasons for his actions, he couldn't help but wonder about Alyssa's motivations.His head throbbed painfully. All these lies and secrets were driving him insane!"Oh dear. The rain's a-coming." Elijah glanced at the gray clouds gathering above the mountains a
"I'll pull her up!" Alyssa cried. "I'm lightweight, so it should be safe enough!"There was no other choice right now."You can't!" Elias cried, shaking his head. "I promised Mr. Forrest I would keep you safe! Let me go save her!"His team cried, "You know the rock won't hold your weight, sir!" "I'm not some prissy little miss, Mr. Parker. I'm a qualified park ranger, just like you! Now stay there and let me save her!" Alyssa then hooked a latch around the safety rope around her waist and slowly climbed toward the injured hiker.Unfortunately for her, the rain only added to the smoothness of the mountain's rocky surface, making climbing even more difficult."I'm here! You're safe!"Finally, Alyssa reached the injured hiker, quickly grabbing her by the waist."My leg … It won't move …" The woman's face was covered in rainwater and tears. She was so weak and limp that she could barely speak.Alyssa could instantly tell that her leg had fractured. She hurriedly tied the safety
Rain, rock, mud, and fog—those were the only things Alyssa could recall before losing consciousness.She had used the last ounce of strength in her lithe body to push the hiker up toward the patrol team. All she hoped was that the hiker would be safe and sound.Alyssa couldn't call herself a competent park ranger and wear her badges if she hadn't prepared herself for the risk of death. She wasn't afraid of it as long as it was a meaningful death.Frankly, she didn't used to be so brave. In fact, she used to whine and cry whenever her father and stepmothers tried to bring her to the doctor for a shot.She was 11 when she met him. That was when everything changed.His bravado and determination were like the lighthouse she needed to guide her out from dark waters. How he had intercepted danger to rescue her had permanently shifted her outlook on life.It was the first time she had witnessed how selfless one could be for another.Even if he had hurt her countless times after they ma
Alyssa had been raised by her three stepmothers from a young age due to her birth mother's early passing. Naturally, their habits, such as Colene's horse-riding, archery, and rock-climbing hobbies, assimilated into her own.Fortunately, those hobbies were a lifesaver, as she couldn't imagine how she would survive in her current situation without them.As Alyssa was about to reach the mountain trail above, there suddenly came rumbling by her feet. Rock and sand snaked past her hands. Another landslide was coming fast!"Damn it! Is this what I get for doing charity for all these years?" Alyssa yelled indignantly.The rock beneath her feet suddenly shifted and tumbled from its ledge at that precise moment, leaving her body dangling precariously. "Help!" Despair and fear washed over her.An immeasurably long fall awaited her below. She was going to die falling, and no one would ever find her.A tear escaped her eye as she shut them tight, awaiting her fate."Alyssa!"Suddenly,
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