Jasper's soul felt like it had been torn apart, and his heart twisted with a crushing pain.What had he ever done for Alyssa? Nothing.He had never proposed to her and given her anything she deserved as his wife. He left her behind on their first night of marriage and slept in a separate quarter.He had never celebrated festivals or anniversaries with her nor bought her any gifts. That year, when she was involved in a car crash with Newton, he did not even rush to her side promptly.All of these terrible actions paled in comparison to the fact that he had been in love with another woman, squandering Alyssa's best years and making a mockery of her love.His eyes welled up with emotion. He tightly clasped her hand, pressing it against his chest while breathing heavily.He felt remorseful for his past actions, but it was too little, too late.Like Jonah, Liam understood the depth of Alyssa's suffering over the years. The thought of it broke his heart every time. He began, "Jasper
Jasper stood there, unfazed by the words hurled at him. He was immune to the shaming as he had gone through it many times.Jonah approached him with a sour face and advised him, "Mr. Beckett, Lyse hasn't met Liam for a long time. I think she'd prefer meeting him over you. Your presence will not help her recovery. "You'll only be standing in the way of a family reunion. You don't have to worry now that she's with family. There's no reason for you to stay. Please go home."Jonah's eyes looked dead as he addressed Jasper in a flat tone. Despite that, Jasper felt the stabbing pain from Jonah's words that froze his blood.…Outside the hospital, the outpour had stopped. The skies brightened, like a melancholic swath of blue velvet.Jasper walked out with heavy footsteps, gripping a wet coat in his hand. He seemed to feel Alyssa's lingering warmth on the fabric. Feeling chilly, he clutched the coat tighter."Jasper, Lyse has given up too much for you.""Did you know that she almost
Xavier, Sean, and Landon were shocked by Jasper's sudden fainting spell. Fortunately, they happened to be just outside the hospital's entrance. Without hesitation, Landon and Xavier rushed to assist the doctors and nurses in sending Jasper into the emergency room.Meanwhile, Sean found himself rooted to the spot at the far end of the corridor. He watched with concern as they wheeled the pale Jasper with blood-stained lips into the emergency room.Why did Jasper suddenly faint? Was it a ploy to gain sympathy?None of it added up. Jasper had seemed perfectly fine throughout their journey to the hospital until this sudden collapse."Mr. Landon, is Mr. Beckett going to be ..." Xavier clenched his fists, tears welling up in his eyes."He'll be alright," Landon reassured him. He glanced fearfully at the emergency room sign and mumbled, "Jasper will pull through. He's the toughest, coolest, and bravest guy I've ever known. He'll be just fine."At that moment, one of Jonah's bodyguards
Landon and Xavier transferred Jasper to another hospital under Jasper's persistent requests.Jasper lay on a pristine white bedsheet in his room, hooked to an IV drip. The ordeal had taken its toll on him, but he still appeared remarkably handsome, much to Landon's envy."You scoundrel. I bet you'll be a casanova even in the afterlife. Tsk tsk, you sinner," teased Landon with an amused expression. He sat facing the back of his chair with his legs spread and his arms folded on the backrest."You're mean." Jasper slowly opened his eyes with rage. He couldn't breathe properly from the pain. "I was puking blood, and here you are, talking about my looks. I've always been better-looking than you. Does that annoy you?" "Ah, come on now. I was just trying to lighten the mood in case you were getting bored," Landon responded. Landon was concerned for Jasper's health but hesitant to delve too deeply into that conversation, fearing it might come across as cheesy."Don't worry, you're not
"It's my duty to protect her. I would never ask for any reward or praise," Jasper remarked. He closed his eyes as a dull pain pulsed in his chest. "I am only making amends for wronging her in the last three years.""With your life?""Well, I can't make amends with money, can I? Do you realize how wealthy her family is?" Jasper's temper flared.Landon scratched his head. Right, Alyssa could afford anything with her wealth.Jasper's thoughts drifted to the memory of her pale face in his arms, which only intensified his heartache. He wondered if she was awake now and if her fever had subsided. He also couldn't help but worry if she suffered any fractures from hanging onto the cliff. She was all he could think about.Taking a deep breath, he clutched his bedsheet tightly as if trying to kill a budding urge.Had he truly fallen for her?His heart raced at the thought of it. His breaths grew heavy, and his cheeks flushed."Hm, why are your cheeks red? Do you have a fever?" Landon
However, Landon obediently stumbled backward after Alyssa shot him a death glare, like one of Cleopatra's many male lovers.Xavier swiftly went up to her and said, "M-Madam—""Madam? What?" Alyssa frowned."Uh, Ms. Alyssa, Mr. Beckett switched hospitals because he didn't want you to worry about his injuries. He wanted you to focus on your recovery," Xavier muttered meekly. Xavier felt nervous every time he had to face Alyssa, who had grown assertive and abrasive. She had become the complete opposite of her past acquiescent self."He's overthinking, then. I am not going to worry about him," replied Alyssa with a snicker and a lift of the brow."But you wouldn't have quickly located him if you weren't worried about him, right?" Xavier bit the bullet and retorted."You—" She glared at him.Jasper secretly grinned as he rested against the headboard. Xavier might be a little slow and clumsy and didn't always do his job right. However, he had redeemed himself and pleased Jasper wi
Jasper, who had always been prideful and rebellious, went along with Alyssa. He rolled over just as instructed.Alyssa pressed her lips, surprised by his lack of protest. The huge area of bruises on his wide and muscular back now lay exposed before her eyes.At that moment, her eyes wavered. Despite her best efforts to keep her emotions in check, she couldn't help but feel extremely bad for him.He mistook her silence for shock and attempted to roll over again, but she pinned him down and ordered, "Stop moving around. I need to take a better look.""The doctor said the bruises would slowly go away as I heal," he remarked in a low voice. It was strange how he seemed to be trying to console her when he was the one who was injured."Like I can't tell," she fired back, annoyed.Her sharp retort caught him off guard, and he responded with a hint of amusement, "I didn't know you were such a firecracker when you were still with me. I am amazed by that sharp tongue of yours and your guts
Jasper was strong despite being injured, much to Alyssa's surprise. With a glimmer in his eyes, he pulled her toward him. She fell into his arms, and their bodies pressed against each other.Jasper pinned her down by resting his left hand on the back of her waist. It was still hooked to the IV drip."Jasp—" Alyssa teared up from the anxiety. Her words were cut short by his sudden kiss. His damp and warm lips brushed against her. Upon tasting her sweetness, he became a beast out of control, kissing her aggressively and taking her in.Meanwhile, Alyssa was dizzy from the kiss and unknowingly moaned. She tightened her grip on his chest, leaving behind red marks.She was going through a mix of emotions—shame, humiliation, grievance … Driven by those emotions, she gave him a bite on the lip. Surprisingly, he did not flinch and only hugged her tighter as she bit him deeper.The metallic taste of blood spread in their mouths. He endured the pain she inflicted on him but did not let go
"How about now? Is Ms. Altman at home?" Alyssa asked urgently."She isn't," Clark replied. "She drove out the back gate alone around 11:00 pm. Our security personnel stopped her then, but she said she was just going out for some fresh air because she had trouble sleeping. She promised she wouldn't be long, but it's strange—she hasn't returned even now."Alyssa's ears began to ring, her heart sinking like a stone.When she ended the call, her nightgown clung to her skin, drenched in cold sweat. Her trembling hand gripped the phone tightly.She thought of calling Jonah, but he was still searching for Julien in Mosgravia. He wouldn't be able to return in time. Silas wasn't home tonight; he was likely with Rose. Besides, he was more of an academic than a fighter—not someone who could help in a crisis. Getting him out of bed in the middle of the night couldn't possibly solve any of their problems. Axel had returned to his organization, leaving Cyrus as the only one accessible who mi
Amber's eyes reddened as she darted toward the trapdoor in The Millennium, tears streaming down her face.Remy had let her go. He actually spared her! Didn't this prove that he was Damien? That his true nature lingered, even if his memories of the past had been lost?Hope and excitement bubbled within her as she ran. She had to reach Alyssa immediately and share this evidence—this incredible news!Emerging from the trapdoor, Amber navigated the tangled paths among the weeds on the mountain behind The Millennium.Suddenly, she froze. Her breath hitched. Beams of white light shone from all directions, focusing on her. The cold, unyielding spotlights told her everything—she was surrounded, the target of an ambush. Amber's heart pounded in her chest. Cold sweat slicked her palms as her fingers clenched tightly around her dagger. The veins on the back of her hand throbbed with adrenaline.Six assassins in black emerged from the shadows, their flashlights cutting through the gl
Amber glared at Remy through her bloodshot eyes, thrusting her gleaming blade toward his chest. In her early days of being Jameson's follower, the first lesson drilled into her was how to kill quickly and efficiently. Refinement wasn't necessary—only results mattered. Yet, despite mastering the techniques, she had never put them into practice. Deep down, Amber feared the sight of blood and loathed the idea of taking a life.And now, of all people, it was Remy forcing her to cross that line.The blade's tip hovered mere inches from Remy's heart when hesitation gripped her. Axel's voice echoed in her mind, raw with emotion. "Amber, I keep feeling that Remy is my fifth brother, Damien. We miss him… We want him to come home!"Her pupils dilated. The blade wavered, its deadly intent dissipating.That single moment of doubt was all Remy needed. With a calm, calculated motion, he seized her wrist and twisted it sharply.Amber gasped in pain, her grip faltering as the blade clattered
The password to Jameson's room was Alyssa's birthday. Jameson had always believed himself to be a devoted man, taking pride in that notion. Yet, in Amber's eyes, his devotion was nothing more than a pathetic joke—a sentiment she couldn't help but detest.Taking a steadying breath, Amber began rummaging through the drawers and shelves with swift precision.Years of observation had taught her that Jameson had hidden several secret compartments in this room, places meant to conceal vital information. Unless Jameson or Carl disclosed their existence, even the police might not have uncovered them.After what felt like an eternity, sweat beading on her forehead, Amber discovered a hidden compartment beneath a floor sculpture.As she pried the brick loose, her breath hitched. Inside the compartment lay a waterproof plastic bag containing a document and a USB drive.Amber retrieved the document. Her heart raced as she realized its contents—a research report from Mosgravia's RC Biotech
Ever since getting together with Axel, Amber had lived each day in bliss. Yet, when Winston assured her that he truly accepted her and approved of her marriage to Axel, that bliss reached its peak. For so long, Amber had struggled with feelings of inferiority, never truly believing she deserved Axel's love. Deep down, she had resolved to step away if Winston disapproved or insisted Axel marry a woman from a reputable family—a match more fitting of his status.She wouldn't have hesitated to leave if it meant sparing Winston and Axel any conflict. Amber loved Axel wholeheartedly and was willing to sacrifice everything for him.But instead of rejection, she found warmth. The Taylor family embraced her as one of their own, showing her kindness and understanding rather than disdain for her past.She could never repay such compassion. "Winston… Thank you. Thank you…" Amber's tear-filled eyes glistened, their brightness undimmed despite all the darkness she had endured. Winston s
Amber stifled a laugh and teased, "Stop talking, Mr. Whitaker. You're going to sound like a broken record if you keep going." …After breakfast and a quick packing session, Axel departed from Heightsnew Villa. Amber spent her day helping the Taylors with various tasks. She assisted Mandy in organizing documents for Lovelace Group's projects, helped Lyla with cooking, and even joined Colene in feeding her horse. With Tatiana's due date approaching, Amber also pitched in for her shower preparations.Amber had always been a diligent person, but today, she seemed particularly intent on keeping herself busy. She was counting down the hours until nightfall. After dinner, the Taylors sat in the living room and chatted casually as they always did. The warm, familial atmosphere filled the space, and Amber joined in, her perceptive nature making her a seamless part of the group.When everyone retired to their rooms, Amber rose to help the helpers clear the table. "Amber." Startled
Axel and Amber had only spent half a month together before the former was called back to report for work. The night before his departure, they spent hours lost in each other, their passion unrelenting. Again and again, they exchanged kisses, their love pouring forth in an endless tide."Amber, three months… Just give me three more months." When their fervor finally waned, Axel held Amber close in his arms. They rested against the headboard, leaning into one another, too exhausted to move yet unwilling to let sleep claim them."Once I finish all the missions I've taken on, I'll hand in my resignation. After that, I'll spend all my time with you," Axel murmured, his voice steady with resolve. "We'll go wherever you want. If you want fun, I'll have fun with you. If you want chaos, I'll spend my life going crazy with you."Axel wasn't one for flowery words. He simply spoke from the heart. Right now, his heart only wanted Amber—forever.Amber nestled closer, her soft smile masking t
"Sir." Sheryl immediately stood and greeted Justin respectfully as he entered the room. "What are you doing here?" Justin's cold gaze swept over her as he strolled leisurely to the couch and sat down.Sheryl quickly explained, "I received a parcel for you from the administrative secretary half an hour ago. I thought it might be something important, something you wouldn't want too many people to handle. So, I waited for you to return and open it personally.""A parcel?" Justin frowned. Why would anyone send him a parcel to Beckett Group, of all places? How strange. Sheryl presented the parcel to him with both hands. He took it from her and then opened it right before her. After removing three layers of wrapping, each from outside and inside the box, the parcel turned out to contain only a plain white envelope. His expression darkened. It felt like someone was toying with him.Then, he looked down and opened the envelope, which contained a stack of photographs. Pinching a co
"Don't be so pessimistic, Jonah," Alyssa said. Perhaps having just seen Jasper and going through that heart-stopping moment made Alyssa emotional. Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued, "If you truly love someone, you don't need to possess him to find happiness. Isn't it enough to know he's alive, well, and living freely somewhere in this world?""You're right, Lyse." Sorrow filled Jonah's voice as he smiled bitterly. "Julien has already lost and sacrificed too much for my sake. I don't deserve to have such a good man. He'll only find true happiness by leaving me."…After Justin took over as president of Beckett Group, his first move was to wrest control of the A5 Project bid from Jasper's hands.Though Jasper had failed as the leader of Beckett Group, as the eldest son, it was only natural for Justin to inherit the position of power. Justin was aware of lingering opposition within the corporation. Some doubted whether he possessed the decisiveness and singular capabili