All of a sudden, Landon recalled that he was in a hospital and did not end up lighting the cigarette. After a pause, Jasper inhaled deeply and said in a hushed voice, "Landon, I think … I might have fallen for Alyssa."What the heck? The cigarette between Landon's lips trembled. He came very close to leaping out of his seat in shock.Everyone could see that Jasper was smitten with Alyssa, except for Jasper himself. Yet, hearing him admit it was both refreshing and cathartic."I am in love with her. That's why I want her back by my side. I'd like to try pursuing her," Jasper confessed in a shaky voice and raised his head. He had a deep and sincere look in his eyes."You, going after the opposite sex? Are you sure you can do that?" Landon pressed on with an astonished look."There is a first time for everything. I'll have to give it a shot," Jasper replied. He cast a judgmental glance at Landon. "Even if my attempt fails, I still have you as my advisor, albeit an ineffective one."
Jasper and Alyssa were alone in the room after Landon left. Alyssa had learned from Xavier that Jasper had coughed up a significant amount of blood earlier that day, and this news deeply troubled her.If Jasper couldn't survive this ordeal, or if he suffered from long-term side effects, she'd never be able to make up to him. The burden of guilt would haunt her every day.She went up to his bed with a sour face and grabbed his wrist. Then, she started checking his pulse.His eyes widened. Alyssa looked as serious as an experienced doctor. She announced, "Your condition is not looking great. You need to take your medications right away. You cannot wait until the next day!"She was angered by his condition. Just as Alyssa was about to release his hand, he surprised her by wrapping her small, cold hand with his own.His action took her aback. Her breathing was caught in her throat."I can tell it's super cold out there from your hand." Jasper's rough fingertips lightly massaged the
"I love you, Alyssa Taylor. I've fallen for you."Alyssa held her breath and stumbled backward without knowing it. Only she would understand the mixed feelings from hearing Jasper's love confession.They could hear each other's heart beating in the silence."I would have accepted your confession right away if it happened in the three years we were married. But it's too late now. I told you before that my feelings for you had expired. I no longer love you," Alyssa responded with a stoic look in her eyes."I'm sorry. I know my confession comes too late, but I'm not one to give up when I set my mind to something," Jasper argued, his forehead dotted with sweat. He wanted to go up to her but feared that he might scare her off. "It's fine if you don't love me. I'll be the one who sacrifices for you this time around. I'll—"He wanted to say, "I'll love you". He never told Liana he loved her, but he had an urge to use the word on Alyssa."Enough. I do not need the love from a man I'm n
Right after Alyssa entered Jasper's room, Sean immediately got a call from Liam. He picked up. "Hi, Mr. Liam.""Sean, as her secretary, why didn't you immediately report her whereabouts to us?" Liam interrogated Sean right away. "Why are you at the Solana City Memorial Hospital with Lyse? Is she there to see Jasper Beckett?"Jonah chimed in calmly, "Liam, calm down."Liam, usually gentle, was only out of character when it came to matters concerning his sister's well-being. Sean was shocked by Liam's intel and gasped, "Mr. Liam, how … how did you know? We kept it a secret!""GPS tracking."Jonah sighed helplessly. "Liam almost put to use his method to track criminals. Tracking down Lyse was a piece of cake."Sean was rendered speechless."Liam, stop worrying about Lyse. Even if you scold her, given her character, she will not listen to you and come home. Just let her be. She's an adult," advised Jonah, who seemed unbothered by the incident."I will station a team of guards to
Jasper also clutched his sleeve and struggled with the weight of guilt and pain.Alyssa had been wrong about him. He wanted to tell her that his feelings were not fleeting. Was his love worthless just because he discovered it late?13 years ago, he had gone through a life-and-death experience with her. Years later, they went through the same thing. They seemed fated to be with each other.For the first time, he felt the pain of not being able to express himself. It was a suffocating feeling. Still, he remained silent because it was not the time to make lofty declarations. He needed to show his love through actions.Although Alyssa's fever had subsided, she still felt a little weak, especially after the trouble she was put through in the past three days. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow without even keeping guard against Jasper.Meanwhile, Jasper fixed his eyes on her, like a guardian, without any hint of sleepiness.When he confirmed that she was asleep, he ro
When Alyssa opened the lid of the food containers, her eyes widened at the array of Belbanks delicacies. The plating was immaculate, and the food was both aromatic and delicious. To her surprise, those were all her favorite dishes at home. Her stomach rumbled."I heard that Jasper Beckett sent his people to buy the food from Belbanks at 5:00 am. The containers are insulated, so the food is still hot," Sean explained robotically as he laid out the breakfast.He was well aware that Jasper had made a move to pursue Alyssa. Sean had been in love with Alyssa and did not want to interfere in her love life, but he didn't want her to date Jasper."Is he crazy? Nobody wanted him to do that!" Despite her complaints, she couldn't help but shove a hashbrown into her mouth and chew away happily.Sean smiled wryly at her reaction.Suddenly, they heard a raspy voice that almost sent Alyssa choking on her food. "Ms. Alyssa, is the food delicious?"She coughed violently and pressed a hand aga
Jasper didn't have a choice. The men surrounding Alyssa were all distinguished in their own right. Now, he had another Taylor sibling to worry about—Liam, the young colonel."Lyse, he didn't do anything to you, did he?" Liam held Alyssa's shoulders and examined her from head to toe."I'm fine! Let's leave, Liam," suggested Alyssa. She tried to drag Liam away, worried that war would break out between Liam and Jasper at any second.To her dismay, her worst fear came true. Liam addressed the others coldly, "Jonah, Sean, please leave with Alyssa. I'll join you shortly.""Liam!" Alyssa called out to him, her tone tinged with concern. She knitted her brows."Lyse, let's go." Jonah wrapped an arm across her shoulder and gave Jasper a knowing look. He then whispered in Alyssa's ear, "You know Liam is the calmest and the gentlest of all, don't you? Don't worry. He knows where to draw the line."She let out a sigh and left with Jonah. After all, it was unlikely that anything serious wo
Xavier stood in the corridor outside the patient room and glanced warily at the two lines of guards standing there. Their uniform posture and cold demeanor sent a chill down his spine.The door to Jasper's room flung open, followed by the heavy thud of military boots.Liam showed up with a stoic expression while adjusting his beret. After years of strict military training, he was able to keep a poker face at any time.The guards immediately performed a military salute."Let's go," Liam calmly ordered his men and whooshed past Xavier. The guards followed suit, and peace was restored in the corridor.Xavier gaped at Liam's handsome figure. He was charmed by Liam's masculine and regal air. Liam's presence made clear to him that some people were born to be special.When he was spacing out, Jasper had exited the room with a dark expression and heavy footsteps."Mr. Beckett, don't push yourself. You're not in the condition to be discharged!" Xavier advised. He wanted to lend Jasper a
Jasper lay restrained on the bed, his body writhing violently as waves of agony crashed over him. A towel clenched between his teeth muffled his cries, though it could not silence the torment. Every inch of his skin felt as if it were being devoured by thousands of invisible ants—a relentless, gnawing pain brought on by withdrawal.He knew he could no longer rely on the medication. Time and again, the temptation clawed at him, urging him to surrender and take the easy way out. Relief was just a pill away. But Jasper's willpower, though battered, refused to shatter. Anne's words echoed in his mind, a guiding light in the darkness. She had always taught him to be a righteous man—one with a clear conscience. Curling into himself, Jasper shut his bloodshot eyes. He couldn't disappoint Anne. He couldn't let down those who believed in him. He had to resist the dark side. Outside the room, Xavier glanced at his wristwatch. Judging the timing to be right, he pushed the door open and l
"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