"What the hell? She scared the shit out of me.""Jeez. Isn't she from the Harper family? Why was she so rude? Doesn't she know any manners?"Zoe had always been accustomed to getting her way, both at home and abroad, whether it involved throwing a tantrum or making outright demands. She had vented some of her current frustration and anger just like that, especially when thinking about what Jasper had said to her.Now that she was back in the country, in front of all these guests who were part of Solana City's upper echelon, she realized that she should reconsider how she portrayed herself in public.Zoe cleared her throat, feigning composure. She then began playing Beethoven's 5th Symphony.Having graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in Yoarkley had its benefits. The music flowed effortlessly with each stroke of her fingers on the keys, allowing her earlier outburst to fade into the background of everyone's minds.Betty stormed over from the back of the hotel to her moth
"What did I tell you, Mom? I told you Lauren was plotting to ruin my plans!" exclaimed Betty. Betty was outraged seeing Lauren there, her wine-red gown catching everyone's attention, even though her sister hadn't the least bit of makeup on. Jealousy burned in her like a flame that refused to die. What was worse was that Lauren's gown matched Landon's, making them look like a couple!At this moment, they even bore a resemblance to a bride and groom attending their own wedding! Betty felt like her purple gown was a slap in her face right now. "I know Lauren better than anyone else, Betty!" Sophia gritted out. "She might be 22, but her mental state and behavior are no older than a child of 10 to 12 years old! "She's still a child with no concept of romance, nor would she be smart enough to think about stealing Landon away from you!"Betty calmed down somewhat after that, though her teeth remained clenched."Things have become more complicated for you. Since Newton's birthday di
A car honked furiously in the distance, its headlights glaring at Lauren as she stood frozen in the middle of the street. Fear gripped her, rendering her unable to move. The vehicle rushed toward her, and in her terrified state, she shut her eyes tightly."Lauren, watch out!"Just then, Landon ran out into the street, diving straight for Lauren and pulling her out of harm's way at the very last second. Before they fell onto the pavement, he used his body to shield her fall, his shoulder slamming into hard rock. Pain shot through his entire arm, nearly making him cry out.The car driver also swerved to the other side of the road to avoid hitting Lauren, ramming right into a couple of decorative flowerbeds. Luckily, he was unhurt.Landon was about to ask if Lauren was okay when she clambered out of his grasp and ran off."Hey! Hey, Laurie! Come back, goddammit!" Landon nearly choked himself with how upset he was. He couldn't help but spat under his breath, "What an ungrateful br
Betty thought that Zoe was a bluff. She couldn't help but wonder how someone like Zoe could possibly get her hands on Alexa's designs when even a celebrity superstar like Ada had trouble doing so.Betty rolled her eyes silently, though she still praised, "You're amazing, Zoe! If you can find one of Alexa's designs to give Ada, she'll definitely join us! "That way, we'd get revenge on Alyssa and help my brother. You'll leave a good impression on him, too. I'm sure your relationship with him will blossom then!"Zoe was grinning so widely that her teeth looked like they might fall out. "That's why we need to win Ada over from KS World!"Betty, meanwhile, had other ideas. She wasn't going to help Jasper. They didn't even share the same mother. Instead, she intended to use this opportunity to prove herself to their father and wrest control of the project from him. That would earn her father's favor and help reconcile her mother's relationship with him. And Zoe would become the ca
Being a Mosgravian, Ada had never eaten such a variety of dishes, so she naturally dug in with gusto. Alyssa and Sean kept her company, the former chatting merrily with Ada as she ate but never once bringing up anything about her marriage with Jasper nor insulting the Beckett Group. They talked about everything from their hobbies to Ada's career to jewelry.When dinner was over, Alyssa and Sean escorted Ada down to the parking lot."Thank you for the delicious meal, Ms. Alyssa. It was quite amazing. I'm particularly fond of that flaky pastry filled with pistachio. Your hotel's chefs are every bit as skilled as you say they are!""That's a pistachio and chocolate cream baklava. I can have a box or two of those sent to you before you leave for Mosgravia. One for you and one for your mother," Alyssa offered kindly."Madam Ada, most of the dishes tonight are actually cooked by Ms. Alyssa here, including the pastry you just ate," Sean said excitedly."Truly? Did you really make tha
Jasper rushed to the hospital first thing after getting word that Landon had been in a car accident. Landon was lying in the VIP ward in a neck and spine brace while his secretary fed him apple slices.He looked like some impotent bum trying to act high and mighty."When did you swap your hair for a potbelly? You're not some greasy 45-year-old man who still has the hots for women twice your age, Landon. So don't act like it," Jasper quipped as he walked into the ward.The secretary quickly got up and greeted Jasper before leaving the room, giving them privacy."Jeez! Are you here to visit me or make me look bad? I can't even move my hands, man!" Landon cried, then winced when he accidentally shifted his wrist too much."Stay put." Jasper went up to help his friend settle back down, though his face remained stoic."Would you wheel me around if my legs get paralyzed, Jasper?" Landon asked pitifully."Ask one of your hundreds of girlfriends to do that for you," Jasper scoffed, "Par
"Autism?" Landon's heart ached at that thought. No wonder Lauren behaved so strangely. Though she was 22 years old, she still had the behavior of a young, naive child.No wonder Sophia never let her out of the house."Did you ask her what she thought about those things you did for her? Whether she wanted you to do them or not? Did you ever step in her shoes and think for a moment? "No, because you're not capable of that." Jasper's breathing was intermingled with a dull pain in his chest. "All she ever wanted was a peaceful, quiet life. Don't go ruining that for her now. You'll only make things worse."Landon was silent for a moment. He asked hoarsely, "Can she be cured?""Do you think she'd still be like this today if she could?"Landon thought about how frightened Lauren was last night, his heart pounding painfully behind his ribcage.Just then, Jasper's phone rang. He crinkled his nose but still answered. "Dad.""Come back to the office right now. We need to talk."The call
The secretary swiftly turned on the television and tuned it to the 3 o'clock news. Jasper bristled, having flashbacks to the Verdane Valley project."Welcome to the 3 o'clock news, providing you with the most up-to-date afternoon updates. "Last night, the renowned international actress Ada Kingsley made her entrance into Solana City, sparking immense enthusiasm among her fans. "According to sources, her visit to the city is to honor her mother's request, which was to have her wedding held here in Solana. "The Berenike Hotel and KS World Hotel in the city have engaged in a fierce competition, vying to be selected by Ada Kingsley as the venue for her wedding. "After several days of intense rivalry, Madam Ada Kingsley has made her decision."Jasper couldn't keep his eyes off the screen."At 3 o'clock news, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to KS World Hotel for their successful efforts in securing Ada Kingsley's endorsement and being chosen as the venue for her wedding!
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
"Don't say that. You've done really well so far!" Xavier said gently, his voice a steady anchor as he tried to comfort Julien.He continued, "Many people spend their whole lives unable to quit even common drugs. The substance Mr. Beckett took is far more potent. The fact that he's found any relief at all is remarkable."Jasper's senses gradually returned, but he was left drained, and his eyes struggled to focus. "Julien…" "I'm right here," Julien murmured, leaning in to gently wipe the tears and cold sweat from Jasper's face with a tissue. Struggling for breath, Jasper rasped, "Keep my condition… a secret… especially from her." Julien didn't need to ask who he meant. It had to be Alyssa. It wasn't pride that fueled Jasper's plea. It was something deeper—a desperate wish to shield Alyssa from the sight of his brokenness, to spare her the disappointment of seeing him like this.Xavier helped Jasper to stand before addressing Julien. "Dr. Lovelace, I hope you understand—the f