The driver threw a wad of cash at Sean like it was toilet paper."You—" Sean shot a fierce glare at the man behind the wheel. The Laferrari roared to life and swiftly disappeared into the night.Meanwhile, Tatiana trembled, her expression contorted into a deep frown as she witnessed Sean's humiliation."Gentleman, that's Mr. Schmidt's reward for you. Take it," Brie said. Once Josh was gone, she no longer put up a front.She leaned toward Sean, puffing her voluminous chest, and touched him on his sleeve. Brie began, "You look incredibly hot and refined. Why would you want to date a bitch? It's a blemish on your image. Why don't you—ugh!"Sean abruptly stepped back, his face stern. Brie, who had leaned into him, lost her balance and knelt on the floor.Tatiana couldn't help but chuckle, her hand covering her mouth."That hurts! Shit!" Brie cussed, feeling that her kneecaps had shattered from the fall. She couldn't stand up in pain and cast a teary glance at Sean as she pleaded,
During Tatiana's four years at the Solana Film Academy, Brie had worked with other schoolmates to give her trouble. Tatiana was a meek personality, so she endured the bullying to avoid escalation.However, Tatiana's fear gave way to a surge of anger after she witnessed Sean being humiliated by Josh and saw Brie making advances toward Sean. Tatiana had a steely look in her eyes and continued walking, completely ignoring Brie's provocation."Cheap bitch! Tatiana Taylor, stop right there!" Brie called out, but Tatiana maintained her stride.Tatiana eventually halted and turned around slowly. She grinned as Brie panted and limped toward her with bruised and bloodied knees.She questioned, "Cheap bitch? Who are you talking about?""The nerve to ask! It's you, of course!" Brie momentarily brushed aside her physical pain to seek vengeance."Oh, I thought you were introducing yourself for a moment," Tatiana teased her without any change in expression. That caught Brie by surprise, for
After Jasper was discharged from the hospital, he worked hard for three full days to clear the backlog of work that had piled up. Given his unstable health condition, he relied on supplements and Alyssa's prescribed medications to keep himself going.Apart from that, Xavier would apply the external creams and ointments daily onto Jasper's wounds. With all the effort, Jasper hoped he would recover soon. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to offer Alyssa any protection with his ailing body."Mr. Beckett, it's time to take your medication," Xavier announced as he brought the pills and a bottle of water on a tray. Jasper was in the midst of approving some documents and responded, "I'm busy now. Later.""Um, if you don't take your medications on time, I'll report it to Madam," Xavier declared. "She reached out to me that day and reminded me to make sure you take your medications on time. I'll need to report any issues to her right away. She'll be upset to learn that you're not listening."
Xavier shivered and stammered, "Uh, well, Mr. Beckett, I am worried for you! There has barely been any progress in your relationship with Madam. Who knows if I'll ever live to the day when you get back together!"You said you risked your life to save her, but her attitude hasn't changed. She hasn't visited you except for her daily check-in calls to me. I feel sorry for you."Xavier recalled that Alyssa had always prepared a feast whenever she learned Jasper would come home. Then, she'd wait for him by the door. She had given all her heart to him.But now, all she offered were icy glances that sent shivers through onlookers. Some things, once lost, were impossible to regain."That's fine," Jasper said and sighed. He rubbed his fist on his knee. "I will not give up on pursuing her, no matter how she treats me."There was a knock on the door. A female secretary announced, "Mr. Beckett, Mr. Harper is here to see you.""Let him in."Then, Landon smilingly entered, humming a tune with
Jasper fumed as Landon gloated. Green in envy, Jasper scoffed. "What's so special about that? It's normal to be invited, given the Harpers' social standing in Solana City.""So, given your family's social standing in Solana City, did you receive an invitation?""Don't we have anything better to talk about? If not, please leave," Jasper remarked. He had a short fuse when it came to anything related to Alyssa."Look at you! I'm fooling with you," Landon said. He stopped teasing Jasper, knowing he was upset about not receiving an invitation. Then, he produced another crumpled invitation card from his back pocket and explained, "Here. This is an invitation from the witch. "Isn't it a coincidence that she chooses to throw her birthday party on the same day as Lyla Nelson? Not only that, she's hosting it in Solana City. Is she turning this into a competition?"Jasper's brows furrowed in surprise. "What? Does Sophia share her birthday with Lyla?"Xavier chimed in, scratching his head
Back at the KS World Hotel, Alyssa monitored the progress of Lyla's event proposal with a greater focus and dedication than she poured into Ada Kingley's wedding. While she had worked diligently for Ada as a client, this time, her commitment was out of love for Lyla. She was family."Ms. Alyssa, you've been through a lot. You should rest after pulling three all-nighters," Sean reminded her and handed her a glass of orange juice, as he worried that coffee might be too acidic for her."I can't. The event hall arrangements have been made, but we haven't completed the dress for Lyla," Alyssa mumbled and massaged her sore forehead.Women of Alyssa's age would be shopping, traveling the world, and dating. Unlike them, she spent most of her time buried in documents and data, leading the hotel management to improve their business.She might be hardy, but she would also get exhausted like any other person. She instructed, "Arrange a visit to Rose Emerson's studio later.""Is it to work o
"Gosh, the goddess, Alexa, has graced my tiny studio with her presence! I am beyond honored to welcome you!" Rose teased Alyssa when the latter showed up.She had been impressed enough by Alyssa's elite family background and her identity as Sharon, the renowned fashion designer. To her surprise, Alyssa wore many more hats, including Alexa.Alexa was regarded as an icon of the jewelry design industry, akin to Sharon's status in the fashion world."Alright now. I'm wrong for hiding my identity from you. How can I make it up to you?" Alyssa mused and confidently wrapped an arm around Rose's waist."Well, do visit me often. Don't show up only when you have something to ask from me, okay?" Rose pouted sadly."You're making me out to be a player, and I'm not!" Alyssa playfully touched Rose's nose and sighed. "I'm swamped with work right now. But when things ease up, how about we plan a getaway abroad? I'll cover all the expenses!""Yay! You're the best!"…Alyssa had no time for tea
Xavier swiftly closed his gaping mouth, only for his jaw to drop open again. He gave Jasper a thumbs-up and replied, "You look fantastic! So full of energy!"Jasper's expression instantly soured as he demanded, "Do I really look great?"Xavier was momentarily stunned before finally getting it. If Jasper appeared healthy and energetic, it would alleviate Alyssa's guilt, as it meant he was recovering well. On the other hand, if Jasper showed up looking sickly, Alyssa would feel concerned about him.So, that was Jasper's strategy. How clever!The two men were stopped by an assistant when they stepped into the building. The assistant said, "Gentlemen, Ms. Emerson is seeing a VIP now and unavailable for meetings. I'm afraid you'll have to leave."Jasper put on a stern face and asked, "Is Ms. Emerson with her mentor right now?"The assistant was taken aback by his knowledge and asked, "How did you know?""I'm here as Ms. Emerson's mentor's husband," Jasper responded with narrowed eyes
Alyssa followed Jasper into the study. The door closed behind her with a soft click. She didn't move to switch on the lights or sit down. Instead, she stood quietly in the dim room.They faced each other, eyes locked. In the darkness, their gazes seemed brighter, charged with emotions that neither could put into words. Whatever stirred within them was tangled and silent—kept at bay by something unspoken, as if a wall had formed between heart and mouth. After a pause, Alyssa offered a faint smile. Her voice was soft, almost courteous. "Go ahead, Mr. Beckett. I won't be staying long tonight—I've made other arrangements."It was clear she didn't want to be alone in a room with him.Jasper's chest tightened, overwhelmed by a surge of emotion he couldn't define. His voice was rough when he finally spoke. "You didn't vote against the motion at today's board meeting. I wanted to know… are we still on the same side?"Alyssa's gaze lowered, her voice steady and calm. "You didn't object
In the evening, Xavier drove Jasper to meet with Newton. Along the way, news broke out that Sheryl had been bailed out. Xavier slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Damn it! Why is it so hard to get rid of that woman?" "She is Justin's right hand," Jasper said, eyes shut as he leaned back in his seat. His jaw tightened. "You could even say she knows more about his secrets than anyone. As long as she's useful, Justin won't discard her so easily. This is how he operates."Xavier shook his head, teeth gritted. "Where the hell did she even come from? When you had me investigate her, I found nothing. Her background was spotless. "What's in her past that Justin would go so far to keep it hidden? A man like him can have any woman he wants, yet he clings to her—some pretty-faced idiot who only seems to make things harder for him."Jasper's gaze turned glacial. Xavier's casual remark struck him.He was right. Justin wasn't short on capable subordinates. So why Sheryl?Was Sh
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence. Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control. Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president—our direct competitor!"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest—outright cronyism!" Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression. Just then, a board member from Javier's