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
Jasper's heart thumped wildly as he tenderly gazed at Alyssa. He momentarily fell into a daze from the hurtful words she directed at him."M-Madam!" Rose gasped at Alyssa's unexpected presence, her face a mixture of emotions. She had so many questions for Alyssa, but she had no idea where to begin."Jasper Beckett, why are you here?" Alyssa wondered aloud. Jasper noticed that she seemed indifferent to him, as though they had never experienced the near-death incident at the mountain park. Her reaction stung, but he replied softly, "I've come to see you because I miss you.""Cut the crap. Do you even believe in what you just said?" She smirked, not believing in a word he said. He merely stood there speechlessly."Fine. You've seen her. Now, please leave," Rose angrily demanded her visitors to leave. Jasper had been involved with Liana earlier. Now that Liana was done for good, he immediately made a U-turn to win back Alyssa. Rose found him distasteful."I'm not leaving," he firm
Alyssa slowly narrowed her eyes at Jasper with a look that could cut through steel. He appeared a bit flustered under her intense scrutiny. She didn't mince words as she remarked, "That's disgustingly corny, even if you think it isn't."He stammered, "I just ... want to be closer to you." Perplexed by her sudden anger, he realized he was utterly clueless when it came to comforting women. As a company president known for his decisiveness in business and eloquence at global summits, he now felt utterly helpless before the woman he loved."Please, don't call me Lyse, like how you called her 'Lia.' It only makes you associate me with her, and that's a grave insult." She fixed a piercing look on him. In response, he pursed his lips, feeling his throat catch.The pain he had inflicted on her had never truly lessened. She remained as hurt as the day they divorced. Every time he evoked their past, she would latch onto it and dwell on the hurt.Never had she considered forgiving him
"A family member I know is celebrating her birthday soon. I'd like Sharon to design a dress as a gift to that family," Jasper responded with a hint of discretion in his voice. He was keeping his surprise gift for Lyla a secret from Alyssa.Despite his good intentions, Alyssa took it the wrong way. She smirked at him and said, "Oh, right. I forgot that Her Royal Highness Mrs. Beckett is celebrating her birthday this weekend. I assume you're trying to win your dad's favor by sending her a gift. How considerate of you.""Alyssa Taylor," he warned her with a frown. He didn't mind a bit of teasing, but he didn't want to be misunderstood."When you contact Sharon, please don't mention that the dress is a birthday gift for Sophia Kirkman. I'm worried she might give you a good scolding," Alyssa retorted and angrily turned her back to him.Then, she added, "Are you finished? If you are, please leave. You're distracting me while I'm working—Ouch!" In a moment of distraction, she accidental
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