Sean grinned. "Miss, you're truly wise. I've been monitoring the Gardner family these past few days, and I have indeed found some progress.Alyssa smiled. "As expected, without Jasper's help, the Gardner family can only find ways to raise money to cover their losses. But I thought they would sell their houses and land. I didn't expect them to sell only their jewelry. "Hmm, it seems they can still afford it with their vast fortune. Burning their last bit of money slowly so they could hold out as long as they could. It is more satisfying to see them suffer than dealing them one direct blow."Sean coldly snorted. "This is karma for the Gardner family!"Alyssa didn't say anything more. She casually flipped through the pawnshop records.Hardly anyone knew that the Taylor family owned two large, well-established pawnshops in Cassadia and Bellbanks. Since Winston liked collecting antiques, and rare treasures, he secretly opened these pawnshops to acquire the unexpected and precious item
On the weekend, at the Solana Auction House.A crowd of journalists gathered outside the venue. They had to wait outside to protect the privacy of the wealthy. Those who joined the event were genuine antique collectors and investment bankers. They were here for business and not to seek media exposure like celebrities. They weren't interested in interviews. They only focused on valuable treasures for auction—except for Sophia, Rosaline, and Liana.Every year, Sophia would attend the event in her best attire. She would turn the high-end charity auction into a red carpet moment for her. She would block the entrance and let the media take photos. She would only leave after being persuaded by the staff, looking disgruntled.It seemed she feared people might forget she was the washed-up star who had climbed to a higher status by breaking up someone else's family over two decades ago.That led to Javier not attending the event personally for the past two years. Presumably, he felt it wo
Xavier covered his mouth. He almost choked on himself before holding back his laughter. Jasper felt a surge of resentment in his chest. He coldly responded, "I don't see a future with her, and we can never go back to the past. I won't do something so shameless." Without bothering to elaborate, Landon shrugged. He swiftly changed the topic, "Are there any items you want from today's auction?" "Yes, the Antique Rosewood Chair. I plan to buy it as a birthday gift for my grandfather." "You have good taste! I can help you secure it. If someone tries to compete with you, I'll find a way to convince them otherwise." "No need," Jasper calmly shook his head. "The auction is about charity. If the item is meant to be mine, it will be mine. I won't force something that isn't meant to be. That would take away the joy of the auction." The two entered the venue and walked straight to the first row reserved for VIPs. Only those from prominent families or elite individuals could sit th
Alyssa's words left everyone stunned. The others eyed Sophia oddly, one after another. They had no idea that the beautiful woman before them was Jasper's ex-wife. They only thought that Alyssa must be from a prestigious family with a background worth billions. She had such confidence to confront Javier Beckett's wife! Sophia was so infuriated that her body trembled. She sneered, "Look at you, Alice. You've changed now that you've found someone better to leech onto. I never realized you could be so eloquent in the past." Alyssa raised her eyebrows. She was completely indifferent to Sophia's mockery. "I treat others the way they treat me. I speak politely to those who are polite to me and straightforward to those who are rude. What does that have to do with leeching onto others?" Sophia's face turned red. She was completely frustrated. "Ms. White, my mom is your senior. How can you be so disrespectful?!" Betty immediately refuted after seeing her mother being humiliated.
Alyssa was always ready to break things off with Jasper. So she had to carry her marriage certificate around. The marriage certificate had become a tool to expose the truth and reveal the misdeeds of these women! The Kirkman sisters had no way to refute it. After all, Alyssa and Jasper were still legally married as of now, so what could they say? They would only make things worse if they argued back. "Let everyone judge for themselves who is the other woman in this case!" With that, Alyssa put away the papers, turned around, and left amidst the shocked gazes of everyone, leaving Liana in place, feeling ashamed and furious! ... The auction would start in less than five minutes, and almost all the VIPs were seated. Sophia and Betty sat in the third row. When they entered, Betty's eyes were fixed on Landon. "He looks so handsome.""The security in the Harper family's charity event is very tight. They won't allow us to switch to the front row no matter how hard I try." So
Alyssa wasn't wearing a cumbersome evening gown. Instead, she chose a black suit of her own design. Adorning her chest was another masterpiece from the top jewelry designer, Alexa. It was a brooch made of yellow diamonds. She made a very spectacular entrance. Her fashion style was simple and distinctive. It effortlessly overshadowed the group of spoilt upper-class people. They were all pampered princesses. But Alyssa had always been a domineering queen! Liana couldn't take her eyes off Alyssa. She was resentful and bitter as she watched Alyssa become the center of attention. At this moment, two ladies beside her gasped as they looked at Alyssa. They began to chat. "Oh my goodness, who is this lady? She exudes such grace!" "She's still so young. Otherwise, I would've mistaken her for some successful businesswoman. Her presence outshines even the wealthy men here!" "Do you see that brooch on her chest? That's Alexa's legendary masterpiece, 'Ragnarok'! Someone offered a bi
Alyssa's round eyes turned cold. She gave Landon a deadpan look. Jasper noticed his indecent behavior, and his face turned dark! "How did I do just now?" Landon returned to Jasper's side with a grin, nudging his elbow."Great. I'll kill you if you try that again," Jasper replied with a chilling glint in his eyes. Landon felt hopeless as he said, "Why are you always picking on me? You're harder to deal with than all the hundreds of girlfriends I've had combined!" Soon, the first auction item was presented to the audience. It was a landscape painting from the 20th century. It was a simple brushwork painting that captured the essence of the scenery, truly a masterpiece. But, the artist wasn't famous, so the starting price was only one million dollars. Jasper's interest in antique artworks was limited. However, he had his fair share of knowledge since his grandfather and father were both avid collectors. He immediately recognized the painting upon seeing it. There was an id
Jasper scowled, and he pursed his lips. Since Alice could afford nine million, ten million wasn't a big deal. She stopped not because she couldn't afford it but because she gave up. It was obvious that she did it on purpose. But he couldn't say anything. After all, no one forced Liana to spend a fortune on the painting. It was all on her. Several more items were auctioned, and Alyssa remained composed. She didn't make any moves at the moment. Jasper's sole focus was getting the Antique Rosewood Chair, so he remained still. Next up was a pair of Antique Emerald Ornaments donated by Madam Sophia on behalf of the Beckett Group. The starting price was two million. Alyssa sneered and shook her head disdainfully. She would rather bid on the first painting replica than spend a large sum on those two useless stones. Anyone who would buy them was a fool. As expected, there were only a few bidders. The auctioneer tried hard to promote the items. But in the end, they were sold for
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