"Lyse, I grew up with Landon. I know him in and out. He may be fond of women, but he doesn't just sleep with anyone." Jasper tried his best to console Alyssa while defending his friend. Landon continued, "He wouldn't dare do anything to Lauren. She's my sister, after all.""Like hell! Landon would sleep with anyone who isn't related to him!" Alyssa yelled. "You'd better get on your knees and pray Landon didn't so much as touch Lauren, or I'm cutting his fingers off one by one!""Alright," came the calm reply.Alyssa was taken aback. "What?" "I said, alright. I agree with your decision. If something did happen, you can get to work on his left hand. I'll go for the right one."Alyssa was truly left speechless now.Hoes before bros, indeed.…Lauren was transferred to a general ward after her surgery. She lay weakly in bed, face as pale as the hospital gown she wore."How do you feel? Does it still hurt?" Landon asked tenderly, gazing into her doe-like eyes.Lauren shook her
From beside them came Angelica's sudden snort of laughter.Landon was really trying his hardest to take care of Lauren. None of his techniques applicable to other women worked for Lauren, so he had no choice but to try something new.It was fun to watch.Meanwhile, Lauren eagerly savored the soup Landon served her. Her motivation wasn't to boast about the experience but to ease Landon's burden. She just didn't want him to strain his arm by repeatedly lifting the spoon to her lips.Landon's eyes narrowed happily the more Lauren ate. "Slow down now. Don't choke yourself." He gently patted her back.When he noticed a drop of white at the corner of Lauren's lips, his breathing hitched inexplicably as a surge of heat washed through him. It was a drop of soup, nothing more.Landon cursed at himself as he pondered the last time he had taken someone to bed. How could soup make his mind go south that quickly?"This is tasty. I want more, Landon," Lauren exclaimed happily."Okay," La
Landon, especially, stared fixedly at the young woman in his arms as a sudden thought surfaced in his mind.He wanted to bring Lauren home with him.So, so much.Alyssa was unbelievably shocked. "Lauren, you … want to … ""Landon … '' Lauren mumbled, nuzzling into Landon's chest and making his heart skip. "I want to go home with you."…Alyssa and Jasper had no choice but to respect Lauren's choice under her insistence.Jasper then had Landon follow him to the smoking area to speak to him."What happened to Lauren's ear, Landon?" Jasper asked, placing a cigarette between his lips and offering his friend another."What happened?" Hatred and cold fury flared in Landon's gaze. "Your spoiled bitch of a sister, Betty, happened!""She's not my sister. I only have one sister and her name is Lauren." Jasper bristled at the mention of Betty. "So, Betty hurt Lauren?"Landon nearly ground his teeth into dust. The cigarette in his hand almost broke in two under his furious pinching. "If
"I know I messed up. You don't need to remind me." Jasper snubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray. "But there's no going back for me anymore. I want Lyse. No one else in this life but her."…Lauren slept until the evening hours. When she woke up, Landon had prepared her dinner."Were you being serious when you said you wanted to go home with me, Laurie?" Landon asked, half-teasing.Lauren bit her lip and nodded, then shook her head. She wrapped her arms around her knees, toes wiggling lightly on the bed. The sight made Landon's breathing quicken slightly."I-I want to live with Grandpa, but I need to wait till I'm better … so he doesn't worry." Lauren's eyes were moist with tears."I understand." Landon gently caressed her hair. With a sly grin, he asked, "Do you trust me that much, Laurie? Do you know who I truly am? Do you have any idea how badly the world thinks of me? Aren't you worried you'll find yourself in danger if you come with me, hm?"Lauren slowly met his gaze
Alyssa left the hospital without so much as a word to Jasper. Though he'd left her with an incomplete puzzle, she wasn't going to grovel for the entire thing. She'd rather figure it out herself than ask. It was high time she stepped back into her spotlight after what she'd endured for three years.On the way back to the villa, Sean called her."Ms. Alyssa, we were unable to find any information on Jasper directly, but we did find some interesting things pertaining to Justin Beckett.""Being Beckett Group's CEO, it only makes sense that anything personally related to him is entirely off the records. You're getting smarter, Sean." Alyssa grinned.Sean savored the praise and continued, "Justin Beckett was a victim of a kidnap when he was 11 years old.""Kidnap?""Yes. But there is virtually no news about this incident on the World Wide Web, not even in the newspapers. The Beckett family must have silenced all potential leaks on this incident. "If it weren't for the police's reco
"What is this? Highway robbery?" Alyssa snapped, eyes scanning him up and down."You left in a hurry from the hospital, so I didn't have a chance to speak to you," Jasper said gently, ignoring her frigidity."We wouldn't have met there if it didn't concern Lauren's well-being. There's nothing more to say between us." Alyssa turned and marched straight for the villa gates. She added, "I'll have someone send over the next batch of medicine for the second stage of your healing. If you want to live a long life, make sure you take them on time.""Lyse, wait." Jasper reached out to hold her hand.But Alyssa stopped just then. "By the way, do relay a message of mine to Landon. I'm aware of his feelings for Lauren, and I vehemently disagree with it."Jasper blinked rapidly, frowning."I know I'm no longer Lauren's sister-in-law but an outsider, and even if I were still her in-law, I would never have the right to step in on her personal affairs so long as her parents were still breathin
Jasper knew mentioning the issues in the Harper family would only upset Landon, so he rarely brought it up, though it remained an area of concern for him.Alyssa continued, "Mrs. Harper is a woman with traditional beliefs. After her husband's unfortunate passing, the hope of the family now lies on Landon's shoulders. "If she already has a grudge against Betty, how could Lauren ever make it past her? Landon adores and respects his mother. "Do you think he'd challenge her just to be with Lauren? Don't forget that cunning sister of his, too, who's been using Betty as a pawn to get her way. Do you think she'd treat Lauren any differently?"If Lauren really stays by Landon's side, it would upset his entire family system and only cause more disturbance to her life. Would Lauren truly be happy, then? "Even if Landon loved her with all her might, their love would slowly crumble under the weight of all these obstacles sooner or later. Not to mention how innocent Lauren is—what could she
The familiar voice cut through Jasper's heart like a blade.Alyssa suddenly came back to her senses and tore away from Jasper's grip, as if she'd been caught doing something inappropriate. She shoved Jasper away, making the man stumble backward."What are you doing here, Mr. Jameson?" Alyssa asked curtly, unable to mask the shock in her eyes. Jameson bristled with killing intent, shaking just the slightest against the dark background. He shot Jasper a menacing glare, pushing at his glasses. It disappeared just as swiftly as it came, though not before Jasper picked up on it. In response, Jasper stirred up the deadliest energy he could muster, nearly snarling at Jameson. He was never one to lose when it came to this, especially not now when he stood before the woman he loved.Alyssa noticed Jasper's gaze. It looked like he was ready to tear Jameson limb by limb.Alyssa was perplexed by the animosity displayed. Was it all because Jameson stopped him from taking advantage of her?
Jonah's gaze burned with a mix of longing, sorrow, and something deeply affectionate. The world swam back into focus as Julien looked at Jonah. Without preamble, he asked, "Are you new? How much do you charge per night?"Light-headed and grinning, Julien reached out a hand, his fingers brushing softly against Jonah's cheek. "You're pretty good-looking," he said, his voice slurred. Then his expression shifted. "Why do you… look so much like someone I hate with every fiber of my being?"Jonah's heart clenched. Even so, he slid his arms around Julien's waist. Trembling, he pulled Julien into his arms. "I'm new here. Could you help me meet my target tonight, Mr. Lovelace?"Julien's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Jonah. Jonah's eyes teared up as he held Julien's waist tightly. "I promise you won't be disappointed," he said, his voice deep. Watching from the shadows below the stage, Evan nearly gagged at Jonah's sultry tone. Was this really the Judas he knew? The man sounded downri
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