"Let go! Let go!" Donna screamed in pain, releasing Lauren's hand. At the same time, Zoe took a few steps backward in shock.Donna kicked and hit Richie, but he refused to release her."Don't hit Richie! No!" Lauren fell on top of the Dobermann to protect him.Filled with resentment, Zoe kicked Lauren again amidst the chaos."Zoe Harper!" A stern voice cut through the turmoil, making Zoe freeze. Her leg was suspended mid-air when she was caught red-handed.She stiffly spun around, her heart leaping into her throat. She mumbled, "L-Landon …"Landon stood tall at the entrance, seething with anger. His expression darkened.His chest heaved as his eyes glinted with an impending storm.Lauren, still unaware of Landon's return, hugged Richie tight and shut her eyes. She curled into a ball, quivering pitifully.Donna nearly fainted from the shock of Landon's arrival and momentarily forgot about her pain. No one had expected him to return so abruptly after he had gone out."Zoe, did
Zoe stood there, utterly shocked. Her face darkened, and it was as if a bolt of lightning had struck her. She stumbled over her words, asking, "Landon, what are you saying? Do you no longer see me as your sister?"Landon ignored her questions. Instead, he focused on Lauren, who was now in his arms. He gently massaged her trembling back and reassured her, "There's nothing to be afraid of, Lauren. I'm here now. No one will hurt you."Yet Lauren was no longer as at ease as before. She had put up a guard against him, her rapid breathing reflecting her aversion. She stated, "No. You're Zoe's brother, not mine ..."She weakly pushed against his solid chest with her arms. Each shove felt like a dagger in his heart. She pleaded, "Let me go! I'm going home to Grandpa. I want to go home!""Lauren, be good." Anger colored Landon's eyes as he stubbornly soothed her."Let go of me!" Lauren cried out, but Landon refused to release his grip on her, tightening his embrace instead.Landon's l
"Mr. Landon, calm down," Angelina reminded him, taking a step back. Nonetheless, he stormed out of the room and made his way to the first floor.Sitting on the living room couch, Zoe was overcome with anxiety and covered in sweat. She found herself trapped in the villa under the watchful eyes of four bodyguards."M-Ms. Zoe, Mr. Landon is furious. What should we do?" Donna, who was kneeling on the floor, desperately clung to Zoe's legs."How should I know?"They heard heavy footsteps echoing through the house. As Landon entered the living room with Angelina, an eerie silence enveloped the room."Landon …" Zoe called out to him weakly. Knowing that tantrums wouldn't work on him, she put on a pitiful look instead."You hit and kicked Lauren. I saw everything clearly from the surveillance footage," he stated, suppressing his boiling rage. He couldn't imagine what he would have done if Zoe hadn't been his sister."Landon, I did it because I couldn't contain my anger. We grew up toget
Landon had once spoiled Zoe as her brother, but now she felt nothing except fear for him."You don't have an idea? It's okay as long as I know who he is," Landon taunted. Then, two bodyguards dragged Gary into the house. He had been beaten into a pulp.Zoe gasped and covered her mouth in shock as she watched the trail of blood left behind by Gary as he was dragged inside."Gary, you've served me for a decade, and I've treated you well over the years. You would have been left for dead on the streets if it hadn't been for my help," Landon began.He took a seat on the chair Angelina had pulled out for him. "Is this how you repay my kindness? Posing as my loyal employee while groveling to my sister? You're quite good at this double-agent act.""M-Ms. Zoe, save me …" Gary pleaded desperately, as he had no other option. She quickly averted her gaze from his severely bruised and bloodied face, which made her feel nauseated."Angelina, give him the same old punishment," Landon instruct
After Alyssa and Sean packed up, they prepared to return to Solana City with Mandy's medication for Jasper."Lyse, are you in a hurry? Can't you stay for dinner? It's almost ready," Lyla called out to her and hurried over, wearing an apron."It's alright, Lyla. I have to get home soon," Alyssa replied. She gently held Lyla's face in her hands and examined her. Then, she suggested, "Your birthday is just around the corner. You should take a few days off, relax, and stop doing all the chores. Treat yourself to some beauty spas and look your best for your big day this weekend!"Lyla grumbled, "What birthday? I never wanted to celebrate it. The thought of all the socializing on Sunday tires me." She sighed. "I'm only doing it for your dad.""No, you're wrong. He's doing it for you. Or rather, we're doing it for you," Alyssa corrected her. "Listen to me. Don't overwork yourself. I have my spies at home, and they'll report to me if you refuse to listen. "If I'm upset, I'll show up
After a brief pause, Jonah lowered his voice and cautioned, "You know, Jameson Schmidt is even more calculating than we initially thought. What we've uncovered so far is just the tip of the iceberg."Consider this: he returned from Kontina after a 15-year absence and suddenly became close to you. You're a Taylor, and we're entrusting KS Group to you. "You're a princess, a queen. If you were more high-profile, you would have been the most eligible bachelorette in Cyrris. "I can't shake the feeling that Jameson might have ulterior motives—I don't trust him."He furrowed his brow and continued, "I know this might sound harsh, but, to me, Jameson is even worse than Jasper.""Jonah!" Alyssa exclaimed, gripping her cup tightly as her heart raced.Jonah remarked, "At least Jasper is honest with the woman he loves."Alyssa tightened her grip, her eyes welling up with tears. She retorted, "You're right. He was so devoted to Liana Gardner that he enlisted in the military and went to war
Meanwhile, Jasper was recuperating at a private villa in a nearby suburb.On that particular day, he had taken the medication, marking the conclusion of his first round of treatment. He was aware that Alyssa's employees would deliver the medication for the second round later on.He believed Alyssa was only repaying him for his help, not doing it out of genuine affection for him.Throughout the day, he had experienced mild chest pains. To his surprise, a high fever struck him during the night."Xavier? Xavier?" he croaked, his throat parched and sore, as he struggled to keep his eyes open.After a while, he remembered that he had sent Xavier on an errand to pick up some important documents from Beckett Group. Xavier was probably on the way right now.He managed to rise from the bed, only to discover that his sheets were soaked in sweat. His hair clung to his forehead, and his entire body was drenched, as if he had fallen into a pool.Changing into fresh pajamas, he went downstair
"I was wrong for forcing you against your will. I won't make you do anything that makes you uncomfortable," Jasper announced. His pale complexion was strangely captivating, leaving Alyssa momentarily entranced.Clearing her throat, she placed the medication on the table and rose. "These are the medications for your second round of treatment. Take them on time. I'm leaving."Jasper shook his head and insisted, "No, please take them with you."Frowning, she admonished him, "What are you thinking? Do you want to risk your life? You're a rising star in the business world with a substantial net worth. Are you seriously throwing it all away?""No. I just feel like you shouldn't be indebted to me. I might have saved your life, but I did that because I was making up to you," he explained, shaking his head once more. He added, "You don't have to feel sorry for me, no matter how bad my state is. Besides, I'm much better now. I don't need the medication."Much better? Who was he trying t
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