"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
Alyssa felt Jasper's hot and heavy breath on her neck, like flames licking her skin, leaving it tinged red."Jasper, are you out of your mind? What's all this nonsense? Jasper!" she exclaimed.Jasper's thin pajamas were soaked with sweat, and it seeped into Alyssa's shirt as well.He teetered between consciousness and a haze of excruciating pain, his body aching. The only thought in his mind was holding onto the woman he loved, despite how pathetic and shameless it made him appear."Lyse, please don't leave me … Don't hate me …" Jasper buried his damp face in her neck and spoke in tears. It was heart-wrenching to hear.Alyssa could feel the warmth on her shoulders. It was impossible to tell if it was sweat or tears. A profound bitterness suddenly washed over her, gripping her very soul.She thought, "Oh, Jasper, you've never been so small in front of me."When she had cried and begged him not to divorce her, he had callously tossed the divorce papers in front of her, forcing her
As Jasper's good friend, Landon felt obliged to help his bro.…Moving a nearly six-foot-tall man to the bedroom proved to be a huge challenge. Thankfully, the villa was equipped with an elevator. Alyssa managed to drag Jasper to the bedroom, feeling as though she was lugging a lifeless body.Upon settling him in bed, she realized that their sweat had mingled, leaving her shirt soaked. "You're incredibly heavy! Count yourself lucky that I didn't have to dismember you." Alyssa panted.Then, she hurried to the bathroom to retrieve a wet towel. She gently applied it to Jasper's skin to alleviate his fever.Exhausted, she slumped beside the bed and complained, "I'm so speechless. Why did you push yourself so hard when you're already sick? You're a handful."She shot the unconscious man an irritated look. Despite her harsh remarks, a sense of guilt gnawed at her, knowing she was partially responsible for his illness."Lyse …" Jasper mumbled with his eyes closed. His lashes flutte
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
Despite his age, Newton exuded the same energy and sharpness he had in his younger days, even when surrounded by the board members brimming with vigor. Despite his quiet presence in the wheelchair, an intimidating atmosphere clung to him. In an instant, Javier was transported back to the days when he worked under Newton's strict supervision."Good day, Mr. Javier and all fellow board members. I assume no one has any objections to my presence at this meeting?"Newton's gaze swept across the room, a perfunctory smile gracing his lips."Of course not. You are part of the corporation's board of directors!" the members responded immediately.Newton nodded. "Much has happened within the corporation lately. Our shares have been fluctuating amid the controversy. "As you all know, I had intended to retire after dedicating most of my life to this company. I wanted to step aside for the younger generation rather than hover over them like a specter, micromanaging everything. "However,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc