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
Pinching Alyssa's chin between his fingers, Jasper leaned forward and kissed her aggressively. His tongue forced its way into her mouth and passionately tangoed with hers.…Landon and Xavier were trapped in a seemingly endless wait on the first floor. Xavier paced nervously, casting occasional glances at the second floor.Meanwhile, Landon sat on the couch with a grim expression and stared down at the surveillance footage that played on his phone. He replayed the scene where Zoe had bullied Lauren a couple of times. His anger grew with each replay."Mr. Harper, what are you watching? You look serious," Xavier wondered and went up to Landon. Landon shot him a death glare and waved him away, saying, "Go away. I don't air my dirty laundry."Stunned by Landon's anger, Xavier retreated right away. Landon went back to watching the footage.His heart ached at Lauren's reflex reaction—she had curled up into a ball and wrapped her arms around her head when Zoe had approached her. Wai
Alyssa left the villa and entered Landon's luxury car. Landon quipped, "Lyse, it's rare that you're willing to spend time with me."His eyes were always seductive. He watched the beautiful Alyssa with a grin."I've become more aware of my boundaries now, but I'm concerned that my jealous friend, Jasper, might be upset if he finds out we're chatting here. He's still unwell.""Do you think I would be in the same space with you if it hadn't been for Lauren?" She folded her legs and crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Landon Harper, you're a notorious charmer. Did your preference for women shift to our innocent Lauren because you're tired of the sexy ladies you dated?"At the mention of Lauren's name, a shiver coursed through Landon. He responded with a shaky voice, "Lyse, you know about Lauren and me?"Alyssa replied with a smirk, "You and her? You're confusing me now.""Lyse, look, I don't want to hide this from you any longer," Landon said. He took a deep breath and, wi
"Or perhaps, you think of Lauren as the least important Beckett daughter. Do you only deem her good enough as a mistress, not a wife?""Alyssa Taylor! How could you—" Landon snapped at her. This was the first time in his life that he had felt genuine anger toward her. It suddenly became clear to him why Jasper would frequently cough up blood—it must have been because of Alyssa."Enough. There's no point in arguing. I'm all for true love, but I refuse to watch Lauren suffer by your side," she concluded. Her eyes welled up with tears at the thought of Lauren, who had endured abuse at home.She pleaded, "Life has been harsh for Lauren. I don't want to see her endure more suffering. Landon, you come from a complicated world, which would be a burden for Lauren. Please think this over."…After taking Jasper to the hospital, Landon returned home, utterly drained.He considered the villa he shared with Lauren his home. He might have a mom and a sister, but his mom had been depressed e