"Ow!" Betty winced, nearly falling backward."Lauren." Landon stood before Lauren, gazing lovingly at her as she blushed. "You look beautiful tonight.""Huh?" Lauren mumbled, her heart pounding in her chest."It's so boring here. Do you want to go somewhere with me?" Landon extended his hand to her."Go where?" "Wherever you want. Just name it, and I'll take you there." Sincerity filled Landon's eyes.For some reason, Lauren wanted to cry. She had always been the slowest yet most obedient child in her family. She never learned what it was like to be doted on or have what she wanted fulfilled. This was a first for her."I … I want to find Alyssa and my brother," she mumbled, her voice small."Alright. I'll take you to them." Landon held her hand and turned to leave with her.The hall was dead silent.When the two reached the entrance, Landon stopped in his tracks suddenly, nearly making Lauren slam right into his back.He turned around and nodded respectfully to Javier b
Landon held Lauren's hand as he steadily walked forward. He smiled, feeling the sweat on her palm from how nervous she was."L-Landon, why aren't we going to the parking lot?" Lauren asked worriedly when they reached the hotel lobby."The underground parking lot takes too long to drive through. My car is parked right outside.""But … but the reporters are outside." Lauren suddenly stopped in her tracks, growing rigid with fear. "I-If we go out right now, the reporters are going to write nonsense.""Nonsense? What kind of nonsense?" Landon took off his coat and draped it around Lauren's shoulders, then buttoned it up for her.He was such a caring boyfriend!"If this nonsense they write just so happens to be what I genuinely feel, then it wouldn't be nonsense at all," Landon said."Um … you know … they're going to say we … we're in that kind of relationship … " Lauren mumbled, her face flushed red. Her voice had grown softer the more she spoke, tickling Landon's heart like a gen
"Fuck me! Seriously? I've heard of the Beckett family daughter who never shows herself … So this is her? Wow, she's even prettier than I imagined!""That sister of hers, Betty, is always flaunting herself around like she's some great beauty. But now we know her sister is far more beautiful than her!""Tsk … Mr. Harper's taste in women really is fine!"Seeing how chaotic the situation was becoming, Angelina swiftly sent two bodyguards to help create a path for Landon amidst the crowd.As the camera lights flashed in their faces, Lauren shyly buried her face in Landon's shirt."Don't worry. I'm right here," Landon murmured in her ear."Okay."That simple response made happiness bloom in Landon's chest."Is Ms. Lauren your new girlfriend, Mr. Harper?""Mr. Harper, are you two officially dating?"Excited, the reporters tossed out one question after the other.All of Solana City knew just how much of a playboy Landon was. However, he had never shown himself in public with any of
KS World Hotel was brimming with activity in comparison to Berenike Hotel. Luxury cars filled the streets outside, and their owners were all well-known members of elite society. Many were dressed exceptionally well, bejeweled, and dazzling in their own way.Though Winston had agreed to Lyla's request to make this celebration as low-key as possible, who could maintain a low profile in the Taylor family? They held a formidable position in society and were already planning on developing further in Solana City, so it was only natural for their guests to show respect by turning up.Plus, Winston was father to the latest star on the rise—Alyssa Taylor!In order not to steal Lyla's spotlight, Colene and Mandy remained upstairs, where they tended to their close friends instead of joining the party. Rather than feeling left out, they were glad to have such a relaxed time to themselves.Meanwhile, Tatiana was helping Alyssa tend to the guests since it was her mother's birthday after all.
Sean was stunned. Alyssa's actions always seemed to catch him by surprise."But both Josh and his wife, Clarissa, are here tonight. Won't Brie cause a scene? It's Madam Lyla's birthday after all. Wouldn't it be better to end the night on a positive note?" Sean asked, concerned."That's why I'm not going to let her past the front door and let her become a pain in everyone's ass.""Do you mean?" Alyssa narrowed her eyes, a dangerous glint in them. "Don't you worry. I'll be sure she's taken care of before the celebration officially starts."…Meanwhile, Tatiana had gone to the restroom. After she finished powdering her nose, she hurried back outside. "You stupid beasts! What are you stopping me for? Can't you see I have an invitation?" The familiar yet irritating voice made Tatiana stop in her tracks. Her heart sank briefly as she turned to look at its source.Tatiana spotted two security guards holding Brie back not far away while she yelled at the top of her lungs, flinging
How could a hotel manager who only drove a Porsche possibly maintain a girlfriend like Tatiana? Tatiana must really fool around in private, yet she still always acted like she was so innocent.How disgusting!"Who are you calling a bitch? Show some respect!" Sean couldn't hold his anger back anymore as he cracked his knuckles menacingly. "You'd best not trust her too much, kid. She might look innocent, but she's secretly very experienced in bed," Brie said with a toss of her hair, staring right at Tatiana. "Her scandals have long spread throughout our campus. Everyone in Solana Film Academy knows what a slut she is in. Only an outsider like you would be fooled without your knowledge."Sean was so angry that his shoulders were shaking. Alyssa had made him promise to control himself. At the same time, he understood he had to let Brie lose composure first before getting rid of her. But he still found it incredibly difficult to hold back right now."We can talk about your grievan
But then, what was up with this invite?"Forgery is indeed concerning. We'll do as you suggested, Sean, and send her to the police station," Alyssa instructed."Yes, Ms. Alyssa." Sean nodded.He turned to the guards and instructed, "Take her away!""Why? I didn't commit any crime!" Brie cried, her face turning an ugly shade of red. She then pointed to Tatiana. "If you want to take me away, then she should be coming with me! She shouldn't be here in the first place, given her status!"Tatiana was about to retort when Alyssa beat her to it, asking slowly, "Oh? What do you mean by that? Why can't she be here?""She's my classmate! I know her better than anyone else here!" Brie had always been someone who tossed others under the bus, even when she was in trouble. "She would never get an invitation for this event tonight! Your secretary must have snuck her in! I can leave, but she has to too!""Taty, is this woman really your classmate?" Alyssa asked softly, going to Tatiana's si
In the hall, Josh and Clarissa were having a lively conversation with Jonah. Josh had not only taken over several substantial holding companies under Schmidt Group but was also expected to take over the company one day. Jonah, on the other hand, being Winston's eldest and all, would likely take over KS Group one day as well. Hence, Josh didn't mind spending some time building a connection with Jonah, even though he held no respect for the polyamorous relationship Winston Taylor had."I heard KS Group intends to develop in Solana City, Mr. Jonah. You've made quite some progress lately." Josh had on his winning smile. "I'm sure we'll be seeing one another in the business world soon. We're on the same level, and our parents are good friends. I do hope that friendship extends to our generation and beyond."Jonah smiled lightly and made a toast to him. "If you ever have any big projects in Solana City, Mr. Jonah, you know where to find us. I'm sure if we worked together, we would
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