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
"Mr. Josh, I also heard that Ms. Alyssa had found Ms. Caldwell insulting Ms. Tatiana," Morgan said worriedly. "I don't think Ms. Alyssa plans to let this go lightly, sir. Things might escalate if you don't show up right now."Josh's expression was dark as he tugged at his tie. "Alright then."…Alyssa had wanted to deliver Brie to justice, but after Tatiana's persistent pleas not to make a bigger scene and take care of it in private instead, Alyssa had decided to do just that.They were in one of the empty halls right now, with two burly bodyguards flanking Brie. Under pressure, Brie's obnoxious demeanor from earlier had disappeared entirely.Alyssa was lounging on the couch with Tatiana, her legs folded together. Beside them, Sean stood with a fruit plate in hand.Appearing relaxed, Alyssa slowly fed a piece of cantaloupe to Tatiana. She asked, "Sean told me that this woman had insulted you before? And that she had made some terrible insinuations, too."Brie began quivering,
The smile on Josh's face was tinged with frost. "I've only seen this woman once in my life and have no reason to come to her defense. Why would you wish to settle her issues with me?""M-Mr. Josh … " Brie stammered, her face pasty, as she gazed at Josh. She had pleased him so thoroughly in bed a few days ago, yet here he was abandoning her so easily!"Oh? In that case …" Alyssa's eyes narrowed into sly crescents. "You wouldn't mind if I took Ms. Caldwell out to the main hall for a stroll, would you? To let everyone, and especially Madam Clarissa, get to know her?"Brie was scared out of her wits by now.Meanwhile, Josh paled instantly. His gaze grew hostile. "What is your intention here, Ms. Alyssa?""Nothing much, really." Alyssa leaned against the couch, her gaze just as hostile. "One should always refer to the owner before reprimanding their mutt. I only hope the owner of this one knows when to reprimand them themselves. I'm only a young woman, after all. It would be terrib
"But do hurry. The celebration is about to begin."The door slammed shut behind Alyssa and the others.Ten minutes later, Josh and Morgan walked out of the hall. The former's watch was still stained with blood. A woman's wails and sobs of pain could be heard in the hall he had just left."Clean the mess up," Josh instructed Morgan."Yes, sir!""Alyssa Taylor really is something." Josh emanated a frosty air as he cracked his knuckles. "It's been a long time since I've met someone who dared challenge me. If she wants to play, I'll play along with her."…Alyssa felt incredibly satisfied after getting revenge for Tatiana. But the latter still felt uncomfortable.Knowing this, Alyssa gave her and Sean some alone time. The two went to the balcony to freshen up after the whole ordeal.Sean took off his coat and wrapped it around Tatiana's shoulders, since she was quivering in the cold. "Here. The wind is stronger here.""Did you … tell my sister about the other night when Brie me
Alyssa hummed a tune and headed for the event hall, knowing that Brie was done for good. That put her in a great mood.Given her understanding of Josh—no, her understanding of men in general—their egos often got the better of them. Now that Brie had disgraced Josh, she had landed herself in hot water.Alyssa believed Brie deserved everything that had happened for bullying Tatiana."Lyse." Suddenly, she heard a low and affectionate voice calling out from behind. Her heart skipped a beat, and she clenched her fists. No other man could make her flustered except for Jasper, the man whom she loved and suffered for.She inhaled deeply and calmed herself before turning around coldly. He stood a few steps away with an exquisite gift box in his hand. He marched up to her with a regal air about him."I'm here," he said to her tenderly. Alyssa replied flatly, "Okay."He pursed his lips and looked apologetic. "I'm sorry. I wanted to come early and lend you a hand, but I still … got late.
"I'll always speak the truth, even if it means taking a punch. You have an amazing body," Jasper reiterated with sincerity.He was probably the most classy playboy ever, flirting around with a straight face."Shut up! Stop talking!" Alyssa snapped at him. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes blazed with anger. "Stay away from me, or I'll castrate you!""That's fine. I'm not interested in having kids anyway. It's not like I have a crown to pass down," he replied, gazing at her in a daze.Defying her, he took a step closer. They could pick up each other's scent at that distance. He confessed, "I'm only interested in you, Lyse. Telling me to stay away from you is the same as killing me.""Well, consider yourself dead, then! Bye!" She turned and stomped away indignantly with red cheeks.She knew Jasper wasn't to blame for the accident just now, but he shouldn't have commented on her body in the first place.It was no surprise that Jasper was friends with Landon; birds of a feathe
"Miley," Jasper calmly greeted her, abruptly inserting himself into their conversation.Miley was taken aback as she sized up the handsome man before her. Her expression wavered, and she exclaimed, "Are you Mr. Beckett, the president of Beckett Group?""It's just Jasper. We can keep it casual," Jasper introduced himself and politely extended his right hand for a handshake. His stunning eyes radiated warmth and joy.He appeared to be a gracious and honest man, quite unlike the rumors that painted him as ruthless and deceptive.Miley was about to shake hands with Jasper out of courtesy when Alyssa held her back. Alyssa glowered at Jasper and warned him, "You'd better not think of currying favor with my sister and earning brownie points. I can see through your plan."He flashed a bitter smile and awkwardly retracted his hand.Miley was confused by Alyssa's brash attitude. She had no idea that Alyssa and Jasper were once married for three years.Looking flustered, Alyssa pressed h
Miley's unexpected return was a delightful surprise for the Taylors. Mandy, Miley's mother, appeared on the verge of tears, her eyes glistening with joy. However, she maintained her usual composed demeanor, a skill she had perfected over the years. It had been a long time since anyone had witnessed her shed a tear.On the other hand, Lyla and Colene couldn't contain their emotions, and they wept as they embraced Miley. To an outsider, it might seem as if Mandy was Miley's stepmother."Are you done yet?" Winston wondered with a disgruntled look. "It's my turn!"Everyone was rendered speechless. Lyla and Colene had no choice but to let go of Miley.Winston eagerly enveloped Miley in a heartfelt hug, sobbing even louder than his wives. "Oh, my dear daughter! I've missed you so much! I thought you had forgotten all about me after marrying Jeremy. I've raised a little rebel, it seems!"Again, everyone was dumbfounded by Winston's antics. Alyssa's lips twitched as she froze on the s
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