"Lyse, I—" Jasper was cut off by a sweet voice. Rose purred, "Madam Alyssa, I'm sorry for being late!"Alyssa turned around and saw Rose, which put a smile on her face. "Rose! It's not late at all! I was worried you might be too busy with the Bastion Fashion Week to attend!"Rose ran over and gave Alyssa a warm hug. "How could I be absent after you invited me? Of course I had to be here!"At that moment, Rose noticed Jasper's jarring presence, and her expression crumbled. She asked, "Madam Alyssa, are you going to sit at the same table as him? Isn't it nauseating?"Alyssa shot a brief glance at Jasper and replied, "It is."He was hurt by her words but remained thick-skinned, suggesting, "Lyse, if you feel sick at my sight, you can always look away."He implied that he had no intention of moving to another table.Rose couldn't help but roll her eyes at Jasper's audacity."I can't not look at you. You're gigantic," Alyssa replied, chuckling at his words."You can put on a bl
"Gosh, are you hurt anywhere? Why didn't you call me? I could have taken you to the hospital!" Alyssa exclaimed, gripping Rose's shoulders nervously."I'm fine. I just have some neck pain," Rose replied, moved by Alyssa's concern."You should get it checked. There might be internal injuries that could cause more pain later," Alyssa suggested.Jasper suddenly chimed in, "I'll get that arranged after the birthday party. I can get a physician to check on you at any time."Rose was taken aback by his thoughtfulness.Alyssa held Rose again, appearing irritated as she said, "That's not necessary. I'm a surgeon myself, and I can take care of my mentee. I appreciate your offer, Mr. Beckett."He smiled wryly. She had dismissed his offer once more."After that idiot crashed into my pink Ferrari, he didn't even apologize and had the audacity to confront me with an attitude. He tossed me a card to 'buy a new car' and walked away!" Rose complained, her anger resurfacing. "Do you think he w
Rose immediately paled. Her mind went blank like she had been struck by lightning. She panicked and was at a loss for what to do.Had she really just insulted Alyssa's brother right in front of her? Oh, that was a grave blunder!Jasper sat calmly and observed the situation, barely concealing a smile. He empathized with Rose, though. Alyssa had too many siblings, and it wasn't unusual to bump into one of them on the streets.Having once fallen victim to his own ignorance, he had suffered at the hands of Alyssa's brothers as a result of not grasping their family dynamics.Silas, on the other hand, watched Rose's face transform from fear to anger, her cheeks turning as red as a ripe cherry. Initially upset by her "sugar mommy" remark, he couldn't help but soften when he saw her adorable flustered expression. "You're not going to disown me for this, are you?""Hmm," Alyssa pretended to contemplate, resting her index finger under her chin. "Madam …" Rose pouted, looking close to
"Lauren! Why are you here?" Alyssa pinched Lauren's soft cheeks and smiled widely.Lauren pressed her lips shyly and hugged her teddy bear tight. "Alyssa, I missed you … and Jasper. I came because I wanted to see you."A pleased grin spread across Jasper's face upon hearing Lauren's words.However, Alyssa felt a slight unease at being mentioned in the same breath as Jasper. But her heart warmed at the sight of the teddy bear, which she had bought Lauren. Lauren had insisted on bringing it to the party. She gently stroked Lauren's head and confessed, "Lauren, I missed you too."Turning her attention to Landon, Alyssa gave him a pointed look and inquired, "Are you the one who brought her here from Sophia's birthday party?"Landon openly admitted with a smile, "Yes, it was me."Alyssa shot him a glare and jabbed him in the shoulder. "You're still smiling? It seems like you only care about your relationship with Lauren and how it makes you feel. "Have you considered what's best f
Lauren looked up and met Alyssa's gaze with her clear eyes. Despite the silence, Alyssa read Lauren's mind just by exchanging looks.Jasper looked over and comforted Alyssa with a hint of pleading, "This is the first time Lauren's had a crush on someone and defended him. Just think of it as Lauren going on a trip. If she's happy with Landon, let's give them a chance.""I can tell that Lauren cares about him. I don't want to get between them. I just—" Alyssa stared into Jasper's eyes.He smiled understandingly. "I know. I get it." He only reserved this side of himself for her. He added, "But don't you forget that Lauren has me too."It was a curt and powerful statement. She felt her heart skip a beat and hurriedly looked away.Jasper had always been taciturn, but each word he spoke carried weight.All the family members took their seats at Alyssa's table, except for Winston and Lyla. Jasper insisted on sitting beside Alyssa, unfazed by the disapproving looks from those around he
Jameson stood outside the hall in a modest, dark gray tailored suit, a stark contrast to his extravagantly dressed family members. His neatly slicked-back hair and gold-rimmed glasses added an intellectual touch to his appearance."Jimmy, let's … let's go home. I'm scared …" Lily mumbled, tugging timidly at Jameson's shirt. Thanks to Jameson, she was all dressed up in an exquisite magenta dress, and she wore an expensive hairpin on her bun.Although her set of pearl jewelry seemed simple, it had been exclusively designed for the royal family in Kontina and was more valuable than diamonds.She was Jameson's only family. Therefore, he wanted the best for her. He beamed at her and held her hand, reassuring her, "Don't worry, Mom. I'm here with you.""But …""Mom, I brought you here tonight to meet Lyse. You said you missed her just last night, didn't you? You can meet her here tonight.""Yes. I need to meet Lyse." Her eyes lit up as she called out, "Lyse! That's Lyse!"Jameso
Looking delighted, Jameson smiled. "Thank you, Lyse."…Alyssa led Jameson and Lily into the event hall. David appeared baffled by the scene. Pointing at the door, he gasped, "Josh, look! It's that woman!"Josh casually swirled the red wine in his glass and looked up with a cold expression. He frowned when he noticed Jameson and Alyssa chatting and laughing."Jimmy seems close to Alyssa Taylor.""Pfft, right! A firecracker like her wouldn't fall for a clingy man like Jimmy," David muttered through clenched teeth, downing a glass of wine while glaring at Jameson.He added, "Jimmy is more thick-skinned than anyone else. He was busy peeling shrimp for Alyssa when nothing had even happened between them. If they start dating, he would probably lick her boots!"Clarissa shot a disdainful look at David, whose crude remarks were at odds with his status as a Schmidt."Didn't Dad want to set you up with Alyssa?" Josh chimed in with a smirk. "At this rate, your future wife will soon bec
Lily grabbed Jameson's arm with a nervous expression and insisted, "I want to sit with you. I don't want to be alone here!"Everyone at the table exchanged looks."Hey, Mandy, why do I feel that Mrs. Schmidt … acts a little weird?" Colene elbowed Mandy and asked quietly."I heard from Winston that Mrs. Schmidt has Alzheimer's. It looks like a particularly bad case. She doesn't even recognize us," Mandy whispered back."Oh gosh, Alzheimer's at such a young age? Poor woman …" Colene sighed and cast a sympathetic look at Lily.Jameson looked at Alyssa helplessly as Lily refused to let go of him.After some hesitation, Alyssa tapped Jasper on the shoulder. "Mr. Beckett, could you do us a favor and change your seat?"He looked up slowly with an astonished and aggrieved expression. "Why should I? I was here before them."Landon bit his lip, trying not to burst into laughter. Jasper was indeed quite petty!"The timing of your arrival isn't the issue. As you can see, Mrs. Schmidt does
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