The mysterious lady was very conceited. However, her actions continued to astonish the audience. "Mom, did I hear it right?" Betty was in disbelief, a look of surprise plastered on her face. "That country girl bid 60 million? How could she ask for such a high price?! Is she putting on an act?" Sophia remained silent, but her cold gaze was fixed on Alyssa. Suddenly, she recalled something and turned to look at Winston's second wife, Mandy. A cold smile crept on her lips as a smug thought crossed her mind. She wondered if Alice could survive the Taylor family if she wanted to go from rags to riches. "70 million," Jasper said and raised the paddle calmly. The light shone on him, creating an outline of his silhouette. He looked so stunning that it was hard for anyone to look away. He had raised the price to a new height. It left others determined to bid frustrated as they didn't have the means. "75 million." Alyssa didn't falter. She raised the paddle again without hesit
In an instant, Liana felt as if she had been struck by lightning. Her face turned pale. Rosaline was also startled, and her entire body froze. "Mom! W-What's going on?!" Liana stuttered. "Didn't you sell this necklace? Why is it in the auction?" "I did sell it! This is impossible!" Rosaline murmured in astonishment. "What do we do now? Jasper is sitting right there. How do you think he'll feel seeing the gift he gave me being put up for auction? He'll definitely be mad at me!" Liana was filled with resentment and almost on the verge of tears. "It's alright! There can't be only one of these necklaces in the world. Maybe it's an exact replica …" "But there isn't another! The auctioneer just introduced it. It's the same one Jasper gave me! No explanation will fool him!" Both of them racked their brains to figure things out. Liana was thinking about her explanation to Jasper. While Rosaline was wondering why the necklace she sold was auctioned under the name of the KS Gro
In the past, Alyssa was smart yet innocent to the ways of the world, smooth and cunning but still retained her naivety. She was always cherished by the Taylor family and never bothered to resort to such schemes. However, after marrying into the Beckett family and leaving Jasper, her mind was corrupted with conspiracies and schemes. She remembered when the "Crimson Heart" necklace was brought on stage and how broken Jasper looked. At that moment, she felt like she had gone too far. In reality, she could have simply ignored the necklace. There was no need to humiliate Jasper at the auction to this extent. But she couldn't let it go. It wasn't that she was resentful because of the divorce from Jasper. She had come to terms with the fact that the love she had pursued for thirteen years was dead. Her unwillingness stemmed from Jasper's foolishness. Why couldn't he see the truth about the person he loved? She silently swore she would never meddle in their relationship again. Alys
Alyssa felt her breathing stopped. The bracelet was a gift from Newton, and Liana destroyed it. In an instant, fury surged throughout her veins. She had the urge to break every bone in Liana's body. "Liana Gardner!" Alyssa shrieked, her eyes red with anger. Liana was frightened but regained her composure. "So what if I broke your bracelet? Only the two of us are here. I can say you hurt me. Who do you think Jasper will believe?" Liana smiled wickedly. She picked up a piece of the broken bracelet. Then, she extended her delicate wrist. Alyssa realized what was happening. She wanted to stop her. But it was too late. Liana yelped, and Alyssa watched as she slit her wrist with the broken bracelet. Perhaps it was her first time inflicting a wound, so she was able to avoid any major arteries. But the cut was deep. Blood gushed out of her wound in an instant. Even Liana was scared by her actions. But she knew if she were to play the victim, she had to commit to her role fully.
Sophia put on an anxious act. She asked, "What happened to your hand, Liana? Tell me!" "Yes, Liana, don't be afraid to tell us! We will never let anyone bully you!" Betty chimed, acting all fair and just."I … I ran into Ms. White in the bathroom ..."In Jasper's arms, Liana was weak and gasping for breath. However, her gaze toward Alyssa was laced with hatred. "I know Ms. White doesn't like me, so I took the initiative to say hello to her. I was hoping I could clear up any previous misgivings. But she didn't appreciate the gesture at all. And before I knew it, we were fighting. "Alyssa simply crossed her arms. She tilted her head and smiled. When Jasper realized she was smiling, he grew frustrated. "When I was about to leave, she grabbed me and refused to let me go. In a moment of impatience, I jerked my hand away and tore off her bracelet. It fell to the ground and shattered. Ms. White was very angry because the bracelet was broken, no matter how much I apologized, it was u
Jasper was stunned. His heart trembled as he looked at his ex-wife in disbelief. She was gentle and kind when she was by his side. But now, she was so unruly to the point of hurting others. "Is it true, Alice?" Jasper's throat felt tight, and he cast a deep gaze at her. Raising her eyebrows, Alyssa's lips parted in a sinister smile. The sight made Landon clutch his chest. He wondered how a wicked woman could look so stunning. "Jasper ... What do you mean?" Jasper repeatedly asked Alyssa for confirmation, so Liana was afraid of him being suspicious of her. She began to cry and whine, "Don't you—don't you believe me? Am I so untrustworthy to you?" She didn't know why Alice would admit it. But it didn't matter as long it helped Liana achieve her goal. It wasn't her problem that Alice was stupid enough to admit it. "Jasper, take a look at the evil woman you married! She was just a nick away from cutting Liana's artery. She was out for my daughter's life!" Taking advantage of
Alyssa wasn't someone to be trifled with. "Listen up, everyone. From now on, Liana and I are enemies. If I misspoke, I will end up like this bracelet!" Alyssa clenched her teeth. Then, she slowly opened her left palm. Jasper's breath was caught in his throat at the sight of her blood-covered palm. The pieces of the bracelet were also stained with blood. She loved that bracelet, which was why she kept holding it even though it was broken. She even hurt her hand without noticing it. Jasper felt emotions overwhelm him. His gaze was unreadable as he stared at Alyssa's face, which was full of resentment. His stone heart began to crack. "Your hands are bleeding, Ms. White!" Landon exclaimed. He frantically rummaged through all the pockets on his body, looking for a handkerchief, a tissue, or whatever he could find to bandage the wound. However, he couldn't find anything. Jasper could feel a handkerchief in his chest pocket. He closed his eyes as his hands balled into fists. How
Alyssa remained unfazed by Sophia's hypocritical behavior. She had divulged that information to tell Mandy that Alyssa was not only used but also a gold digger from a rural village. Rosaline and Liana were secretly delighted.The Taylors and the Becketts were at odds. Jonah was Winston's eldest son and held a prestigious status. There was no woman out of his reach. How could he possibly want a woman the Becketts had abandoned? It was funny to even think about it.Jasper frowned in displeasure. "That's personal. You have no right to discuss it.""Jasper, it may be personal, but it concerns the Becketts and the Taylors. I'm just trying to prevent any potential shock when people find out that your ex-wife is here. I'm doing this for everyone's sake!" Sophia continued to fuss. "Does it concern both families? Didn't Ms. White divorce Mr. Beckett? Divorce means no ties anymore. So why do you think that Ms. White is affecting your family?" Mandy asked with a sneer. "Did she sign a co
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
Beckett Group was, in essence, Javier's heart and soul, forged from his own labor. "Justin set me up, framed me for drug addiction, and bribed my primary physician to give false testimony—all so he could drag me down. The fact that he dared to target me like this means he's willing to betray anyone."Jasper took a deep breath, forcing down the rage roiling inside him as Javier remained silent. "Fine. Even if you insist this is just a family matter, Justin's reputation is already in ruins, and the corporation's stock prices are fluctuating. Are you really going to stand by him, even now?""Justin has explained everything to me. He wasn't aware of the bribery. That female doctor who worked for him acted on her own. Besides, she's been arrested. The backlash against Justin will settle in time…"Jasper listened, his face unreadable, but his heart clenched painfully. A lump rose in his throat, suffocating him.He had lost his mother at a young age, but he had never longed for his fa
Julien's merciless, hate-filled words hit Jonah like a ton of bricks. The pain was unbearable, a gut-wrenching ache that shattered his heart.Under the dim lighting, Julien vaguely noticed a sorrowful tear forming at the corner of Jonah's eye. But before it could fall, Jonah forced a blink, swallowing his emotions whole. Despite Jonah's attempt to brace himself, sorrow engulfed him, a tidal wave of despair. His features mirrored the devastation ripping through his heart. As Evan opened the driver's side door, Julien lurched forward and vomited again. The sickening sound of him retching echoed in the air as if he were expelling everything inside him. "Judas, Mr. Lovelace looks like he's suffering from alcohol poisoning. We should take him to the hospital."Evan's worry deepened at Julien's condition. Jonah wordlessly removed his suit jacket and began cleaning the mess in the car. His chest tightened painfully as he watched Julien groaning, clearly suffering. Then, without he
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