Jasper had used his own body to protect her. His breathing was slow and irregular. "Are you … okay, Lyse?""What is wrong with you? I should be asking you that question!" Alyssa cried. A stinging pain pricked the back of her nose and forced tears into her eyes.Pain flared from the back of Jasper's head. His vision began to blur, though he still sported a fond smile. "You care about me, that's all that … "Everything suddenly went black.Alyssa's heart stopped instantaneously. She clung onto Jasper's body as it collapsed, crying out, "Jasper!"…The man who tried attacking Lyla was swiftly subdued and taken under Cyrus' hold. As he was being shoved into the police car, Alyssa suddenly lunged at him, ready to strike.Cyrus held her back just in time, consoling her, "Leave him to me, Lyse! I'll deal with him for you. Don't dirty your hands with a goon like him!""I'm going to kill him! I'm going to kill him, even if it's the last thing I do!" Alyssa yelled hysterically, str
Jonah grew serious and patted Silas' shoulder. "But remember to not call him 'Jas' in front of Alyssa anymore. Be respectful."Silas nodded, feeling overwhelmed.…Meanwhile, Jameson was standing on the second floor overlooking KS World Hotel's ballroom. He watched as Winston and Newton hurried down the stairs. A cold glint flashed in his eyes."Mr. Schmidt." His secretary quickly went to his side."Ms. Alyssa went to Madam Lyla's defense when an aggressor attacked them, but Jasper Beckett protected her just in time, taking the blow to the head himself."Jameson's brows furrowed. "A blow on the head … My goodness. Why did he do that to himself?" The secretary murmured, astonished."Keep your tongue in line or I'll do it for you!" Jameson snapped, shooting the man a glare.Frightened, the secretary instantly shut up."What happened after? Did Jasper die on the spot?" Jameson asked darkly."No … He lost consciousness. The injury was quite serious. He ended up bleeding from
"Lyse … What are you saying?" Newton stared dully at her, stunned by her words. "Things went out of hand. Someone tried attacking us. I was trying to protect Lyla and couldn’t defend myself. Not even our bodyguards were quick enough … " Alyssa recalled how Jasper had leapt to her aid, protecting her and taking the hard hit himself. Tears clouded her eyes. Even her breathing grew harsh. "Just when I thought I was done for, Jasper ran out to protect me. If it hadn’t been for him, I would be the one in the ER right now."This is all my fault, Grandpa … I shouldn't have been so slow. You can punish me or scold me … I owe it to Jasper this time.""What are you talking about, you silly girl?" Newton's eyes burned with tears as he pulled Alyssa up to her feet. "I'd be upset regardless of whether it was you or Jasper in there right now! If it really had been you … I would only be more devastated!"Feeling touched, Alyssa barely managed to croak out, "Grandpa … ""Don't feel guilt
Winston had no choice but to offer some consolation. "Ever since our hospital started working with Lovelace Pharmaceuticals, we've become the top hospital in the country. Your son will definitely make it out safely under our doctors' care."Javier pursed his lips, quietly grumbling to himself about how the hospitals under their company were just as capable. Even now, Winston was still bragging!All of a sudden, the ER doors opened. Two of the country's best neurologists came outside, sporting uncertain expressions.Alyssa immediately tensed up. She wanted to run up to them right away to ask how Jasper was. But her tumultuous emotions kept her feet locked to the spot."Doctor! Doctors, how is my grandson?" Newton rushed over with Javier's help.Alyssa's heart clenched painfully at the sight of the old man's legs wobbling weakly under his weight."Things aren't as good as we hoped. Mr. Jasper is still in a critical condition," one of the doctors said.An invisible ray of lightning
The doctor wiped the sweat off his brow, saying, "We … will need to do brain surgery immediately.""Brain surgery?" Everyone was shocked."Do it. If that's the only way to save Jasper, then why not?" Newton decided."But the problem is no neurosurgeon in the hospital right now can guarantee a high chance of success!" Winston exclaimed.Javier glared at him. "Didn't you swear your hospital could save my son? What do we do now?"Winston opened his mouth but no words came to mind."We have a doctor." Alyssa calmly stepped forward. "I'll operate on Jasper."Everyone, including Jonah and Winston, were stunned to their core.They knew Alyssa was skilled as a doctor. Otherwise, she wouldn't have volunteered to work as one overseas. But this was no mere skin-deep wound. This was cranial surgery!"W-What did you say?" Javier stuttered, staring at Alyssa."You know how to perform brain surgery, Alice?" Newton asked, surprise lighting up his desperate eyes."Yes, Grandpa." Alyssa d
Dressed extravagantly, Zoe looked like some prissy princess beside Penelope. She was no longer the meek, tearful little girl she used to be in front of Landon. When she saw Lauren, her gaze turned dark and hateful, as if she wanted nothing more than to lunge at Lauren right now."Let me introduce you, Mom." Zoe's smile didn’t reach her eyes. "This is Ms. Lauren Beckett from the Beckett family. She was my classmate in middle school. She's now Landon's girlfriend. Hahaha … isn't that such a coincidence?"Lauren's heart pricked painfully upon hearing the term 'girlfriend'. She looked down at her feet, face flushing red. Her low self-esteem hit her like a brick, making her pull her hand away from Landon's grip.But Landon held on tight, as if he were able to read her mind."Are you done, Zoe?" Landon said, a hint of anger in his tone.Zoe grinned, using her mother as a defense. "Why so angry, Landon? Am I wrong? "Or do you plan to keep Ms. Lauren out here to yourself forever b
Penelope was so angry that she couldn't think of anything else to say. What had happened to her obedient son? Why had he become so rebellious after just a few days off on his own? All for this silly little girl, too?"Why are you upsetting Mom, Landon? You know she's not in the best condition right now!" Zoe held onto her mother, switching gears."How many women have you gone through all these years? Countless! The list is endless! You're only fighting with Mom over Lauren because she's refreshing to you, nothing else!"When you've had your fill, you'll regret what you said to Mom today and for how angry you made her!"Lauren, who had been clinging onto her teddy bear behind Landon, shakily took a step back upon hearing that. Pain shot through her heart, overwhelming her.Landon had made her feel safe and secure for so long. Yet, for some reason, all she could feel right now was panic and fear … "I've never asked anything from you since I was a kid, Mom. I always just did what
Finally, Landon found Lauren in the playground, sitting alone on the children's swing."Lauren … "Lauren's hair and her red cloak were coated in a layer of snow, making her look like a snowman.Silly girl. How long has she been sitting out here in the cold?Heart aching at the sight, Landon slowly walked up to her. "There you are, Lauren."He knelt down on one knee before her, sweaty palms holding onto her cold hands that were locked around her teddy bear."How … how did you find me?" Lauren asked, blinking in surprise."Our hearts are connected, Lauren. I would be able to find you no matter where you go," Landon croaked out lightly.He caressed her flushed cheeks as the pain in his chest swelled. "You're never running away from me again, Lauren."Lauren's eyes grew downcast as she went silent."It's so cold out here. Why don't you come home with me?""I want to live with Grandpa, Landon." Lauren slowly inched her hands out from Landon's. "I called Grandpa's assistant, Mr
Jasper strode out of the room and hurried down the stairs, his pace so brisk that Xavier had to jog to keep up. As Jasper reached the living room, he spotted Justin sitting upright in his wheelchair, alone. Their eyes locked when Jasper was just a few steps away.Hostility flickered between their gazes.Curling his lips upward into a slight smile, Justin asked, "Jasper, heading out at this hour?"Xavier gritted his teeth, loathing the self-righteous air Justin exuded, as if he always held the upper hand. The sight made him want to charge forward and knock Justin clean off his wheelchair."It's late. Why aren't you in bed?" Jasper asked coldly, his tone as sharp as his glare. "It seems that broken body of yours is still holding up.""Jasper, you seem to be in a rush. Did something happen? Do you need my help?" Justin maintained the smile on his face, disregarding Jasper's sarcastic remark. "It's none of your business."Without another word, Jasper swept past him. Justin'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