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
Landon hurried to the hospital in the wee hours of the morning after coaxing Lauren to sleep, where he soon joined Becketts and Taylors.Unable to take it anymore, Newton had retired to a VIP ward to rest with Javier's help."Jonah, I just interrogated that son of a bitch."Jonah had gone to the end of the hallway to answer a call from Cyrus. "I've been in this line of work for so long. I could instantly tell he's hiding something from us! But he just won't crack!" Cyrus exclaimed."What did that asshole tell you?" Jonah asked solemnly."He said he attacked Madam Lyla because he used to be her top fan. He's harbored anger toward her ever since she quit the industry, feeling like she betrayed him. "Can you imagine that bullshit? Madam Lyla was the actress of the century back then! Who does he think he is to be able to bag someone like her?" Cyrus yelled, venting out a whole night's worth of anger to his brother.Jonah frowned. "Get to the point.""Sorry, Jonah. I got too carr
Alyssa followed Jasper into the study. The door closed behind her with a soft click. She didn't move to switch on the lights or sit down. Instead, she stood quietly in the dim room.They faced each other, eyes locked. In the darkness, their gazes seemed brighter, charged with emotions that neither could put into words. Whatever stirred within them was tangled and silent—kept at bay by something unspoken, as if a wall had formed between heart and mouth. After a pause, Alyssa offered a faint smile. Her voice was soft, almost courteous. "Go ahead, Mr. Beckett. I won't be staying long tonight—I've made other arrangements."It was clear she didn't want to be alone in a room with him.Jasper's chest tightened, overwhelmed by a surge of emotion he couldn't define. His voice was rough when he finally spoke. "You didn't vote against the motion at today's board meeting. I wanted to know… are we still on the same side?"Alyssa's gaze lowered, her voice steady and calm. "You didn't object
In the evening, Xavier drove Jasper to meet with Newton. Along the way, news broke out that Sheryl had been bailed out. Xavier slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Damn it! Why is it so hard to get rid of that woman?" "She is Justin's right hand," Jasper said, eyes shut as he leaned back in his seat. His jaw tightened. "You could even say she knows more about his secrets than anyone. As long as she's useful, Justin won't discard her so easily. This is how he operates."Xavier shook his head, teeth gritted. "Where the hell did she even come from? When you had me investigate her, I found nothing. Her background was spotless. "What's in her past that Justin would go so far to keep it hidden? A man like him can have any woman he wants, yet he clings to her—some pretty-faced idiot who only seems to make things harder for him."Jasper's gaze turned glacial. Xavier's casual remark struck him.He was right. Justin wasn't short on capable subordinates. So why Sheryl?Was Sh
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
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