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
The Beckett family remained gathered outside the surgery room until 9:00 am the next morning. Javier and Newton stared fixedly at the door, with the former helping the latter stand.Sophia had used the excuse that she was tired to return home to rest. Newton despised her, and she didn’t give a damn about Jasper. So there was no point faking her concern any longer."Why isn't Lyse out yet? It's been so long." Winston gazed at the surgery room, feeling uneasy."Brain surgery isn't a small feat. Some take entire days to complete." Jonah consoled his father, patting his back. "Don't worry. Lyse is stronger and more capable than you think. This surgery will definitely be a success.""I'm not worried about that. I'm just concerned that Alyssa won’t be able to handle staying up for an entire night without rest. "Isn't she tired? Did she have time to eat a bite or drink some water?"If Jonah hadn’t stopped Winston, he would have barged into the room to check on Alyssa himself.Jona
"Jasper has … always been really nice to me since I was a kid. He looked after me a lot, and so, he's the most important person to me right now … " Zoe wiped her tears, shoulders quaking as she sobbed. "After hearing that he got hurt last night, I was so worried I didn't sleep a wink. "I wanted to come over first thing last night, but Landon wouldn't let me. He was worried I would cause more trouble for you."I'm so sorry, I should have come over earlier. That way I might still have been able to help out some … ""Poor thing. We see your efforts, dear girl, " Javier said with a sigh, approval apparent in his eyes. "I'm really grateful that you still care about my son. I'm so glad you two have been friends since young.""We still have a close bond now, too, not just when we were kids." Zoe blushed shyly, saying, "I'll be here as long as Jasper needs me."There was no doubt as to what she was implying.Landon's expression turned ugly. Zoe's outright confession and attitude t
Zoe's heart dropped into her stomach. Face flushed, she hurriedly explained, "I don't mean anything untoward, Grandpa Newton, nor do I want to cause anymore trouble for you guys … I'm just trying to do what I can to help!"I may not be the most capable, but at least I never injured Jasper! I didn't hurt him so bad that he ended up suffering on a cold surgical table!""Enough, Zoe!" Landon cried, walking over to stop her.Newton's expression grew cold. He asked sharply, "Are you blaming Alyssa? Do you think she was the one who did this to my grandson?""I … I … " Zoe stammered.Of course she did! Of course, it was Alyssa's fault! But Zoe couldn't say that out loud. Newton was clearly biased towards Alyssa.Just then, the sound of doors opening rang through the hallway.Everyone turned to see the surgical room doors open.Winston and Jonah leapt from their seats while everyone else hurried over to the door.Two medical personnel exited first, followed by slow, heavy steps.A
Zoe gasped and took a step back as she watched Alyssa approach with a cold determination.Despite wearing heels, Zoe was still shorter than Alyssa. However, the height wasn't the problem. Alyssa had outshined Zoe in terms of her inner qualities and her intimidating air. Zoe was reduced to nothing In front of Alyssa."W-What are you doing?" Zoe gasped. She turned white."Nothing much. I just want to clear your doubts," Alyssa replied with a calm smile and took off her surgeon cap. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders in a sassy way.She announced, "Your dear Jasper is out of critical condition. You don't have to pray for him anymore."Then, she whispered into Zoe's ear, "You should just ask for my help instead of praying. Since he got hurt because of me, I'll treat him till he's recovered. So, please don't waste your time worrying for him."Zoe was trembling in rage at Alyssa's provocation. It seemed that Alyssa had overheard what she said in the corridor.Just as she was th
"Your daughter is none other than the renowned genius doctor—Dr. White!"The revelation left everyone in a state of shock.Alyssa Taylor, in addition to her remarkable skills as a manager at KS World Hotel and a genius designer, was now unveiled as a brilliant doctor. She was nothing short of a superhuman.Newton and Javier looked shell-shocked. They couldn't believe what they had just heard. People of their social standing were well aware of Dr. White's formidable reputation, as she was highly regarded for her surgical expertise. Receiving treatment from Dr. White was a great honor for anyone.Despite her widespread acclaim, Dr. White was a mysterious figure who refused to show her face or engage in interviews. Only a select few, like Jonah and Abel, had been privy to her true identity.The staggering revelation left Javier gaping in astonishment. Never had he imagined that the young woman who had lived under his roof for three years possessed such a multitude of talents.Feel
It was not unusual for patients who underwent major surgeries to be in a coma for ten days. However, Jasper had a good physique thanks to his military background. He woke up on day four."Mr. Beckett! Mr. Beckett! Mr. Beckett!"Jasper felt increasingly irritated as someone persistently called out to him. He struggled to open his eyes. As his vision gradually cleared, he saw Xavier standing before him, appearing disheveled and visibly thinner.Xavier was agitatedly spamming the emergency button by the bedside. "Mr. Beckett is awake! He's awake!""Anyone would wake up if you keep bothering them like this," grumbled Jasper, his ears ringing and his mind muddled. "Where ... am I?""The hospital, of course! Don't you know you've undergone a life-and-death situation?" Xavier informed him. Tears welled up as he recalled the misfortune that befell Jasper."Oh … Lyse!" The first thing Jasper thought about after waking up was Alyssa's safety. The last scene in his memory was of the attac
Jasper rolled out of his bed and rushed over to Alyssa."You—" she began. He grasped her wrist and spun her around dizzyingly into a hug. She bumped her head against his chest."Lyse, I'm so glad you're safe," Jasper mumbled repeatedly and rested his chin on her shoulder. He seemed to care more about her than himself even when he was injured.Alyssa refrained from touching Jasper. She protested, "You're still injured. Don't move around. Go back to your bed and rest now.""No," he stubbornly refused, tightening his arms around her.Widening her eyes, she sensed his fast-beating heart. Why? His body was warm and tense, his trembling suggesting something was wrong."Jasper, you're not quite yourself now. Please let go of me. You should—Mmph—" She was cut off when Jasper sealed her lips with a kiss. His heart raced, and his breathing was ragged.He inched closer to her while she strumbled backward until her back was pressed against the wall. Having nowhere to escape to, she was subj
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