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
After knocking, Alyssa entered the office. She greeted Abel, "Hi, Dr. Liverton.""Ms. Alyssa, you looked flushed. Are you feeling unwell?" he asked with concern."Ah, I'm fine," she reassured him while silently cursing out Jasper. She took a deep breath and touched her burning cheeks. "Are Jasper's CT scan results out yet?""Yes." Abel retrieved the scan results from his drawer and handed it to her gravely. She scrutinized the results under the office lights, her expression turning troubled as her heart sank."Ms. Alyssa, you can tell what's wrong, can't you?" Abel looked worried. "But the surgery was a huge success. Only three doctors in the country have succeeded in performing this surgery so far.""Is this what you call a success?" she wondered, feeling frustrated. Her trembling hands limped by her body, ruffling the scan results.She groaned, "In my opinion, the surgery was a failure because of the complications!"The only thing she couldn't bear was the taste of defeat, esp
Jameson's eyes finally lit up in anticipation. He ordered, "Let her in.""Sure, Mr. Schmidt!" Then, Carl left the room. Soon, the silence was broken by the sound of clicking heels."Jimmy," Amber Altman called out to him tenderly as she strutted over. He squinted at her with a grin, like he was admiring a piece of art.Amber was the manager of Millennium. Each step she took was full of seduction. However, she maintained an air of sophistication.Her looks were the biggest surprise of all. Jamseon's heart raced the moment she showed up. She resembled Alyssa, with her dark hair, rosy lips, confident smile, and features he had painstakingly worked on over the years. However, what she could never replicate was Alyssa's charm and personality."Amber, come here," he called to her, gesturing for her to approach. She obeyed, and he pulled her into an embrace."Jimmy …" Amber reached for his tie knot with her slender fingers and tugged on it affectionately. Thirsty for him, she leaned i
"The spy you planted in Taylor General Hospital has some new updates."…News of Jasper regaining consciousness quickly reached the Beckett family. Newton and Javier hurried to the hospital.Upon seeing Jasper, Newton broke down, hugged him, and fought back tears. He moaned, "Oh, my dear grandson, you're giving me a heart attack!""Grandpa, I'm so sorry for worrying you," Jasper replied. He felt sorry for Newton."How do you feel? Do you still have a headache? Where does it hurt?" Newton refrained from touching Jasper's head when he thought about the major surgery to stitch Jasper's head. Right now, Newton was more careful with Jasper than with himself."I'm doing fine," Jasper reassured Newton. Knowing what was on Newton's mind, Jasper grabbed his hand to touch his own head. "Feel my head. Isn't it pretty solid?""Oh, you idiot!" Newton teased him. He gently and cautiously touched Jasper's head with a wide grin.Javier was there to visit Jasper as well. His relationship with
"My dear son! You finally called!" Javier exclaimed with a smile. He was uncharacteristically warm and friendly.Jasper blinked, taken aback by the warmth in Javier's tone. He had never enjoyed such a cordial conversation with his father, and Javier had never addressed him as "dear son."Javier seemed to reserve his paternal affection for Justin alone, and that stung Jasper. He couldn't help but wonder if Javier considered Sophia his one true love and Justin his sole son. The overt favoritism was outrageous, leaving Jasper at a loss for words."Dad, how are you?" Justin asked. He had a distinctive chest voice and was loud enough to be heard by Jasper."I'm good. How about you? Are you recovering well at Mosgravia? Any relapses?" Javier questioned. He had flown to Mosgravia last year to visit Justin but was too busy to do the same this year."I'm doing well, Dad. Please don't worry about me," Justin answered. Then, he shifted the topic with concern, "I heard that Jasper's hospita
"Bravo! Great speech!" However, Newton excitedly patted Jasper on the shoulder, nearly causing Jasper to barf.Justin fell silent for a moment, then chuckled and offered encouragement, saying, "Good, I'm glad you're determined. I wish you all the best in winning Alyssa back.""Thank you, Justin," Jasper muttered, but Justin's mention of winning Alyssa back left him feeling uneasy.Newton took the phone and cheerfully greeted Justin, "Justin, how's life abroad? I've heard the beaches are fantastic! When will you show me around and soak up some sun?""Grandpa, there's no place like home," Justin replied with a laugh. "Considering your age, I'd rather not have you take the long journey to Mosgravia. Perhaps we can meet in Solana City once I'm feeling better."Jasper felt miffed but kept his composure."Hahaha! That's great, too. I so wish you could come home and reunite with your family!" Newton sighed and added, "Don't push yourself too hard. I'm aware of your health condition, and
"So, I solemnly ask that you entrust Lauren to me! I might be a player in the past, but I will be loyal to Lauren in the future!"I'll treat Lauren better than Jasper treated Ms. Alyssa—I swear on my life! I'll make her the envy of every woman! I love Lauren, and I hope to receive your blessing. "We are dating seriously with marriage on the horizon," Landon blurted out in a shaky voice due to his nervousness, and he clutched Lauren's hand a little too tightly.Alyssa glared at Landon, thinking that comparing himself to that jerk Jasper Beckett didn't make you any better."Meanwhile, Jasper shot an equally disapproving look at Landon, thinking that Landon saying he'd treat Lauren better than Jasper treated Lyse was something he would never surpass him in.Throughout the lengthy speech, Landon appeared stiff and perhaps spoke too quickly, but his eyes brimmed with sincerity. One could tell that he had been waiting to let his feelings out.Newton smiled wryly, thinking, "Quite the
Jasper finally felt relieved upon hearing Alyssa's promise. Grateful and nearly moved to tears, he uttered, "Thank you, Lyse."Even though Alyssa appeared stoic, she was touched by the scene.Shortly after, Javier excused himself to attend an important meeting at the Beckett Group.Ever since Alyssa's identity as Dr. White had been revealed, she had been appointed as Jasper's attending physician and tasked with overseeing his follow-up treatments. After inquiring about Jasper's condition, she placed him in a wheelchair and instructed Landon and Abel to take him for a checkup.After their departure, only Alyssa, Newton, and Ben remained in the room.Since there wasn't anyone around, Newton inquired, "Alice, you seem down. Is there something on your mind?"She snapped back to reality and denied sheepishly, "No, Grandpa. I'm fine."Newton expressed concern as he gently reminded her, "Alice, you can get away with lies from others, but not from me. Are there complications related t
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
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,