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
Alyssa noticed the distress and wariness on Newton's face and assumed that she might have breached a sensitive family topic. It would be inappropriate for her to press for an answer.Despite always being sensible, she somehow developed a deep interest in the matter that concerned Jasper. She blurted out boldly, "Grandpa, is there any tension between Jasper and Justin? And is that related to their kidnapping case when they were younger?"Newton looked astonished. Wide-eyed, he gasped, "Y-You knew about the kidnapping?""I'm sorry, Grandpa. I didn't intend to overstep," Alyssa apologized. After a pause, she whispered, "Jasper mentioned Justin to me a while ago. He'd promised to tell me the truth later and that he won't keep anything from me."I was giving him the silent treatment back then. And I had refused to learn the truth. But curiosity got the better of me, so I …" Alyssa's voice faded as she blushed in embarrassment.Newton felt happy at the shy look on Alyssa's face, whi
That night, Alyssa stayed in the presidential suite of Solana City's KS World Hotel. She couldn't bring herself to return to her own manor—not yet. The lingering memories of her breakup with Jasper were still too raw, and the thought of revisiting their former home felt like reopening an unhealed wound.The following morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door. Groggily, she slipped on her night robe and opened it to find Sean standing there, carrying a complete set of brand-new hiking gear.Alyssa smiled. "Thank you, Sean." "Ms. Alyssa, it's freezing today. Are you sure you want to go hiking?" Sean walked into the living room and placed the items neatly on the couch. He still felt somewhat worried. "It's alright if it's cold, as long as the weather is good."Alyssa gazed out the window. The sun was shining brightly. The thought of going hiking with Jasper today made it impossible for her to conceal the sweet smile on her face and the delight in her eyes. She still love
Remy's eyes were bloodshot; his expression twisted with disgust as he stared at Sheryl. He could hardly fathom how someone so deranged and vile had once been close to Jasper. Even if Jasper and Alyssa had separated, Sheryl was nowhere near worthy of Jasper's side; she was not even fit to be the dirt on Alyssa's shoes.A sudden flash of memory struck him—the image of Alyssa during that traffic accident. He recalled her mustering all her strength to crawl out of her wrecked car, her face bloody, her body broken yet defiant. He had never seen such a fierce spirit in a woman before.His heart pounded uncontrollably, the memory triggering a sharp pain in his temples. Remy closed his eyes, gasping for breath.Sheryl broke into wild, unhinged laughter. Her entire body shook as she spat out her words, "Oh, Jasper, you poor, clueless fool!"If he ever discovers that the woman he's been tormenting all this time is actually his savior—the one he's been desperate to repay—that would be an eart
Sheryl's eyes lit up. "And what might that reason be?"Justin's lips curved into a faint smirk, his voice calm yet carrying a cold, ethereal tone. "Besides Ms. Alyssa, there's another woman who holds great significance to Jasper. She's the only one who can compel him to act without hesitation." Remy, usually a man of few words, abruptly spoke up. "Is she the one you've mentioned before? The woman who saved Jasper on the battlefield?""After Jasper retired from the military, he was plagued by PTSD. He came back shattered, dispirited, even on the brink of taking his own life."During that time, I often spoke with him over the phone, urging him to hold on, to keep living. I reminded him that if I could endure this half-disabled existence, then surely, he could find a reason to go on."Justin's tone was leisurely, as though recounting something insignificant. He continued, "I told him that if he were gone, what would become of Beckett Group? More than that, he would leave Dad and G
A first-rate Wiktorian mansion was located in a secluded and quiet area on the East Side. It was Justin's private residence. Outsiders were unaware of its existence. Sheryl arrived in the early hours of the morning, rushing to report to Justin, only to bump into Remy, who exuded an unmistakable air of coldness. His eyes were bloodshot as if he hadn't slept in days. A menacing vibe surrounded him, and his eyes burned with feral intensity. Sheryl felt unsettled and longed to flee his presence."You're like a ghoul," she muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes before knocking on the door to enter Justin's study.Remy remained expressionless in the face of her contemptuous remark. He followed her into the room. In his classically-decorated study, Justin sat in his wheelchair, idly toying with a colorful cockatiel in its gilded cage.Jameson once possessed an exquisite, costly cockatiel at The Millenium. A devoted follower of Justin, the former idolized the latter, mimicking
Alyssa released Jasper's hand and quickly opened the car door. "Mr. Beckett, see you there, rain or shine." The warmth of her touch left his fingers as she withdrew. Jasper instinctively curled his fingers inward, his mouth parting to say something—anything—but hesitation held him back.Without waiting for his response, Alyssa slipped out of the car and disappeared into the night without a backward glance. It wasn't until she was fully gone that he whispered in a low, hoarse voice, "See you there, rain or shine." …When Alyssa returned to the parking lot, Sean was standing worriedly beside the car, waiting for her. Seeing her approach, eyes glistening with unshed tears, he knew she had just seen Jasper. A dull ache tugged at his heart, and he was certain their conversation had been anything but pleasant."Ms. Alyssa," he began softly, "I know you're relentless in everything you pursue. But some things in life… they just can't be forced. Sometimes, letting go can be its own k
Xavier was confused. He caught the tie bar in his hands and asked, "What's this, Mr. Beckett?" Jasper closed his eyes to rest. He tugged at his tie knot but still felt suffocated."It was from Sheryl," he answered. Xavier let out a cry. "This filthy thing is from that wild woman? I don't want it!" With a disgusted look on his face, Xavier hurled the tie bar aside. "I'm already seeing someone. I don't want my girlfriend to misunderstand me." "Girlfriend?" "Yeah, Mr. Beckett. Maggie is my girlfriend." With his eyes closed, Jasper frowned. "She's become of age?" Xavier didn't know how he should react. "She's already in university, Mr. Beckett. Am I that much of an animal in your eyes?" Suddenly, the memory of himself and Alyssa rescuing Maggie flashed through Jasper's mind. Just then, Xavier exclaimed in surprise, "Mr. Beckett, look!" Jasper opened his eyes slowly, and his heart jolted. Standing alone before his car was Alyssa, framed against the piercing headlights,
Alyssa balled her hands into fists as she pressed them against the faux rock. All her focus was now directed onto Sheryl instead of Jasper. At this moment, Sheryl picked up the tie bar from its box. While Jasper was distracted, she clipped it onto his tie. Jasper was taken aback. He quickly stepped back, but Sheryl was quicker, and the tie bar was clipped on. "Mr. Jasper, it suits you really well." Sheryl's eyes were captivating, and her voice was sultry. If she were speaking with any other man, they would be easily captivated by her. "It looks like I made the right choice." Jasper's eyes dimmed. Yet, out of courtesy and because Sheryl worked for Justin, he did not react in any way that would put her in a difficult spot. Alyssa's eyes reflected a deep sorrow as she watched them, her gaze carrying the silent desolation of a snowstorm beginning to overtake her heart. Even so, she forced herself to stay rational. She pulled out her cell phone, wanting to record Sheryl's ever
Jasper stumbled into the hotel's back garden and stopped by the pond. He panted hard, feeling as if he were drowning. Even so, he could not return to his usual composure. As he shook all over, he bent down and grabbed a handful of snow. The bone-piercing cold spread through his body, but he still couldn't suppress the throbbing pain in his temples. His eyes became bloodshot. He stuffed that handful of snow into his mouth and swallowed all of it. He couldn't suppress it. He couldn't suppress it at all.The pills. He needed those pills! "Mr. Jasper? What are you doing here?" Sheryl's surprised voice came from behind Jasper.He held his breath, his fingers tightening around the snow in his grasp, veins bulging as he clenched his fists. Slowly, he straightened his back and turned to face her. "I came out for some fresh air," he answered in an extremely hoarse voice. Sheryl narrowed her eyes and studied him. "Mr. Jasper, you look awful. Are you feeling unwell?" "I'm fine." A
When Justin and Alyssa stepped into the banquet hall together, another uproar swept through the hall. Everyone focused their astonished gazes on the pair. "I'm not dreaming, am I? The one accompanying Alyssa isn't Mr. Jasper, but another man?" "That man has such a confident air about him. His looks and bearing are comparable to Mr. Jasper's!" "Ms. Alyssa has so many brothers in the Taylor family. Could it be one of her brothers whom we have never seen?" "Justin!" Javier was pumped up in an instant. Beaming, he strutted to the front of Justin and Alyssa. Justin? The room fell silent as the crowd exchanged confused glances."Hey, Dad." Justin smiled, his eyes looking clear and bright. Alyssa was a daughter from a wealthy aristocratic family. Although she and Javier used to be on bad terms, she still attended the Beckett family's event. She politely greeted Javier. "Mr. Javier, my father is resting up at home and is unable to make it. So, he got me to come especially to