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
"Justin was a 15-year-old. And he was taller and stronger than Jasper," Newton explained.However, Justin was still a defenseless teenager at that time. How did he manage to subdue the kidnappers so Jasper could escape?Alyssa, keeping her doubts to herself, wondered, "Grandpa, what happened next? How did Justin escape from the kidnappers?"Newton turned pale and trembled as he answered, "We paid Gustav the two billion dollars in ransom. Half a month later, Justin appeared in front of the Seaview Manor gates, completely naked."When we found him, he was covered in blood and nearly dying from the torture. He spent a month in the hospital and underwent six months of psychiatric treatment before he improved, but his health was forever ruined.""Why?" Alyssa asked in shock.Newton said, "We learned from Justin later that he had infuriated Gustav and the gang after helping Jasper to escape. They couldn't kill him off due to the ransom, so they turned him into a punching bag."They st
Jonah's gaze burned with a mix of longing, sorrow, and something deeply affectionate. The world swam back into focus as Julien looked at Jonah. Without preamble, he asked, "Are you new? How much do you charge per night?"Light-headed and grinning, Julien reached out a hand, his fingers brushing softly against Jonah's cheek. "You're pretty good-looking," he said, his voice slurred. Then his expression shifted. "Why do you… look so much like someone I hate with every fiber of my being?"Jonah's heart clenched. Even so, he slid his arms around Julien's waist. Trembling, he pulled Julien into his arms. "I'm new here. Could you help me meet my target tonight, Mr. Lovelace?"Julien's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Jonah. Jonah's eyes teared up as he held Julien's waist tightly. "I promise you won't be disappointed," he said, his voice deep. Watching from the shadows below the stage, Evan nearly gagged at Jonah's sultry tone. Was this really the Judas he knew? The man sounded downri
The bar was alive with striking lights and thundering music, and the air was thick with the scent of tobacco and alcohol. The atmosphere was one of moral decay—corrupt, degrading, and vile. "Where's Julien?" Jonah's voice cut through the noise, his tone icy and sharp. When Jonah stepped inside, the eyes of several men turned toward him, their gazes filled with illicit intent."Why, hello there. Are you here alone? Are you feeling lonely?" A sexy man sauntered over, draping himself over Jonah's shoulders. He let his hands linger with a playful squeeze. "If you're bored, I'd be happy to keep you company." Jonah's expression darkened. His hands trembled, veins bulging with barely contained rage. Suddenly, Evan burst through the crowd, his face twisting in alarm at the sight of Jonah surrounded by a swarm of predatory men. Evan yelled, "Don't touch him!" A heavy thump reverberated through the room. Gasps erupted as people scrambled back.The man who had draped himself over
Rafe stated, "But Beckett Group is in the middle of a storm right now. If I insisted on giving your corporation the project, my superiors would investigate me. I wouldn't be able to escape unscathed!""If you're investigated, I'll make sure you can still live a life of luxury—even if you lose your job." Justin's tone darkened. "But if you turn against me, you won't just suffer a few losses. You'll lose everything."Under the dim moonlight, Justin fiddled with his antique tea cup, his gaze narrowing. "You've worked so hard to get to where you are. Are you prepared to lose it all?"After ending the call, Justin turned to Remy, who stood quietly at the side. "Sheryl is still being detained. She can't be bailed out for another two days. I need someone to watch over the research lab. You'll handle that."Remy was taken aback. "I failed my last mission. Aren't you going to punish me?"Justin's smile was cold and insincere. "It wasn't your fault. You were ambushed. If not for that, I tru
Remy pursed his lips, bending down to pick up the fallen poker card. It was the King of Spades—an entry pass to Kings' Club. "My attacker was…" Remy's pupils constricted as he tightened his grip on the card. "It can only be that dear uncle of mine, always claiming to see me as his own son." Justin's lips curled into a sinister smile. "He's trying to get rid of my right-hand man, taking advantage of my internal feud with Jasper. Weakening me is just his first step toward gaining control over me."He's been a fugitive ever since his successful prison break, never returning to Cyrris after receiving his life sentence. His power base remains in Kontina. "I'm the last surviving Dutton. The Dutton Group, as a cover, has declared bankruptcy and severed all ties with the country. "My dear uncle has taken a huge risk just to target me. He sent his men to attack you in Solana City. What a delightful surprise. It seems he truly doesn't trust me, his only remaining family."Remy lowere
The hospital ward grew heavy with silence. Mandy and Neil stared at Alyssa, stunned beyond words. "M-Ms. Alyssa, you knew that man was Mr. Damien?" Neil asked, disbelief etched into his voice. "Yes." Alyssa's reply was quiet, her lips pressed into a thin line. She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "We found out when Cyrus took Damien's cigarette butt for a paternity test."Mandy approached Alyssa, her shoulders trembling slightly. "So, you and Cyrus knew… and you both kept it from me?" Mandy said, her voice catching in her throat, tears welling up. Alyssa felt a sharp pang in her chest. "Mandy, I'm sorry. It was my decision. Cyrus had nothing to do with it."Mandy's tears fell freely now, her grief spilling out in raw sobs. "Do you know what it's been like for me all these years, thinking Damien was gone? Winston, Miley, Lyla, and Colene kept telling me to move on. I tried to accept that he was dead, that we'd never find his body. But I never did."Her vo
The hospital ward was bathed in a dim, yellow glow from the bedside lamp. The silence was thick, yet the room held a strange warmth—an unfamiliar comfort that felt oddly familiar to Remy.Pain radiated through his body as he struggled to sit up. His eyes fell on Mandy, who was asleep beside his bed. Her hair was a mess, and her swollen eyes suggested she'd been crying. She was sound asleep. Remy stiffened. His breath quickened as he stared at her fragile figure. Slowly, he leaned forward, his fingers lifting slightly, tempted to reach out.Just as his hand hovered close, Mandy's lashes fluttered. In her sleep, she murmured, "Damien… Damien… I miss you so much…" Tears slipped down her cheeks, silent and unbidden.A pang tugged at Remy's heart. Without thinking, he brushed away her tears with his calloused fingers. The moment his skin touched hers, a jolt shot through him, sharp and electrifying. Pain throbbed at his temples, but beneath it was a warmth he didn't want to let g
Justin's casual question hit Javier like a thunderclap. Shock rippled through him, freezing his expression. His voice trembled with fear as he barked, "What nonsense is that? Are you accusing me of causing Chester's death? I'm your father—how could you think I'd do such a thing?""It's not an accusation. Just the facts," Justin replied coolly, crossing his legs and savoring his tea with unsettling calm. "And I'm not condemning you. In fact, I understand why you did it. I'm facing the same dilemma now."Javier's breathing grew ragged. He had watched Justin grow from a child into the man before him—now a predator, circling with quiet menace."You were meant to be the heir as the eldest son," Justin continued, his voice smooth as silk. "But Grandpa favored Uncle Chester, handing him major projects, grooming him in plain sight. "Uncle Chester's reputation soon eclipsed yours. He was a natural leader, adept at business, with one fatal flaw—he was kind. Too kind. Unlike you."Justin
Nonetheless, night had fallen by the time Justin arrived at Seaview Manor. On his way there, he worked on two things. First, he secured the top legal team to get Sheryl out on bail as quickly as possible. Second, he tried reaching Remy—unsuccessfully. He had never lost contact with Remy before. Justin's face was as dark as the night itself. The moment he stepped inside Seaview Manor, Rory approached with a solemn expression. He gave a slight bow before speaking. "Mr. Justin, what took you so long? Mr. Javier has been waiting.""I was occupied," Justin replied coolly. Then, as if it were an ordinary evening, he allowed a faint smile. "Where's Jasper? Is he back here yet?" A conflicted look came across Rory's face. "Things between you and Mr. Jasper have soured. I doubt he'll want to see you anytime soon—or show up here.""Is that so? How disappointing."Justin's smile didn't reach his eyes. His gaze lingered on Rory, sharp and bottomless. "So, he'd rather believe what he se
Jonah scoured every corner of the hotel, desperation clawing at his chest, but Julien was nowhere to be found. "Jonah!" Alyssa called out, breathless as she caught up to him. She grabbed his arm. "Calm down! I'll help you search for Jul!""I can't find him. He's gone," Jonah murmured, sinking to the floor. His tears mixed with sweat, creating dark patches on the ground. "Lyse… I fear… if I can't find Julien this time, I'll lose him forever."The agonizing thought of losing the love of his life pierced him. "No, you won't!" Alyssa gripped his arm tighter, her voice trembling with conviction. "If Jul had given up on you, he wouldn't have come here today. The fact that he showed up means he still cares."Jonah's eyes were bloodshot, filled with a pain too deep to hide. He shook his head slowly. "Julien came back for Jasper. He did it because he's loyal… because he's a good friend. Not because of me.""He does care!" Alyssa insisted. "If he didn't, he would've faced you without fli