Sophia put on an anxious act. She asked, "What happened to your hand, Liana? Tell me!" "Yes, Liana, don't be afraid to tell us! We will never let anyone bully you!" Betty chimed, acting all fair and just."I … I ran into Ms. White in the bathroom ..."In Jasper's arms, Liana was weak and gasping for breath. However, her gaze toward Alyssa was laced with hatred. "I know Ms. White doesn't like me, so I took the initiative to say hello to her. I was hoping I could clear up any previous misgivings. But she didn't appreciate the gesture at all. And before I knew it, we were fighting. "Alyssa simply crossed her arms. She tilted her head and smiled. When Jasper realized she was smiling, he grew frustrated. "When I was about to leave, she grabbed me and refused to let me go. In a moment of impatience, I jerked my hand away and tore off her bracelet. It fell to the ground and shattered. Ms. White was very angry because the bracelet was broken, no matter how much I apologized, it was u
Jasper was stunned. His heart trembled as he looked at his ex-wife in disbelief. She was gentle and kind when she was by his side. But now, she was so unruly to the point of hurting others. "Is it true, Alice?" Jasper's throat felt tight, and he cast a deep gaze at her. Raising her eyebrows, Alyssa's lips parted in a sinister smile. The sight made Landon clutch his chest. He wondered how a wicked woman could look so stunning. "Jasper ... What do you mean?" Jasper repeatedly asked Alyssa for confirmation, so Liana was afraid of him being suspicious of her. She began to cry and whine, "Don't you—don't you believe me? Am I so untrustworthy to you?" She didn't know why Alice would admit it. But it didn't matter as long it helped Liana achieve her goal. It wasn't her problem that Alice was stupid enough to admit it. "Jasper, take a look at the evil woman you married! She was just a nick away from cutting Liana's artery. She was out for my daughter's life!" Taking advantage of
Alyssa wasn't someone to be trifled with. "Listen up, everyone. From now on, Liana and I are enemies. If I misspoke, I will end up like this bracelet!" Alyssa clenched her teeth. Then, she slowly opened her left palm. Jasper's breath was caught in his throat at the sight of her blood-covered palm. The pieces of the bracelet were also stained with blood. She loved that bracelet, which was why she kept holding it even though it was broken. She even hurt her hand without noticing it. Jasper felt emotions overwhelm him. His gaze was unreadable as he stared at Alyssa's face, which was full of resentment. His stone heart began to crack. "Your hands are bleeding, Ms. White!" Landon exclaimed. He frantically rummaged through all the pockets on his body, looking for a handkerchief, a tissue, or whatever he could find to bandage the wound. However, he couldn't find anything. Jasper could feel a handkerchief in his chest pocket. He closed his eyes as his hands balled into fists. How
Alyssa remained unfazed by Sophia's hypocritical behavior. She had divulged that information to tell Mandy that Alyssa was not only used but also a gold digger from a rural village. Rosaline and Liana were secretly delighted.The Taylors and the Becketts were at odds. Jonah was Winston's eldest son and held a prestigious status. There was no woman out of his reach. How could he possibly want a woman the Becketts had abandoned? It was funny to even think about it.Jasper frowned in displeasure. "That's personal. You have no right to discuss it.""Jasper, it may be personal, but it concerns the Becketts and the Taylors. I'm just trying to prevent any potential shock when people find out that your ex-wife is here. I'm doing this for everyone's sake!" Sophia continued to fuss. "Does it concern both families? Didn't Ms. White divorce Mr. Beckett? Divorce means no ties anymore. So why do you think that Ms. White is affecting your family?" Mandy asked with a sneer. "Did she sign a co
"Wait."For some reason, the conversation irritated Jasper. Sternly, he asked, "Ms. White, don't you owe Liana an apology?"Landon sighed helplessly, resisting the urge to stuff his socks into Jasper's mouth.A dull pain throbbed in Alyssa's heart. She turned around to cast him a blank stare. Her disappointed gaze pierced Jasper's soul. "She didn't do it! Alice didn't do it!" Just at that moment, a sweet, gentle voice cut through the air. It arrived unannounced, like lightning on a clear day, foiling the plot that had been carefully planted. When Alyssa turned her gaze toward the source of the voice, there was a glimmer in her eyes."Lauren!"A girl clad in a simple white dress was hurrying toward them. She was sporting a ridiculous crown of dense curls, which was Betty's doing. Lauren had always been Betty's imaginary enemy in their family. Betty envied her little sister's beauty. She always looked for new ways to bully her. Whenever they appeared in public, she would
Jasper narrowed his eyes. And he turned his piercing gaze to Liana's pale face. When he let go of her waist, Liana clung to him desperately. She ignored the pain in her hand. "No, Jasper, it's not true! Alice provoked me first! I didn't provoke her! Lauren's mind isn't good, don't believe her!""Her mind isn't good? Well, I think the only thing not good about her is her hairstyle. She explained everything clearly," Landon sneered. For Jasper's sake, he didn't say anything too harsh. He couldn't believe that Jasper, the playboy, would treat Liana like his true love. He wasn't easy to please, yet he was sticking to her like he was under a spell. "Ms. White didn't hurt you, right?" Jasper took a deep breath, his voice tense. With the witness present, Liana broke into a cold sweat. She dared not lie again."So, you slandered her?" Jasper's words cut through Liana like a knife."N-No, I—"Liana began to shiver in fear, her body trembling like a leaf. Suddenly, she fainted from
After receiving treatment, Liana was transferred to a normal ward. The doctor said she wasn't seriously injured. Although the wound was a little deep, it didn't require stitches. She had fainted because of her excessive panic and mental tension. "You finally woke up, Liana!" Rosaline cried by her bed. She sobbed as if she was in Liana's wake. "I thought I would never see you again!" "Alright, alright, stop mourning. Jasper isn't here. There's no point in crying so loudly. You're bothering me," Sophia said. She crossed her arms and asked, "Have you figured out how to handle this situation?""Which situation?" Rosaline wiped away her tears, a little confused."Which situation? Don't tell me you've messed up more than once?" Sophia sneered as she glared at her useless younger sister. "Your failures are more than your successes. Do I look like a magical genie? I've been supporting you so that your daughter ends up with Jasper. With that bird brain of yours, do you think your da
"Mr. Beckett! It's all my fault! It's all my mistake!" Rosaline thought it would be better to admit her wrongdoing instead of waiting to be questioned. She couldn't let this matter affect her daughter and ruin her chances of marrying into a noble family. So she rushed over with a sorrowful expression. And she knelt in front of Jasper. "The Gardners are in trouble. Our cash flow is broken, and our factories are closing down one after another. When the Becketts refused to help, we were forced into a corner by the Taylors. We were left with no choice …"So I discussed it with Liana's father, and we decided to sell some family assets for the sake of our company's finances. I secretly sold Liana's jewelry. Liana didn't even know of it! "If I had known that the necklace was the token of your love to Liana ... Even if I starved or died of poverty, I would never have sold it!" Liana secretly heaved a sigh of relief before pretending to be shocked. Tears welled in her eyes, and she cri
The once lively and fashion-loving Julien now seemed like a star that had lost its light. The radiance that once defined him had vanished. Julien walked past Jonah without stopping. The short distance between them gave Jonah a painfully clear view of the cross-shaped scar on Julien's cheek. His heart wrenched, the pain so intense that his vision blurred. He staggered. "Jonah, are you alright?" Fortunately, Landon was beside him and caught him just in time. Staring at Julien's slim figure, Jonah parted his dry lips, but no words came out.Bitterness filled the back of his throat, and his longing for Julien sent sharp, stabbing pains through his body.Julien stopped beside Jasper, offering him a small smile and a nod as a greeting.Then, his gaze turned fierce as he locked eyes with Justin's hypocritical expression."My name is Julien Lovelace. I was once Mr. Jasper's primary physician. Approximately six months ago, Mr. Jasper made a deal with Jameson to rescue Ms. Alyssa w
Alyssa stood at the doorway, her slim figure framed against the light, yet she seemed to tower over the room. Her presence commanded attention, filling the hall with an air of reverence and grandeur. From across the room, Jasper's dark eyes burned with intensity. To him, Alyssa was like a golden phoenix, its wings unfurling as it soared, radiating brilliance over everything in its wake. "Lyse!"Jonah and Landon stared in shock. They hadn't expected Alyssa to show up at the press conference. Camera flashes erupted once more."It's Ms. Alyssa Taylor!""We should address her properly now—she's the head of KS Group!" "Wait… Is she here to support Jasper? I thought they broke up?""What do you even know? They used to be in love!" Justin narrowed his eyes at Alyssa's frigid, determined expression. Slowly, his lips curled into a chilling, sinister smile.Alyssa met his gaze, suppressing the hatred surging within her. Then, with an air of composure, she turned to the crowd. "W
"That's rubbish. I never asked you to do anything like that!" Sheryl's bloodshot eyes burned with fury. She clenched her fists, longing to silence Sebastian."I didn't expect you to admit it," Sebastian said coldly. He reached into his chest pocket and pulled out his phone. After scrolling briefly, he held it up for all to see. "You were wary of me recording our conversations, but you never suspected I'd install a hidden camera in my office. This footage clearly shows you bribing and threatening me. With this evidence, denial is futile!"The crowd turned to Sheryl, their gazes heavy with shock and suspicion. When their eyes shifted to Justin, doubt lingered in the air.Sheryl's heart sank, her face draining of color.As cautious as she was, she had miscalculated. But it didn't matter. She had carried out the task herself, avoiding any direct mention of Justin's orders. Justin could still be saved.It was Sheryl who had fallen short in her responsibilities, and she was ready to tak
Jasper's eyes blazed with fury as he locked his gaze on Justin, a sharp, determined gleam in his dark eyes. "I will clear my name and restore my reputation, no matter the cost!" he declared, his voice ringing with resolve.The tension between Justin, standing on stage, and Jasper, positioned below, was palpable—like a killer whale facing off with a great white shark. The outcome was still uncertain."I, Landon Harper, swear on my name and the entirety of Harper Group that Jasper never did drugs. The whole situation was a setup!" Landon's voice resounded throughout the entire hall. The reporters buzzed with questions. "Who would do such a thing?"Landon refrained from directly naming Justin, aware that exposing the wolf in sheep's clothing would not be easy. Accusing him too hastily might provide Justin with an opportunity to counterattack, exploiting any gaps in their case.Landon had no fear of tarnishing his own reputation, but he was deeply concerned about the damage it m
Everyone turned to look behind them.Justin's icy gaze locked onto the doors, his expression dark and foreboding. The light pouring in from outside was blinding, piercing through the shadows like a blade. As the crowd squinted against the glare, two figures emerged, standing tall and resolute side by side.It was Jasper and Landon. Clad in a sleek black suit, Landon bore traces of dust but appeared otherwise unscathed. Jasper, however, was a stark contrast. His clothes were torn and bloodied, his appearance disheveled, but his demeanor was anything but defeated. Standing straight and proud, his frigid stare was enough to make the crowd shrink back, unwilling to meet his eyes."Mr. Justin," Landon began, his voice sharp and cutting, "you've gone to great lengths to keep Jasper from this press conference."Ever the rebel with the air of a street-hardened fighter, Landon didn't mince words. "To stop him, you sent assassins to ambush him. You had your people block his way in the
Meanwhile, the light above one of Taylor General Hospital's emergency surgery theaters flickered off. Moments later, the door swung open, and a doctor emerged, pulling down his surgical mask. Mandy hurried toward the doctor, her eyes brimming with worry. "How is that poor man doing?" "Mrs. Taylor, it's fortunate you brought him in when you did. Ten minutes later, and we might not have been able to save him. He went into shock from excessive blood loss, but he's stable now. I gave him a transfusion and sutured his wounds. He'll need rest and proper nutrition to recover fully."Relief washed over Mandy, and her tense body slackened. Her knees nearly buckled as she murmured, "Thank God… Thank God!" Once the doctor departed, Mandy instructed her driver to purchase the best blood-replenishing supplements available, sparing no expense.The driver had only been employed by the Taylor family for the past two years, so he was unaware of the true reasons behind Mandy's actions. To him, h
Soon enough, Jasper and Jonah found themselves surrounded by a horde of fighters. The atmosphere was charged with a vicious, merciless tension that heightened their awareness. They were now in the underground parking lot of Berenike Hotel.This was one of the Beckett family's properties, with Newton overseeing the construction personally.Berenike Hotel had always been the leader among all the five-star hotels in Solana City. Yet, on this day, when a critical press conference was about to begin, Justin chose to start a massacre in the hotel's parking lot, disregarding the potential damage to the hotel's reputation. His actions were utterly insane and perverse. "Shall we each take down ten of them?" Jonah nudged Jasper with his elbow. Narrowing his eyes, he added, "The press conference starts in ten minutes. Think you can wrap this up by then?"A cold, fierce glint flashed in Jasper's usually dull eyes. "I'll take down 15 and leave five for you." "Why only five for me?"Jasp
The golden iris stood as a symbol of triumph."Ms. Alyssa, we're on track. We'll make it to the press conference on time!" Sean declared, stepping on the accelerator with a fiery look in his eyes. "Safety first," Alyssa reminded him in a calm, steady voice. Surprisingly, at this crucial juncture, she appeared composed. "Taty is due soon, and you're about to become a father. As a family man, you shouldn't be as reckless as before." The thought of his unborn son brought a blissful smile to Sean's face, softening his fiery resolve.Alyssa closed her eyes, though her mind remained in overdrive. The truth was, she was forcing herself to stay alert. Ever since Amber's disappearance, she hadn't had a single restful night. The once carefree Alyssa, who could sleep through anything, was long gone. Her frayed nerves left her in a weakened state, but she held on.She had survived when others hadn't, and that resilience fueled her belief that she could endure again. This time, she wou
In an instant, the woman burst into tears. Remy, in an alarmed state, scanned the area outside the car. Satisfied that he was momentarily safe, he loosened his grip on the woman, only to discover his palms were damp. The woman's face was drenched in tears. As he stared into her misty eyes, recognition dawned on him—she was the woman who had chased him at the hospital, frantically calling him "Damien". This could only mean she was Damien Taylor's mother. Remy straightened abruptly, putting distance between himself and Mandy. A surge of emotion tightened his chest, leaving him shaken. Silence blanketed the car. Despite her usual composure, Mandy was overwhelmed. Her tears were unstoppable as she gazed at him. Nothing else seemed to matter. At that moment, Mandy's driver opened the car door and climbed in, saying, "Mrs. Taylor, here are the desserts you ordered for Mr. Taylor—"Remy's reddened eyes darkened. His muscles tensed as he reached for the door handle, ready to l