Jonah subtly nodded at Alyssa, accompanying it with a warm smile as he extended his hand. "Lyse.""Coming!" Alyssa responded, gracefully stepping out of the car in her sleek black YSL heels. The swaying of her black skirt revealed the fair complexion of her slender legs, a captivating sight for anyone.She placed her hand in Jonah's palm and alighted the car.The two senior executives greeted her, "Good afternoon, Ms. Alyssa!"Acknowledging them with a nod, Alyssa replied, "You must have waited for a while. It's cold out here. Let's head in."When the siblings showed up in public, everyone marveled at their good looks.Someone gasped, "Wow, Ms. Alyssa looks more stunning than on TV!""Absolutely. Even with the handsome Mr. Jonah by her side, I can't help but focus on her. She's so pretty that anyone would instantly fall in love with her."People who had previously complained about Alyssa were now praising her upon seeing her, well before she had even started working. She was, u
"I heard from Winston that Lyse is starting work at KS Group. Which department and role will she undertake? Since I have some time today, shall I give her a tour?" Dominic offered.Alyssa and Jonah exchanged glances in the face of Dominic's enthusiasm. Jonah replied flatly, "We'll have to wait for Dad's further instructions. I'm sure he will assign Lyse a suitable role to make use of her talent. We'll update you when we get the news.""Oh, of course! Sounds good. I'll wait for the good news, Lyse!" Then, Dominic thought of something and smiled at Lyse. "By the way, Renee sent you a gift when she heard you're joining KS Group. She's got it delivered to your office. Go check it out!"Renee Taylor was Dominic's only child and Alyssa's cousin. The two had not met for a while, and they didn't exactly share a good relationship.Alyssa flashed a smile in amusement. "Is it? That's thoughtful of her."The group made their way to Alyssa's new office. When they were near, Sean pointed at t
Dominic's smile froze after hearing Alyssa mock Renee.…Jonah and Alyssa entered her new office. When the door shut behind them, she snickered and sat on the couch. "Renee is such a bitch. She's already giving me trouble before I officially join the company—always so impatient."Jonah poured her a glass of water and sighed. "She competed for stickers with you in preschool. When you were in elementary school, you competed against her for the lead role in a dance performance."She's been competing against you for her entire life, but she's never won once. I would have given up if I were her, but I'm surprised by her persistence.""She has been losing to me when we were young. She'd be naive to think that she could win when we are now adults," remarked Alyssa. She took a sip of water with a glint in her eyes. "Things are different now. If she works against me, I will not hesitate to get rid of her, even if she's family.""Of course, you won't. You always retaliate against those who
On the street opposite the KS Group building, Jameson leaned casually against his car door, hands in pockets, basking in the twilight glow as he fixated on the building's entrance.He had been waiting for Alyssa to reach out to him. Even if they couldn't meet, he would be satisfied with a text from her.Disappointment settled in, confirming his suspicions that he did not hold any weight to her. Worse, he knew for sure that Alyssa had a place for Jasper in her heart. It was concealed beneath the aftermath of her divorce and reluctance to admit her feelings.Jameson adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and put on an icy look that contrasted the brilliant glow around him."Jimmy!"Upon hearing Alyssa's sweet voice, he immediately put on a warm smile. "Lyse, you're finally here."She shuffled up to him, hands on her back, and tilted her head quizically. "From the sound of it, you've waited for a long time. Is that true? I thought you just arrived."Her demeanor was like a cheerful tee
"Well, I just thought you might not be able to save me. I mean, you won't be rescuing a damsel in distress. You'll just be adding to my troubles," Alyssa made up an excuse. She added, "Jasper has a different physique. He's stronger than the average guy. He stands a better chance of surviving the surgery. I might not have been successful in saving you if you were injured, and I'd be burdened with guilt for the rest of my life."Jameson frowned, his heart sinking."Oh, by the way, welcome to Belbanks! Can I treat you to dinner tonight?" Alyssa extended an invitation with a smile, not wanting his trip to Belbanks to be in vain."Lyse, come with me to Solana City. We'll have dinner there," he said, his eyes suddenly brightening. "I'll also bring you to a place you'll love."After some consideration, she nodded. She wasn't particularly keen on the place Jameson had in mind. In fact, she planned to return to Solana City to meet with Cyrus as they were investigating the assailant behind
Alyssa thought Jameson's remark made sense.After settling the bill post-dinner, Alyssa excused herself and headed to the restroom.In her absence, her phone buzzed on the table. Jameson, leaning forward, slid her phone over and answered a call with a cold expression.Jasper's tender voice called out, "Lyse, are you free to talk now? Lyse?"Jameson sat in silence, listening as Jasper continued with a growing concern, "Lyse, where are you now? Can we meet?"Finally, Jameson smirked and ended the call. Within moments, Jasper called again.This time, Jameson chuckled and blocked Jasper's number before returning Alyssa's phone to its original position.Alyssa returned to the table shortly after, having reapplied her lipstick, her face radiant. She said, "Thanks for waiting. Let's go."Admiring her beauty, Jameson smiled and agreed, "Sure."…Alyssa sat in the front passenger seat as Jameson drove her to the east side of the city. She asked with curiosity, "Where are we going?""
Alyssa handled the situation gracefully, careful not to let any discomfort show on her face that might be mistaken as disdain by Jameson. She might be feisty and blunt, but she was raised to never look down on anyone."It's alright. If we're denied entry now, we can always come back when it's open. Let's go," Alyssa suggested, refusing to burden Jameson further. In a light-hearted tone, she added, "If you ever fancy horse riding, just drop by my family's racecourse. It's essentially the same experience."As she prepared to leave, Jameson unexpectedly seized her hand, his grip tightening. With a pleading tone, he urged, "Lyse, don't go. We need to get in today."Her fingers trembled as she instinctively tried to free herself, but Jameson's grip held firm. This insistence and forcefulness was a side of him she had never witnessed before.The security guards exchanged glances and sternly warned them, "Please leave, or we may have to handle this differently. Mr. David is hosting gu
Jasper silently lamented. How could he possibly be responsible for what happened in Alyssa's dream? Regardless, he had indeed scarred Alyssa with his poor treatment of her."Why don't you contact Mr. Jonah instead? We learned that Madam had gone home to Belbanks. I believe Mr. Jonah must know where she is," Xavier threw out a good suggestion.Jasper glared at him. "It's absurd that, as president of Beckett Group, I have to call her family because I couldn't locate her. What if Jonah doesn't know either? Should I call all her brothers then? Get out of my sight.""Okay. I'm leaving!" Xavier quietly left the office, knowing that Jasper was in a foul mood.After the door closed, Jasper dialed Jonah's number right away. Jonah picked up and spoke with an emotionless tone, "Mr. Beckett, how's your injury?"Jasper ignored the question and worriedly asked, "Mr. Jonah, is Lyse with you?""No, she's not. Why? Is she unreachable?"Jasper breathed heavily and informed Jonah, "She's not answe
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