"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
As Jameson spoke, he reached out for Alyssa's hand. He then recalled her uneasiness, and his hand stopped mid-air. He curled his fingers.Alyssa's heart skipped a beat when she saw him reaching out.At that moment, Jameson's secretary, Carl, ran over, panting. He exclaimed, "M-Mr. Schmidt, I have bad news."Jameson knitted his brows. "What's wrong?""Mr. David has led the horse for Ms. Alyssa to the racecourse!Upon learning that, Jameson adjusted his glasses with a burning rage in his eyes.…David sent a horse trainer to present the guests with a magnificent champagne-colored Golden Ausman horse."Mr. David, this horse is truly rare! I've heard of Golden Ausman horse before, but seeing it in person is a first!""This horse probably costs a good ten million."David gleefully replied, "Ten million dollars? You're underestimating its value." He gently caressed the horse's smooth skin. "These pure-bred horses from Bahari are rare. They fetch at least 15 million."The guests ga
David's face turned from red to green as he listened to Jameson's taunting words. The crowd began to murmur and gossip. "Are the two sons of the Schmidt family not getting along?"Someone remarked, "Is this just a lack of harmony or a full-blown feud?" Another guest chimed in, "Did Jameson just claim that the horse is his? Did David use Jameson's horse without permission? Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"The murmurs reached David's ears, and he couldn't bear it any longer. He clenched his teeth and said coldly, "Jimmy, it's just a horse. Is it necessary to say such things in front of so many people?"Jameson replied, "Yes, it is." His refined features were icy, and his voice was cutting. "If it were just an ordinary horse, I wouldn't argue with you."He continued, "But the horse you touched is a gift I intended to give to Ms. Taylor. She hasn't seen it yet, and you laid your hands on it. Do you think that's appropriate?" Alyssa's excited gaze was still fixed on the splendid hor
David was furious, "Are you saying I gave him a chance to humiliate me?" The secretary immediately explained, "No, no, no! I'm just ticked off on your behalf! You're the one Mr. Victor picked for Alyssa, after all!""I don't require you to be angry on my behalf. I need you to find a solution for me!" David snapped. He was visibly agitated as his eyes reddened, and his hands started to tremble.Seeing this, the secretary hurriedly brought another glass of whiskey, which David promptly downed. His composure gradually returned, and his hands stopped shaking.He looked all aristocratic in public. But who would have thought he relied on strong liquor to handle his emotions? "He made you uncomfortable. You should return the favor. At least, don't let him enjoy his date with Alyssa so smoothly," the secretary whispered.David's eyes lit up. After a pause, he motioned for the secretary to come closer. "I've got an idea. Get on it right away."…Jasper couldn't reach Alyssa's phone, a
"The Golden Ausman horse is like the Ferrari of horses. It's a national treasure of Bahari. I used to pester my dad to get me one, but he was always worried I might have an accident while riding. He was reluctant to let me get too close to horses," Alyssa said. In the glow of the lights, Alyssa excitedly stroked the golden fur of the Ausman horse. The pulses beneath her fingertips made her heart race. Suddenly, her tongue felt dry, and an image flashed in her mind. Jasper was standing before her. He was bare and muscular, and his chest was wild and firm. A tingling sensation surged through Alyssa's fingertips. Her cheeks were burning.Jasper, who once pressed her down in her wildest desires, was like an untamed steed. "Lyse, do you like it? Lyse?" Jameson's voice brought her back from her wild thoughts.Alyssa snapped out of her reverie and quickly touched her flushed cheek. Her eyes were glistening. She said, "I like it. Horses are my favorite animals." Damn it! Why did Ja
"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,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc
Beckett Group was, in essence, Javier's heart and soul, forged from his own labor. "Justin set me up, framed me for drug addiction, and bribed my primary physician to give false testimony—all so he could drag me down. The fact that he dared to target me like this means he's willing to betray anyone."Jasper took a deep breath, forcing down the rage roiling inside him as Javier remained silent. "Fine. Even if you insist this is just a family matter, Justin's reputation is already in ruins, and the corporation's stock prices are fluctuating. Are you really going to stand by him, even now?""Justin has explained everything to me. He wasn't aware of the bribery. That female doctor who worked for him acted on her own. Besides, she's been arrested. The backlash against Justin will settle in time…"Jasper listened, his face unreadable, but his heart clenched painfully. A lump rose in his throat, suffocating him.He had lost his mother at a young age, but he had never longed for his fa