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
Alyssa's eyes widened. Every nerve in her body tensed. Her red lips quivered. She wasn't slow to react, but it had happened too fast. A purebred, powerful horse charging at full speed was equivalent to a top-tier sports car!"Mr. Schmidt!" Todd yelled, desperately trying to reach Jameson for protection, but it was too late. The uncontrollable black horse charged into the stable, panting heavily, its eyes crimson. It headed straight for Alyssa like a raging madness.Alyssa's breath caught. She wanted to run, but in the overwhelming panic, her legs felt like they were nailed down. "Lyse!" Alyssa's pupils contracted, and her vision darkened.Jameson threw himself at her, sweeping her into his arms and flipping them both to the other side just as the horse went berserk.With a loud thud, they landed together. Dust rose. Jameson's back hit the ground first, and Alyssa, protected in his arms, suffered only minor scrapes.Even so, during the fall, she felt a violent shock to he
Jasper strode out of the room and hurried down the stairs, his pace so brisk that Xavier had to jog to keep up. As Jasper reached the living room, he spotted Justin sitting upright in his wheelchair, alone. Their eyes locked when Jasper was just a few steps away.Hostility flickered between their gazes.Curling his lips upward into a slight smile, Justin asked, "Jasper, heading out at this hour?"Xavier gritted his teeth, loathing the self-righteous air Justin exuded, as if he always held the upper hand. The sight made him want to charge forward and knock Justin clean off his wheelchair."It's late. Why aren't you in bed?" Jasper asked coldly, his tone as sharp as his glare. "It seems that broken body of yours is still holding up.""Jasper, you seem to be in a rush. Did something happen? Do you need my help?" Justin maintained the smile on his face, disregarding Jasper's sarcastic remark. "It's none of your business."Without another word, Jasper swept past him. Justin's
Jasper lay restrained on the bed, his body writhing violently as waves of agony crashed over him. A towel clenched between his teeth muffled his cries, though it could not silence the torment. Every inch of his skin felt as if it were being devoured by thousands of invisible ants—a relentless, gnawing pain brought on by withdrawal.He knew he could no longer rely on the medication. Time and again, the temptation clawed at him, urging him to surrender and take the easy way out. Relief was just a pill away. But Jasper's willpower, though battered, refused to shatter. Anne's words echoed in his mind, a guiding light in the darkness. She had always taught him to be a righteous man—one with a clear conscience. Curling into himself, Jasper shut his bloodshot eyes. He couldn't disappoint Anne. He couldn't let down those who believed in him. He had to resist the dark side. Outside the room, Xavier glanced at his wristwatch. Judging the timing to be right, he pushed the door open and l
"How about now? Is Ms. Altman at home?" Alyssa asked urgently."She isn't," Clark replied. "She drove out the back gate alone around 11:00 pm. Our security personnel stopped her then, but she said she was just going out for some fresh air because she had trouble sleeping. She promised she wouldn't be long, but it's strange—she hasn't returned even now."Alyssa's ears began to ring, her heart sinking like a stone.When she ended the call, her nightgown clung to her skin, drenched in cold sweat. Her trembling hand gripped the phone tightly.She thought of calling Jonah, but he was still searching for Julien in Mosgravia. He wouldn't be able to return in time. Silas wasn't home tonight; he was likely with Rose. Besides, he was more of an academic than a fighter—not someone who could help in a crisis. Getting him out of bed in the middle of the night couldn't possibly solve any of their problems. Axel had returned to his organization, leaving Cyrus as the only one accessible who mi
Amber's eyes reddened as she darted toward the trapdoor in The Millennium, tears streaming down her face.Remy had let her go. He actually spared her! Didn't this prove that he was Damien? That his true nature lingered, even if his memories of the past had been lost?Hope and excitement bubbled within her as she ran. She had to reach Alyssa immediately and share this evidence—this incredible news!Emerging from the trapdoor, Amber navigated the tangled paths among the weeds on the mountain behind The Millennium.Suddenly, she froze. Her breath hitched. Beams of white light shone from all directions, focusing on her. The cold, unyielding spotlights told her everything—she was surrounded, the target of an ambush. Amber's heart pounded in her chest. Cold sweat slicked her palms as her fingers clenched tightly around her dagger. The veins on the back of her hand throbbed with adrenaline.Six assassins in black emerged from the shadows, their flashlights cutting through the gl
Amber glared at Remy through her bloodshot eyes, thrusting her gleaming blade toward his chest. In her early days of being Jameson's follower, the first lesson drilled into her was how to kill quickly and efficiently. Refinement wasn't necessary—only results mattered. Yet, despite mastering the techniques, she had never put them into practice. Deep down, Amber feared the sight of blood and loathed the idea of taking a life.And now, of all people, it was Remy forcing her to cross that line.The blade's tip hovered mere inches from Remy's heart when hesitation gripped her. Axel's voice echoed in her mind, raw with emotion. "Amber, I keep feeling that Remy is my fifth brother, Damien. We miss him… We want him to come home!"Her pupils dilated. The blade wavered, its deadly intent dissipating.That single moment of doubt was all Remy needed. With a calm, calculated motion, he seized her wrist and twisted it sharply.Amber gasped in pain, her grip faltering as the blade clattered
The password to Jameson's room was Alyssa's birthday. Jameson had always believed himself to be a devoted man, taking pride in that notion. Yet, in Amber's eyes, his devotion was nothing more than a pathetic joke—a sentiment she couldn't help but detest.Taking a steadying breath, Amber began rummaging through the drawers and shelves with swift precision.Years of observation had taught her that Jameson had hidden several secret compartments in this room, places meant to conceal vital information. Unless Jameson or Carl disclosed their existence, even the police might not have uncovered them.After what felt like an eternity, sweat beading on her forehead, Amber discovered a hidden compartment beneath a floor sculpture.As she pried the brick loose, her breath hitched. Inside the compartment lay a waterproof plastic bag containing a document and a USB drive.Amber retrieved the document. Her heart raced as she realized its contents—a research report from Mosgravia's RC Biotech
Ever since getting together with Axel, Amber had lived each day in bliss. Yet, when Winston assured her that he truly accepted her and approved of her marriage to Axel, that bliss reached its peak. For so long, Amber had struggled with feelings of inferiority, never truly believing she deserved Axel's love. Deep down, she had resolved to step away if Winston disapproved or insisted Axel marry a woman from a reputable family—a match more fitting of his status.She wouldn't have hesitated to leave if it meant sparing Winston and Axel any conflict. Amber loved Axel wholeheartedly and was willing to sacrifice everything for him.But instead of rejection, she found warmth. The Taylor family embraced her as one of their own, showing her kindness and understanding rather than disdain for her past.She could never repay such compassion. "Winston… Thank you. Thank you…" Amber's tear-filled eyes glistened, their brightness undimmed despite all the darkness she had endured. Winston s
Amber stifled a laugh and teased, "Stop talking, Mr. Whitaker. You're going to sound like a broken record if you keep going." …After breakfast and a quick packing session, Axel departed from Heightsnew Villa. Amber spent her day helping the Taylors with various tasks. She assisted Mandy in organizing documents for Lovelace Group's projects, helped Lyla with cooking, and even joined Colene in feeding her horse. With Tatiana's due date approaching, Amber also pitched in for her shower preparations.Amber had always been a diligent person, but today, she seemed particularly intent on keeping herself busy. She was counting down the hours until nightfall. After dinner, the Taylors sat in the living room and chatted casually as they always did. The warm, familial atmosphere filled the space, and Amber joined in, her perceptive nature making her a seamless part of the group.When everyone retired to their rooms, Amber rose to help the helpers clear the table. "Amber." Startled
Axel and Amber had only spent half a month together before the former was called back to report for work. The night before his departure, they spent hours lost in each other, their passion unrelenting. Again and again, they exchanged kisses, their love pouring forth in an endless tide."Amber, three months… Just give me three more months." When their fervor finally waned, Axel held Amber close in his arms. They rested against the headboard, leaning into one another, too exhausted to move yet unwilling to let sleep claim them."Once I finish all the missions I've taken on, I'll hand in my resignation. After that, I'll spend all my time with you," Axel murmured, his voice steady with resolve. "We'll go wherever you want. If you want fun, I'll have fun with you. If you want chaos, I'll spend my life going crazy with you."Axel wasn't one for flowery words. He simply spoke from the heart. Right now, his heart only wanted Amber—forever.Amber nestled closer, her soft smile masking t