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
"Jameson, is this the time for jokes?" Alyssa raised her voice as she was both anxious and angry. Jameson dared not tease her further. He endured the pain and softly said, "My arm and back are a bit sore."Before he finished speaking, Alyssa paused, precisely locating the position of his broken arm. Touching the protruding bone, she recalled the heart-stopping moment just now. A pang of guilt pierced her heart."It's okay, Lyse." Jameson's eyes met hers as he said gently. "And you say it's okay? You have a fracture!" Alyssa's eyes reddened as she shouted at him. He was the one injured, yet he tried to comfort her. It made her feel even more guilty. "Don't worry. I'll mend every bone you break. Even if all the bones in your body break, I'll fix them all. I will be responsible for you!" Alyssa reassured him.Jameson felt warmth in his heart. No woman had ever dared to say she'd take responsibility for him. That audacity was one reason he was deeply infatuated with her."This
Javier remained a straight face upon hearing that. However, his eyes betrayed a myriad of emotions. "Oh! I heard about this before. Come on! It has been so many years, and someone still brought it up. Don't they have better things to do?" someone commented.Another person commented, "I'm sure it's jealousy! They can't stand seeing the attention she gets on her birthday. Besides, she married a wealthy man and is beautiful!"They can't stand all that, so they resorted to digging up old dirt. It's an everyday occurrence."It happens all the time with celebrities managed by my entertainment company. They're always backstabbing and spreading rumors for no good reason!"Javier pursed his lips and furrowed his brows slightly. Even though they were just expressing their opinions without mentioning anyone, he still felt an indescribable discomfort. "Mr. Taylor is truly a loyal person.""Indeed. After all, Lyla was an actress and only gave birth to a daughter. Yet, Mr. Taylor treats her
Jasper's remarks left everyone stunned. They could not believe how straightforward and sharp-tongued he was. Upon hearing what Jasper said, the business titans remained composed, managing their expressions well. However, their gazes toward Dominic carried a tinge of disdain. They agreed that if Dominic wanted to discuss business, he should do it correctly. How could he suddenly extend an invitation? Besides, why was he determined to involve his daughter, whom Jasper and Javier had never seen before? His intentions were clear as day. Yet, Dominic did not expect Jasper to be such a straightforward and unforgiving person. He had just revealed his hidden agenda a little. However, the latter promptly intervened, putting an end to it.Usually, Dominic was someone who hid his emotions behind a smiling façade. But at that moment, he found it hard to maintain his composure. His smile froze as he awkwardly said, "Hahaha! You're right, Mr. Beckett. My apologies for the abruptness. "I
Suddenly, Renee became excited. "Dad, has Mr. Beckett arrived?" she asked."Yes, he's here."She eagerly added, "Have you discussed the new project with him? You must tell him that the proposal was my idea!"A man born with a silver spoon like Mr. Beckett has seen countless beautiful women. I'm sure none of them can grab his attention," Renee commented with a smug smile. "I'm sure he'll be interested in me. After all, I'm highly educated and broad-minded. In addition, I'm beautiful, not to mention my distinguished background. "Once he notices me, he'll be drawn to my talents. Then, I'll captivate him, and eventually, he will fall for me!"Her cheerful tone sounded like she had already won Jasper's heart and was one step closer to marrying into the wealthy Beckett family. In the next second, Dominic's gaze turned menacing. He replied in a low voice, "Hmph! Let me offer a piece of advice. Don't get too happy.""What do you mean by that, Dad?"Dominic answered, "Jasper is a di
In the evening, Xavier drove Jasper to meet with Newton. Along the way, news broke out that Sheryl had been bailed out. Xavier slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Damn it! Why is it so hard to get rid of that woman?" "She is Justin's right hand," Jasper said, eyes shut as he leaned back in his seat. His jaw tightened. "You could even say she knows more about his secrets than anyone. As long as she's useful, Justin won't discard her so easily. This is how he operates."Xavier shook his head, teeth gritted. "Where the hell did she even come from? When you had me investigate her, I found nothing. Her background was spotless. "What's in her past that Justin would go so far to keep it hidden? A man like him can have any woman he wants, yet he clings to her—some pretty-faced idiot who only seems to make things harder for him."Jasper's gaze turned glacial. Xavier's casual remark struck him.He was right. Justin wasn't short on capable subordinates. So why Sheryl?Was Sh
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"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,