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
Javier sat in the audience and looked disdainfully at Jasper. "Look at all the company presidents here. Which one of them shaved their head to get a crew cut? Are you still serving in the military?"You should pay more attention to your image. Also, you had surgery before. There's a scar on your scalp. Why didn't you wear a wig to cover it?"Jasper lowered his gaze, his tone cold yet confident as he replied, "Everyone in Solana City knows about my injury. So, covering it would be pointless. Besides, even if I'm bald, it won't affect my good looks."Javier pursed his lips upon hearing that. Despite having low opinions of many aspects of his son, he had to admit that Jasper had inherited all the best traits from him and Anne. Jasper was basically flawless and perfect. "I'll have someone make a realistic wig for you tomorrow. Then, I'll send it over to you," Javier insisted. In fact, it was not about the wig. Javier simply did not like that Jasper was going against him. Hence, he w
That night, Alyssa stayed in the presidential suite of Solana City's KS World Hotel. She couldn't bring herself to return to her own manor—not yet. The lingering memories of her breakup with Jasper were still too raw, and the thought of revisiting their former home felt like reopening an unhealed wound.The following morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door. Groggily, she slipped on her night robe and opened it to find Sean standing there, carrying a complete set of brand-new hiking gear.Alyssa smiled. "Thank you, Sean." "Ms. Alyssa, it's freezing today. Are you sure you want to go hiking?" Sean walked into the living room and placed the items neatly on the couch. He still felt somewhat worried. "It's alright if it's cold, as long as the weather is good."Alyssa gazed out the window. The sun was shining brightly. The thought of going hiking with Jasper today made it impossible for her to conceal the sweet smile on her face and the delight in her eyes. She still love
Remy's eyes were bloodshot; his expression twisted with disgust as he stared at Sheryl. He could hardly fathom how someone so deranged and vile had once been close to Jasper. Even if Jasper and Alyssa had separated, Sheryl was nowhere near worthy of Jasper's side; she was not even fit to be the dirt on Alyssa's shoes.A sudden flash of memory struck him—the image of Alyssa during that traffic accident. He recalled her mustering all her strength to crawl out of her wrecked car, her face bloody, her body broken yet defiant. He had never seen such a fierce spirit in a woman before.His heart pounded uncontrollably, the memory triggering a sharp pain in his temples. Remy closed his eyes, gasping for breath.Sheryl broke into wild, unhinged laughter. Her entire body shook as she spat out her words, "Oh, Jasper, you poor, clueless fool!"If he ever discovers that the woman he's been tormenting all this time is actually his savior—the one he's been desperate to repay—that would be an eart
Sheryl's eyes lit up. "And what might that reason be?"Justin's lips curved into a faint smirk, his voice calm yet carrying a cold, ethereal tone. "Besides Ms. Alyssa, there's another woman who holds great significance to Jasper. She's the only one who can compel him to act without hesitation." Remy, usually a man of few words, abruptly spoke up. "Is she the one you've mentioned before? The woman who saved Jasper on the battlefield?""After Jasper retired from the military, he was plagued by PTSD. He came back shattered, dispirited, even on the brink of taking his own life."During that time, I often spoke with him over the phone, urging him to hold on, to keep living. I reminded him that if I could endure this half-disabled existence, then surely, he could find a reason to go on."Justin's tone was leisurely, as though recounting something insignificant. He continued, "I told him that if he were gone, what would become of Beckett Group? More than that, he would leave Dad and G
A first-rate Wiktorian mansion was located in a secluded and quiet area on the East Side. It was Justin's private residence. Outsiders were unaware of its existence. Sheryl arrived in the early hours of the morning, rushing to report to Justin, only to bump into Remy, who exuded an unmistakable air of coldness. His eyes were bloodshot as if he hadn't slept in days. A menacing vibe surrounded him, and his eyes burned with feral intensity. Sheryl felt unsettled and longed to flee his presence."You're like a ghoul," she muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes before knocking on the door to enter Justin's study.Remy remained expressionless in the face of her contemptuous remark. He followed her into the room. In his classically-decorated study, Justin sat in his wheelchair, idly toying with a colorful cockatiel in its gilded cage.Jameson once possessed an exquisite, costly cockatiel at The Millenium. A devoted follower of Justin, the former idolized the latter, mimicking
Alyssa released Jasper's hand and quickly opened the car door. "Mr. Beckett, see you there, rain or shine." The warmth of her touch left his fingers as she withdrew. Jasper instinctively curled his fingers inward, his mouth parting to say something—anything—but hesitation held him back.Without waiting for his response, Alyssa slipped out of the car and disappeared into the night without a backward glance. It wasn't until she was fully gone that he whispered in a low, hoarse voice, "See you there, rain or shine." …When Alyssa returned to the parking lot, Sean was standing worriedly beside the car, waiting for her. Seeing her approach, eyes glistening with unshed tears, he knew she had just seen Jasper. A dull ache tugged at his heart, and he was certain their conversation had been anything but pleasant."Ms. Alyssa," he began softly, "I know you're relentless in everything you pursue. But some things in life… they just can't be forced. Sometimes, letting go can be its own k
Xavier was confused. He caught the tie bar in his hands and asked, "What's this, Mr. Beckett?" Jasper closed his eyes to rest. He tugged at his tie knot but still felt suffocated."It was from Sheryl," he answered. Xavier let out a cry. "This filthy thing is from that wild woman? I don't want it!" With a disgusted look on his face, Xavier hurled the tie bar aside. "I'm already seeing someone. I don't want my girlfriend to misunderstand me." "Girlfriend?" "Yeah, Mr. Beckett. Maggie is my girlfriend." With his eyes closed, Jasper frowned. "She's become of age?" Xavier didn't know how he should react. "She's already in university, Mr. Beckett. Am I that much of an animal in your eyes?" Suddenly, the memory of himself and Alyssa rescuing Maggie flashed through Jasper's mind. Just then, Xavier exclaimed in surprise, "Mr. Beckett, look!" Jasper opened his eyes slowly, and his heart jolted. Standing alone before his car was Alyssa, framed against the piercing headlights,
Alyssa balled her hands into fists as she pressed them against the faux rock. All her focus was now directed onto Sheryl instead of Jasper. At this moment, Sheryl picked up the tie bar from its box. While Jasper was distracted, she clipped it onto his tie. Jasper was taken aback. He quickly stepped back, but Sheryl was quicker, and the tie bar was clipped on. "Mr. Jasper, it suits you really well." Sheryl's eyes were captivating, and her voice was sultry. If she were speaking with any other man, they would be easily captivated by her. "It looks like I made the right choice." Jasper's eyes dimmed. Yet, out of courtesy and because Sheryl worked for Justin, he did not react in any way that would put her in a difficult spot. Alyssa's eyes reflected a deep sorrow as she watched them, her gaze carrying the silent desolation of a snowstorm beginning to overtake her heart. Even so, she forced herself to stay rational. She pulled out her cell phone, wanting to record Sheryl's ever
Jasper stumbled into the hotel's back garden and stopped by the pond. He panted hard, feeling as if he were drowning. Even so, he could not return to his usual composure. As he shook all over, he bent down and grabbed a handful of snow. The bone-piercing cold spread through his body, but he still couldn't suppress the throbbing pain in his temples. His eyes became bloodshot. He stuffed that handful of snow into his mouth and swallowed all of it. He couldn't suppress it. He couldn't suppress it at all.The pills. He needed those pills! "Mr. Jasper? What are you doing here?" Sheryl's surprised voice came from behind Jasper.He held his breath, his fingers tightening around the snow in his grasp, veins bulging as he clenched his fists. Slowly, he straightened his back and turned to face her. "I came out for some fresh air," he answered in an extremely hoarse voice. Sheryl narrowed her eyes and studied him. "Mr. Jasper, you look awful. Are you feeling unwell?" "I'm fine." A
When Justin and Alyssa stepped into the banquet hall together, another uproar swept through the hall. Everyone focused their astonished gazes on the pair. "I'm not dreaming, am I? The one accompanying Alyssa isn't Mr. Jasper, but another man?" "That man has such a confident air about him. His looks and bearing are comparable to Mr. Jasper's!" "Ms. Alyssa has so many brothers in the Taylor family. Could it be one of her brothers whom we have never seen?" "Justin!" Javier was pumped up in an instant. Beaming, he strutted to the front of Justin and Alyssa. Justin? The room fell silent as the crowd exchanged confused glances."Hey, Dad." Justin smiled, his eyes looking clear and bright. Alyssa was a daughter from a wealthy aristocratic family. Although she and Javier used to be on bad terms, she still attended the Beckett family's event. She politely greeted Javier. "Mr. Javier, my father is resting up at home and is unable to make it. So, he got me to come especially to