Alyssa wasn't someone to be trifled with. "Listen up, everyone. From now on, Liana and I are enemies. If I misspoke, I will end up like this bracelet!" Alyssa clenched her teeth. Then, she slowly opened her left palm. Jasper's breath was caught in his throat at the sight of her blood-covered palm. The pieces of the bracelet were also stained with blood. She loved that bracelet, which was why she kept holding it even though it was broken. She even hurt her hand without noticing it. Jasper felt emotions overwhelm him. His gaze was unreadable as he stared at Alyssa's face, which was full of resentment. His stone heart began to crack. "Your hands are bleeding, Ms. White!" Landon exclaimed. He frantically rummaged through all the pockets on his body, looking for a handkerchief, a tissue, or whatever he could find to bandage the wound. However, he couldn't find anything. Jasper could feel a handkerchief in his chest pocket. He closed his eyes as his hands balled into fists. How
Alyssa remained unfazed by Sophia's hypocritical behavior. She had divulged that information to tell Mandy that Alyssa was not only used but also a gold digger from a rural village. Rosaline and Liana were secretly delighted.The Taylors and the Becketts were at odds. Jonah was Winston's eldest son and held a prestigious status. There was no woman out of his reach. How could he possibly want a woman the Becketts had abandoned? It was funny to even think about it.Jasper frowned in displeasure. "That's personal. You have no right to discuss it.""Jasper, it may be personal, but it concerns the Becketts and the Taylors. I'm just trying to prevent any potential shock when people find out that your ex-wife is here. I'm doing this for everyone's sake!" Sophia continued to fuss. "Does it concern both families? Didn't Ms. White divorce Mr. Beckett? Divorce means no ties anymore. So why do you think that Ms. White is affecting your family?" Mandy asked with a sneer. "Did she sign a co
"Wait."For some reason, the conversation irritated Jasper. Sternly, he asked, "Ms. White, don't you owe Liana an apology?"Landon sighed helplessly, resisting the urge to stuff his socks into Jasper's mouth.A dull pain throbbed in Alyssa's heart. She turned around to cast him a blank stare. Her disappointed gaze pierced Jasper's soul. "She didn't do it! Alice didn't do it!" Just at that moment, a sweet, gentle voice cut through the air. It arrived unannounced, like lightning on a clear day, foiling the plot that had been carefully planted. When Alyssa turned her gaze toward the source of the voice, there was a glimmer in her eyes."Lauren!"A girl clad in a simple white dress was hurrying toward them. She was sporting a ridiculous crown of dense curls, which was Betty's doing. Lauren had always been Betty's imaginary enemy in their family. Betty envied her little sister's beauty. She always looked for new ways to bully her. Whenever they appeared in public, she would
Jasper narrowed his eyes. And he turned his piercing gaze to Liana's pale face. When he let go of her waist, Liana clung to him desperately. She ignored the pain in her hand. "No, Jasper, it's not true! Alice provoked me first! I didn't provoke her! Lauren's mind isn't good, don't believe her!""Her mind isn't good? Well, I think the only thing not good about her is her hairstyle. She explained everything clearly," Landon sneered. For Jasper's sake, he didn't say anything too harsh. He couldn't believe that Jasper, the playboy, would treat Liana like his true love. He wasn't easy to please, yet he was sticking to her like he was under a spell. "Ms. White didn't hurt you, right?" Jasper took a deep breath, his voice tense. With the witness present, Liana broke into a cold sweat. She dared not lie again."So, you slandered her?" Jasper's words cut through Liana like a knife."N-No, I—"Liana began to shiver in fear, her body trembling like a leaf. Suddenly, she fainted from
After receiving treatment, Liana was transferred to a normal ward. The doctor said she wasn't seriously injured. Although the wound was a little deep, it didn't require stitches. She had fainted because of her excessive panic and mental tension. "You finally woke up, Liana!" Rosaline cried by her bed. She sobbed as if she was in Liana's wake. "I thought I would never see you again!" "Alright, alright, stop mourning. Jasper isn't here. There's no point in crying so loudly. You're bothering me," Sophia said. She crossed her arms and asked, "Have you figured out how to handle this situation?""Which situation?" Rosaline wiped away her tears, a little confused."Which situation? Don't tell me you've messed up more than once?" Sophia sneered as she glared at her useless younger sister. "Your failures are more than your successes. Do I look like a magical genie? I've been supporting you so that your daughter ends up with Jasper. With that bird brain of yours, do you think your da
"Mr. Beckett! It's all my fault! It's all my mistake!" Rosaline thought it would be better to admit her wrongdoing instead of waiting to be questioned. She couldn't let this matter affect her daughter and ruin her chances of marrying into a noble family. So she rushed over with a sorrowful expression. And she knelt in front of Jasper. "The Gardners are in trouble. Our cash flow is broken, and our factories are closing down one after another. When the Becketts refused to help, we were forced into a corner by the Taylors. We were left with no choice …"So I discussed it with Liana's father, and we decided to sell some family assets for the sake of our company's finances. I secretly sold Liana's jewelry. Liana didn't even know of it! "If I had known that the necklace was the token of your love to Liana ... Even if I starved or died of poverty, I would never have sold it!" Liana secretly heaved a sigh of relief before pretending to be shocked. Tears welled in her eyes, and she cri
As the night fell, they arrived at the ACE. It was one of Landon's properties. Jasper was feeling extremely depressed. So, he did something he had never done before—he went out to drink with his friends. Landon picked him up personally. Jasper rarely took the initiative to contact him. "Sometimes, I feel like I'm your mistress," Landon murmured into Jasper's ear. In front of others, he was bold and fearless. But he turned chatty and gossipy whenever he was around Jasper."I've never stooped so low for any woman. But I'm like a mistress waiting for her man when it comes to you. You just have to give me a booty call, and I'll doll up and come running to you. Aren't I the best? C'mon, admit it! Even I feel touched by my actions!" "You've never stooped low for any woman?" Jasper glanced at him. "Well, you were stooping pretty low for Alice." "That was a one-time thing! It's mainly because your ex-wife is too outstanding, and I ... I can't help myself," Landon said. Jasper resi
After returning from the charity auction, Alyssa locked herself in her room. She refused to come out. She was in an unusually low mood. In the evening, Jonah and Silas visited their sister. Although Alyssa came downstairs, she seemed listless. She was lacking her usual vigor."Lyse, I heard about what happened at the auction from Mrs. Taylor," Jonah said as he gently held his sister's bandaged hand. He stroked it tenderly. "How's your injury? Did Sean take care of dressing the wound for you? Does it still hurt? Is there any infection?""I have basic first aid. I can take care of it myself. Sean's already worried about many things. I don't want to bother him with something this small," Alyssa replied sullenly. She quickly pulled her hand back."Sean is becoming less reliable! If I hadn't bumped into Mrs. Taylor at home and learned about what happened to you at the auction, we would've been kept in the dark!" Silas said, his eyes filled with rage. "Tomorrow, I'll deliver a subpoen
Alyssa followed Jasper into the study. The door closed behind her with a soft click. She didn't move to switch on the lights or sit down. Instead, she stood quietly in the dim room.They faced each other, eyes locked. In the darkness, their gazes seemed brighter, charged with emotions that neither could put into words. Whatever stirred within them was tangled and silent—kept at bay by something unspoken, as if a wall had formed between heart and mouth. After a pause, Alyssa offered a faint smile. Her voice was soft, almost courteous. "Go ahead, Mr. Beckett. I won't be staying long tonight—I've made other arrangements."It was clear she didn't want to be alone in a room with him.Jasper's chest tightened, overwhelmed by a surge of emotion he couldn't define. His voice was rough when he finally spoke. "You didn't vote against the motion at today's board meeting. I wanted to know… are we still on the same side?"Alyssa's gaze lowered, her voice steady and calm. "You didn't object
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