"Lyse, what's wrong?" Jameson noted the change in Alyssa's expression and asked with concern.She stated, "I've never blocked Jasper on my phone. Why is his contact in my blocked list?" Her piercing gaze landed on Jameson's innocent face."Lyse …""Did you do that?" She cut to the chase. "I did not contact anyone except for you tonight. Jasper claimed that he called me throughout the night but couldn't reach me because his number was blocked."Jameson balled his fists on his knee. There was a glint in his eyes.She squinted at him and recalled, "I remember that I left my phone when I used the restroom at the restaurant. Did you take the chance to block his number?""Lyse, are you suspecting me now?" Jameson stared at her with innocent-looking bright eyes."I am not suspecting you. I am merely stating the truth," Alyssa countered harshly.Jameson felt a weight on his chest that nearly crushed him. He began, "Lyse, I shouldn't have touched your phone, but I didn't want him interr
Alyssa knitted her brows as she grappled with the mixed emotions. She argued, "I'm not worth risking your life for. You should cut your losses now."Cut his losses?Rage filled Jameson's eyes as he clenched his fists against the car window. Her words were more humiliating and hurtful than a simple "I do not love you."She continued, "Everyone is deserving of love. I don't want to see you end up like me."…Jasper returned to his car well past midnight. Xavier purchased a cup of hot coffee from the 24-hour mart across the park. When he handed the coffee to Jasper, he noticed that Jasper's hands were too frozen to grip the cup properly.Feeling sorry for Jasper, Xavier increased the heat in the car and draped Jasper in his jacket. Then, he placed the coffee in Jasper's hands.He suggested, "Mr. Beckett, there's a hospital nearby. Let's see a doctor. Your hands are cracking from the cold.""How did he do it?" Jasper stared at his phone and pondered icily.Xavier was surprised. "W
The online buzz surrounding Zoe and Jasper's "rendezvous" continued to escalate. Both the Beckett Group and the Harper Group PR teams worked tirelessly to mitigate the controversy. Still, the widespread dissemination of videos and photos made it difficult to quell the public discussion.Even if they managed to take relevant hashtags off the trending topics, they couldn't stop people from discussing it.Penelope dropped her phone in shock and slipped down the stairs when she saw the trending topics. Thankfully, she was near the landing and merely stumbled a few steps down. Still, she suffered from a sprained ankle and hurt her head.Landon was badly shocked by his mom's injuries and sent her to the hospital overnight.Penelope, while on an IV drip, held Landon's hands tightly and sobbed. "Landon, what do we do? Zoe is only 22. How is she going to live her life with this stain? What can I say to your grandpa and your dad?"Then, she cried hysterically. Landon swallowed hard and sat
Cornelius lived separately from his sons, just like Newton. He lived in a massive manor slightly smaller than the Seaview Manor, but it was still considered one of the top ten manors in the nation.The scandal had spread across the family. Even the domestic staff would gossip about Zoe in their pastime.Furthermore, the silence from Jasper and the Beckett Group created an impression that Zoe was nothing more than a discarded plaything after a night of fun and passion. Her reputation as a Harper lay in ruins."Hey, is Ms. Zoe around?" The maids huddled together to gossip. "She's in Mr. Cornelius' study, crying as if someone died.""What's the point of crying? She should have behaved better as a Harper—protecting her reputation is a priority. She's now involved with Mr. Beckett and wasn't even fully dressed in the photos. Any distinguished family would care about their reputation. No one would want a woman like her.""Perhaps Mr. Beckett would want to marry her. They must have had
Preston lounged on the couch, lazily peeling a tangerine he plucked from the fruit plate. "You know, I think Jasper Beckett should marry Zoe."Cornelius' eyebrows shot up at the statement, and Zoe couldn't contain a quiet grin in Cornelius' arms."Sure, Jasper might be an out-of-wedlock son, which isn't ideal, but Justin Beckett is unwell. Sooner or later, the company will be Jasper's. If Zoe marries him, she'll inherit Beckett Group. Not a bad deal at all," Preston remarked, crossing his legs and stuffing a piece of fruit into his mouth."Uncle Preston, what are you even saying …" Zoe bit her lower lip and blushed."I've thought it over. We'll make an announcement saying that you've been dating Jasper for a while now, but we kept it private because we didn't want to take up the press space."Two single adults sharing a room is pretty normal, isn't it? Is there a need for public outrage? Look how badly they've scared Zoe," Preston added. He was in charge of entertainment and PR ag
Preston was halfway through his speech when Zoe burst into tears. She moaned, "Grandpa, Uncle Preston, I am so ashamed and done for! I should just end my life!""Dear child, don't cry. I will take care of this for you," Cornelius soothed her. As a retired businessman who had once dominated the playing field, he was aghast at the treatment his family received. He shattered the teapot and seethed, "So, is Jasper Beckett thinking of shirking his responsibility? He's going to regret it."Landon, didn't your mom get hurt after hearing about the scandal? She's in the hospital, right?"Landon gulped and sank into silence."When she's out of the hospital, meet with the Becketts to discuss marriage. If you don't, I will!" Cornelius threatened."Grandpa, can we calm down for a bit?" Landon growled. He was at his limits when he learned that his family planned to cause a ruckus at the Becketts'."Landon, if I recall correctly, you're like brothers with Jasper Beckett," said Preston, who cr
Preston's expression twisted as he exited Cornelius' place. His shocked secretary trailed closely behind and questioned, "Mr. Preston, I overheard most of your conversation with Mr. Landon in the study. Why would you support Ms. Zoe's marriage to Mr. Beckett? You clearly knew that—""And do you really believe Jasper Beckett would marry Zoe?" Smirking, Preston added, "Jasper has gotten himself into trouble many times because of Alyssa Taylor. Not long ago, he even risked his life to save her from an attack."Those two are obviously involved with each other. Zoe is deluded in this one-sided love. I am certain Jasper Beckett will not agree to marry Zoe, and that is precisely why I'm endorsing the marriage. I plan to exploit the strain between Landon and Jasper for my benefit.""That's clever!" the secretary praised. A glint appeared in Preston's eyes. "Romance has always been the most effective tool to pit two men against each other."Just as he prepared to descend the stairs, an idea
Zoe had tested Landon's boundaries with her audacious demeanor and shameless laughter, leaving him incredulous that she was his sister. When had Zoe transformed into this woman? He had doted on her since childhood, but she had gradually veered down the wrong path.He screamed at her in a fit of hysteria. "I'll ask you one last time. Who's the mastermind behind this scandal?""No one. My answer remains the same, no matter how many times you ask me," she replied and rose from the ground. She smoothed the wrinkles on her expensive dress and tossed her brown wavy curls. "Landon, I will marry your best friend soon and become Mrs. Beckett."You know Jasper well. Although you said you'd introduce me to wealthy suitors, I won't marry anyone except for Jasper, as I have loved him for a long time. No one is better than Jasper. Aren't you happy that I'm about to marry a Beckett? I thought you loved me the most. Was that just for show as well?""Zoe Harper, what's all that bullshit?" Lando
Jonah's gaze burned with a mix of longing, sorrow, and something deeply affectionate. The world swam back into focus as Julien looked at Jonah. Without preamble, he asked, "Are you new? How much do you charge per night?"Light-headed and grinning, Julien reached out a hand, his fingers brushing softly against Jonah's cheek. "You're pretty good-looking," he said, his voice slurred. Then his expression shifted. "Why do you… look so much like someone I hate with every fiber of my being?"Jonah's heart clenched. Even so, he slid his arms around Julien's waist. Trembling, he pulled Julien into his arms. "I'm new here. Could you help me meet my target tonight, Mr. Lovelace?"Julien's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Jonah. Jonah's eyes teared up as he held Julien's waist tightly. "I promise you won't be disappointed," he said, his voice deep. Watching from the shadows below the stage, Evan nearly gagged at Jonah's sultry tone. Was this really the Judas he knew? The man sounded downri
The bar was alive with striking lights and thundering music, and the air was thick with the scent of tobacco and alcohol. The atmosphere was one of moral decay—corrupt, degrading, and vile. "Where's Julien?" Jonah's voice cut through the noise, his tone icy and sharp. When Jonah stepped inside, the eyes of several men turned toward him, their gazes filled with illicit intent."Why, hello there. Are you here alone? Are you feeling lonely?" A sexy man sauntered over, draping himself over Jonah's shoulders. He let his hands linger with a playful squeeze. "If you're bored, I'd be happy to keep you company." Jonah's expression darkened. His hands trembled, veins bulging with barely contained rage. Suddenly, Evan burst through the crowd, his face twisting in alarm at the sight of Jonah surrounded by a swarm of predatory men. Evan yelled, "Don't touch him!" A heavy thump reverberated through the room. Gasps erupted as people scrambled back.The man who had draped himself over
Rafe stated, "But Beckett Group is in the middle of a storm right now. If I insisted on giving your corporation the project, my superiors would investigate me. I wouldn't be able to escape unscathed!""If you're investigated, I'll make sure you can still live a life of luxury—even if you lose your job." Justin's tone darkened. "But if you turn against me, you won't just suffer a few losses. You'll lose everything."Under the dim moonlight, Justin fiddled with his antique tea cup, his gaze narrowing. "You've worked so hard to get to where you are. Are you prepared to lose it all?"After ending the call, Justin turned to Remy, who stood quietly at the side. "Sheryl is still being detained. She can't be bailed out for another two days. I need someone to watch over the research lab. You'll handle that."Remy was taken aback. "I failed my last mission. Aren't you going to punish me?"Justin's smile was cold and insincere. "It wasn't your fault. You were ambushed. If not for that, I tru
Remy pursed his lips, bending down to pick up the fallen poker card. It was the King of Spades—an entry pass to Kings' Club. "My attacker was…" Remy's pupils constricted as he tightened his grip on the card. "It can only be that dear uncle of mine, always claiming to see me as his own son." Justin's lips curled into a sinister smile. "He's trying to get rid of my right-hand man, taking advantage of my internal feud with Jasper. Weakening me is just his first step toward gaining control over me."He's been a fugitive ever since his successful prison break, never returning to Cyrris after receiving his life sentence. His power base remains in Kontina. "I'm the last surviving Dutton. The Dutton Group, as a cover, has declared bankruptcy and severed all ties with the country. "My dear uncle has taken a huge risk just to target me. He sent his men to attack you in Solana City. What a delightful surprise. It seems he truly doesn't trust me, his only remaining family."Remy lowere
The hospital ward grew heavy with silence. Mandy and Neil stared at Alyssa, stunned beyond words. "M-Ms. Alyssa, you knew that man was Mr. Damien?" Neil asked, disbelief etched into his voice. "Yes." Alyssa's reply was quiet, her lips pressed into a thin line. She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "We found out when Cyrus took Damien's cigarette butt for a paternity test."Mandy approached Alyssa, her shoulders trembling slightly. "So, you and Cyrus knew… and you both kept it from me?" Mandy said, her voice catching in her throat, tears welling up. Alyssa felt a sharp pang in her chest. "Mandy, I'm sorry. It was my decision. Cyrus had nothing to do with it."Mandy's tears fell freely now, her grief spilling out in raw sobs. "Do you know what it's been like for me all these years, thinking Damien was gone? Winston, Miley, Lyla, and Colene kept telling me to move on. I tried to accept that he was dead, that we'd never find his body. But I never did."Her vo
The hospital ward was bathed in a dim, yellow glow from the bedside lamp. The silence was thick, yet the room held a strange warmth—an unfamiliar comfort that felt oddly familiar to Remy.Pain radiated through his body as he struggled to sit up. His eyes fell on Mandy, who was asleep beside his bed. Her hair was a mess, and her swollen eyes suggested she'd been crying. She was sound asleep. Remy stiffened. His breath quickened as he stared at her fragile figure. Slowly, he leaned forward, his fingers lifting slightly, tempted to reach out.Just as his hand hovered close, Mandy's lashes fluttered. In her sleep, she murmured, "Damien… Damien… I miss you so much…" Tears slipped down her cheeks, silent and unbidden.A pang tugged at Remy's heart. Without thinking, he brushed away her tears with his calloused fingers. The moment his skin touched hers, a jolt shot through him, sharp and electrifying. Pain throbbed at his temples, but beneath it was a warmth he didn't want to let g
Justin's casual question hit Javier like a thunderclap. Shock rippled through him, freezing his expression. His voice trembled with fear as he barked, "What nonsense is that? Are you accusing me of causing Chester's death? I'm your father—how could you think I'd do such a thing?""It's not an accusation. Just the facts," Justin replied coolly, crossing his legs and savoring his tea with unsettling calm. "And I'm not condemning you. In fact, I understand why you did it. I'm facing the same dilemma now."Javier's breathing grew ragged. He had watched Justin grow from a child into the man before him—now a predator, circling with quiet menace."You were meant to be the heir as the eldest son," Justin continued, his voice smooth as silk. "But Grandpa favored Uncle Chester, handing him major projects, grooming him in plain sight. "Uncle Chester's reputation soon eclipsed yours. He was a natural leader, adept at business, with one fatal flaw—he was kind. Too kind. Unlike you."Justin
Nonetheless, night had fallen by the time Justin arrived at Seaview Manor. On his way there, he worked on two things. First, he secured the top legal team to get Sheryl out on bail as quickly as possible. Second, he tried reaching Remy—unsuccessfully. He had never lost contact with Remy before. Justin's face was as dark as the night itself. The moment he stepped inside Seaview Manor, Rory approached with a solemn expression. He gave a slight bow before speaking. "Mr. Justin, what took you so long? Mr. Javier has been waiting.""I was occupied," Justin replied coolly. Then, as if it were an ordinary evening, he allowed a faint smile. "Where's Jasper? Is he back here yet?" A conflicted look came across Rory's face. "Things between you and Mr. Jasper have soured. I doubt he'll want to see you anytime soon—or show up here.""Is that so? How disappointing."Justin's smile didn't reach his eyes. His gaze lingered on Rory, sharp and bottomless. "So, he'd rather believe what he se
Jonah scoured every corner of the hotel, desperation clawing at his chest, but Julien was nowhere to be found. "Jonah!" Alyssa called out, breathless as she caught up to him. She grabbed his arm. "Calm down! I'll help you search for Jul!""I can't find him. He's gone," Jonah murmured, sinking to the floor. His tears mixed with sweat, creating dark patches on the ground. "Lyse… I fear… if I can't find Julien this time, I'll lose him forever."The agonizing thought of losing the love of his life pierced him. "No, you won't!" Alyssa gripped his arm tighter, her voice trembling with conviction. "If Jul had given up on you, he wouldn't have come here today. The fact that he showed up means he still cares."Jonah's eyes were bloodshot, filled with a pain too deep to hide. He shook his head slowly. "Julien came back for Jasper. He did it because he's loyal… because he's a good friend. Not because of me.""He does care!" Alyssa insisted. "If he didn't, he would've faced you without fli