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
"Lyse, you're awesome!" Cyrus exclaimed. He was seated in a corner of the KS World Hotel café with Alyssa.He laid out a few photos on the table and remarked, "As you have predicted, the culprit has a secret room at his house where he kept Sophia Kirkman's photos. He's not a loyal fan of Lyla like he claimed, but a fanatic supporter of Sophia Kirkman."Alyssa pursed her lips and said in a hushed voice, "Cyrus, have you found any other important clues?"After some hesitation, Cyrus showed her a transparent evidence bag. The bag contained a platinum necklace studded with diamonds. The design of the jewelry was rather outdated, and the quality was not the best.Cyrus explained, "I found this necklace at the attacker's place. He carefully stored it in a case, so I assume it's very important to him."Alyssa always had a sharp memory. Somehow, the necklace looked familiar to her. She quickly looked through some of the photos."Look, Sophia has worn this necklace before. It's the same o
"Well, I can only trust your word, future first lady of Kontina!" Alyssa teased Miley."Ms. Alyssa, you're home!" Sean rushed out from the kitchen, looking dapper in his suit. However, he was covered in some flour."Sean, are you cooking?" Alyssa inquired curiously."Yes. Madam Lyla and Tatiana are in the kitchen. I'm helping out," Sean replied with an awkward and troubled expression."What? Is Lyla cooking in the kitchen?" Mandy gasped and stood up. "Why didn't anyone stop her? She fainted this morning!"Alyssa's heart sank upon learning that. "Did Lyla faint earlier today? Let me check on her."Meanwhile, Tatiana was helping Lyla in the kitchen. Lyla looked pale, which made Tatiana worry.She asked Lyla, "Mom, are you okay?""I'm fine. I'll have to rush. It's almost dinnertime. I don't want to leave everyone hungry," Lyla mumbled while speedily cutting the vegetables. Suddenly, a gasp escaped her lips.Tatiana panicked and nearly cried when she saw what had happened. "Mom, y
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