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 The design of the jewelry was rather outdated, and the quality was not the best.Cyrus explained, "I found this necklace at the attacker's place.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
Alyssa let out a knowing sigh. She and Lyla were well aware of Winston's hot temper. He would have sent someone to harm Sophia had he known that Sophia was the mastermind behind Lyla's attack.In Alyssa's opinion, that was not the most satisfying way of dealing with Sophia, nor was it legal.Alyssa was adept with dealing honestly or playing dirty. Knowing how cunning Sophia was, Alyssa had to play dirty."Lyla, do you recognize this man?" Alyssa presented a photo on her phone to Lyla, as the attacker had concealed his face during the attack."This man … He's … He's …" Lyla stammered, wide-eyed. "His name is Ronald Branson. He was an assistant at TS Network, handling tasks like distributing food and drinks for actors.""So, he had access to the TS Network building, right?""Not only that, he filled in other roles on set. Sometimes, when we were short on extras, he had to fill in", Lyla explained, a hint of confusion in her expression. "Lyse, why are you asking about him?"Alyssa
"Why are you here?" Alyssa asked, catching herself before she could blurt out, "Why is it you?"Jameson was dressed in an exquisite black suit. He looked regal with the dazzling horse in hand, like a prince out of a palace.He said, "I'm just here to see you.""How's your injury? You should rest for at least two months. What about the cast on your arm?" Alyssa inquired about his condition upon recalling the frightful night."I have no regret after hearing that," he responded with a passionate look at her.She held her breath, uncertain how to continue the conversation.Jameson added, "I'm not only here to see you. I'm here to give you the horse. You left in such a hurry that you didn't get to bring it with you.""Jimmy, thanks for the lovely horse, but I can't accept that expensive gift from you," she calmly turned down his offer."Lyse, did I do anything wrong? Did it upset you? Were you still angry because of what happened that day?""No. That's all in the past. It doesn't m
Before the gate closed, Jameson abruptly halted, shooting an icy gaze toward his back. His pale lips curled into a mocking smile as he scoffed, "Hah. You coward."…Meanwhile, Jasper stood before his bedroom window, staring blankly into the distance. He smoked one cigarette after another, the ashtray overflowing with stubs, the room shrouded in smoke that masked his loneliness.He let out some muffled coughs, his chest feeling like an empty cave.He replayed the scene of the day when he tossed the divorce papers in front of Alyssa and forced her to sign them. After that, she left without taking a dime from him. He stood at the same window when she left in Jonah's car, his gaze tailing the car.He was filled with unexplainable rage at that time. He finally realized the reason behind his emotions—he hated seeing her leave.Their subsequent bitter exchanges were attempts to convince himself he didn't love her.He didn't fall in love with Alyssa only after losing her. Instead, i
Winston and Alyssa's older brothers were on a business trip abroad. Only the female family members were at home.Jameson was not a stranger to the family. However, it was late at night, and the family was taking care of Lyla. Not wanting to disturb her family, Alyssa discreetly ushered Jameson into the guest room.To her surprise, Miley was already in the room, enjoying tea."Miley, are you still up?" Alyssa introduced Jameson to him, "Oh, this is my friend. He's Jameso—""I know. He's Jameson Schmidt, the fourth son of the Schmidt family. I remember him from Lyla's birthday party," Miley said and calmly set her tea on the table.With a smile, she remarked, "Lyse rarely has any friend of the opposite sex apart from her brothers. You're the first, Jameson.""It's my honor," Jameson replied with a seemingly genuine smile. "I'm more honored to have a chance to meet with the future first lady of Kontina."Jameson's comment took Alyssa aback.Miley answered flatly, "I'm just Lyse's
Carl reached into his bag, pulling out a plastic bag containing a syringe. He explained, "After reviewing the surveillance footage, we discovered that David's men were responsible."Jameson smirked with half-closed eyes. "David is as malicious as Josh but lacks Josh's effectiveness. His methods are crude, always leaving behind evidence. A halfwit like him doesn't deserve my time.""But we can't let this slide, can we? It would be too cowardly!" Carl gritted his teeth.Leaning back, Jameson enjoyed some shut-eye. "Of course not. I'll make him pay for what he did to me. He broke my arm, so I'll break his leg. That's only fair, right?"Carl concurred, "Of course! You're already showing mercy by not taking his life, all because he's your brother!"Jameson thought, "David does not deserve to be called a brother."He wagged his finger, stating, "If it were Lyse who got injured that day, I would have gotten rid of David Schmidt by now."…After taking a bath and applying skincare, Aly
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