Sophia was in disbelief. In front of everyone, despite being his elder, Jasper openly mocked her.Sophia stated, "Heh, being the Beckett family's mistress demands that I guide this young one!" Sophia glared at Alyssa before adding, "Alyssa, this is Seaview Manor, not your Heightsnew Villa! As the Beckett family's chairwoman and mistress, how can I tolerate you spewing nonsense here?"Jasper couldn't bear it any longer. He was about to speak, but Alyssa interrupted with a contemptuous smile as she asked, "Mistress? Does Mr. Beckett Senior recognize you as the mistress?"A wave of astonishment swept through the crowd.Alyssa's arrogant behavior in front of Sophia showed that she truly deserved to be the young lady of the Taylor family!Betty watched her mother's face shift between shades of red and white. It was an almost unbearable sight that left her feeling humiliated.She wanted to defend her mother but hesitated upon seeing Landon and Jasper present. They would undoubtedly b
Sophia flourished and later surpassed, eventually being legitimized by Javier. She assumed the role that originally belonged to Jasper's mother and became Javier's remarried wife."Jasper, don't be sad. Anne has passed away, and none of us feels good about it. From now on, I am your mother, and Betty is your real sister.""Alas, your mother was truly a good person, but unfortunately, she lacked some luck compared to me. I hope she is not tormented by illness on the other side. I believe she wouldn't blame me for taking her place, right? She was so kind. She surely wouldn't blame me."Jasper couldn't forget the sarcastic words Sophia had said to him at his mother's funeral.Although young, he still sensed the insincerity behind the woman's friendly smile.In the blink of an eye, it had been over 20 years since then. Over the years, it felt as if everyone, including the entire Beckett family, had forgotten his mother—everyone except him.Tears welled up in Jasper's eyes as he hea
Jasper used 80 percent of his strength with that slap. He knew his hands, honed in military training, possessed immense power. Sophia wouldn't only be looking for her teeth if he used full force. She might even end up unconscious.He didn't want to give her an opportunity to leave. Many grievances between Alyssa and her still needed to be settled!Everyone was in a panic. Upon witnessing Jasper slap Sophia, no one dared to intervene.In this household, not even Javier could control Jasper. Who else could?Frightened, Betty let out a shriek before covering her mouth. Her whole body was sweaty, and her legs shook vigorously!Seeing her mother being slapped, she didn't even have the courage to rush forward and stop it!The Harper family members were also dumbfounded. Although Sophia's words were quite harsh, she was still Javier's wife, Jasper's stepmother, and considered an elder. How could Jasper dare to slap an elder in front of so many people?It was audacious and bold!
Jasper didn't voice it out loud, but Alyssa was also his limit. However, in Alyssa's heart, was he truly her limit? He might not even measure up to Jameson in her eyes.As Jasper pondered, he experienced an overwhelming mix of discontent, anger, and loss, making it unbearable. He forcefully averted his gaze from Alyssa's captivating beauty, no longer looking at her.As if they shared a telepathic connection, Alyssa stole a glance at him. Upon witnessing his cold, determined gaze fixed ahead, her heart inexplicably skipped a beat.Sophia shivered violently. Her heart leaped into her throat, making it difficult to breathe. Now, Javier had lost control over Jasper, and her man was no longer a reliable pillar of support.If he found out she had caused his mother's depression to worsen, there would be no escape for her! She had bribed a maid back then. This maid was the one Anne trusted the most, second only to Rosie. She made her change the depression medication to a central nerv
Landon smirked. His lips curled as he looked at Alyssa. "Grandpa, truth be told, when I first saw Alyssa, I was deeply captivated. I immediately pursued her passionately."Zoe gritted her teeth as she listened, despising every bit of it."What? You pursued this Taylor girl?"Surprised, Cornelius asked with curiosity, "Why didn't you two end up together? I heard people say you're quite the ladies' man."Penelope was speechless hearing the conversation."Well, she wasn't interested in me," Landon confessed, scratching his head sheepishly."Even you weren't good enough? Does she think she can marry someone from heaven?" Cornelius was somewhat displeased. But considering Alyssa's ex-husband was Jasper, his grandson's defeat wasn't too embarrassing.…"30 years ago, a guy named Ronald Branson worked at TS Network. He not only teamed up with you in numerous shows but also served you in various capacities for a long time. Your connection with him is quite peculiar. "Even Lyla an
Meanwhile, Ronald had endured three days and three nights of relentless questioning at the detention center. The harsh lights glared down, tormenting both his mind and body.But under the layers of pressure, he stood his ground. As long as he thought of Sophia, as long as he thought of the lady who filled his thoughts day and night, the one he couldn't get close to, he would endure it even if the sky collapsed.At that moment, the interrogation room door swung open, and Cyrus strolled in with an indifferent expression. In front of the suspects and criminals, he no longer resembled the affluent and noble Cyrus Taylor. Instead, he had the demeanor of a gangster. Even people from the criminal underworld would address him with respect. Cyrus yawned and casually pulled out a steel chair, sweeping his long legs as he sat down."Smith, make a cup of coffee for Mr. Branson to refresh him. The night has just begun.""Yes, Chief Taylor."Ronald sneered. He then asked through gritted t
Cyrus' gaze darkened as he added in a cold, harsh tone, "So the claim you made earlier about hating Lyla out of love for her is completely baseless."Ronald clenched his jaw, sneering, "Even if you find out, so what? I am indeed Sophia's fan. I love her madly. I can do anything for her, including killing Lyla!"Furious, Cyrus's shoulders shook, and he yearned to crush Ronald's despicable head."But when it comes to my relationship with Sophia ... Well, there isn't any. She has no ties to me. It's all just my one-sided wish. I'm ready to do anything for her, even if it involves dying or killing. And she doesn't have to be aware of any of it."Ronald's audacious words stemmed from his confidence that being charged with intentional harm, the worst-case scenario would be attempted murder. Jasper and Lyla were unharmed, and even if the Taylor family wanted to go after him, there wasn't much they could do.Unfortunately, he failed to fulfill the task Sophia assigned to him.Cyrus kne
Javier regarded Sophia with a cool and lowered gaze, his icy stare concealed beneath his thick lashes. "Did you secretly instruct Ronald to attack Lyla in the last incident, Mrs. Beckett?" Alyssa suddenly changed the topic."I didn't! Everything was Ronald's idea, and it has nothing to do with me!" Sophia clutched Javier's suit, her teary eyes blurred. "Javier, I bear no grudges against Lyla. Why would I do that? I'm the lady of the Beckett family. Lyla is just Winston Taylor's mistress! Why would I bother with a concubine like her?"With a scowl, Javier ordered her sternly, "Sophie! Stop talking." "Ms. Sophia Kirkman, you can insult me, but you cannot insult my family." Alyssa's gaze sharpened as she pointed her finger directly at Sophia's tearful and sinister face. "Be careful. If you dare to insult Lyla again, I might slap you too!"The room fell into an awkward silence. People from the Harper family also wore a dumbfounded expression.Cornelius shook his head and
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t
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