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
Penelope choked at Alyssa's words, her heart rate becoming irregular.Alyssa couldn't help but notice that Penelope's comebacks were not as sharp as Sophia's. It seemed ridiculous to Alyssa that Penelope dared to challenge her with such responses."Alyssa! How dare you contradict my mother like that! You're so disrespectful! She's your elder!" Zoe, holding Cornelius, acted like a watchdog, barking loudly at Alyssa.Jasper overheard, and his eyebrows tightened, expressing clear disdain for Zoe."Does age automatically make someone an 'elder'? Following that logic, I'm also your elder. Is it appropriate to address elders this way?"Alyssa, who was a head taller than Zoe, coldly looked down at her, intensifying the pressure on Zoe.Zoe trembled, her lips quivering. She was afraid to retort further for fear of Alyssa's harsh words.Penelope was aware that Cornelius wouldn't create problems for Winston's daughter over such a minor issue. So she kept sending frantic eye signals to Lan
"Don't you worry, Zoe. Things won't end so easily. I'll be sure to get back at them for you!" Penelope consoled her daughter, a coldness glinting in her eyes."How? Landon is the one in control of the family right now, and he's on such good terms with Jasper and Alyssa. What could you possibly do?" Penelope snarled, "If Landon won't let you be with Jasper, then no way is he going to be together with that retarded Beckett girl! You have Grandpa on your side. "Grandpa wouldn't just let our family reputation be tarnished like this. He's definitely going to facilitate your wedding with Jasper while keeping Lauren away from our family!""Landon isn't budging at all to our attempts, Mom. Don't you think he knows exactly what we're up to?" Zoe cried anxiously, "He protects that nitwit Lauren like she's some prized toy! When would we ever get the chance to do anything?""Our chance will come. As much as Landon adores Sophia's silly little daughter, he can't possibly keep her around with
"W-What are you doing, Jimmy?" Panicked, Alyssa instinctively tried to shove him away.But in Jasper's eyes, her struggle was seen as playing hard to get.Jameson remained silent, only tightening his grip around her. His eyes were filled with mockery and sarcasm when he met Jasper's angry ones. Jameson never once loosened his hold around Alyssa, even as she continued to struggle.It felt like knives were stabbing into Jasper's heart, slowly killing him. His entire being buzzed with pain as goosebumps swept over his skin. The sight of Alyssa in Jameson's embrace felt worse than death and far more painful than being wounded on the battlefield.With his face now pale, Jasper turned away and stumbled back into the house.Only then did Jameson loosen up his arms. Alyssa swiftly escaped from his grasp, eyes burning with anger."Don't do that again, Jameson. This is the last warning you'll have, or I'm ending our friendship!" "I'm … I'm sorry, Lyse." Jameson quickly put on an innoce
Alyssa sped her car all the way back to her place in Solana City, emotions tumultuous.She had aimed for Sophia when she went to Seaview Manor earlier, yet on the way back home, all she could recall was how Jasper pressed her up against the wall.The man's eyes had locked onto her, filled with a deep sadness. There was exasperation and desperation in his anger that Alyssa couldn't forget, no matter what. Her grip around the steering wheel tightened, making her fingers numb.Jasper's gaze had been so sincere.But what could that prove?Try as he might, Jasper couldn't conceal the fact that he had slept with Zoe.Alyssa glumly walked out of the car, only to find Jonah, Cyrus, and Sean standing outside the front gates."Lyse!""Jonah, Cyrus, Sean! What are you three doing here?" Alyssa asked, surprised."Cyrus told me you went to Seaview Manor alone, not even bringing Sean with you. What were you thinking—taking on everybody by yourself?" Jonah said with a sigh.He circled an ar
Alyssa could see how Jameson slowly lowered his head into his arms, only revealing his bright eyes.Those eyes conveyed a lonely emotion, as if he were some wounded animal. Alyssa recalled how Jameson had this very same look in his eyes 15 years ago when Victor punished him by making him stand outside in the pouring rain."Fuck me. When did he arrive here? There wasn't a sound at all. What is he? A ghost?" Cyrus shivered, chills shooting up his spine.Jonah glanced at Jameson, then turned back to Alyssa. "Did he follow you over to the Becketts' place?"Alyssa hummed in acknowledgment. Just then, Jameson's car engine revved up. It swiftly U-turned back the way he came, disappearing into the night."Huh? Is he leaving just like that?" Cyrus frowned. "Why are all the people who try to court you so strange, Lyse? From jackass-of-the-year to stalker supreme. How could we not be worried about your safety when you're out alone now, Lyse?""Let's get to the point here." Alyssa didn't w
After a whole night of expending energy, Landon finally slumped back to his and Lauren's love nest.Snow began to fall even before he reached the house. When he arrived, Angelina was already waiting for him outside the front gate with an umbrella. "Welcome back, sir." Angelina nodded respectfully when Landon exited the car. She then sheltered him with the umbrella from the snow, exposing herself."Where's Lauren? Has she gone to sleep?" Landon asked worriedly."Ms. Lauren has stayed up waiting for you all this while. I tried persuading her otherwise but to no avail." Angelina smiled fondly. "Don't blame her. She just couldn't stop worrying about you."Landon swallowed as warmth surged in his chest. He then walked into the villa.Afraid Lauren might catch a cold from him, he changed into the clothes Angelina had prepared for him before tiptoeing upstairs. He wanted to surprise his darling wife.When Landon opened the bedroom door, he noticed a copy of "The Nightingale and the Ro
Lauren didn't dare turn around even when she heard Landon's footsteps. She continued quaking, holding onto her shoulders like some frightened bunny.Landon, meanwhile, appeared quite like a lustful big bad wolf."Lauren … " Landon grunted, swallowing hard.He gently lifted a trembling hand, wanting to touch Lauren's skin. But Lauren spoke up just then, saying, "I-I wanted to put on some lotion after the shower but couldn't reach my back. I would've f-finished earlier otherwise and been waiting f-for you in bed."Landon's cheeks flushed with heat. His fingers buzzed with electricity as his senses nearly collapsed into themselves.He had had his fair share of women. Countless tried to seduce him in whatever manner they could, whether dressed or not, and many others threw themselves into his arms without a second thought.But none of them had ever made Landon's heart pound so wildly or feel at a loss."C-can you help me, Landon? Please?" Lauren asked softly."Can I, Lauren?"La
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