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
In the evening, Xavier drove Jasper to meet with Newton. Along the way, news broke out that Sheryl had been bailed out. Xavier slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Damn it! Why is it so hard to get rid of that woman?" "She is Justin's right hand," Jasper said, eyes shut as he leaned back in his seat. His jaw tightened. "You could even say she knows more about his secrets than anyone. As long as she's useful, Justin won't discard her so easily. This is how he operates."Xavier shook his head, teeth gritted. "Where the hell did she even come from? When you had me investigate her, I found nothing. Her background was spotless. "What's in her past that Justin would go so far to keep it hidden? A man like him can have any woman he wants, yet he clings to her—some pretty-faced idiot who only seems to make things harder for him."Jasper's gaze turned glacial. Xavier's casual remark struck him.He was right. Justin wasn't short on capable subordinates. So why Sheryl?Was Sh
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence. Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control. Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president—our direct competitor!"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest—outright cronyism!" Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression. Just then, a board member from Javier's
Despite his age, Newton exuded the same energy and sharpness he had in his younger days, even when surrounded by the board members brimming with vigor. Despite his quiet presence in the wheelchair, an intimidating atmosphere clung to him. In an instant, Javier was transported back to the days when he worked under Newton's strict supervision."Good day, Mr. Javier and all fellow board members. I assume no one has any objections to my presence at this meeting?"Newton's gaze swept across the room, a perfunctory smile gracing his lips."Of course not. You are part of the corporation's board of directors!" the members responded immediately.Newton nodded. "Much has happened within the corporation lately. Our shares have been fluctuating amid the controversy. "As you all know, I had intended to retire after dedicating most of my life to this company. I wanted to step aside for the younger generation rather than hover over them like a specter, micromanaging everything. "However,