"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
Lauren never said a word, but Landon could tell from the way she was flushed to her ears and her slowly quickening breathing that she had answered yes. …Landon made love to Lauren the entire night. From the bathroom to the living room, then on their bed. In the end, the couple went back to the bathroom for seconds.Every inch of Lauren's delicate, virgin body mesmerized Landon to no end. He had never felt so sated in both body and soul.In the end, Lauren ended up feeling so sore she couldn't move anymore. She panted weakly for him to stop, sprawled across his chest as she grew sleepy.Landon felt like a fed lion, now thoroughly satisfied. He tended lovingly to Lauren, arm wrapped around her and gently patting her to sleep.With his other arm, Landon flipped the blanket over.A dark red flower had blossomed on the bed sheets.Landon smiled, his eyes filled with emotion. He then kissed Lauren again."It tickles, " Lauren mumbled in her sleep, not waking up even as Landon cont
If the truth about Betty's birth father was exposed, Sophia knew that she and Betty would be done for.…Sophia was confined to the hospital for three days, during which Betty stayed by her side, battling boredom. On the third day, the swelling on Sophia's cheek finally subsided. Throughout her stay, Javier never once visited.Betty called Javier numerous times during the wait, imploring him to visit Sophia at the hospital. However, he coldly dismissed her.Betty thought Sophia might break down in tears due to Javier's cold treatment. After all, every wife would yearn for the love of her husband. It was only natural to be distraught if a spouse abandoned them in the hospital.To Betty's surprise, Sophia appeared relatively calm about Javier's dismissal. Instead of kicking up a fuss, Sophia went about her life, taking all three meals and recuperating from her injuries. Yet, there seemed to be more beneath her seemingly normal behavior.Sophia's calmness bewildered Betty. In her re
The air in Sophia's room hung heavy with tension.Sophia was once pampered by Javier. He might even be more attentive to her than to Newton when Newton was sick. When she fell ill, Javier would worry and visit her daily.Yet, after three days, he hadn't shown up, which was a first.She leaned weakly against the headboard, her lips trembling. Through her tears, she stared longingly at him. Sophia started, "Javier, have you been busy? I know it's hard to get away from the work at Beckett Group. I understand. I'm fine, though. Just a ruptured eardrum and I've had surgery—"Javier interrupted with a low, stern voice, "Sophie, I'm here to ask you something. Was Alyssa telling the truth?"Sophia was caught off guard, and her eyes wavered. "Javier, do you still doubt me? But I'm your wife. You know how I treated you over the years. I've given you two daughters and risked my life giving birth to Lauren. After all I've sacrificed, how could I possibly cheat on you with a murder suspect
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