"I-I …" Tears welled up in Lauren's eyes as she choked on her words."You just want to go against our wishes! Since we look down on Alice, you decide to help her out. All because you wanted to show how special you are! Do you really think you're a heroine for doing that?" Betty's pretty face was now twisted into one of hatred and anger. "Stop being stupid! Mr. Landon will never have feelings for you! Stop being delusional!" "Ms. Betty, what are you doing?" Mrs. Rosie rushed into the room before pulling Lauren into a hug.The other housekeepers in Seaview Manor were used to such dramas. Besides, they'd rather stay away from the conflict. Mrs. Rosie was the only one who dared to defend Lauren. "Get out, Mrs. Rosie! This is none of your business!" Betty snapped at her in frustration."I think you should be the one leaving this room!" Mrs. Rosie comforted Lauren, who was trembling in fright. She eyed Betty up and down. She warned, "If you leave this room right now, I'll preten
That night, the Taylor siblings left Solana City and returned to Belbanks. The cities weren't that far from each other. It only took the siblings less than two hours to reach Belbanks via the highway.Solana City was the country's economic center. It was rich in resources. It was a great place for businesses to expand and develop, so countless companies competed for a spot there. However, Belbanks was an entirely different story. Over the past century, the Taylors were the only ones dominating the city.The Taylor family's businesses gave one-third of the Bellbanks population their jobs. Hence, the family was known as the Ruler of Belbanks. It could be said that Belbanks would remain a small ordinary town without the Taylors' influence. After all, they were the ones who brought about such a massive change in the city's economy. Soon, the siblings arrived at Stellus."Oh, Ms. Alyssa! When did you return to this city?" Don Blackwell, the elderly groundskeeper of Stellus, w
Jonah looked down at his screen. "Speak of the devil," he mumbled when he saw Jasper's name on the screen. "Mr. Beckett," he greeted coldly after answering the call.Silas frowned immediately. He leaned forward just to listen to the phone conversation. "Mr. Taylor, I'm looking for Alice. I'd like to talk to her about something." Jasper's deep voice was tinged with a trace of anxiety."Alice is busy with something else right now.""When is she available to talk, then?""She'll always be busy when it comes to you."Jonah had always been nice and polite. But he'd always go for his target's weak spot whenever he started insulting them. Silas clenched his fists excitedly. He was cheering his older brother on.Meanwhile, Jasper fell silent, his expression now stormy. "First of all, the fact that Alice changed her phone number means she doesn't want you to contact her anymore. Even if you two have yet to get legally divorced, you shouldn't disturb her. That's the minimum respect
Alyssa looked at the handsome man in front of her.He had sunk down on one knee while looking up at her affectionately."I heard that my dear sister wants to punish me." The man's lips curled into a mischievous smile."Axel …" Alyssa murmured in a soft tone."Whew! I was so relieved when I heard you call my name."Axel Whitaker was the fourth scion of the Taylor family. No one would have thought that a cold and distant man like him was capable of smiling at his sister brightly.He wrapped a muscular arm around Alyssa's waist and held her tenderly. Then, he stuck his other hand into his trench coat's pocket and fished out a bar of chocolate. Axel proceeded to tear open the packaging with his teeth before feeding the chocolate to Alyssa."This chocolate bar is a local specialty at Artoria. Besides, it's your favorite as well. Give it a taste.""Axel!"Alyssa leaned forward to hug Axel tightly. For some reason, she felt like crying all of a sudden. Soon, her tears started stainin
"Haha! Hasn't anyone warned you about ripping your pants if you're not careful? You should be mindful of your own limits!" Axel burst into laughter on the spot.It had been a very long time since he was able to laugh so heartily. After all, the atmosphere at the secret spy headquarters was always very tense and serious.Jonah's expression softened as he watched his younger brothers mess around. At that moment, he couldn't help but reminisce about the past. "Speaking of gifts, look at what I got Lyse."Axel's eyes glinted mischievously as he showed the others a silver rectangular box while looking excited. After punching in a complex passcode, Axel opened the box and revealed the contents for all to see. Jonah froze up while Silas inhaled sharply in return."The R&D department in the headquarters created this gun recently. There's a mix of ammo and tranquilizers in this revolver. Lyse can spin the cylinder to the left if she is in danger. The tranquilizers are more than enough t
Alyssa ended up staying at Stellus for the next three days.She barely slept as she wanted to craft the perfect emerald bracelet, the exact replica of the one Newton had given her. If she got tired, she'd nap in the workshop. Once she woke up, she'd take a few bites of food before continuing work.The other men worked their respective jobs during the day. They turned down all business and social invitations just to have dinner with their sister at night.Jonah and his brothers prepared a fancy dinner that night. It consisted of Alyssa's favorite dishes. Still, she played with her food moodily while propping her cheek with a hand. The men were anxious about Alyssa's current state. But they didn't know how to help her out.They knew nothing about jewelry, after all."Ms. Alyssa." Alyssa snapped out of her thoughts before turning to look at Don wearily.The latter placed a beautiful jewelry box in front of her."What's this, Uncle Don?" "Why don't you open it and find out for y
"I told him not to contact you ever again. Also, I was quite mean to him. I wonder what he was thinking back then.""Good job. I won't let a filthy bastard like him into my life ever again. After all, I'm the beloved sister of the KS Group's president.""Of course. All the men in the KS Group worship the very ground you walk on." Jonah smiled lovingly while patting his younger sister. "Jonah, give me your phone," Alyssa said.Jonah handed his phone over to her. He looked confused. "Your birthday's the passcode.""Got it."Alyssa tapped on the contact list and blocked Jasper's phone number."How brutal." A small smile appeared on Jonah's face."I gotta end things once and for all with him. That bastard won't learn his lesson if I don't take the extreme approach." Alyssa's gaze grew icy the moment she brought up her ex-husband. …It was safe to say that Jasper could barely eat or sleep over the past few days. All because of his ex-wife's disappearance. Ever since Alice we
Some hotel guests started crowding in the lobby to watch the drama."Ms. Beckett, please calm down. You'll ruin your reputation if you keep causing trouble here. Why don't we discuss this matter in the parlor?"The front desk manager was so nervous that he kept sweating profusely. At the same time, he did his best to convince Betty to calm down. "If your employee has the guts to steal from a VIP like me, doesn't that mean she'll do worse things to the other guests?" Betty slammed a hand on the marble counter. Then, she placed her other hand on her hip. She kept glaring at the manager furiously the whole time. The crowd exchanged looks with each other. Some of them obviously recognized Betty.They knew that she was a daughter of the Beckett family. But if they didn't look at her face, they would have thought it was a shrew causing trouble for the hotel."I-I didn't steal anything!" the housekeeper stammered timidly with her head bowed."How dare you talk back to me!"Betty j
"Alyssa… you do?" Newton's bleary eyes brightened slightly.Alyssa hesitated before whispering, "But Grandpa Newton, my idea is quite drastic. It might even affect Beckett Group's shareholder equity—including yours and Mr. Javier's interests."Newton's expression shifted as he pieced it together. "Alyssa, you're thinking of—""Yes," she admitted. "During the recent drop in Beckett Group's share prices, I seized the opportunity to acquire a small portion of shares. I already hold some."If you're willing, could you transfer part of your shares to me? This would make me one of the major shareholders and secure me a seat on the board of directors. Together, we, along with Jasper, could hold enough shares to counter Mr. Javier and Justin."At the very least, we'd prevent Justin from gaining complete control of the corporation."Alyssa frowned as she weighed the pros and cons aloud. "Right now, Mr. Javier is siding with Justin. Even if Justin doesn't gain ownership of Mr. Javier's sha
Also at a loss, Javier yelled anxiously, "Dad! Dad, are you okay? Get an ambulance now!" Panic erupted in the conference room, the air thick with chaos.Justin pushed through the crowd and knelt beside Newton, his gaze heavy with feigned concern as he studied Newton's pale, pained face. "Grandpa, are you having one of your episodes? Please, hang in there."Leaning closer, he whispered with a sinister chuckle, "You wouldn't want to miss seeing me take over Jasper's position as president of Beckett Group."Newton's bloodshot eyes widened as he struggled to speak. "Y-You... m-monster..."Justin's lips curled into a cold smile. "What a flattering compliment. Thank you."…Newton was rushed to the hospital after collapsing.Despite the urgency, neither Javier nor Justin accompanied him as the outcome of the critical board meeting loomed. With Jasper detained, Ben was the only one to stay by Newton's side.Watching Newton being wheeled into the ER, Ben's chest tightened with sorrow
The board members were stunned into silence. One by one, they rose from their seats, greeting Newton respectfully. At Beckett Group, Newton's presence was akin to that of a king. Though he had long stepped away from the corporation's daily affairs, his influence remained unparalleled.He was not only an honorary board member of Beckett Group but also held similar titles in other renowned corporations. In the corporate world, Newton was nothing short of a legend.His unexpected arrival at the board meeting sent shockwaves through the room. The first words out of his mouth—an objection to the proposed motion—made it clear where his loyalties lay—with Jasper."Dad, what are you doing here?" Javier exclaimed, his voice laced with surprise as he rushed forward to steady Newton, who was visibly trembling.Justin narrowed his eyes as he stood up slowly. He was the last to rise to his feet. A flicker of something sinister danced in his gaze, an abyss of calculated intent hidden behind an
"You've been freed?" Justin asked, his voice distant."Sir, I'm really sorry for troubling you. You even had to make arrangements for me," Sheryl said apologetically. "I just made use of my connections. It's nothing. Besides, I figured they'd summon you—Jasper did get his medications from you, after all."Sheryl, still shaken from earlier, lowered her gaze. "Is that cop, Rio Olson, one of us? He seemed eager to arrest Jasper, so I thought you might have recruited him. But during the interrogation, he was relentless. He wouldn't go easy on me at all.""He is one of Mr. Barrett's men. That's enough for now."Sheryl mulled over it for a moment. Then, she lowered her voice and said, "Sir, Jasper can only be charged for drug use. As a first-time offender, it's not enough to keep him behind bars. I suspect he'll be bailed out by the day after tomorrow."Justin chuckled softly. "So?" "It's a shame we couldn't take him down for good," Sheryl said through gritted teeth."Jasper has Gr
With years of experience as a criminal investigator and a naturally sharp mind, Cyrus' instincts flared the moment he heard Rio's question.Gabe slammed the table, his voice a thunderclap of rage. "Rio Olson! What nonsense are you spouting? Have I been too lenient with you? Dr. Gillis is a doctor, and I'm a police chief. How would I know her? Stop letting your imagination run wild!"Gabe's face flushed crimson as he glared at Rio.Unmoved, Rio stared back, confusion etched on his face. "Then why are you stopping me from investigating Sheryl by the book? I don't get it."Jasper's test results were positive, and we found drugs hidden in his office. That alone suggests drug abuse. To secure a conviction, we need to trace his supplier. Otherwise, this case will collapse in court."Let's not forget—Jasper's attorney is Steven Lynch, a top-tier ex-judge who's handled multiple high-profile cases."From his position outside the office, Cyrus could only catch fragments of the conversation
"Now that we're on this topic, there's something I need to tell all of you," Alyssa said, her expression grim. Her tone turned cold as she continued, "I highly suspect that Sheryl is actually Liana Gardner."Her words left the Taylor brothers stunned."I don't have concrete evidence—no confession, no DNA proof. But when I called her 'Liana' at that run-down hospital, she turned around. Her reaction was odd, to say the least. Beyond that, her mannerisms, habits, and private behavior are eerily similar to Liana's."Alyssa smiled confidently. "And most importantly, I trust my instincts.""No wonder!" Silas suddenly shot to his feet, his eyes wide. "When I first saw her at the hospital, when she brushed past me, I felt this strange sense of familiarity. So, she's Liana? That means my gut feeling was right all along!"Jonah's expression grew serious. "If that's true, Jasper is in even greater danger. Liana's return—under a new identity, working alongside Justin no less—means she's play
Silence filled Alyssa's office. Since the incident that led to Jonah and Julien's heartbreaking breakup, everyone had avoided mentioning Julien, even though the sorrow of it lingered like a heavy shadow.Alyssa had suggested the second option because she believed Julien might be the key to turning the tide in their favor. But where was Julien now?After the fallout, he had disfigured himself, consumed by hatred toward Jonah, and left without hesitation. Would he return? Could they even find him?"Let's try to think of something else," Cyrus said, shaking his head dejectedly. He understood Jonah's situation all too well. "I'll go look for him." Jonah closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them, they glistened with unshed tears. The redness in his gaze betrayed his heartbreak. "Some of my former subordinates are still in Mosgravia. I'll contact them for help. I'll find Julien, even if it means sacrificing sleep and meals. No matter what it takes, I'll bring him back."Silas
Alyssa couldn't bring herself to go home, so she stayed at her office. Unease gnawed at her as long as Jasper's situation remained unresolved. Everything else seemed insignificant in comparison.When Cyrus updated her, a troubling realization struck—something was off about the witness, Sebastian Bender. As soon as Jonah, Silas, and Cyrus heard about Jasper's predicament, they agreed to travel overnight and meet Alyssa at the KS Group office.Worried that Alyssa and Sean might overexert themselves, the three brothers brought food to lighten the tense atmosphere with a touch of familial warmth."Sean, Taty asked me to bring this for you," Silas said, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "She made this soup herself and insisted you finish every last drop."A playful smirk tugged at his lips. "I checked the ingredients. They're all... nutritious for men."Sean's face flushed crimson as he pressed his lips together. Guilt flickered in his eyes. "She should be resting. She's due to give b
That night, Sheryl was brought into an interrogation room adjacent to Jasper's for questioning. Rio was Gabe's subordinate, but he wasn't privy to the full details of the situation. All he knew was that completing this task could give him an edge over his rival, Cyrus, and secure his standing within Gabe's ranks.To Rio, Cyrus was nothing more than a privileged man from a prestigious family, competing unfairly with those less fortunate. Rio was determined to prove himself superior, showing Cyrus how he dealt with Jasper, his future brother-in-law, and forcing him to admit defeat.Fearless in the face of wealth and authority, Rio boldly took on the president of Beckett Group, Jasper. He believed such audacity would earn him public admiration and a sterling reputation.However, Rio never considered the possibility that Sheryl might have her own stakes in this matter. To him, she was just another suspect."Mr. Beckett claims you provided him with the drugs," Rio began, his tone ster