Through the passage of time and a multitude of shared experiences, Axel's mindset subtly and gradually shifted.After a while, Tatiana woke up abruptly. She straightened up in surprise, and her eyes stared vacantly into the distance. She used her hand to wipe away the drool from the corner of her mouth."Why did you wake up already? Nap a little longer," Axel chuckled. Her cute expression reminded him of Alyssa's childhood days."S-Sorry, Axel!" Tatiana panicked. She blushed when she realized that her drool had stained Axel's shoulder."I-I dirtied your shirt. I'll wash it clean when we get home! I'm sorry!"Axel couldn't help but feel sorry for his youngest sister when he observed her distress. The Taylor siblings often revolved around Alyssa, subconsciously considering her the youngest. Little did they realize that Tatiana was the one who needed more concern as she was the youngest in the family. Yet, she was often overlooked."It's okay, don't worry about it," Axel ass
Axel's body shook intensely, and then he collapsed on the ground. He was paralyzed and unable to stand."Sorry, buddy. Take a rest for now. This thing won't harm you much," Landon said as he triumphantly raised the stun baton in his hand. "All of you Taylors have off-the-chart combat abilities. I have no choice but to resort to dirty tricks. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to penetrate your defenses.""Damn it! You're despicable!" Axel glared at him. His eyes alone seemed capable of tearing Landon apart."Regrettably, I'm resorting to despicable tricks for the sake of my only best friend." Landon sighed while displaying a resigned shrug.Jasper sprinted to the entrance of Alyssa's ward, but Tatiana blocked him."I want to see your sister," Jasper voiced his request as he looked at the girl with a pale face. Sweat streamed down his weary face.Tatiana bit her lip and remained silent."Please," he begged. Jasper's voice was filled with desperation as he hoarsely plead
Alyssa found herself pondering the reasons behind Jasper's choice to approach her now to address the past. She had never sought his apologies, yet he remained oblivious to her true desires.Alyssa felt a deep sense of disappointment and shame that permeated her, causing her to quiver with anger.While she typically wasn't one to easily shed tears, her tears streamed down involuntarily now. It was as if her tear ducts had suddenly given way.Jameson had never seen Alyssa lose control of her emotions like this. Jasper had almost destroyed the girl who used to be lively, confident, and proud."Lyse, don't cry. Please don't cry ..."Ignoring the presence of others, Jameson opened his arms and gently enveloped the emotionally distraught Alyssa in an embrace.Alyssa's whole body went limp. Her thoughts were hazy, and she leaned her forehead on Jameson's shoulder. Before long, her tears had soaked his shoulder.Jameson's heart raced, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.At t
At first, there was still a glimmer of hope for Jasper. However, he had consistently let Alyssa down, causing her pain and ultimately extinguishing that flicker of hope entirely.Waves of spasmodic pain gripped Jasper's heart, and at each surge, a hint of tears welled up at the corners of his eyes.He parted his dry lips and asked, "Do you really want to know?" "Of course. As a man who has loved Lyse for 15 years, I want to know everything about her," Jameson said with an almost uncontrollable sense of pride. Jasper fixed him with a penetrating gaze. After a moment, a breathtaking smile slowly formed on his pale face. His voice was hoarse and deep as he said, "Two years ago when she was still my wife, we had already become one." Jameson's pupils contracted. "Lyse was already my woman long ago." "Bastard!" Jameson's mind echoed with a resounding roar. Overwhelming anger compelled him to clench his fists and throw a fist at Jasper's face!He couldn't anyone fathom la
Landon called out, "Jasper!"It was as if Jasper was completely disconnected from the world. Jasper walked past Landon absent-mindedly and got into the car wordlessly.Worry filled Landon's heart once again.The luxurious car headed toward Seaview Manor."Xavier mentioned that the manor had been put up for auction. Many are vying to bid for it."Landon explained to him in a lowered voice, "Xavier had cleared everything in the manor. He had collected your mother's photographs and brought them to the Seaview Manor."He disposed of everything else at the garbage disposal and made sure to incinerate them, leaving no traces behind."Jasper? Jasper? Are you listening to me?""I don't want to go back to Seaview Manor, Landon. I want to visit Grandpa. I miss him."Jasper struggled to articulate the last word of his sentence, his voice catching in his throat.Landon looked at him, stunned. Jasper's eyes reddened, and tears streamed down his face as his shoulders trembled.He was cr
Julien was taken aback. "Are you not planning to become the company's president?""I've never wanted to be president. Everything I do is to help Alyssa and stand in for my father for the last time.""You're an amazing man, Julien."Julien's nose inched closer to the side of Jonah's face. His warm breath landed on his defined jawline. "Then, why don't you want to get married? Even if you like guys, you can still get married. Same-sex marriage is legal in Mosgravia."Jonah's breath quickened as a numbing sensation tingled at his fingertips like electricity.The wine from his glass spilled slightly onto the wooden table top, resembling a small pool of blood."I've submitted myself to God, even my romantic life. So, I will never have a partner and get married.""God is gracious. He will forgive you for your reckless behavior birthed from the care of your sister. He will also forgive you for using the alcohol to wash your sorrows away."The look in Julien's eyes deepened. His hand
Winston told everything to his wives, and they were flabbergasted. They wanted to follow him to his visit to Alyssa, but he stopped them. It took quite an effort to persuade them otherwise. He then instructed someone to send them back to Belbanks.Winston trailed after Neil and his bodyguard. When they exited the airport, he saw Jameson standing there. He stood by the luxury car, waiting for Winston."Hi, Uncle Winston." Jameson smiled as he shook Winston's hand firmly.Winston thought briefly. Then, he got into Jameson's car. Neil and his bodyguard drove behind them.After all, Jameson had mentioned that he had something to tell him about Alyssa.Typically, a man like him would need to get in line to meet a big shot like Winston, even if he was Victor's son. However, Jameson mentioned that whatever he wanted to discuss had something to do with Alyssa.So, he couldn't possibly sit around and do nothing.The luxury car drove to the hospital without a hitch. "Uncle Winston, I'
Winston listened attentively to everything Jameson said, maintaining silence throughout. The car was filled with the sounds of deep, resentful inhales and exhales. "Please calm down, Uncle Winston. You need to be mindful of your health." Jameson's face was filled with concern. "That Beckett rascal … How could he humiliate my daughter?" Winston held his chest in agony. It felt like his heart was bleeding. "Lyse may have experienced tragic events. However, those are in the past. I will take care and protect Lyse from now on."Jameson looked at Winston with a passionate gaze. "I swear I will love Lyse only. To the best of my ability, I will ensure she is the happiest woman alive."Uncle Winston, my love for Lyse has nothing to do with you being her father, the Schmidt Group, or the Taylor Group."It's her unique qualities, personality, and the essence of who she is that I love. No other woman had ever been able to replace how important Lyse is to me. Not a single one."Shock p
"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,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc
Beckett Group was, in essence, Javier's heart and soul, forged from his own labor. "Justin set me up, framed me for drug addiction, and bribed my primary physician to give false testimony—all so he could drag me down. The fact that he dared to target me like this means he's willing to betray anyone."Jasper took a deep breath, forcing down the rage roiling inside him as Javier remained silent. "Fine. Even if you insist this is just a family matter, Justin's reputation is already in ruins, and the corporation's stock prices are fluctuating. Are you really going to stand by him, even now?""Justin has explained everything to me. He wasn't aware of the bribery. That female doctor who worked for him acted on her own. Besides, she's been arrested. The backlash against Justin will settle in time…"Jasper listened, his face unreadable, but his heart clenched painfully. A lump rose in his throat, suffocating him.He had lost his mother at a young age, but he had never longed for his fa