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
"Can you even handle it? Haha! If you had dealt with it correctly, Alyssa wouldn't be lying here suffering undeserving punishment," Winston scoffed. The glint in Jonah's eyes darkened. He was rendered speechless.Silas pursed his lips. He always had a way with words but had nothing to say now. "Jonah, come with me. I want to talk to you." Winston straightened his stiff back as he got up. He felt a tingling pain after sitting too long."Yes, Dad."Jonah came to help his father quickly. Then, both of them left the ward.…They arrived at the lounge. "What did you say?" Jonah was dumbfounded. He narrowed his eyes as he questioned, "You want Lyse to be with Jameson? Why?""I think the best way to get Lyse to walk out of the trauma Jasper had caused her is to have her start a new relationship. She should be with someone who cherishes her."Winston's eyes darkened. He had made up his mind. "Anyone could tell how head over heels Jameson is for Lyse. Plus, our families are a perfe
It was a late night at Seaview Manor.After Betty showered, she applied medication to the plastic surgery marks on her face. She was ready to enjoy some red wine."Nina? Nina!" Betty called her maid. Nina quickly ran over to her. "I'm here, Ms. Betty."Since Alyssa made Nina a spy, she took a lot of time figuring out ways to get close to Sophia and Betty. She tried to gain their trust.She knew Sophia was often suspicious and didn't trust anyone easily. However, Betty was less manipulative than her mother. It was easier for Nina to get close to Betty.So, Nina fawned over Betty and was willing to do anything for her. Finally, she had the opportunity to stay by Betty's side to serve her.She was a lowly servant who had served under Lauren before. If she hadn't done all these to get close to Betty, Betty would have long kicked her out of Seaview Manor.There was no way she could complete the mission Alyssa had assigned to her then. "Go to the wine cellar and get me a nice bott
"I went for aesthetic cosmetology tonight. Dr. McAslister gave me a jab. He said the jab will make me more relaxed. It should be more effective than the ones I used before."Sophia covered her head with her hands. Her eyes were filled with worry and panic. She continued, "After I took the jab, my body felt light and relaxed. Then, I fell asleep. But, when I woke up, Dr. McAlister asked, 'Who is Anne?'"Betty gasped. Goosebumps filled her entire body."Mom … W-What did you say? Dr. McAlister is in no business to know. How could you …"Betty knew the actual reason for Jasper's mother's death back then.On some level, Sophia was the culprit who had caused Anne to take her life.However, it had been executed with meticulousness. Sophia had bribed the maid who took care of Anne. The maid then swapped her medication for depression. She even asked Liana and Betty to spread rumors.As a result, Anne's condition worsened. She couldn't stand the physical and mental torture and leaped of
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