Despite Alyssa's objections, Jasper walked to the entrance and opened the door. "Mr. Beckett?"Jasper appeared in front of Xavier, carrying Alyssa bridal style in his arms. The two of them also looked unkempt, as if they had just woken up. Oh my god … oh my god!Xavier's jaw dropped. He saw them in a completely different light. His imagination ran wild, and his face turned red.Did this mean that his dream couple had finally reunited? Could he finally die in peace now? "Put me down, Jasper!" Alyssa cried out in his ear. She felt so awkward that she wanted to dig a hole for herself. "Can he come in, Ms. Alyssa?" Jasper asked her in a soft, gentle voice while fixing his gaze on her. Alyssa was completely subdued in front of Xavier. She stared at Jasper angrily, but could only nod. "Ah, can I come in too, then?" Both Jasper's and Alyssa's eyes widened at the sound of a familiar voice. To their surprise, Landon appeared from behind Xavier! He narrowed his sharp eyes as h
Xavier gave Alyssa two thumbs-up. "You're brilliant, Madam!" he praised. Jasper's lips curled upward. He was extremely pleased to hear that salutation. Alyssa was embarrassed and annoyed at the same time. But she was even more curious about what happened next. She pressed him on, saying, "Go on!" "Then, I went through hoops to find out that Sophia has a secret account at Randerland Bank. I'm not sure how much money she has in there. "But I was able to find out the sum that she was transferring from that account to Solana Bank. It was exactly 200 million dollars!" Landon raised his brows. He couldn't help but mock, "200 million dollars? Wow, that bitch really stole a fortune for herself." Jasper's gaze turned cold. "That must be the money that Jeffrey demanded from her. It must be the money for him to escape and keep silent," Jasper sniggered. "But what was more shocking to me was how Sophia could withdraw the ginormous sum of 200 million dollars so easily. Plus, it was wi
It was as if Alyssa and Jasper had read each other's minds. They both cried out simultaneously, "An eye for an eye. She needs to be sentenced to death!" "That's right! The death penalty!" Xavier nodded in agreement. His face was red with anger. "Heck, I just can't understand why Mr. Javier fell in love with Sophia! She's got neither compassion nor beauty. Mr. Beckett Senior is a wise man, yet he has such a foolish son!"Landon clenched his fists in anger. His eyes were burning with rage. "What must we do in order for Javier to give up on that bitch completely?""Only if Mr. Javier found out about Sophia's affair and her bastard child." Xavier added smoothly, "Reputation is of utmost importance to someone of a high status, just like Mr. Javier. If he finds out that his partner has been cheating on him, I'm sure that he will no longer be on her side!"How much of a sore loser would he be if he were to tolerate such a thing?" Alyssa chimed in, "Yeah. She cheated on him, and i
Since Sophia's 200 million dollars were deposited in Randerland Bank, that indicated that the money in that account was dirty money from her corrupt acts. Her ability to withdraw 200 million dollars as she wished suggested that the sum she had embezzled was astronomical. It was probably money she reaped from various sources within Beckett Group. Other than that, she must have also used her status as the chairman's wife to receive bribes. "Xavier, has Sophia already transferred the money to Jeffrey?" Jasper asked softly, with a glint in his eyes. "She has." "Has he withdrawn the money?" "Not yet. It's such a large sum of money. He would probably need a dump truck to fit all that money. It would be too obvious if he transported the cash. He still needs to make a getaway." Jasper nodded slightly and said, "Right. Then, you should call the cops right now. Have them freeze Jeffrey's account." "On it, Mr. Beckett." Xavier got up to get it done immediately. Indeed, it would
Jasper looked Landon in the eye and whispered, "What's wrong with that? Can't my future wife and I enjoy each other's company?" "We are all adults. There's nothing wrong if you're both consenting. But … did you use protection?" "Protection?" Jasper was slightly taken aback. It was a man-to-man talk, so Landon wasn't afraid to be direct. He asked, "Did you use a condom? How about when you did it the previous time?" From the outside, Jasper may look like he was invincible and unyielding. However, his only experience at sex was with Alyssa. He was pretty much a blank slate. The previous time …Jasper answered honestly, "I didn't. You know how I was the last time. How would I even remember that?" "How about this time?" "... I pulled out." "There's no use pulling out if your sperm is very active. There is still a high chance that you could get her pregnant." Landon put his arm around Jasper's shoulders and let out a long sigh. "It's better if you use a condom next time,
Jonah was truly worried for Alyssa on behalf of Winston. Initially, he had wanted to rush over to confront Jasper. He wanted to beat Jasper up for having hurt Alyssa so badly in the past. To his surprise, Axel held him back from doing so. "Forget it, Jonah. What's the use of rushing over there now? They've already spent the night together. They're no longer children. Whatever is going to happen, will happen. Will you even be able to stop them?" "What do you mean?" Jonah looked at Axel in shock. "Are you in favor of them being together?" "At the very least, I'm not supportive of Lyse and Jameson being a couple," Axel answered bluntly. Jonah shook his head and replied in a dejected voice, "Even so, you are just letting Lyse choose the lesser evil. Neither Jasper nor Jameson are a good match for her." "But Jasper's feelings for her are sincere. It's true that he has done a lot of bad things in the past, but he has repented. He has also compensated her with his life time and ti
Axel pocketed his cigarette. He got up in one swift move and scooped up a bowl in his hand. He took a sip of the soup and smacked his lips together loudly. "Pfft, it's too bland." Julien glared at him. He was this close to flipping the coffee table. Winston was such a powerful man. His children were all outstanding in their own ways. But had there been some genetic mutation with Axel? Why was he the devil incarnate? Axel yawned and left the study, leaving Jonah and Julien alone in the room. The atmosphere quietened down instantly. A slight tension lingered in the air. Jonah didn't lift his head to look at Julien. He paid absolutely no attention to the pretty man who was with him. Julien, who was usually a Don Juan, soon became flustered in the face of such callousness. He could read many people, but he was unable to tell what Jonah was thinking. Was Jonah playing hard to get? Or was he no longer interested in him after that night? In recent years, Jonah's eyesight had
With a loud crash, Julien's back slammed heavily into the bookshelf. Books rained down on him. One of them even hit him right on the head, making his ears ring from the pain. "Oof … Jonah! What are you doing?" "I warned you, but you didn't listen." When Jonah noticed that Julien was hurt, he felt a slight tug on his heart. Yet he reverted to his cold expression immediately. "It's one thing that Alyssa asked you for a favor, Julien. But that doesn't mean that you can do as you please with me."Everything that happened that night ended there. If you behave yourself, we can still be relatives. If you insist on being this way, I don't even know what I will do to you next time." Jonah was aware that he had never been a good-tempered person. Out of all the Taylor siblings, he was potentially the most hostile one. If this had been ten years ago and a man had been trying to get so close to him, he wouldn't have hesitated to break the latter's limbs in a few swift moves. Juli
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