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
Mandy couldn't stop worrying. She said, "Jonah, you must come with us. No matter what happens, we have to do everything we can to protect Lyse. We can't let her be harassed by anyone!" "Of course. Thank you for letting me know, Mandy." After Jonah left the study, Mandy entered the room. "What happened earlier, Julien? Did you and Jonah have an argument?" Julien bent down to pick up the books that had fallen onto the floor, one by one. He had his back against Mandy. "No, we didn't. It was nothing," he said in a dejected voice. "Don't lie to me. I could hear all the commotion from outside. I just wasn't able to hear what you were both talking about." Mandy looked at him angrily and criticized him. "Jonah is such a well-tempered person. I have never seen him get mad throughout all these years. "You have just been here for a few days, yet you've irritated him like that? I'm certain that you're the one at fault!" Julien became flustered by her words. "How is it my fault? J
Alyssa lowered her eyes and moved Jasper's hand away. "We should get the door first," she said as she brushed past him. It was evident to Jasper that she wasn't being herself. It felt as if she was feeling a little resentful toward him. Alyssa hurried to the entrance and opened the door. "Mrs. Rosie!""Madam!" Rosie dropped the bags that she was carrying and held Alyssa in an emotional embrace. "Madam … I've missed you so much!" Rosie cried. She sobbed like a child even though she was already in her 50s. Alyssa stroked Rosie gently. She choked back her tears, saying, "I've missed you very much, too! I'm glad to see you energetic and well." Jasper had tagged along behind Alyssa. He was surprised to see Rosie. Without a doubt, it was Alyssa who called Rosie over. "Mrs. Rosie, Mr. Beckett hasn't been feeling too well recently. I'm quite busy, and I'm afraid I might not have the time to look after him. Sorry to have to trouble you with looking after him," Alyssa explaine
Alyssa had her bath and did her skincare. Then, she climbed into the bed and heaved a quiet sigh. The past version of her wouldn't have wasted energy on men. She likely would have gone out drinking and partying with her brothers without a care in the world. However, the conversation she had overheard between Jasper and Landon that morning had invoked many painful memories for her. She was no longer in the mood for anything else.She didn't even want to see Jasper's face. She knew that it wasn't his fault that she had lost her child. Regardless, she still simply couldn't get over it. Although she didn't bring it up or think about it, it didn't mean she had forgotten. A knock came on the door. Alyssa assumed Jasper was back to bother her, so she closed her eyes and pulled the covers over her head. She intended to ignore him. "Madam, it's me, Rosie. Are you already asleep? If you aren't, do you want to have some milk? I've warmed a glass of milk for you."Rosie's sounded
"Mr. Jasper wears his watch all year round. It's not because he likes to do so. It is so that he can cover up the scar on his wrist." Alyssa was his wife. Naturally, she knew about his scar. However, she had thought it was a battle scar he received from the battlefield during his military days. She never expected there to be such a painful history hidden behind that long, terrifying scar. "I'm sure you must have been curious about why Mr. Jasper insisted on staying by Liana's side back then, given that she was such a cunning, selfish, and materialistic woman. "That was all because he places too much value on his relationships. He was also naive as he had never come in contact with any other woman other than her."Plus, she was also the one who discovered him in time and saved him when he slit his wrist that year. If not for her, Mr. Jasper probably wouldn't be here." Rosie rubbed her swollen eyes and continued, "Not only that, when Mr. Jasper was young, he was labeled as an
Jasper was alone in his bedroom, sitting on the sofa and staring into space. A troubled look adorned his charming face. The thought of going to check on Alyssa came across his mind a few times the entire night. At the same time, he was afraid that she would become annoyed at the sight of him, so he didn't dare to bother her. When Rosie came out of the room, she didn't mention why Alyssa was mad. Instead, they had a long heart-to-heart talk about the matter regarding Sophia. Rosie cried buckets of tears. But, in the end, she expressed that she would play dumb when she got back to Seaview Manor. This was to avoid alerting Sophia that anything was wrong. Now, the plans for their revenge were beginning to take shape. The execution of their plans was in full swing, albeit in secret. At this stage, avoiding any unnecessary problems and troubles was crucial. They might fail to expose Sophia's heinous deeds if they weren't careful!"Mr. Jasper, I keep having this feeling that Mada
"Jameson and Carl have been eliminated. Who else could be targeting Amber?"A sharp glint flashed in Jasper's eyes as a thought struck him. "Could it be Justin or Sheryl?" he asked, his voice low and tense.He recalled seeing Justin in the living room earlier that evening, wide awake instead of resting. Was Justin waiting for something? Or perhaps, provoking him in subtle defiance?"They are the only ones I can think of with a grudge against Amber." Alyssa's anxiousness made her voice tremble. "Having worked for Jameson for years, Amber must have visited Mosgravia multiple times to meet with Sir—who is, in fact, Justin. "Justin wouldn't have met anyone else besides Jameson. But how could he leave no trace after all those interactions? Amber must have figured out his true identity. And Justin—he must have realized who she is, even with her changed appearance."Jasper's expression darkened. "So he decided to eliminate her as a precaution."Tears welled in Alyssa's eyes, threaten
Searching for Amber without direction would be pointless. Jasper made a swift decision to bring Alyssa back to the manor, shielding her from the relentless chill of the wind. Once inside, he immediately began organizing the search. He deployed his men and contacted Landon, requesting additional support.The two of them sat together on the couch.This time, there was no space between them. It was as though an invisible force drew them closer, their proximity feeling natural yet electric. Neither could say who had moved first.Alyssa, however, was in no mood to dwell on their closeness. Wrapped in her down jacket, she curled up on the couch, her arms hugging herself tightly. A quiet frostiness emanated from her as she sat in silence, listening to Jasper's calm and methodical calls to mobilize his team.In the past, his composed presence would have been enough to ease her mind. But now, her thoughts were a tangled mess, each one like a razor claw tearing at her heart. The pain was u
"Ms. Gillis, I've searched her thoroughly. She doesn't have anything on her." Sheryl's brows knitted in frustration. "How can that be? Where's her cell phone?" "There wasn't one." Sheryl, no longer concerned about dirtying herself, stepped forward, grabbed Amber by her hair, and forced her to meet her gaze."You bitch," Sheryl snarled. "You came to The Millennium at this hour for a reason. What did you find? Hand it over, and I might spare your worthless life!"Amber spat a mouthful of bloody saliva directly onto Sheryl's face."Fuck! You bitch!" Glaring at Amber, Sheryl rolled her sleeves up and slapped her twice in the face. Even so, it wasn't enough to quench her fury. She yelled, "Take her back!" Two of Sheryl's subordinates moved forward, dragging a limp Amber away. Sheryl's reddened eyes burned with fury as she wiped the spit off her face. She was teetering on the edge of madness."Search the area! Retrace her steps and leave no stone unturned!"…Jasper drove to
Jasper strode out of the room and hurried down the stairs, his pace so brisk that Xavier had to jog to keep up. As Jasper reached the living room, he spotted Justin sitting upright in his wheelchair, alone. Their eyes locked when Jasper was just a few steps away.Hostility flickered between their gazes.Curling his lips upward into a slight smile, Justin asked, "Jasper, heading out at this hour?"Xavier gritted his teeth, loathing the self-righteous air Justin exuded, as if he always held the upper hand. The sight made him want to charge forward and knock Justin clean off his wheelchair."It's late. Why aren't you in bed?" Jasper asked coldly, his tone as sharp as his glare. "It seems that broken body of yours is still holding up.""Jasper, you seem to be in a rush. Did something happen? Do you need my help?" Justin maintained the smile on his face, disregarding Jasper's sarcastic remark. "It's none of your business."Without another word, Jasper swept past him. Justin's
Jasper lay restrained on the bed, his body writhing violently as waves of agony crashed over him. A towel clenched between his teeth muffled his cries, though it could not silence the torment. Every inch of his skin felt as if it were being devoured by thousands of invisible ants—a relentless, gnawing pain brought on by withdrawal.He knew he could no longer rely on the medication. Time and again, the temptation clawed at him, urging him to surrender and take the easy way out. Relief was just a pill away. But Jasper's willpower, though battered, refused to shatter. Anne's words echoed in his mind, a guiding light in the darkness. She had always taught him to be a righteous man—one with a clear conscience. Curling into himself, Jasper shut his bloodshot eyes. He couldn't disappoint Anne. He couldn't let down those who believed in him. He had to resist the dark side. Outside the room, Xavier glanced at his wristwatch. Judging the timing to be right, he pushed the door open and l
"How about now? Is Ms. Altman at home?" Alyssa asked urgently."She isn't," Clark replied. "She drove out the back gate alone around 11:00 pm. Our security personnel stopped her then, but she said she was just going out for some fresh air because she had trouble sleeping. She promised she wouldn't be long, but it's strange—she hasn't returned even now."Alyssa's ears began to ring, her heart sinking like a stone.When she ended the call, her nightgown clung to her skin, drenched in cold sweat. Her trembling hand gripped the phone tightly.She thought of calling Jonah, but he was still searching for Julien in Mosgravia. He wouldn't be able to return in time. Silas wasn't home tonight; he was likely with Rose. Besides, he was more of an academic than a fighter—not someone who could help in a crisis. Getting him out of bed in the middle of the night couldn't possibly solve any of their problems. Axel had returned to his organization, leaving Cyrus as the only one accessible who mi
Amber's eyes reddened as she darted toward the trapdoor in The Millennium, tears streaming down her face.Remy had let her go. He actually spared her! Didn't this prove that he was Damien? That his true nature lingered, even if his memories of the past had been lost?Hope and excitement bubbled within her as she ran. She had to reach Alyssa immediately and share this evidence—this incredible news!Emerging from the trapdoor, Amber navigated the tangled paths among the weeds on the mountain behind The Millennium.Suddenly, she froze. Her breath hitched. Beams of white light shone from all directions, focusing on her. The cold, unyielding spotlights told her everything—she was surrounded, the target of an ambush. Amber's heart pounded in her chest. Cold sweat slicked her palms as her fingers clenched tightly around her dagger. The veins on the back of her hand throbbed with adrenaline.Six assassins in black emerged from the shadows, their flashlights cutting through the gl
Amber glared at Remy through her bloodshot eyes, thrusting her gleaming blade toward his chest. In her early days of being Jameson's follower, the first lesson drilled into her was how to kill quickly and efficiently. Refinement wasn't necessary—only results mattered. Yet, despite mastering the techniques, she had never put them into practice. Deep down, Amber feared the sight of blood and loathed the idea of taking a life.And now, of all people, it was Remy forcing her to cross that line.The blade's tip hovered mere inches from Remy's heart when hesitation gripped her. Axel's voice echoed in her mind, raw with emotion. "Amber, I keep feeling that Remy is my fifth brother, Damien. We miss him… We want him to come home!"Her pupils dilated. The blade wavered, its deadly intent dissipating.That single moment of doubt was all Remy needed. With a calm, calculated motion, he seized her wrist and twisted it sharply.Amber gasped in pain, her grip faltering as the blade clattered
The password to Jameson's room was Alyssa's birthday. Jameson had always believed himself to be a devoted man, taking pride in that notion. Yet, in Amber's eyes, his devotion was nothing more than a pathetic joke—a sentiment she couldn't help but detest.Taking a steadying breath, Amber began rummaging through the drawers and shelves with swift precision.Years of observation had taught her that Jameson had hidden several secret compartments in this room, places meant to conceal vital information. Unless Jameson or Carl disclosed their existence, even the police might not have uncovered them.After what felt like an eternity, sweat beading on her forehead, Amber discovered a hidden compartment beneath a floor sculpture.As she pried the brick loose, her breath hitched. Inside the compartment lay a waterproof plastic bag containing a document and a USB drive.Amber retrieved the document. Her heart raced as she realized its contents—a research report from Mosgravia's RC Biotech