Alyssa was all too familiar with how Jasper was feeling. During the three years they were married, she had also lived in fear in that same way, day and night. She feared that he would ignore her or divorce her. And now, he was having a good taste of the bitter love story that she experienced. Alyssa walked into the room. She opened the cake box, and the inviting strawberry cake gave off a delicious scent. She gulped back her saliva. But to Jasper, she was far more alluring than the cake. Rather than the cake, he was more interested in eating her up.Alyssa cut two slices out of the cake in a few swift moves. She picked up a slice and handed it to Jasper, saying, "I never knew you liked desserts. You've never mentioned it to me."You've never had a bite of the desserts that I made for you in the past. So, I thought that you didn't like them." Jasper held his spoon with trembling hands. He took huge bites of the cake, but all he could taste was bitterness at the back of his
Alyssa couldn't help but lean her neck back. The notion of Jasper being a cunning man flashed through her mind. Indeed, he was crafty!It was only when not a single trace of cream remained on her skin that Jasper reluctantly lifted his face. He gazed at her intently and asked, "Isn't it better if I do it this way?" "Better … Better my foot."Soon enough, tiny red dots began to form like stars on the smooth skin on Alyssa's chest. They were the love bites he had left behind! She looked away shyly. The pace of her breathing quickened, and beads of sweat began to form on her forehead.He was also in a similar state. It was as if they had both just experienced some intense action. The only difference was that one had become soft, whereas the other had become hard. "Jasper, I gave you an inch, and you've really taken a mile. You've crossed the line!" Alyssa pouted her. Jasper felt aroused by how ashamed and angry she looked. Her voice sounded sweet, and even her sobs sounded
In the following days, Alyssa and Jasper refrained from displaying physical affection toward each other. They maintained a courteous demeanor.Nevertheless, their intense emotions, potent enough to elicit a blush, permeated every corner of the villa.Rosie prepared three meals a day for them. Alyssa couldn't bear to see her working so hard, so she offered to help her with everything, But both Rosie and Jasper kept stopping her from doing so. "You're allergic to smoke. It's better if you don't enter the kitchen. I'll help Mrs. Rosie out. You can just wait for the food to be ready," Jasper said from behind her. He interlocked all ten fingers, enveloping her waist with his arms. He couldn't help but give her a peck on her earlobe when he rested his forehead on her shoulder. Alyssa was embarrassed that she had turned completely pink in front of Rosie. She squirmed hard in his embrace and objected. "Don't force yourself. What can a pampered man like you do?" "It's fine. I can
Jasper and Alyssa had advanced to all bases in their relationship by now, but he could tell she hadn't entirely accepted him. Without his direct initiative, they would still be unable to engage with each other closely, as typical couples do.While she might have shared her embrace, her kisses, and her body with him, she had only exposed a fraction of her true feelings.Jasper tightened his fists and rallied his spirits. Once again, a resolute expression crossed his face.All was fine. One step at a time. Everything was moving in a positive direction, wasn't it? "Wow! Quick, come and see! That is one eye-catching couple! The woman is beautiful, and the man is attractive! Are they models, or are they celebrities?" Suddenly, some passersby looked toward them and excitedly began to discuss amongst themselves. "They've covered up so well. How can you tell that they are attractive?" "Observe their attire and the confidence they exude. That's a well-proportioned figure. I'm certa
The crowd dispersed. After all, they felt a little awkward watching a couple being lovey-dovey with one another. Jasper and Alyssa pulled away from each other slowly. He couldn't take his eyes off her and continued looking at her amorously. "That … That was overboard." She already had her face mask on. Adding such a long kiss on top of that made her gasp hard for air.She looked at him resentfully and added, "Who said you could kiss me?""I just felt like it. I didn't think that much," Jasper remarked. A small, satisfied smile played on his lips as he reached out to gently tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "What happens if someone were to recognize us?" "They won't. If they were to recognize us, they would have recognized us the moment we stepped in." He wasn't a saint. By nature, he had a possessive side to him. Furthermore, she was the woman whom he loved to the moon and back. How could he not have reacted to what others were commenting about them? He wanted
Jasper said, "I need to get to Jeffrey before the police do."Men were competitive, especially when they were in love.Both of them answered their respective phone calls at the same time. They hung up at the same time, too."Let's go to Nina's funeral tomorrow morning." Alyssa's eyes were slightly red."Yes, let's go together."Jasper thought long and hard. Like a husband who was about to go on a business trip, Jasper wrapped his arms around Alyssa's waist. He pulled her into his embrace."Lyse, there is an important project to discuss at work. I have to sit in this meeting as the president. I will need to go on a business trip for a few days."For how many days?" Alyssa gasped lightly."Five to ten days?"Jasper felt bad. He knew it was a white lie, but he felt terrible nonetheless for lying to the love of his life.Alyssa blinked her eyes. "Where are you going?"Jasper stopped and said, "Yoarkley." He made it up. He felt guilty as Alyssa stared at him."Okay, have a safe
Jameson had his back facing them. Amber pressed her lips tightly together. She handed the envelope to Carl for him to pass it to Jameson.She used to be the only woman who could get close to Jameson besides Alyssa. She could have sat on his lap and flirted with him like his lover. She could have made harmless jokes with him without angering him.Everyone who worked for Jameson would naturally assume Jameson loved and cared for her.Only Amber knew deep down in her heart that she was nothing. She was not worthy to even carry Alyssa's shoes with her.Jameson only took her as a cheap replacement. When he was happy, he would tease her and satisfy his desires. If he were upset, he would mistreat her. She was putty in his hands.So, she no longer tried to get close to her. Even looking at him in the eye was terrifying for her. Carl handed Jameson the envelope with both hands. Jameson put his wine glass down. He took the envelope from Carl and opened it slowly. Suddenly, Jameson
Otherwise, if Jameson were to act on his rage, he would tear Jasper into shreds right before Alyssa."M-Mr. Schimdt, if I may …"Carl kept the syringe and wiped his sweat away. "I don't think you should use this anymore. This may bring you temporary gratification and is an effective pain reliever. However, this is still an illegal substance. This has not been tested through clinical trials in Mosgravia. We don't know the side effects of it.""I know. Just this once, and I won't use it ever again."Jameson closed his eyes. Finally, he sighed a breath of relief. "Why would a drug dealer be caught under the influence of drugs?"His Achilles heel was drugs. It was Alyssa."Send these photos to Winston anonymously."A devilish smile suddenly appeared on Jameson's face. He looked like he was poisoned, bloodthirsty, and crazy. "Winston loves his daughter to bits. He would never watch his precious daughter make the same mistake twice with his own eyes.""Okay, Mr. Schmidt."As Carl wa
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