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
Landon sucked in a deep breath upon hearing that. Jasper had requested for a gun so nonchalantly. It was as if he was asking for a set of utensils."Tsulu has a nickname—the lawless territory. Jeffrey must be familiar with the place to choose to escape there. He probably has an accomplice to intercept him there. So, we can't let our guard down on this trip. We have to prepare for the worst."He ended the call solemnly. Shortly after that, Jasper received a call from Javier.Jasper's frown deepened. He ended Landon's call and answered Javier's call."Jasper, the chairman of Jesselton Incorporated in Mosgravia, wants to go on a video conference with us tomorrow afternoon. He wanted to discuss the strategy for our partnership with them and the Beckett Group's future advancement in Mosgravia. Both of us need to be present for this," Javier informed him coldly.Without a second thought, Jasper said, "I have an important matter to attend to tomorrow. I won't be able to attend it.""Wha
Sean was still in the hospital, so Xavier came to pick them up.Both of them sat in the back. Jasper took a deep breath. He reached out and held Alyssa's cold hand.She didn't avoid it and let him hold her hand. She even let him intertwine his fingers with hers, feeling his warmth."Landon said he wanted to come, but I didn't let him," Jasper said softly."Okay, I understand why you did it. Landon is with Lauren now. He worried Lauren would feel sad if she saw what happened to Nina."Alyssa sighed. "After all, Nina had cared for Lauren for a long time. They were more than a servant and a master. They were friends."Her voice dropped as she spoke. She choked on her words slightly."Don't cry, Lyse."Jasper's heart ached intensely, feeling as if it were twisted. He twitched slightly, lifting his arm to wrap it around Alyssa's shoulder. He held her in his arms and consoled her. "Nina wouldn't want us to feel sad because of her."I'm sure she wants to see the beautiful, sassy, and
"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