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
Everyone present today was from the Taylor family.Jasper didn't avert his gaze. Instead, he walked confidently alongside Alyssa. The fact that he was the only outsider present didn't faze him; on the contrary, he felt more secure at that moment.Jasper wanted to be Alyssa's steadfast support and pillar. With him around, Alyssa could let her guard down and relax. Xavier followed behind Jasper. Seeing all of Alyssa's brothers, his head tingled, and his palms started sweating. He vowed to himself that he wouldn't marry a girl with so many brothers. It was too difficult."Lyse!"The crowd went toward Alyssa hastily and surrounded her.When the Taylors saw Jasper, their demeanors weren't exactly friendly. They would have closed the door on him and let the dog out if it were in the past."Thank you for your care and support during this time, everyone," Alyssa said.Then, she looked tenderly at Tatiana, who was pushing Sean over. She didn't blame Sean for calling the shots. "Thank y
Nina's grandmother said tremblingly, "What's wrong?"Alyssa turned around and felt a lump in her throat when she saw the worry on the old woman's face. She quickly approached Nina's grandmother and held her hand, assuring her. "It's nothing. You don't have to worry about anything except for Nina's wake. We'll be here for you. You have nothing to fear."…Reporters swarmed the funeral home and aimed their cameras at Nina's funeral hall. To them, the funeral was excellent news material. Not only were important figures from the Beckett Group and the Taylor Group in attendance, but the deceased, Nina Carle, was the only witness of the shooting incident.Would that mean Nina's death had to do with the Becketts and the Taylors? The news would certainly cause an uproar because it implicated the wealthy in the death of a poor, innocent, working-class young woman. Besides, the murderer remained at large. Alyssa saw the situation coming. Sophia and Betty had leaked the news to the report
The reporters nodded at Betty's remark with looks of approval. "Not only was Ms. Betty born to wealth, but she was also a kind and understanding young woman.""As Nina's employer, I should attend her funeral," Sophia sobbed in front of the cameras.The reporters questioned, "What will be the post-funeral arrangements?""Nina might have died in an accident, but the Beckett Group had a role to play because we failed to monitor the safety of our employees. We will offer compensation to her family. We cannot do anything to have Nina back, but we cherish our memories with her. So, we will do our best to assist her family. Hopefully, she will be at peace."The reporters sighed with a newfound admiration for Sophia.…Escorted by their bodyguards, Sophia and Betty entered the funeral home. The reporters followed closely with their cameras, hungry to get a scoop.Suddenly, Sophia and Betty looked petrified upon seeing the Taylor family members in black. Gripped by fear, their hearts nea
What did Alyssa mean? Did Sophia and Betty play a role in Nina's death?Jasper's chest tightened. He looked at Alyssa's hateful face from the corner of his eye and quietly placed a hand on her waist. Feeling her body trembling, he held her tighter. The encouraging gesture offered her a boost of confidence.Jasper kept his silence not because he was concerned about keeping his image. He understood that Alyssa needed to confront Sophia to release her anger.Sophia and Betty looked mortified, and their expressions crumbled. They sensed the reporters' attention on them. It felt like shooting themselves in the foot."Ms. Alyssa, what do you mean? Do you really think we're responsible for Nina's death?" Sophia wondered, meeting Alyssa's hateful glance."It was a suggestion. I didn't accuse you of anything." Shrugging, Alyssa mocked them, "You seem quite panicked even when I did not accuse you. Are you really behind Nina's death?"The reporters exchanged looks and started taking photos
Everyone fell into a prolonged silence out of shock. Even Alyssa's brothers were caught off guard by her sudden move. "Lyse …"They had never expected Alyssa to admit to her divorce in front of the media after how secretive she had been with the marriage. At that moment, she was fearless and honest.In the past, she had difficulty addressing her failed marriage because she perceived it as a shameful stain on her life. Now, she had put the feelings behind her and came to terms with the fact that she had met the right person at the wrong time.In the next second, the camera flashed at Alyssa and Jasper. Frowning, he shielded her from the attack like a fort."Ms. Alyssa, is that true? Were you married to Mr. Beckett?""Was it a secret marriage? When did you divorce? Any children?""What is the reason for the divorce? Was it because of Liana Gardner or another mistress?"The reporters flooded Alyssa with challenging questions.Jasper declared, "Lyse was not to be blamed for the div
People were more interested in useless celebrity gossip than actual news in this era.Suddenly, a reporter bravely shoved a microphone in Sophia's face and confronted her, asking, "Mrs. Beckett, have you abused your maids like what Ms. Alyssa said? Was Nina Carle a subject of your abuse?"Sophia was astonished that the media she invited to the funeral had turned against her. Jasper held Alyssa's hand tight. He complimented her. "Lyse, you're awesome. You're way better than me. I can never be as good as you …"Staring at her, he smiled bitterly. "I feel like I'm out of your league now."Then, he tenderly whispered, "You had pursued me in the last 13 years. From now on, I will be the one to do the pursuing."Touched by his words, she wrapped her fingers against his.…The other reporters flocked to question Sophia and Betty. The two women, sweating profusely, argued, "No, that's not the truth! You shouldn't listen to Alyssa Taylor's nonsense!""Madam Sophia, you cannot get out
Rosie chuckled. "Some are here to pay their last respects, but some, like you, are here to capitalize on others' death!""Mrs. Rosie, that's too much!"Rosie added, "You shouldn't take credit for my treatment in the family. I only have Mr. Javier and Madam Anne to thank. Besides, it is Mr. Javier who pays me, not you! I have nothing to do with you." In the heat of the moment, Rosie spat in front of Sophia while the onlookers were still reeling from the shock of the drama of a maid speaking out against Sophia.At that moment, some level-headed reporters said, "She's not wrong. A funeral for a victim of sudden death should be kept low-profile. Because of that, Ms. Alyssa and Mr. Beckett have not invited the media to the funeral. They care about sending off the victim more than shaping their image.""True. I have never seen anyone in Solana City who's more attention-seeking than Mrs. Beckett.""Mrs. Rosie is right. Mrs. Beckett is capitalizing on the victim's death."Sophia fumed
In the evening, Xavier drove Jasper to meet with Newton. Along the way, news broke out that Sheryl had been bailed out. Xavier slammed his fist against the steering wheel. "Damn it! Why is it so hard to get rid of that woman?" "She is Justin's right hand," Jasper said, eyes shut as he leaned back in his seat. His jaw tightened. "You could even say she knows more about his secrets than anyone. As long as she's useful, Justin won't discard her so easily. This is how he operates."Xavier shook his head, teeth gritted. "Where the hell did she even come from? When you had me investigate her, I found nothing. Her background was spotless. "What's in her past that Justin would go so far to keep it hidden? A man like him can have any woman he wants, yet he clings to her—some pretty-faced idiot who only seems to make things harder for him."Jasper's gaze turned glacial. Xavier's casual remark struck him.He was right. Justin wasn't short on capable subordinates. So why Sheryl?Was Sh
This time, the injection did not bring the excruciating pain that once made Amber wish for death. Her chapped lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face as she gazed deeply into Remy's eyes. He, too, looked at her, his expression unreadable yet intense. Between them, no words were needed."Damien… Thank you…" Though her voice was barely audible, the weight of her words sank deep into Remy's heart. For once, he did not object to being called Damien.The truth was, ever since Amber had been taken, an unbearable pressure had settled over him, making each breath feel like a punishment—every day since had been plagued by self-reproach and regret.If he hadn't stopped her that night and let her go sooner, could she have avoided Sheryl? Could she have been spared the torture and humiliation?"You should know that those who enter this place never leave. Most don't even make it out alive."Remy's gaze was unwavering. Taking advantage of the surveillance blind spot, he placed his
"Mr. Lexington," the doctor greeted respectfully, lowering his head slightly. Everyone at the base knew who Sheryl and Remy were. They were the ones in charge, the decision-makers. So, everyone obeyed their orders without question. To the staff unaware of the facility's true purpose, Sheryl and Remy stood at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Unbeknownst to them, someone more powerful lurked in the shadows."How has she been these past few days?" Remy asked, his expression unreadable."She's had some adverse reactions, but there are no signs of organ failure yet. Honestly, I'm surprised. She looks frail, but her body is incredibly resilient—stronger than some men, even."The doctor scoffed. "But I'm not sure if she'll make it past her fourth injection today. Last month, four test subjects didn't survive beyond that point. Their bodies have already been sent to the incinerator." Remy's jaw tensed. His voice was husky as he said, "As I've instructed, this woman must be kept alive.
Xavier seethed as he took in the insincere smile on Justin's face. Deep down, he was cursing him with every profanity imaginable. "Whatever makes you happy."Ignoring Justin's dark gaze, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead as he strode past him.Out of nowhere, Justin chuckled and asked, "Did you really think you had people on your side during the board meeting?"Jasper halted, his eyes narrowing. "Grandpa tried his best to shield you, but his health is failing by the day. How much longer do you think an old man can protect you?"Lowering his gaze, Justin idly adjusted the ruby cufflinks on his sleeves. His voice was casual yet cutting. "And Lyse—after how ruthlessly you discarded her, do you still believe she'll stand by you no matter what? That she'll fight alongside you like before?"The intense midday sun accentuated the sharp, aloof, and pallid features of Jasper's face as he stood, unyielding, in its glare. His pulse quickened. Finally, he answered, his voice a low rasp. "R
As the board meeting concluded, the crowd gradually dispersed.News of Justin securing his position as president and Alyssa joining the board quickly spread through Beckett Group.After the meeting, Alyssa escorted Newton back to Crescent Bay while Jasper remained at the corporation to handle some matters.With Xavier accompanying him, Jasper strode toward the chairman's office, his expression cold and unreadable.Nearby, a few employees huddled together, whispering."Psst! Do you think Alyssa joining the board means she's teaming up with Jasper to take down our new president?""People have been saying they broke up since they haven't been seen together for a while," another speculated."But at the press conference, Alyssa openly condemned Mr. Justin. That looked like she was siding with Jasper. So, are they still together or not?""Come on, to people like them, personal feelings don't matter—only their own interests do. Even if they broke up, they can still work together if it
When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well-defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face. Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him. What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool—a pathetic fool. Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien—just as he had last night."Julien, does it still hurt—" "Fuck you!" Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face. The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly. But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was alr
Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes. He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting—along with Alyssa's involvement—was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor. Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried. Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin—his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant,
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence. Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control. Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president—our direct competitor!"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest—outright cronyism!" Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression. Just then, a board member from Javier's
Despite his age, Newton exuded the same energy and sharpness he had in his younger days, even when surrounded by the board members brimming with vigor. Despite his quiet presence in the wheelchair, an intimidating atmosphere clung to him. In an instant, Javier was transported back to the days when he worked under Newton's strict supervision."Good day, Mr. Javier and all fellow board members. I assume no one has any objections to my presence at this meeting?"Newton's gaze swept across the room, a perfunctory smile gracing his lips."Of course not. You are part of the corporation's board of directors!" the members responded immediately.Newton nodded. "Much has happened within the corporation lately. Our shares have been fluctuating amid the controversy. "As you all know, I had intended to retire after dedicating most of my life to this company. I wanted to step aside for the younger generation rather than hover over them like a specter, micromanaging everything. "However,