"How shameless of you to speak about Alyssa as her ex-mother-in-law!" Jasper finally stepped forward without hesitation and mocked Sophia, "You're Dad's second wife, and I'm not your son. You do not have the right to claim you were Lyse's mother-in-law. "Still, Lyse respected you and tried her best to fulfill your unreasonable demands when she was married to me. She endured you and Betty's bullying. Why did you skip that part?"Alyssa felt a lump in her throat and wiggled her finger as she was reminded of the bitter past. Jasper did not need to look at her to empathize. He gripped her hand firmly and declared, "Lyse married me because she loved me. Is love a sin? "I was the one to blame for the divorce. I did not see through Liana's true colors and continued flirting with her after I was married. I unknowingly hurt Alyssa, not realizing that all the while, she was the one I loved."The cameras flashed again in a frenzy to capture Jasper's act of protecting his ex-wife and his con
Alyssa did not shy away from Jasper's passionate gaze this time. She melted inside, wondering how deep his love for her was, seeing how he was close to tears when he looked at her.Meanwhile, Sophia and Betty were in hot water because they had nowhere to escape. Alyssa stood in their way, and the reporters swarmed behind them.At that moment, Rosie played a recording on her phone in front of the crowds. Amid the hushed silence, they were shocked to hear Sophia cursing her maids from the recording.The reporters gasped, "Oh, my God! Quick! Get that on video!"Another questioned, "Is that how a woman in her position should behave? Even the market vendor I know has better manners!""If we air this, we might have to censor it from the beginning till the end!"All color drained from Betty's face. She had her fair share of abusing maids at home and worried that Rosie would play a recording of her actions.Rosie lifted her phone high and yelled, "Look! This is how much Mrs. Beckett car
Betty, who could not step aside in time, was also drenched in soup. She nearly heaved from the stench.The onlookers gasped at the turn of events. They did not expect Nina's bedridden and ill grandmother to take revenge for her granddaughter with a will of steel. The old woman glowered at Sophia.Her determination won her the respect of everyone present."You evil woman! Get lost! I don't want you standing in the way of Nina!" Despite appearing frail, the old woman yelled loudly with rage, "If you don't leave, I will break your head with the bowl! "I don't have any purpose in life after losing Nina. I have nothing more to lose, and I am not afraid of going against you!"…Sophia and Betty enjoyed a high-profile arrival at the funeral but ended up escaping from the scene with tails between their legs.The reporters left after that. They would have a field day writing news articles on Javier and Sophia. Although Nina's funeral started in chaos, it wrapped up smoothly. Unfortun
Tatiana's breaths became ragged, her cheeks deepening in color. She held Sean's hand silently, both blushing in embarrassment but not letting go.When Alyssa gathered herself, she told Jasper, "Mrs. Rosie can no longer work at Seaview Manor after what happened today. If you and Mrs. Rosie don't mind, I'd like her to work at Heightsnew Villa in Belbanks."If she prefers retirement, I will buy her a place in Belbanks so she could retire comfortably. I will be worried for her if she stays in Solana City. Sophia and Betty might give her trouble as payback.""Lyse, my sentiments exactly," he replied, looking content. "I'd prefer Mrs. Rosie to leave Solana City temporarily and return only after I've taught Sophia a lesson. But I do not mind if Mrs. Rosie settles down in Belbanks. That sounds good as well.""I'm just concerned she won't want to leave because she'll miss you," she teased, squinting at him.Bright-eyed, Jasper rubbed her fingers and responded, "She won't miss me. She once
Jasper whirled around, drawn in by a pleasant fragrance. Alyssa leaned closer to him, her eyes shining brightly. She placed her arms by his side, her plump lips hovering before him. He swallowed hard and blushed at the fatal attraction of her moist lips.Alyssa purred, "Have you forgotten what I said to you?" Her hand traveled down to his chest and traced its way to his abdomen.His heart raced as he stared intently at her rosy lips. Just when he was about to kiss her, she took the cigarette from between his fingers and placed it between her lips.She took a long drag but started coughing violently. Her face reddened.He pinched her flushed cheeks and teased her, "Oh, you silly thing! Don't force yourself if you don't know how to smoke.""I don't understand … Cough … What's so appealing about smoking?" She tossed the cigarette on the floor and stomped on it. "You and Axel smoke all the time. What are you, a chimney? I should play the documentary of lung cancer on a loop to scare
The video capturing Sophia and Betty at Nina's funeral went viral online. One wondered if Jonah influenced the narrative or if the reporters had ganged up against Sophia because of the absence of scenes featuring Alyssa and Jasper.Instead, the footage showcased Rosie's accusations against Sophia and Nina's grandmother's soup attack.Alyssa and Jasper's divorce should have been more sensational news than maid abuse allegations against Sophia. Still, cowed by the pressures exerted by Jonah and Jasper, no reporter dared broach the subject of the divorce to protect their career.Despite brief online gossip regarding Alyssa and Jasper's secret marriage, the discussion soon died down after all the media attention on Sophia's behavior.The netizens turned the photo of Sophia drenched in soup into a gif and shared it online. Not only that, but it was also transformed into various jokes and puns. The situation spiraled beyond the control of the Beckett Group's PR team."ROFL! I can't wait
Angelina, burdened with guilt, sighed as she admitted, "There's another problem. Madam Lauren found out about Nina's death through the news about the funeral."Landon's chest tightened. His worst fear had become a reality. Angelina continued, "It was my fault. I didn't anticipate the news reporting on the funeral so soon because there was an embargo."Anyway, that's not an excuse. I did not do my job well. So, instead of the bonus, you should be giving me a penalty," Angelina willingly offered to be punished."That's not your fault, Angie. You are busy taking care of Lauren while handling work matters for me. It's tough for you," Landon replied with worry. "How is Lauren holding up?""Madam Lauren is not doing well. She's been crying. Please come home now and check on her.""Sure. I'll be back soon."After hanging up, Landon felt increasingly agitated and concerned at the thought of Lauren alone crying. He kicked the back of the driver's seat and snapped, "Go faster if you want t
"Search for Lauren," Landon yelled, slamming a fist onto the window sill with rage. "… even if you have to turn the place upside down!""Roger that! I'll get a few people to look for her," Angelina answered and immediately went into action.Silence encapsulated the room, which soothed Landon's nerves. After calming down, he heard a vague sobbing from somewhere in the room that tugged at his heartstrings."Lauren!" Elated, he ran into the bedroom, where the sobbing grew louder. His heart shattered with each cry.Finally, he stopped in front of the closet. The sobbing was loud and clear, accompanied by the ruffling of clothes.Slowly, he opened the doors, only to hold his breath at what he saw next.Lauren's frail body curled in a damp corner like a stray with no home.She hugged her knees, her dark bangs clinging to her sweaty forehead. After hiding in the closet for a while, she looked a little out of breath, and her cheeks were flushed."L-Landon …" She burst into tears when s
Alyssa followed Jasper into the study. The door closed behind her with a soft click. She didn't move to switch on the lights or sit down. Instead, she stood quietly in the dim room.They faced each other, eyes locked. In the darkness, their gazes seemed brighter, charged with emotions that neither could put into words. Whatever stirred within them was tangled and silent—kept at bay by something unspoken, as if a wall had formed between heart and mouth. After a pause, Alyssa offered a faint smile. Her voice was soft, almost courteous. "Go ahead, Mr. Beckett. I won't be staying long tonight—I've made other arrangements."It was clear she didn't want to be alone in a room with him.Jasper's chest tightened, overwhelmed by a surge of emotion he couldn't define. His voice was rough when he finally spoke. "You didn't vote against the motion at today's board meeting. I wanted to know… are we still on the same side?"Alyssa's gaze lowered, her voice steady and calm. "You didn't object
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