Newton's expression darkened when Javier mentioned Alyssa. He demanded, "What did you say? What does that mean?""Everyone in the family knows Alyssa and Sophia have never seen eye to eye. Think about how much trouble she has caused us ever since the divorce. This time, Alyssa was present as well when the debacle happened. Even if she holds no regard for Sophia, she should have shown some respect to you and our family."At first, Javier only attempted to dismiss his misjudgment of his wife's character, but he was inadvertently carried away as he vented his anger at Alyssa. "Why choose a somber funeral to settle scores with Sophia? Couldn't she have waited until it was over?"She clearly wants to go against the Beckett Group. Her recklessness and her vindictiveness led to this difficult situation."Newton squinted dangerously. "It sounds like you're laying all the blame on Alyssa.""She played a part," Javier retorted shamelessly, attempting to shift the responsibility.Unable to
Javier staggered backward in shock, his heart aching. While he was aware of Anne's struggle with depression, she had appeared relatively normal, except for isolating herself at home and speaking less.In the past, there was a lack of mental health awareness. Individuals suffering from mental health issues were often dismissed by their families and even accused of being "overly sensitive". Similarly, Javier failed to recognize that Anne was severely ill due to his busy schedule as the company's president.Newton's eyes brimmed with melancholy. "Initially, I assumed she was in love with another man because she declined to marry you and even distanced herself from you. But, one day, she came to me when you were on a business trip and confessed her thoughts."Newton was transported back in time, where Anne stood in front of him, bare-faced and dressed modestly but still looking stunning. It was no surprise that Javier fell head over heels for her.Anne told him, "Mr. Beckett, I'm here
One could only imagine the shock Javier received upon learning about the truth behind Anne's decision. Standing frozen, he wore an expression of blank disbelief, grappling with the pain that threatened to crush him.He mumbled, "No. How could that be? How …" Even his cheeks were quivering.Javier's response reminded Newton of Jasper. Although Newton perceived Jasper to be more capable than Javier in every aspect, he noticed that the father and son shared a trait of obstinance—a refusal to admit to their foolish and absurd decisions."Anne requested that I keep this a secret from you because she wanted to leave in peace. She did not want you and Jasper to miss her." Newton shook his head remorsefully. "To be honest, I was blinded and selfish at that time. I did not care about her feelings and your relationship with her. I was only concerned about keeping Jasper in the family. "Never have I thought that Sophia would show up in your life out of nowhere. I was more surprised that you
Ben wondered, "But you saw it just now, didn't you? Mr. Javier still sided with Sophia. Maybe he hasn't—""Hmph. No. What he did was to protect his ego. No one knows my son better than myself." Newton leaned back on the couch and closed his eyes. "Now, it's only a matter of time before he gives up on Sophia. Reminding him of his love for Anne might push him in the right direction. After all, the dead usually carries more impact than the living. Learning about the truth will make him regret the past."…As the luxury car headed toward Seaview Manor, Javier sat in the seat, gripping the box tightly and bracing himself before opening it.The box had two layers. The first layer stored a tidy array of velvet pouches. With each pouch Javier opened, his heartache deepened. He saw the diamond ring he bought for the proposal. The diamond might have been considered tiny by today's standards, but it was a big deal 30 years ago. The emerald bracelet was his birthday gift to Anne, which he
Upon learning that she was being grounded, Sophia went stir-crazy at home, venting her anger on anyone she encountered."I'm sorry, Madam Sophia. This is Mr. Javier's order. We have to do as he instructed."Javier's secretary, Rory Odom, stared at her coldly. His tone revealed a hint of sarcasm as he said, "I suggest you go back to your room and don't make things difficult for us or yourself."After all, because of your actions, the entire Beckett Group is in chaos. Please don't make it worse for Mr. Javier.""How dare you!" With bloodshot eyes, Sophia slapped Rory across the face. "I'm the matriarch of the Beckett family! How dare you speak to me like that? You're just Javier's secretary!"Instead of being angry, Rory chuckled. "Indeed, even though I'm just a secretary, Mr. Javier has been generous to me. But aren't you also taking advantage of your status as Mr. Javier's wife to behave recklessly and abuse your subordinates?"Sophia was momentarily stunned but quickly regained
Sophia was in disbelief. How could this have happened?Sophia was nothing without her status as the Beckett Group's chairman's wife. No one would pay her any respect.It was precisely because she was Javier's wife that Jasper and Alyssa had been tiptoeing around her, making it impossible to target her directly.Jasper and Alyssa would undoubtedly tear her apart if she lost Javier's protection."From now on, you're not allowed to step out of Seaview Manor without my orders. If you dare to disobey, I'll send you abroad, and you won't set foot in Solana City again.""How can you be so unreasonable, Javier? I attended the funeral with good intentions to help clean up the aftermath!"It's Alyssa, that vicious bitch, who keeps attacking me. She wants to ruin Beckett Group. It's because of her that things have escalated to this point!" Sophia frantically defended herself."Do you think I'm a fool?"Javier no longer wanted to hear her nonsense. His tone was harsh and filled with hatred
"Also, you know about Lauren's situation. If I divorce, I'll definitely send Sophia abroad. The farther, the better. I fear that Lauren will not be able to bear the separation from her mother, and it may worsen her condition."Rory nodded in understanding, realizing the dilemma Javier was facing."I asked you to find out Jasper's whereabouts. Did you find him? Where has he gone?" Javier asked."Sorry, Mr. Javier. You know Mr. Jasper is quite skilled. If he doesn't want anyone to find him, no one can," Rory replied helplessly.Javier didn't say anything and dialed Jasper's number on his phone.After several attempts, Jasper finally answered."It's so late. Do you have something important?""Jasper, I—""If this is about me returning for a project meeting, you don't need to waste your breath. I won't go." Jasper's attitude was cold. There was no affection whatsoever in their exchange.Javier pressed his lips and asked in a low voice, "Jasper, do you have time tomorrow? Come with
Rory said, "Okay. I'll get it now."Only after Rory left did Javier dare to reveal his vulnerability. He slumped down. Guilt and pain swept over him like a storm, tormenting him in unspeakable ways.At this moment, his mind was chaotic, filled with various voices."I don't know when it started, but I've become someone who can't be separated from you.""Every morning, the first thing she thinks about is how she should die. But when she thinks of Jasper, she can't bear to leave her young son like that.""Even if my mother once loved you, the moment she leaped from Seaview Manor's balcony, she no longer does."Javier opened his eyes abruptly, his heart pounding uncontrollably.Just then, Rory returned with a glass of warm water."Rory, how much do you remember about Anne's situation 20 years ago?"Rory was startled for a second, then replied, "I have a good memory. Didn't you choose me as your secretary because of that? If you have any questions, just ask.""Back then, Anne had
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