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
Landon was shocked. His mouth was slightly agape for a while."Jasper, have you realized that you actually have a masochistic tendency? You've got the inclination to become a henpecked husband."At this rate, you'll have to surrender all your credit cards. Damn, will I be the one to foot the bill now every time we go out?""Had you not been the one who has been footing the bills whenever we went out before?" Jasper asked nonchalantly.Landon was rendered speechless.Indeed.Jasper was a complete homebody with no recreational hobbies other than work, exercise, and boxing. From what he remembered, Landon had always been the one initiating everything.He often visited Seaview Manor with a driver and bodyguards to take Jasper out. Jasper rarely took the initiative to plan anything.But Landon was happy with it and had no complaints.Although he lost his father at a young age, he knew he had received plenty of love from his family. On the contrary, Jasper seemed to have everything,
"But can Javier do the same? He's inherently a selfish person. He has never loved my mother. He only loves himself. I don't even deserve Lyse's forgiveness. It's impossible for him to get my mother's."Landon sighed softly, feeling sorry for his buddy.At this moment, a phone call interrupted the heavy atmosphere."How's the situation?" Landon put the call on speaker and asked eagerly."We've got a problem, Mr. Harper." The person sent to track Jeffrey sounded anxious."Just as Mr. Beckett expected, Jeffrey does have a local gang supporting him in Tsulu. We found out that this group is notorious in the area, colluding with Tsulu's officials and merchants."Drug trafficking, arms smuggling, murder ... They're involved in almost every kind of crime. Over the years, they have grown deep roots, and even Tsulu's government and royal family can't do anything about them."Jasper and Landon exchanged serious glances. They knew the situation would be tricky but didn't expect it to be thi
"Jas…"Alyssa looked at Jasper with an unfocused gaze. Her breaths were shallow, and she was slipping in and out of consciousness. Mentally, she was confused. "Yes, it's me—Jasper!"Jasper's heart clenched as he saw the color drain from her face. Her body trembled uncontrollably, fragile as a leaf caught in the wind. She resembled the kitten he had saved as a child—frozen and alone in the alley that bitter winter night. A deep sorrow flooded his chest."Jas… per…" Alyssa murmured his name, her voice strained, her tongue numb from the cold.A faint, mocking smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and tears streamed down her cheeks. "It seems… like I am about… to freeze to death… How could he be here… He will not come back… He doesn't want me anymore…" Alyssa's vision blurred as her eyelids grew heavy. She began to lean, her body sagging to one side."Alyssa! Stay awake!" Jasper's heart was pierced, the pain unbearable as he saw the denial in her eyes. He forced himself to pu
Elias frowned deeply; his worry etched onto his face. "We've been shouting Ms. Alyssa's name the whole way. With so many of us calling out, she should've heard us by now if she were nearby!"In a deep voice, Jasper said, "The wind is too strong, and then there's the heavy snowfall. Our voices are being drowned out. Lyse might not hear us at all."Lyse. Her nickname slipped from his lips before he even realized it."I'm just afraid she's injured—or worse, fainted. If she blacks out in this cold…" Elias trailed off, his voice heavy with dread. "On a day like this, she won't survive long. She'll freeze to death."The group exchanged uneasy glances, the reality of his words tightening their chests.It wasn't that Elias was being a doomsayer. Rather, this was the cruel reality that might actually happen. Crater Mountain claimed lives every year. Danger lurked unpredictably in the woods on the mountain—anything could unfold."Let's split up," Jasper commanded, his eyes fixed on t
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her
The skies started to turn dark. Alyssa's dark hair was covered in a layer of snow. As she stood alone at the foot of the majestic mountain, she looked tiny, fragile, and desolate. "Ms. Alyssa, it's snowing. Heavy snowfall is forecasted tonight." Elias walked to Alyssa's side. Noticing the redness on her face due to the cold and the dull look in her eyes, he had a moment of realization. He couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness within him. "It's getting late. I suppose something came up for Mr. Beckett, and he's unable to make it." "Why didn't he inform me if that is the case?" Alyssa mumbled in a low voice as she gazed toward the darkness. She choked back on her tears so softly that her grievance couldn't really be heard through her voice. Elias slapped himself on his forehead. "Ah, perhaps you didn't manage to receive Mr. Beckett's message? The reception at the foot of the mountain isn't quite stable. You might have missed it. Would you like to come to my office? You'l
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t