"Who is that? They look local.""I'm not sure, but don't you think he looks a bit like Mr. Beckett?""I didn't notice it before, but … he does, yeah!"Javier's eyes widened in shock as he stared at the screen.It was Justin!Why was he sitting there with Mr. Jesselton?As if oblivious to the fact that the call had gone through, Justin was chatting merrily with the Jesselton father and son. They looked to have quite a friendship."Justin, you … " Javier was taken aback. The script he had meticulously prepared the previous night quickly became a jumble.Only then did Justin react by turning to the camera. He waved at Javier. "Long time no see, Dad."The board members were stunned.Was this handsome, refined young man Justin Beckett, the eldest son of the Beckett family who had never once revealed himself publicly in Solana City?Just then, Ezzo turned to greet Javier with a smile through the screen. "I believe we have much to discuss regarding our partnership, Mr. Javier."…
After the agreement was signed, Javier heaved a long sigh. The weight in his heart had lifted greatly.This business deal meant that their company had regained their footing and gained some respect once again.Javier returned to his officer and quickly called Justin again."Congratulations on another successful partnership, Dad," Justin said. He was now in a car heading back home. There was a warmth in his eyes accompanying his smile.When it came to looks, Justin was not as handsome as Jasper, nor was he as sharp as Landon or as eccentric as Jameson.Justin had a refined yet gentle vibe that made you glad to befriend him and get to know more. Due to Justin's disability, his movements were restricted by a wheelchair. But that never made him down or depressed. His smile remained warm and bright as ever—as if that kidnapping from years ago never happened."It's your doing that made this partnership go through, Justin. I should be the one thanking you." Javier's tone was thick wit
Jasper then shared a look with Jonah before they headed deep into the jungle.Landon prayed for the two of them to return safely. …In the Millennium's most extravagant suit, Jameson was discussing merrily with a Tsulu military representative. This Tsulian man, Inigo Montoye, had worked with Jameson when the latter was making a name for himself in Kontina. Since Inigo had benefited a lot from working with Jameson, he naturally gave the same to Jameson's endeavors in Tsulu and Kontina.Jameson had become a powerful financial magnate in Kontina, while Inigo was a lieutenant colonel in the Royal Tsulian Army's Ground Force. Virtually no outsider knew of their connection all these years.Amber stayed beside them the whole night, topping their drinks off and playing the perfect role as bait. Whenever she bent down to pour a drink, Inigo got a full view of her cleavage, making the blood in his veins burn with desire. He didn't even notice when his drink spilled at the edges.Just
Jameson stated, "Unlike how powerful they are in Solana City, those two are in Tsulu without any reinforcements. No one would notice if you killed them and disposed of their bodies, yes?" Jameson asked with eyes that hinted malice. "After all, you're quite the expert at doing that.""Hahaha! You really did think this through, Mr. Schmidt. But … how will you thank me for helping you out?""Money. Land. Whatever you want.""I have something I want right now." Inigo's lustful eyes ran along Amber's body.In the next instant, Jameson grabbed her arm and flung her toward Inigo. Amber was caught unaware and immediately landed on Inigo's lap. The latter immediately caged her in with his arms, running his hands all over her.Jameson slowly got up from his seat and left the room without looking back, saying, "She's all yours tonight."…Inigo left The Millennium satisfied for the night after having his fill of women and wine, ready to execute the task Jameson had given him.Amber was
"Don't you find that question hilarious?" Jameson chuckled and flung her hand away. "If I'd known you were this shallow, I would never have rescued you all those years ago."With a slam of the door, Jameson left the room.Amber crumpled into a heap, weeping painfully and feeling more pathetic than the torn pieces of fabric on the floor.…Cold island rain fell on Jasper as he continued moving forward. Jonah walked beside him in silence, secretly surprised at how swift Jasper was.Jasper's military years did him well. His training as a special ops soldier had neither worn down throughout his CEO career nor dulled his steely will.As long as the circumstances deemed necessary, Jasper would eagerly dive back onto the battlefield.Jonah couldn't help but admit that Jasper was the only other man in this world who could protect Alyssa besides himself."Pity," Jonah sighed."What?" Jasper asked, having heard Jonah even though they were moving fast.Jonah was about to speak when he s
Jasper's suspicion over Jameson wasn't entirely baseless. He wasn't simply taking a stab at his love rival. Ever since he reunited with Alyssa, he had been trying his best to conduct thorough investigations into a few things in secret. These included his relationship with the Schmidt family members, his situation in Solana City, and what he had been up to in Kontina all these years. As expected, due to Jameson's keen intellect, uncovering classified information about him proved impossible.However, Jasper did uncover that Jameson had colluded with the evil underground forces in Kontina. Superficially, the corporation they established appeared to operate in the realms of real estate and gambling. In reality, though, it concealed a nefarious organization involved in a wide array of criminal activities.With extensive connections in Kontina, Jameson held sway even among officials and businessmen, ensuring that powerful parties were covering for him.This was the method by which
Jasper said, "If anything were to happen to you here, what am I supposed to tell Lyse?"Danger was imminent. Both Jasper and Jonah couldn't delay even a second longer. Jasper called out to him. "Jonah." Jonah felt shaken. The way his name was called had an unusual effect on his body. He couldn't quite pinpoint the sensation, but it seemed to be a mix of an obscure pain and bitterness. Jasper looked eyes with him, delivering a clear message. "No matter what, you must return to Lyse safe and sound. Lyse had said before that her family is the most important people in her life." Jonah's eyes welled up in tears. He grabbed him by the arm and asked, "How about you, Jasper? Aren't you important to her too? It took her 13 years to finally get to be with you. "For many more years do you plan to make her endure the pain you've caused? Do you even have a heart?"With a bitter smile and an unwavering gaze, Jasper spoke, "I know I'd shattered her hope in me when we got divorced," he sa
"Jeffrey, surrender yourself." Jasper kept it short and simple. The look on his face was glacial. At that moment, the flow of blood from his injured left shoulder echoed in his ears. His breaths were shallow, and he had little energy left to spare on Jeffrey.The few assassins burst out in laughter. "Sure, Mr. Beckett. I'm here, right in front of you. Come and arrest me," Jeffrey taunted as he cocked his head to the side. His expression gradually became more sinister. "But, do you still have the energy left to do so? Shouldn't you remove the bullet on your left shoulder?" he questioned. Jasper clenched his teeth, maintaining the same look on his face. "If you delay it any longer, you might lose your left arm. Don't say that I didn't warn you." Before Jeffrey could continue, Jasper raised his hand and pointed the black nozzle at him.The assassins reacted swiftly by lifting their guns and aiming at Jasper!Both parties were ready to fire at any moment. The atmosphere ar
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,
Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space. Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him. Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?" "Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat. As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped. Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch. "Am I right, Justin?" Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue.""If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?" Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonc