Preston kicked Cornelius to the ground. Then, he got down on one knee, lifted his foot, and stepped on Cornelius' bleeding wound. Cornelius howled in extreme pain. "I'm not afraid to be frank with you too. It's about Bill's aircraft accident. I was the one who planned it all." "Why, you… You…!" Cornelius widened his eyes in disbelief. He stared straight at Preston's sinister face. However, he was in so much pain that he couldn't bring himself to say a word. "That year, I hired someone to destroy the helicopter's main gearbox in advance. That caused the aircraft to plunge into the sea. I did have a chance to save Bill. But I chose to leave him to die. "Poor Bill… Even as he died, he wouldn't have thought that it was his own younger brother who caused his death! Did you know? He watched as I swam up to the surface of the sea. His gaze was even filled with relief. There was not a hint of hatred in his eyes at all."Such a perfect and good-hearted man should just be reunited with God.
This night, there were some who were feeling uneasy and some who were confident. At the Millennium, Amber was leading Remy through the grand-looking corridors. Remy was like a bat that was lying in wait in the dark. Amber, who was walking in front of him, couldn't help but get chills down her spine. Jameson had been waiting for a while in the highly-secretive room. "I didn't think that we'd meet again so soon, Mr. Lexington." Jameson welcomed him with a wide smile. He brought a glass of red wine over and handed it to him. "It must have been a long journey. This is a world-class red wine that I've prepared specially for you." The look on Remy's face was frigid. He pushed the wine glass away from him without a second thought. He showed no respect to this man, who had Solana City in his hands. "Ms. Altman has briefed me on the way here." Jameson saw that Remy rejected his drink, so he drank it instead. He was someone who could be flexible too. "Oh, has she? That saves me some time
Jameson rested the side of his head on his palm. In a lazy tone, he said, "I'm just excited to watch the exciting brotherly feud that's about to happen." "Mr. Schmidt, do you think… that Remy looks almost like Damien Taylor, that Taylor family member who died in a plane crash? Could they be the same person?" Carl was puzzled. "What if they're the same person? Or what if they're not the same person? It will just make my game even more fun." Jameson couldn't help but laugh. "To die in the hands of one's own 'older brother'... He could very well die without any regrets." "Cyrus always ruins our plans time and time again. He's also an officer. It would really make things easier once and for all if we can get rid of him in one hit." Carl hesitated but continued, "It's just that… you're sending Ms. Altman to go with him this time. Are you… still suspicious of her? Are you still wanting to test her?" Behind his gold-framed glasses, Jameson narrowed his dark eyes. …Ever since the Hodgs
"Biotechnology… Research Institute?" Jasper furrowed his brows tightly. He looked into Alyssa's eyes. They couldn't figure out how Betty could have connections with such an organization. "It's so late, Jonah. Why aren't you asleep yet… hmm?" Julien's sluggish voice could be heard from over the phone. His voice was so captivating that it gave Alyssa goosebumps all over her body. A lifelike image of his alluring and beautiful eyes flashed across her mind. "I'm on the phone with Lyse and Jasper. Did I wake you?" Jonah's tender voice was as clear as a bell. Then, they started hearing the sound of something rustling…"With Lyse? Alright then. Go ahead and… Ooh…"Then, the shameless sound of smooching and wet kisses sounded within the car. Jasper gulped. His hands that were around Alyssa's waist started sweating. He could only turn his head to look out the window in an attempt to calm his restlessness. "Hey, hey… Jonah, hold it right there! Can you wait till you're done wit
Justin saved Jasper at the cost of destroying his almost perfectly healthy body. If he had done so just to put on a show in front of him, what was his purpose for doing so? …Meanwhile, at Crescent Bay, today marked the day Cyrus and Lauren had planned to visit the amusement park for some fun. Cyrus got ready and came over to Crescent Bay early so that he could pick Lauren up. Much to his surprise, Mandy insisted on coming along with him. She wanted to come and dote on her future daughter-in-law. It was rare for Mandy and Cyrus to visit Crescent Bay. Thus, Newton came out in person to welcome them. It was his way of showing them his respect. "Are you Cyrus? You are one fine-looking man!" Newton couldn't stop beaming when he saw Cyrus. He laughed, "Mrs. Taylor, your son looked exactly like Winston when he was young! I would've recognized him as Winston's son even if you didn't say a word!" "Jonah, Silas, and Lyse bear even more resemblance to Winston." Mandy smiled warmly. "My Da
Javier stormed in with a stern expression, exuding deep resentment. He was closely followed by Rory."The weather is so good today. Why do you look so gloomy? Don't ruin my day."Clicking his tongue, Newton shifted his gaze away from Javier's solemn face, showing clear annoyance toward him. "Seeing you makes my chest feel tight. It's like I've lost another two years of life."Javier paid no mind to banter with Newton. He went straight for Lauren, completely disregarding the presence of the Taylors. "Lauren! Come back with me now!"Lauren looked visibly frightened, her face turning pale. Instinctively, she clutched her teddy bear and stepped back.Just as Javier's hand was about to touch her, another hand with taut veins suddenly grabbed his wrist firmly, like a pair of handcuffs.Lauren's eyes widened abruptly as she looked at the tall figure standing in front of her. "Cyrus..."Cyrus met Javier's reddened eyes and smiled coldly. "Mr. Javier, please talk things out. You're scari
Mandy, however, led with a statement that was not quite in line with her identity but perfectly reflected her current sentiment. "I'm truly disgusted."Javier's eyebrow twitched fiercely. "What did you say?""Mr. Javier, I must admit you're indeed favored by God. You're a true lucky one."Mandy gracefully took her seat and took a sip of her coffee. "Otherwise, with just your intellect, it would be impossible to grow your business this big.""You…" Javier glared at her indifferent face, his throat tightening with anger.But he was a person of high status. If he were to retaliate, it would make him look like a shrew."Our family is more open-minded. As parents, we don't interfere too much in our children's marriages. I didn't have much contact with Lauren before, but my son likes her. As a mother, isn't it natural for me to support my son?"Mandy continued, "Plus, the family you picked for Lauren is really disappointing. I just pressured them a little, and they immediately backed
"I know you still have prejudices against Alyssa, but I'm certain of one thing. Everything she does is for the good of this family and the people she cares about!" Newton angrily pointed at Javier. "If you dare speak ill of Alyssa again, you won't be welcome at Crescent Bay anymore!"Javier was about to retort when Jasper and Alyssa walked in, hand in hand.They must have heard the conversation.Accustomed to such situations, Alyssa remained composed, but Jasper's chilling gaze fixed silently on Javier's face. It was obvious that he was furious.Javier gritted his teeth. Realizing it was best to leave, he grunted coldly and left with Rory."Grandpa, what happened?" Jasper hurried over to Newton, his gaze dark. "What's he up to now?""It's nothing. I've scolded him anyway." Newton waved it off.Alyssa smiled brightly, unconcerned by these matters."Alyssa, Mrs. Taylor and Cyrus visited earlier, and they just left. Cyrus took Lauren out."Mentioning Cyrus, Newton couldn't stop p
Just as Justin finished speaking, Sheryl heard a series of heavy footsteps behind her—each one sounding like an omen. "Ms. Gillis, it's been a while."Sheryl turned sharply, eyes wide in disbelief."Uri… It's you!""I see you still remember my name."With an insincere smile on his face, Uri walked past her and headed straight to Justin. "Right now, I, too, work for Mr. Beckett. He is my leader."Justin, seated in his wheelchair, lifted his teacup and took a sip. "Our team has become stronger. This is fantastic." Sheryl was momentarily stupefied. Then it clicked. Her eyes widened in realization. "Mr. Justin, the genius professor you mentioned who developed the drug—was it Julien?" A flicker of satisfaction crossed Justin's eyes. "As expected of someone I trained. You're as sharp as ever."Uri's sudden arrival made everything clear.After regaining her composure, Sheryl stepped forward, studying the hardness in Uri's expression. She then asked, "What are you planning?""U
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,