LOGINAlthough Jasper was thanking Mark, Mark felt the creeps from Jasper's glare."Yeah, stuff like that should be investigated," Tom replied with a poker face, smoking as well. "Good to know that you're safe.""I agree." Jasper smiled in turn.On the other hand, Mark didn't want to say a word about the matter as he might slip up. He turned to Tom instead and asked, "Lunch is ready. Why don't you stay with us, since you're a friend of Jasper's?""Sure. I'm a friend of Ms. Whitley's too…" Tom trailed off, looking at Jasper. "If you don't mind.""Of course not," Jasper replied calmly.With that, everyone was suddenly silent, leaving an awkward situation.That was when Mark had a twinkle in his eye and turned to Tom. "When did you meet Jasper?""We actually met years ago," Tom replied. "But with the distance and incompatibility of our businesses, we haven't really kept in touch recently."It was why Jasper could use his own voice while showing up at that casino in disguise, as he knew
Tom paused, but he soon stood up as he exclaimed, "Wait, is it really you, Jas? What a surprise!"Both Renee and Mark were taken aback, as neither of them knew that Tom knew Jasper and was a close friend at that."It's been a while, Tom," Jasper said as he released Renee's hand and strode up to shake Tom's hand. "What are you doing here?""To visit Ms. Whitley." Tom smiled at Renee as she stood behind Jasper, and he changed the subject. "Wait, what happened to you? The news was saying your plane crashed, and I was even mourning. It's just strange to see you back with us.""It's a long story," Jasper said, turning and grasping Renee's hand again. "You've been out all morning. Go get some rest—I'll talk to Tom.""Oh, okay…"Renee did notice the dark glint in Jasper's eyes as he looked at Tom and thought the man looked somewhat hostile.But why the strange look?Oh, right—it was the look when one sensed competition.Nodding, Renee said, "Tom, Dad, I'll be going upstairs."The th
The beanie was warm and seemed to ward off the oncoming cool breeze, while also bringing warmth into her heart.Renee then spotted a round one with antlers and picked it up, putting it over Jasper's head.She giggled, seeing how amusing it was when the usually cold man wore that cutesy hat. "It really doesn't suit you."It just clashed terribly with his black coat, towering form, and air of superiority.But seeing Renee giggling so happily, Jasper paid for the hat right away. "Same receipt."He also bought gloves and a scarf, keeping her fully shielded, holding her hand as they enjoyed the bliss of the festivities.Renee suddenly found how perfect it was to just stay behind him, watching his towering figure loom.The air was filled with the scent of gunpowder after fireworks popped overhead, but Renee liked it as much as she felt uneasy.It felt like the calmness before the storm, and the worst had yet to come.Renee didn't want to stay out for long as Jasper was still hurt, o
Meanwhile, Renee left with Jasper.Simon was chauffeuring while they sat in the back seat, with Renee squeezing Jasper's hand and asking, "Don't you think that was way too simple?"Jasper put an arm around her shoulder, pulling her towards him to lean on his shoulder. "I missed you, so I can't wait.""Mark's going to make his move, isn't he?"She was smart and definitely hit the nail on the head just then.On top of that, she knew Jasper well enough to understand that he wouldn't give up on a strategy that he had maintained for so long just because he missed her.Jasper couldn't help chuckling. "I knew I couldn't hide it from you.""Oh, and what did you find about the locket?" Renee pressed anxiously. "Alison even called yesterday, saying that Uma Sands claimed to be my biological sister.""Uma Sands?" The name didn't really ring a bell, but Jasper did remember meeting the person once, and how she bore a striking resemblance to Renee.However, he kept her at arm's length, be
Yvie was hesitant to speak. "But now that Jasper's back, my question is, what about our plan? I don't know how to face him, and Renee would definitely tell Jasper about us. It's not like she can't guess what's going on between us… And wouldn't she suspect that I had ordered the sabotage of Jasper's plane?"Mark reclined against his couch, pulling out a cigar and nipping the cap.Taking a deep puff while crossing one arm around his chest, he stared beyond the door and scowled. "We can't wait anymore."Yvie's eyes lit up. "So we're doing it tonight?"It was New Year's Eve, and everyone would be letting down their guard in the festive season.It was the perfect chance for them to strike, or who knew how long they would have to wait for the next chance.Mark then sighed emotionally. "Judging from the way he came straight to me to get Renee, he's definitely smart enough to catch on.""Really? You think he knows?" Yvie asked, skeptical."Heh. Never underestimate anyone." He sighed an
Clasping his hands behind his back, Mark narrowed his eyes sharply at Jasper.Reclining against the couch, he crossed his legs in a figure-four to poise himself with seniority. "It's New Year's Eve—anything can wait until afterward… Also, Renee is my daughter, and as her father, I decide who she marries. I've already found a better choice, so you should give up.""Jas is the only one for me," Renee retorted, determined. "I won't marry anyone else."Jasper had told her the plan before coming—they would keep playing dumb about knowing Mark's plan, so that their own plan can be carried out at the same time."Nonsense!" Mark barked, his expression turning solemn. "I'm your father! You need to listen to me!""And I said I love him!" Reenee retorted rebelliously, clinging firmly to Jasper's hand. "You either say yes, or I'll leave right now!""What?!" Mark was furious and almost flipped the table, but he soon thought the plan would get more difficult if he angered Renee and she left di







