Last night, Alyssa secretly found Michael. He was drowning his sorrows in a bar. She informed him about the press conference scheduled for tomorrow. Alyssa warned Michael that Dylan would undoubtedly sell him out to save himself."No way! You're not going to manipulate me like this! Forcing me to testify? I'm not that naive!" Michael protested."If you keep being so stubborn, then you're the one acting foolish," Alyssa replied.And so, Alyssa and Michael struck a deal last night."To be honest, I have evidence of the secret dealings between you and Dylan. I haven't handed it over to the authorities yet. Considering your past loyalty to my Dad's leadership, I'm giving you one last chance." Alyssa revealed.Michael reflected on the past twenty years. He recalled how he started as a humble banquet hall supervisor and worked his way up to become the deputy manager. He acknowledged that his success was not solely the result of his efforts. It was also due to Winston's recognition and s

"Yes, but I'm ..." Alyssa tugged him hard, signaling Sean to shut up. Sean quickly caught on and kept quiet."Well, Jonah didn't spare any expense when he assigned his most trusted secretary to you, Alice," Jasper sneered. "He must think highly of you. Congratulations, you're about to marry into another wealthy family. You fooled me completely, and now it's Jonah's turn. I hope he never sees your true colors."The words cut through Alyssa's heart like sharp blades, and Jasper didn't stop there. He seemed intent on further unsettling her.Sean immediately noticed Alyssa's unsteady breath and her trembling shoulders in his arms. What baffled Sean were Jasper's words. Was Jasper out of his mind? What nonsense was he spouting?"Sean, allow me to introduce you," Alyssa said. Her voice was steady despite the turmoil inside her. "This is Mr. Beckett from Beckett Group, my ex-husband of three years.""What?" Sean was utterly shocked, his face turning as white as a sheet. He couldn't belie

Jasper recalled the disappointment and resentment in Alice's eyes as if they were sworn enemies. He suddenly felt empty inside, like he had lost someone important. Rosie followed Jasper into the study looking upset, not long after. "Mr. Jasper, Ms. Gardner is here. You should go greet her." "I'm not going." His answer took Rosie aback. Had he finally grown a backbone? It was so inspiring to see a fool turn over a new leaf. "I know why she's here." Jasper slumped down on the chair. He stared ahead blankly and continued, "Tell her that she shouldn't even bother if it's about Dylan. The Gardner family must be in a mess right now. She should go back and spend more time with her parents. I'll meet her in a few days after things have settled down." "What if she insists on staying?" Rosie asked. "Then, let her be." Jasper sighed deeply and rubbed his forehead. He kept thinking of the phrase "Good for nothing." He was infuriated by Alice's description of him as such. She had neve

"Useless!" Andrew coughed painfully, pointing at her and scolding, "Since you got close to Jasper, have you ever done anything useful for our family? We've been struggling for years. Yet, you haven't gained any share of the family's wealth or even gained the Beckett family favor! I don't believe Jasper loves you. Having a daughter is just a waste of money! You're utterly useless!"Liana's eyes turned bloodshot with intense resentment. Andrew had always favored sons over daughters. He'd even forced Rosaline to abort her when he learned she was carrying a girl. The doctor said she would have issues conceiving again after the abortion. Liana only survived under Rosaline's persistence.Rosaline couldn't conceive again after giving birth to her. That deepened Andrew's disgust toward her. Liana grew up under the shadow of her older brother and tried to win Sophia's favor to gain attention. She lost her childlike innocence at a young age, learning manipulative tactics to secure a better

Sean grinned. "Miss, you're truly wise. I've been monitoring the Gardner family these past few days, and I have indeed found some progress.Alyssa smiled. "As expected, without Jasper's help, the Gardner family can only find ways to raise money to cover their losses. But I thought they would sell their houses and land. I didn't expect them to sell only their jewelry. "Hmm, it seems they can still afford it with their vast fortune. Burning their last bit of money slowly so they could hold out as long as they could. It is more satisfying to see them suffer than dealing them one direct blow."Sean coldly snorted. "This is karma for the Gardner family!"Alyssa didn't say anything more. She casually flipped through the pawnshop records.Hardly anyone knew that the Taylor family owned two large, well-established pawnshops in Cassadia and Bellbanks. Since Winston liked collecting antiques, and rare treasures, he secretly opened these pawnshops to acquire the unexpected and precious item