"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
"Cyrus, what's wrong?" Lauren asked with concern when she noticed his expression."Nothing. Let's keep going," Cyrus replied with a forced smile.He draped his arm over Lauren's shoulder without fully touching her as they moved forward with the crowd, all the while discreetly scanning their surroundings like radar.At that moment, his phone buzzed in his pocket.Cyrus took it out and looked at the screen, only to see a text message containing just four words. "Don't panic. It's me."His sharp eyes slightly narrowed, and his tense heart relaxed.Meanwhile, on the other side of the crowd, Landon stood in a corner. Despite keeping a low profile, his tall and handsome figure still caught the attention of those around him.Amidst the lively atmosphere filled with joy and laughter, Landon appeared lonely and desolate, like an elderly man in his twilight years.His gaze followed Cyrus and Lauren closely, never leaving their backs.The sun was lovely that day. Under the warm and radia
For Lauren, who seemed to have boundless wealth and privilege, the idea of going on a roller coaster had been a luxury she couldn't afford for the past 20 years.She was born to be a bird soaring in the sky, but her wings were clipped by others, and she was confined in a cage.Was it because of her illness? Was it just to prevent her from bringing shame upon the family?Cyrus' breath became heavier, and he couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke her soft hair.Lauren's heart skipped a beat, and she moved back instinctively.Such intimate gestures used to happen every day between her and Landon.But when someone else, even Cyrus, whom she trusted deeply, touched her, she couldn't help but feel flustered and uncomfortable, which inadvertently showed in her eyes.Cyrus suddenly froze, then forced a bitter smile.She still wasn't ready to accept another person's affection.Maybe it would take a very long time. Or perhaps it would never happen.Seeing that it was almost time
Two adorable giant costumed characters holding balloons approached Cyrus and Lauren and stood side by side in front of them. Their silly and adorable look caused Lauren to smile again.Cyrus looked at the chubby dog character and the pink rabbit character in front of him, feeling like these two were on their first day of work. Their actions seemed stiff and awkward. He almost felt embarrassed for them."Can I have a balloon?" Smiling, Lauren reached out her hand toward them.The dog character was completely stunned, but the pink rabbit immediately reacted, spinning in place and handing the balloon to her."Thank you." Lauren smiled, her face looking rosy.The pink rabbit hopped around, gesturing enthusiastically for them to take a picture together.Smiling faintly, Cyrus took out his phone. The pink rabbit led the shy Lauren over and gently placed her in the arms of the dog character.Wrapped in the warm fur, Lauren couldn't help but squint her eyes, leaning comfortably against