Justin abstained from alcohol, drinking only the finest tea as he chatted with Javier and Jasper. They discussed everything from Mosgravia's climate to its cultural customs.Newton only occasionally interjected, maintaining a calm demeanor. He was neither overly affectionate nor distant toward Justin."Lauren is blessed. Once this ordeal is over, it will be smooth sailing from here on out."Justin asked with concern, "Mr. Landon seems deeply attached to Lauren. From what I saw today, are they about to get married?""Once Lauren recovers, I plan to arrange their marriage," Javier replied. The thought of marrying off his daughter filled him with both relief and a hint of reluctance."That's wonderful. Lauren and Mr. Landon make a perfect couple. I'll be sure to prepare a generous gift for their wedding day.""Justin, the gift you brought for Lauren this time is already quite valuable. It's more than enough as a dowry. There's no need to spend more." Javier chuckled."That's not en
"When I saw this hair clip, I really liked it and thought it would suit Ms. Alyssa," Justin said with a warm and sincere smile. "Jasper, it's just a small token of my congratulations. I hope you'll like it."With a snap, Jasper closed the satin-lined box and pushed it back to the center of the table. His eyes darkened with an inscrutable depth. "This gift is too valuable. I can't accept it, but I'll thank you on behalf of Lyse."Justin showed no sign of embarrassment. He still maintained his gentle smile as he met Jasper's gaze."What are you doing, Jasper?" Javier intervened, his displeasure evident."Justin has come back after so long and generously prepared gifts for the family, even considering your girlfriend. Are your standards so high that you can't even appreciate what he has given?"Think about how Justin has treated you since childhood. Even if you don't like it, you shouldn't refuse. It's so rude!""Don't get worked up, Dad." Justin coughed lightly before saying gently
"Mr. Jasper." Sheryl stood up and walked over to Jasper with a smile."Ms. Gillis.""The doe was injured, and I bandaged it without permission. I hope I didn't violate any of your family rules," Sheryl said softly, her eyes filled with affection.Jasper remained indifferent, maintaining his distant demeanor toward her. "No, Ms. Gillis. That was really kind of you. We should thank you.""When I was working as a doctor without borders in Luminara, I used to treat injured soldiers and civilians. I never thought my skills would come in handy for animals too." Sheryl sighed, shaking her head.Jasper's dark eyes churned with hidden emotions.In an instant, distant and elusive memories flooded his mind.Back then, in Luminara, he infiltrated the terrorist organization and fought desperately. His arm was slashed, and his leg was hit by a bullet. He was basically on the brink of death.It was White Dove who stopped his bleeding, treated his wounds, and fought to bring him back to the ba
On the way back to Crescent Bay, Xavier was driving with Ben in the passenger seat while Newton and Jasper sat in the back.Typically, they would chat endlessly, but they seemed unusually silent tonight.As they neared their destination, Newton sighed and placed his weathered hand on Jasper's shoulder. "Jasper, I know Justin went too far tonight and upset you.""I'm fine, Grandpa," Jasper replied with a faint smile. Under the dim light, his face was indescribably handsome yet cold."Don't take it to heart, Jasper," Newton continued to comfort him."He's my brother and my life savior. I can let it go this time."Jasper's words implied that if there was a next time, he wouldn't tolerate it again.He was Alyssa's husband, not a doormat. He couldn't tolerate any man harboring intentions toward Lyse under any pretext."I think Justin won't stay too long. He'll probably return to Mosgravia in a few days. In places where he's present, try not to let Alyssa show up."Newton continued,
Jasper gazed out the window with a gloomy expression, pondering Newton's earnest teachings. The more he thought about it, the more stifled he felt.Somehow, he couldn't shake the feeling that Newton was afraid of Justin.Newton's advice and determination to protect him at all costs made Jasper wonder if Justin was more than just a person in Newton's eyes. He seemed more like a bloodthirsty beast lurking in the shadows."Ahem... It was such a close call tonight, Mr. Beckett." Noticing that Jasper was down, Xavier tried to ease the mood."What?""You almost lost your innocence!""Lost what?" Jasper frowned."Earlier in the garden, Ms. Gillis almost threw herself at you. Luckily, my swift reflexes kicked in, and I arrived just in time to protect your virtue," Xavier boasted, sporting a self-satisfied grin.Virtue?Upon seeing his smug look, Jasper wanted to knock some sense into him."Even if you hadn't appeared, I wouldn't have any contact with any woman other than Lyse," Jaspe
"I couldn't sleep without you." Alyssa hurried over to Jasper and assisted him in removing his suit and loosening his tie. As she leaned in, she sniffed at his shirt collar. "You didn't drink tonight?""Justin's body can't take alcohol, so we didn't drink. We had tea tonight."Jasper hooked his left arm around her waist while using his right hand to unbutton his shirt. His pleasant voice was laced with tenderness and guilt. "I had a chat with Grandpa, so I came back late. Sorry for making you wait.""What's wrong? You seem so down tonight, like a pitiful puppy." Alyssa brushed her fingertip against his charming double eyelids while looking at him gently. "Did Justin do something to you? Did he bully you?"Suddenly, she pouted angrily. "If he dares to mess with you, I'll overturn his wheelchair! If anyone bullies my man, I'll make sure they won't end well!"Jasper, who had been trying to hide his emotions, finally couldn't restrain himself. He stared at her intensely, his eyes slig
"I can understand if Betty has lost her mind. She wasn't a normal person in the first place. But how did she lose so much blood?" Alyssa grazed her lips against Jasper's palm."I heard she was laughing and cursing at the detention center. She'd grab anyone she saw and claim to be a Beckett, saying that her father is the president of the Beckett Group. The inmates beat her up. The more they beat, the more agitated she became."Jasper's heart melted at Alyssa's submissive demeanor. He couldn't resist trailing his fingertips over her milk-stained lips. "What an ambitious lunatic." Alyssa sneered. "Last night, something must have snapped in Betty's head. She cut her hand and smeared blood on her cellmate and the wall, hence the blood loss.""Perhaps she was already teetering on the edge of sanity then. She still remembered that she had contracted AIDS. She probably used her disease as a means to retaliate against the inmates." Alyssa's eyes hardened as a cruel glint flickered with
From the moment Jameson entered, his gaze was fixated on Alyssa with desire. She found herself unable to escape it, no matter how hard she tried.Disgust curdled in her stomach, and she ripped her eyes away, muttering a scathing curse under her breath.Jasper regarded Jameson with seriousness. He suppressed his anger and held Alyssa's hand tightly in his.Jameson's gaze, lingering on their intertwined fingers, darkened. A teasing smile, out of place in the somber atmosphere, stretched across his lips.Landon saw it too. His fists clenched, his knuckles turning white. He yearned for a peaceful farewell for his grandfather. If this weren't a mourning hall, he wouldn't hesitate to wipe that infuriating smirk off Jameson's face."My condolences, Mr. Landon," Victor offered, stepping forward with a hand extended. "Although considering your new position, perhaps Mr. Harper would be more fitting."Landon met Victor's gesture with a cold stare. "I don't recall inviting you to the funeral