"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
Alyssa's breath hitched as a familiar voice echoed through the tense silence. Squeezing Jasper's hand until his knuckles turned white, her heart hammered a frantic rhythm against her ribs."I-It's Winston!""Winston?" Jasper echoed, his surprise evident. Then, a procession of men clad in black suits strode into the mourning hall with authority. Winston, a commanding presence that turned heads, stood proudly at the forefront.But Winston wasn't alone. Accompanying him were Mandy, Lyla, Colene, Jonah, and Silas, representing the Taylor family.Rarely did the Taylors assemble in such unity, indicating the significance of Cornelius' funeral to them."Dad!" Tears welled up in Alyssa's eyes as she launched herself toward Winston, engulfing him in a fierce hug.Jasper watched the reunion, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He remained rooted in his spot, refraining from seeking favor and silently observing the scene."What's all this fuss about? I'm barely in my 70s. I'
Winston's voice boomed through the hall. "Even if you lack business acumen, Mr. Schmidt, a little observation goes a long way at your age. Can't you tell my daughter and Mr. Jasper are ride-or-die with Landon?"Jameson was caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events. He remained silent, his face pale with embarrassment.Winston's recovery and return from overseas to stand by the Harper family spoke volumes. No one would dare to look down on Landon anymore. "Let's go, Jimmy," Victor said tersely, realizing it wasn't wise to prolong the confrontation with his former ally. With a darkened expression, he strode out of the hall.Jameson adjusted his glasses and trailed after Victor. As they departed, Winston called out without looking back, his voice carrying a tone of admonishment. "Even if you wished to appear sincere, you should have ensured you did it properly and spared yourself the embarrassment. Instead, you chose to create a scene at someone else's funeral, deceiving ev
The funeral proceeded smoothly after the unwanted guests departed. Members of the Taylor family offered their condolences to Landon with genuine warmth. Winston, his face etched with concern, approached Landon."Landon," Winston began gently, "I'm sorry for what happened. Also, Mr. Beckett Senior called last night, expressing how unwell he's been feeling, so he won't be attending. However, he assures me he'll find time to meet with you and pay his respects at Mr. Cornelius' grave."A wave of emotions washed over Jasper. Concern for his grandfather's health battled with a flicker of warmth at Newton's consideration for Landon."Thank you, Uncle Winston. I appreciate Mr. Beckett Senior's kind gesture." Landon expressed his heartfelt gratitude, addressing Winston as he desired.Landon understood that Newton had likely used his health as an excuse. After all, the Harpers hurt Lauren multiple times and almost cost her life.Even if Newton had forgiven them, appearing at the funeral w
Justin Beckett?A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Justin's name was synonymous with the immense suffering he had endured. He had survived a brutal kidnapping that resulted in severe mutilation. To receive proper treatment in Mosgravia, he had to relinquish his right to succeed. He was finally back!Jonah and Silas exchanged wide-eyed glances. The hushed atmosphere shattered as cameras flashed, a cacophony of questions drowning out Justin's polite greeting."Oh, it's you, Mr. Justin. The pleasure is mine," Winston greeted, his eyes narrowing imperceptibly. Despite any internal turmoil, he remained composed, extending his hand to shake with the legendary figure of Justin Beckett.Justin's hand felt cold as ice, its smooth and clean appearance contrasting starkly with the roughness of Jasper's hands. Winston couldn't help but note the difference. Jasper's hands were so calloused that Winston wouldn't have been surprised if Jasper had done hard labor in his spare tim
Winston's gaze drifted into the distance. "His life took this turn because of you. He ended up confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his days, enduring years of solitude abroad. "Now that he has returned, he saw firsthand how you've captivated the Beckett Group, achieving remarkable success. He's watched as you've claimed what rightfully belongs to him as the eldest son of the Beckett family. "Can he truly find peace, surrender everything to you, and live a life of luxury and leisure?" "Justin has been undergoing treatment in Mosgravia all this time. We've kept in touch through emails and calls. He used to go out of his way to support me whenever I needed it. "Your words make sense, but I just can't imagine my brother holding any animosity toward me." Jasper laid out everything he knew for Winston, fully aware of the implications.Winston clicked his tongue in disapproval. "You're a divorced CEO. How can you be so naïve?"Jasper couldn't help but feel chastised, though a p