"M-Mr. Jasper … I'm out!" Xavier huffed. The hotel was a tall building with a dozen flights of stairs. By the time Xavier reached the 38th floor, he was huffing and puffing. His legs went weak. He almost keeled over. "Be a man. We have two floors to go. Hurry," Jasper urged emotionlessly as he continued to climb the stairs.He was 30 this year, only two years older than Xavier. He had been in the Peacekeeping Forces during his younger days. After retiring from the forces, he regularly worked out and practiced boxing. Thus, his stamina and tolerance were above average.He knew he could still do it even if he had to climb another 20 floors. After all, the night run in the forces was always more than 30 rounds on the field.Once they reached the 40th floor, Xavier sat on the stairs to catch his breath. Jasper shook his head at Xavier. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Jasper," said a man who approached Jasper with a professional smile. His eyes made him look young. It was hard to guess
Alyssa burst into laughter. Mia had no choice but to laugh too. Jasper frowned. "I'll take that, but there's no need to feel shy. I can make more of this painting. You can have it." Alyssa's words carried hints of mockery. Upon hearing that, Jasper's expression went stiff as he balled his fists."You went through so much to meet me. I bet it's not for some paintings. Let's cut to the chase." She didn't have time to beat around the bush with him."Honestly, I'm here for the issue regarding Gardner Group. I hope you can stop oppressing them. There's room for negotiations." Jasper's tone was low, but his gaze was formidable. "After all, it will only do you good in Solana City if you work with us.""Do you call this an oppression, Mr. Jasper?" Alyssa was at a loss for words."I think it is an action of justice to reveal the underhanded sellers. It will be a wake-up call to our peers so that no one will repeat the mistakes that we did. They won't purchase products of bad quality and
Alyssa returned to her office.Mia approached her with wobbly legs. "I-I was so scared! Mr. Jasper is so good-looking! And there's this powerful presence about him! My cheeks were burning the moment I met him. D-Did I do well, Ms. Alyssa?""You did great." Alyssa handed her an envelope. "Take it. You've earned it.""T-Thank you, Ms. Alyssa!" Mia took the envelope and was surprised by its thickness.Just then, Sean handed her a document. It was a confidentiality agreement."I know you're trustworthy, but I think it's better to have an agreement for both parties' sake." Alyssa smiled faintly.She continued, "Everything that happened today must remain between us. Unless I reveal it myself, sharing this conversation with a third party would be a breach of the agreement. I will get to the bottom of it."Feeling overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation, Mia nodded and signed the papers. She promised to keep it a secret before leaving the office."The rumor has it that Jasper is a
The truth was, Jasper not only failed to experience true love, but he also felt increasingly helpless in this relationship.A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Jasper responded, and Xavier entered the office with a document."I've looked into it, Mr. Jasper. KS World Hotel returned Elysian Home's products and terminated all collaborations with Gardner Group nine days ago. Taylor Group hadn't exposed the quality issue to the media at that time. It was more of the public's assumptions."Jasper knew the series of events that took place after that. Next, Liana announced their wedding and hired ghostwriters to attack Alice. Only then did Taylor Group expose Gardner Group for their quality issue, leading to the current crisis. Gritting his teeth, Jasper took an aspirin to alleviate the headache. His hands were shaking. "I heard there was a vice general manager named Michael at KS World Hotel. He received a huge sum from Gardner Group before Ms. Alyssa was appointed. She fo
Jasper returned to Seaview Manor, completely drenched. Rosie hurried over with a cloth, but he waved her away. He headed upstairs with a long face."W-What's wrong with him? Did someone offend him?" Rosie asked in concern. "You should comfort him later. He had been deceived," responded Xavier."Huh? He's sharp and smart, though. He had been deceived? Have you reported to the police? We have to call the cops." Rosie was surprised.Xavier shook his head. "It's … It's complicated. The police can't do anything about it. Fortunately, justice prevailed over evil.""I told him to download an anti-scammer app long ago. He just wouldn't listen. Look at him now. He's a victim."Xavier smiled bitterly at the thought of Jasper having finally met his match. It wouldn't have been this serious if it was money-related, but the liar made use of Jasper's pride!… A pale-faced Jasper headed upstairs. He appeared lifeless."Mr. Jasper, Ms. Gardner is here. Mr. Javier is asking for you. He's
"I told Ms. Gardner not to touch the box on the headboard because it's important to you." Rosie looked at the angry Liana ambiguously.Rosie intentionally mentioned how much Jasper cared about Alice's gift to provoke Liana into revealing the truth."I threw it away," Liana confessed angrily, just as Rosie had anticipated.Fury filled Jasper's eyes as he asked, "Where is it?" "Jasper, why do you care about a gift from Alice? You're divorced. I'm your fiancée. Have you considered my feelings when you cherish her gifts?" Her eyes became teary. Her acting was so natural, thanks to Sophia's teaching."I'm asking you. Where is it?" Jasper's tone turned cold, and he ignored her tears. Shocked, she forgot to keep up her act and stammered, "I-It's in the trash bin in the backyard …"Jasper ran to the backyard. He was drenched in the rain instantly. He rolled up his sleeves and searched through the trash bin for the box."Jasper! Stop! Look how filthy it is!" Liana yelled from the corr
Liana walked away, sobbing.The maids were gushing about her hysterics. Her visits never failed to end up with antics and her leaving the place with tears. They wondered if she deemed Seaview Manor as her personal playhouse.Jasper sat still on the couch. He stared at the jumble of cloth for a long time."Mr. Jasper, it's getting late. Here's some milk. You need to get some sleep." Rosie handed him a glass of warm milk. A heavy sigh escaped Rosie's lips as she gazed upon the ruined suit. "What a shame." Her words meant something deeper."The next time Lia stops by, keep an eye on her. Stop her from entering my room and study. Oh, and Alice's room too," Jasper instructed in a low voice."Don't worry. Your wish is my command. I will watch her every move," Rosie promised confidently.She then added, "Luckily, I locked Madam Alice's room. Otherwise, Ms. Gardner might have sneaked in and caused a mess.""Don't put it that way, Mrs. Rosie. Lia isn't that bad of a person. After all,
Gardner Group was on the verge of collapse. Not only did they fall from grace, but more than ten of Elysian Home's physical stores in Solana City were now deserted.Worst still, Jasper had decided not to help them out. If they did not come up with a solution soon, they would be done once the funding from Beckett Group ran out.Meanwhile, Taylor Group won the public's favor upon exposing the Gardners' true colors. After a long period of flying under the radar, KS World Hotel was finally gaining some attention."I've been doing as you asked. I've been keeping an eye on Michael ever since you fired him. As you'd expected, he has been in personal contact with Dylan. It happened not only once," reported Sean.Sean held Alyssa's hand as he manicured her nails. He exclaimed, "Everything is unfolding just as you predicted. You totally hit the bullseye. You know what he was thinking.""He embezzled the hotel's funding and conspired with Dylan behind our backs. I guess they have a deep bo