Chapter 119 The fight over a necklace between the two influential men in Sólana City, who each owned a Centurion Card, was the event of a century. The employee stammered in shock at the sight of the two black cards. “S–Sir, we only have one necklace left…” “I know.” Jasper looked away from Alyssa. “I […]
Chapter 118 What a bastard! “Jasper, my chest hurts…” Liana hurriedly went up to him and rested her head against his shoulder as she grumbled. “Since you’re here, why don’t we go shopping? You’ve never shopped with me. Look at Mr. Harper going shopping with Ms. White…” Jasper followed Alyssa’s figure with his eyes. “Fine.” Alyssa shuffled away, looking upset. Her ex–husband’s sudden appearance was a buzzkill that ruined her good mood. “Hey,” she suddenly called out. Landon answered with a twinkle in his eye, “I’m here.” “I’m in a bad mood. Why don’t you share a few more jokes?” Landon was speechless at her request. “Well, I can certainly do that. If you’re looking to cheer up, I can gather a few people and have fun at ACE tonight.” “It’s fine. I don’t drink with guys I don’t know.” She shot him a cold look. “By the way, aren’t you worried that Jasper might unfriend you if we keep hanging out?” “F***. You guys are divorced. Even if it’s not official yet, it’s almost certain. I didn’t steal his girl or loot a burning house. What is he angry for? An oversensitive jackass.” Landon snorted. At the same time, Alyssa was attracted by a shimmery blue diamond necklace in a store display window. Before she knew it, she had wandered into the store. Landon followed along. “Can I have a look at this necklace?” “Madam, you have great taste indeed! This necklace is a limited–edition item from our brand designer’s summer line–‘Starry Ocean‘! There are only five of its type in the nation.” The store employee enthusiastically introduced the background of the product while removing it from the display. As an expert in jewelry, Alyssa could tell that the shade of the blue diamond was rather ordinary. It was neither vivid blue nor deep blue. Still, she admired its skillful cut and design concept. The designer must be a soulful talent. Thanks to the brand effect, the necklace had a seven–figure price tag “Do you like it?” Landon bent his left knee and stretched his right leg while sitting on a stool He rested his chin on his hand and smiled at her flirtatiously. +15 BONUS The employees marveled at their outrageously good looks. It was a pleasant view to behold! “Mhm,” she muttered softly while admiring the necklace. “Try it on.” He gestured with his chin. “Wow! That’s a lovely necklace! I love it so much!” Liana’s shrill voice cut through the air, causing Alyssa and Landon to frown. Alyssa turned around and watched as Liana approached her while holding Jasper’s hand. The employees gaped at Jasper’s presence. His perfectly chiseled and smooth features were a work of art. Unfortunately, the woman he came with was nowhere as attractive and well–dressed as Alyssa. “Tsk, why is she haunting us?” Landon grumbled in a low voice. Jasper’s eyes fell on Alyssa. “Jasper, I love this necklace so much. It’s so pretty. Can you buy it for me?” Liana pouted and swayed Jasper’s arms like a child asking for candy. Landon rubbed the goosebumps on his arms. www. Jasper’s pupils contracted. He pursed his lips. In the past, he would quietly buy anything Liana fancied without her asking and deliver it to her. However, the sight of the blue diamond necklace reminded him of the humiliating auction and the Crimson Heart that would forever be locked away. The smile on her face froze amid his hesitation. “Miss, here’s my card.” Landon quickly handed the employee a black card and beamed at Alyssa. Please wrap the necklace nicely. It’s my gift to this young lady.” Alyssa glowered at Landon. Before she could stop him, she saw Jasper handing his black card to the employee. Take my card. I’m buying the necklace.” Jasper cast a deep glance at Alyssa. Today’s Bonus Offer
A few steps away, Landon and Alyssa walked in Jasper’s direction. A tall and handsome man with a cold beauty by his side, they were a match made in heaven. Jasper felt his eyes twitching in rage. He also noticed the shopping bag in Landon’s hand. Did the two shop together? However, Alyssa didn’t see Jasper and Liana because she was too engrossed in Landon, who was telling a joke animatedly. She looked into Landon’s eyes, and they both chuckled. Jasper felt a weight on his chest. The sight pained his eyes. Landon sensed an air of hostility and looked up. His eyes widened in shock. “Jasper! Why are you here?” Alyssa finally noticed Jasper and his sour face. Her gaze swept past Liana, who was in his arms, and a smirk appeared across her face. Knowing it was her chance, Liana held Jasper tighter and glared at Alyssa to claim him. Alyssa was unbothered by the action. In the past, she might have been envious of Liana, but she felt nothing but calm at the moment. To her, Jasper and Liana were a bastard and a bitch who deserved each other. “I should be asking you that, Landon Harper,” Jasper growled. “I’m shopping. You know me best. Shopping is my hobby.” Landon put on a wide smile, not knowing that he was in trouble. Alyssa wholeheartedly agreed with Landon’s answer. She had never seen a man more passionate about shopping than Landon. Although he was always chatting with her, his eyes kept darting to the store window. He would have shopped in every store if she weren’t in a hurry. However, Landon’s honesty sounded like a challenge to Jasper. “I never knew that Ms. White was close to Mr. Harper in private. They even came on a shopping date.” Liana leaned against Jasper’s chest. “Jasper, let’s go home. Let’s not be the third wheel and ruin their date.” Alyssa glanced at her with indifference. On the other hand, Landon’s mind wandered when Liana described his outing as a date. 1 To Liana’s surnuise Jacner abound han +15 BONUS “Hey, Jasper!” Liana called out to him, but he did not turn back. Her eyes blazed. Alyssa stared up into his sharp eyes. He was taller than her, even when she was in heels. She felt overwhelmed under his gaze. “What is this?” He confronted her. “We’re just shopping. What’s wrong?” She snickered dispassionately. “I know we don’t see eye–to- eye, but you can’t seriously blame us for bumping into you here.” “You said you were shopping with him?” He enunciated the last word in his sentence as he scowled at her. “And what’s wrong with that? It’s not like I’m a wolf.” Landon clicked his tongue. Jasper clenched his jaw. “Who knows whether you’re a wolf when you are undressed?” “What the fuck?” Landon’s brows snapped together ferociously when he heard the remark. “Jasper Beckett, it’s my freedom to shop with whoever I like. Why would you pick at me after the divorce? You’re only being ridiculous.” Alyssa ignored the anger in Jasper’s eyes. She wondered if he was angry and jealous of her and Landon. She ruled out the possibility on second thought because Jasper had never loved her “How could you hang out and shop with my friend before we go through the divorce proceedings? What would people think of the Beckett Group and the Harper Group? Is this your plan to stir trouble again?” Jasper had a crazy look in his eyes as his chest tightened. Meanwhile, Landon secretly grumbled, You sly thing. Are you using me to get out of this fight when you’re stuck?” “Hah.” Alyssa merely took Jasper’s criticism as an unfunny joke. “No one knew I was your wife outside of the Beckett Family.” Jasper’s eyes widened as his emotions simmered. “Have you once publicly introduced me in the three years we were married? Have you introduced me to your friends? You didn’t even plan a wedding for us.” Alyssa beamed widely as if to taunt him. “Don’t worry about it. Even if you plaster my face on the screen outside the mall, no one will recognize me as Alice White, your ex–wife. “As for the reputational damage to you and Landon, I assure you that you’re overthinking it. Let’s live separate lives. If we run into each other, we should just act like strangers. “After all, an ex is as good as dead; best if she doesn’t make a sound at all.” With that, she brushed shoulders with him and left the scene. +15 BONUS It took Landon a split second to think before he decided to leave his friend behind and go after his crush.
Chapter 116 “Lia, this is your chance to turn the tables!” Rosaline excitedly pinched Liana. “Make an excuse and get Mr. Jasper here. He must witness this scene. This will force him to give up on that little whore!” “B–But Mom, he’s at work now. He rarely goes shopping on the weekends with me, not to mention on a weekday. And…” Liana lowered her voice with a mysterious gleam in her eyes. She continued, “I’ve gained his favor with the relapse of my ‘severe depression.‘ I need to behave well to win his heart. It’s not the time to stir trouble. Η “You dimwit!” Rosaline jabbed Liana on the forehead. “It’s unreasonable to make him spend time with you during work hours. But things are different if you have a solid excuse. It will be a chance to take your relationship to the next level!” She went off, “Being naively considerate is the start of a tragedy! Men are contradictory and shameless, you know. They don’t like obedient women. “You’ll boost his ego and self–worth if you look for his help immediately when you’re in trouble. It makes him feel good when you rely on him!” Liana’s eyes darted. She disagreed with Rosaline’s opinion. When her dad, Andrew, was in power and their family wealthy, Rosaline had latched herself onto him like a wisteria. The more she did that, the more he dismissed her. Not only did he keep a few mistresses, but he also yelled at her in front of the maids at home. Rosaline had to endure humiliation to secure her position as Mrs. Gardner. Her wish came true when she was fifty years old. By then, the Kirkman family was in decline, and Andrew was riddled with chronic illnesses. Now, Rosaline was left with the nominal title of Mrs. Gardner and became the joke of the upper society. Her life endeavors had gone down the drain. “I’ll call Mr. Jasper soon. I’ll tell him that you came shopping alone and that I couldn’t get in touch with you. He knows you’re emotional lately. If he’s worried about you, he’ll drop everything and come for you.” Grinning, Rosaline placed a hand on Liana’s shoulder. “When he sees his good friend flirting with his ex–wife, he’ll only hate Alice White more!” Jasper received a call from Rosaline when he retur this office aftar +15 BONUS “Mr. Jasper! Has Lia contacted you?” Rosaline sounded nervous. “No. Why?” “She said she wanted to go shopping because she was in a low mood. But she refused to let me go with her. She didn’t want to be seen as a patient. “A few hours passed, and I couldn’t reach her by phone. Now, her phone’s turned off. C–Could something bad have happened to her?” The thought of Liana’s severe depression made his heart sink. He questioned, “Did Lia tell you where she went?” “She said she wanted to shop at the new mall near the KS Grand Hotel. That’s all “Got it. I’ll look for her now. She’ll be fine.” Frowning, he hung up, grabbed his jacket, and left the office. “Get the car.” Jasper arrived at the mall as soon as possible. He strode into the mall with urgency while calling Liana’s number. Finally, the call was connected. He heard her purr, “Jasper. “Lia, where are you? I’m at the Century Mall now!” He sounded worried. “I’m feeling a little stuffy. I’m sitting by the elevator lobby on the second floor.” “Don’t move! I’ll go to you right now!” He swiftly went to the second floor and found her. “Jasper!” Her eyes were misty when she threw herself at him. “Everything’s better when I see you. I don’t feel sick anymore.” “Why didn’t you pick up the calls from Rosaline?” he asked with concern. She quickly cooked up an excuse, “My phone died. I managed to find an outlet and get it charged. “You must have a guardian with you when you
Chapter 115 Landon was a master in the art of flirting, after all. “Do you want me to break your bones for real, Mr. Harper?” Alyssa gritted her teeth and fired back. Her eyes were spitting fire. Landon dared not take a step closer. Acting pitiful, he stumbled backward. “Ms. Taylor, that was a joke! You scared me! I’m the victim, anyhow. “What more do you want from me after the hitting, yelling, and ruining my outfit? I can’t possibly show up to lunch with my mom in this outfit. Shouldn’t you at least get me some new clothes?” Alyssa admitted that she had overdone it. Landon was slightly more reasonable compared to the socially difficult Jasper. When Liana and the gang bullied her, it was Landon who got back at them on her behalf. She always remembered his kindness in her heart. “My secretary will get you a new outfit. He’ll also book you a room for a shower and rest. How does that sound?” She might look indifferent, but she was quite thoughtful. “Oh, that’s a lot of trouble. Why don’t you come with me to shop for my new outfit at the nearby mall? I’m afraid that the outfit chosen by your secretary might not suit my taste.” He smiled as his eyes sparkled with expectation. “If possible, I’d like you to pick a new outfit for me.” She finally agreed to go with him. After all, he couldn’t pull anything on her in broad daylight, could he? Alyssa drove Landon to the mall in her La Voiture Noire at a speed that was faster than his heartbeat. She leisurely made a huge turn and drove smoothly into the parking lot. In total, the trip took them ten minutes instead of the usual twenty–minute drive. Landon gaped at her skills. “Get out, now.” She unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door with a deadpan face. “You might be a rich kid, but I am just a worker bee. I have mountains of work piling up at the office.” “Ms. White, you have mad driving skills!” “Yeah. I was a driver before I met Jasper. I’m a veteran.” With that, she left the car. Landon had built a name for himself in the underground racing community. With one look, he confirmed Alyssa’s extraordinary talent. +15 BONUS pah ke Alice White was more interesting than she had appeared. PINA MARÍ MIKE (ALPty on a Monday Pequte that, Alga and Landon attracted a lot of attention ve of the ssst sake tea was samuting from ear to eat Me White was at the hotel to meet you because I worried the smart ouble your You were trending cute a while ago=” BY MANY Yes me teht you usually wear YEL, she casually remarked. ****** Ts: www dot YS couture on om tust encounter You also wore the YSL. Le Smoking outfit *************t the charity auct 155 Your awwwment mostest me Ne taised a brow. teeling elated inside. Nats vs Neske She remained nonchalant her detall haute couture here only ready made clothes. You’ll have to make do Tont must hike anything you bought for me. He beamed She ignored him and wandered into a bantal store The employees were attentive to the two VIPS Money is not a problem Mr Harper, pick anything that catches your eye” Alyssa sat on the couch and crossed her slender, attractive legs whose shapes were accentuated by her suit pants The planes were dumbstruck by the sassy babe Meanwhile, Landon licked the inside of his mouth He was tasemated by the role reversal. Most of the time he would bay stutt for his women. This was the tust time a woman ottered to pay ter So, this was how it telt to be doted on At the same time Liana and Rosalme strutted past the store entrance. They were decked in flashy Bavary items from head to toe Mom jooke it’s that bitch Alice White Liana wagged her tinger angrily at the glass door. Through the do, they saw Alice chatting metly with Landon They were surprised that Alice had been seeing Landon Harper in
Chapter 114 Alyssa’s eyes betrayed her annoyance. She always hated media publicity from a young age. She would never put herself under the limelight unless she absolutely had to. “Why would they make news out of nothing? Do they not have anything better to write about?” She took a sip of her coffee. “Whatever. The discussion will die off soon. I’ve also told Jonah to suppress the news, so we’ll see his power at work soon. Let’s use the back entrance.” At the hotel’s back entrance, Alyssa had Sean park the car while she sprinted into the private elevator and went to her office on the top floor. During her trip, she checked the hotel’s official Twitter account. Thanks to the effect of the “Prettiest Angel” discussion, the official Twitter received an influx of replies and positive commentaries. “I’ll stay at a KS Group hotel next time! Their employees are the best!” “She’s so pretty! Anyone has a high–res photo of her full face?” “KS Group is a reliable brand, unlike the Beckett Group. When will the Beckett Group release an official statement about the harassment of the hotel employee?” Alyssa’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. Although she hated publicity, she was glad that the online buzz had achieved free marketing for the hotel. Still, she felt uneasy because there was no closure for Ella yet. Suddenly, she picked up a male scent right behind her. He was getting a little too close to her. Before she knew it, the man had placed a hand on her shoulder. Eyes wide open, she spun around and threw her coffee in his face. “Ouch!” Next, she grabbed his muscular arm and flung him over her shoulder. “Ouch!” The tall and stocky man fell hard onto the floor. Alyssa pinned him down with ease. “I–I–It hurts-” She did a double take and inhaled sharply. “Landon Harper? Why are you here?” Splattered on the floor, he coughed and muttered, “There was a saying… that lust is the greatest enemy…” “It was your fault for walking like a cat. I reacted before I had the time to think.” Feeling embarrassed, she crouched on the ground and checked on him. With a serious face, she felt him her skills +15 BONUS He squinted and enjoyed her massage with a look of love, thinking, “Oh, Jasper, you didn’t know what you had lost! Don’t blame me for taking advantage of the situation!” “Not bad. You’re pretty toned and fit. There are no broken bones.” Feeling relieved, she slapped him hard on the leg. “Get up now. Don’t you dare fake your injury in my face.” “I want to get up, but I can’t.” He inhaled sharply and grimaced. “I might not have broken bones, but my body is numb from the pain! Please, can you help me up?” Put in an embarrassed position, she had no choice but to help him up from the ground. When he sensed her soft and perfumed body against his, he swallowed hard and reflexively pressed against her as his mind went places. It had always been ladies who lined up for him, not the other way around. “Hey/Alice, what do you think after feeling me up?” He raised a brow in anticipation. “Feeling you up? Haha. I finally know what’s wrong with you after the fall. It looks like you have brain damage.” She snickered. “I’m not that easily turned on by a man.” She immediately blushed when she blurted out her thoughts. Landon knew that Jasper was on her mind. He turned green in envy. Feeling competitive, he pushed her back up against the wall and fixed his enchanting gaze on her face. He slowly bent over and said in a hushed voice, “Which of us does it better? Jasper
Chapter 113 Alyssa tossed and turned throughout the night. Whenever she closed her eyes, her mind would be filled with Jasper’s charming look. She could feel his fingers on her waist vividly. The thought made her sit up in bed suddenly. Why would her mind go there when they were divorced? Finally, she slept for two hours and went rowing for an hour in the morning to suppress her desire. After that, Sean prepared a hearty breakfast for her. She looked troubled while eating her bread and eggs and drinking her coffee. “Ms. Alyssa, are you bothered by Ella’s case?” Sean grabbed a napkin and gently helped her to wipe away the crumbs and oil on her fingers. His elegance could match that of a royal footman. “I hate the feeling of losing.” She inhaled sharply and narrowed her eyes. However, she did not vocalize the rest of her thoughts–that she hated the feeling of being under Jasper’s control “How do you plan to deal with Betty Beckett?” Sean asked. “I need some time to think over it. We need to settle the matter before the controversy dies down.” Right then, her phone buzzed on the table. Her eyes widened when she saw the caller ID. It was a call from Winston “Winston, anything wrong with you?” She picked up and questioned him anxiously “Tsk, what’s with that tone? You make it sound like I’m dying.” Winston smacked his lips and coughed softly. “Um, when are you coming home? Your stepmoms are throwing a celebration for you.” “A celebration?” She was puzzled. “Weren’t you in the news for being a Good Samaritan? The videos were all over TikTok. You know, the ones about the Prettiest Angel.” God! Alyssa rubbed her forehead when he brought up the “Prettiest Angel” topic. “Your stepmoms want a celebration because they think you made the family proud. Just when Alyssa was fretting over the fact that she went viral, her family appeared to be happily celebrating it. “It’s fine. I’m trying to suppress the online discussion because I hate publicity. It will only get me in trouble” “Tsk, you’re really not a thoughtful daughter. Your stepmoms just wanted to see you. I haven’t +15 BONUS *Fine. I’ll be home after two days when I’m done with work,” she replied. “By the way,” Winston muttered sternly, “has that rascal Axel recently returned?” “Yeah.” She had no choice but to be truthful. “Hah! I was planning to throw a memorial for that brat until I heard from Jonah that he’s back,” Winston went off. “Bring Axel home with you. If he refuses, I shall not see him as my son anymore. He won’t be part of the family!” After the call, Alyssa frowned and reached into Sean’s pocket for a piece of chocolate. She munched on it glumly. “What’s wrong?” Sean was worried. “My dad wants me to bring Axel home for dinner.” “Oh, that…” Knowing Axel’s character, Sean knew it’d be tough. Winston and Axel are both equally bad–tempered. They’re two peas in a pod!” She savored the sweetness of the chocolate, which calmed her down. “I know Axel well. He listens to me on almost everything except going home to see Dad. He’s a stubborn one. I need to work my brains to coax him.” After packing up, Alyssa went to work. When she drove past the hotel entrance in her Bugatti, she frowned at the crowd of reporters there. Sean quickly called up the hotel front desk for updates. “The reporters are here to interview the ‘Prettiest Angel.‘ We are not sure how they found out that she’s our employee. So…”
Chapter 112 “No! I won’t! You can’t make me apologize.” Betty started making a scene. “Xavier, come in ” Jasper raised his voice. Hearing that, Xavier knocked and entered the room. before greeting everyone with a curt nod. “Show the document to the chairman.” “Yes, Mr. Jasper.” Eyes darting, Xavier handed Javier the document. “What’s this?” “These are last year’s and this year’s financial reports of EV Concepts, co–run by Sophia and Betty,” Jasper said flatly. Sophia and Betty’s faces stiffened as they tensed up. “The reports show that the store has been making annual losses of almost 10 million in the three years since its operations. They also received funds from the Beckett Group to pay off the operational costs. “From the start, the agreement dictates that it is Sophia who will take care of the profits and losses. If the Beckett Group doesn’t get a share of your profits, we shouldn’t have to pay for your losses too.” Jasper looked down. “If Betty does not offer a public apology for the incident, I will exercise my right as the president to shut down EV Concepts.” What? Shutting down the store? Betty froze while Sophia seethed in hatred. A murderous look flashed across Sophia’s eyes. She quickly grabbed Javier’s arm and shed tears. “Javier, the store is your birthday gift for me from three years ago. We can’t shut it down!” Javier’s jaw stiffened when he saw the evidence. As the chairman, he could not refute Jasper’s accusation and proposal. “I can turn a blind eye to the losses for your sake, but with a few conditions–Betty must apologize publicly, and Sophia shall pay for the losses her business had incurred. “Otherwise, I will reveal the losses in the company–wide meeting the day after tomorrow. By that time, no one could turn the situation around.” Jasper was unfeeling and determined. Sophia glowered at him. She would never let EV Concepts shut down. It was an important part of her wider plan. “Betty, throw a press conference tomorrow night. Do what Jasper asked.” Javier’s brows were Shoulders slumped, Betty looked like a deflated balloon. +15 BONUS From the darkening look on Javier’s face, Sophia knew that she had completely lost the battle. She had no choice but to focus on her long–term strategy as she shot daggers at Jasper’s back. After Jasper and Xavier left the study, they heard Javier smashing items onto the ground and the crying sounds of the two women. Xavier scratched his head in confusion and asked cautiously, “Mr. Jasper, I thought you wanted to go against Madam Alice at all cost. Why the sudden change of mind?” “Keep your nose out of my business.” He thought of Alice’s clear eyes and her delicious scent when they were inches apart. That brought some emotions to his otherwise impassive eyes. He tried convincing himself that he had changed his mind to side with Alice because of the surveillance footage and Betty’s unapologetic behavior. But was that the truth? Why did he overreact when Sophia and Betty criticized Alice, and when Javier demanded him to get the divorce over with? Perhaps, deep down, there was a reason he sided with Alice. 1 “We weaponized the evidence we gathered with much effort just to force Ms. Betty to apologize. Don’t you think that’s a waste?” Smirking, Xavier still couldn’t get over it. “That’s fine. Even if I released the evidence to the public, Dad has his way of covering up for Sophia. They’re lovebirds, after all.” Mocking his parents, Jasper shook off the imagery of Alice’s alluring eyes in his mind. The look in his eyes deepened. He continued, “I have simply chosen an outcome that serves the two of us. I needed to make up to Alice for unfairly accusing her at the auction over Lia’s incident.” He let out a wistful sigh as he was gripped by bitterness. “We’re even now. I don’t want to be indebted to her in any way.” Today’s Bonus Offer GET IT NOW
Chapter 111 Did Jasper just announce he wouldn’t get a divorce Sophia and Betty were taken aback by his sudden change in attitude l’or a moment, Sophia forgot about her outburst while Betty stopped crying Jasper Beckett Are you defying my order? Jasper, the out of wedlock son who was never favored, always went against Javier’s wishes since he was young Now that Jasper was appointed the president, he became even more brazen with his newly- attamed power and publicly defied his father Jasper was equally shocked by the smooth objection “What are you thinking? You were the one who wanted a divorce from Alice and to marry Lia‘ But don’t want to divorce Alice now that I asked you to How could you take marriage lightly? I’ve raised a useless son“” “Taking marriage lightly? That sounds about right” Jasper was enraged and restored with squinted eyes, “Like father, like son” “You prick!” Like a detonated bomb, Javier lost control of himself and slapped Jasper hard on the face. Even Jasper jolted at the loud slap–a red mark formed on his cheek. “Gosh, Javier. Just speak to him nicely. Why would you hit him? Jasper might be a little brash because he’s young and hot–blooded. It will only ruin your health and your relationship with him. It’s not worth it all.” Sophia went up to hold Javier. She secretly chuckled at the scene and felt better after Jasper got what he deserved. “Sophie, I know you have a soft spot for him. You’ve always treated him like your own. You doted on him too much! You never lay a finger on him. Look at him now–you’re why he’s a spoiled brat.” Javier’s hand felt numb after the slap. His face was redder than Jasper’s. “He’ll always be a child to me. I’m not his biological mother, so he won’t warm up to me. If I’m not nice to him, I’ll only push him further away. I just wanted to be a good mom.” Sophia started sobbing pitifully without warning. Each word that came from her sounded from a place of weakness, but she was merely attempting to add fuel to the fire. Smirking, Jasper was familiar with her tricks. He saw through her fakeness from a young age. He never called her out because he knew Javier couldn’t care less about him. +15 BONUS He was only appointed the president of the Beckett Group as his sickly older brother was recuperating in Mosgravia As a neglected child, he learned that he couldn’t get what he wanted just by gaining the pity of his father “He’s no child He’s thirty years old! You should stop finding excuses for him.” Pointing at Jasper, Javier baked, “I have two tasks for you. You need to get them done tomorrow! “Fustly, file the divorce with Alice White and get her to apologize to Betty in person! Secondly, take Betty off the trending topics on Twitter and make the scandal die down.” A faint smile appeared on Jasper’s lips. He had a scary scowl on his face. “Dad, do you always get physical with your business opponents before entering the negotiations?” W–What do you mean?” Javier was surprised. “We might be father and son but we need to separate personal matters from business. I will never back down whenever the company’s interest is at stake.” He explained, “I cannot divorce Alice for now because I promised Grandpa I’d officially get the divorce after his 80th birthday. I need to keep my word. As for the negative news online, I proposed that Betty issue a public apology. I will not actively intervene.” *Jasper You- Flaring, Javier was about to slap Jasper again when Jasper grabbed his wrist. “Dad, I’m almost thirty years old. Do you think you can hit me as you like?” Jasper’s eyes gleamed with a vicious look. Javier flinched and felt a dull pain in his wrist.
Chapter 110 Jasper lifted a brow as his expression darkened. Before this, he might have been a little moody, but he was truly angered at that moment. Jasper was called to Javier’s study after he changed into a fresh outfit. “Daddy! You have to help me out! Poor me…” Betty hugged her dad and cried her heart out. Her tear -stained face was full of injuries from her catfight with her two friends in the afternoon. Even her lips were chapped. She looked pitiable. Seated on the couch, Javier hurriedly consoled his daughter. She looked like a mess, unlike her usual well–presented self. “Jasper’s home. I’ll ask him about it.” “The scandal is getting out of hand. I got a few calls asking about Betty. I honestly didn’t know what to say.” Sophia teared up upon mentioning her beloved daughter. “People are cursing Betty out online. How can she ever show up in public? How will the other elites in Solana City think of us?” “Sophie, don’t worry. I will not let them bully my daughter.” Frowning, Javier had a burning gaze in his eyes. The door opened. Jasper wandered into the study with a flat expression. “Jasper, why didn’t you take care of the video scandal? Aren’t you too laid–back as the president? Javier immediately stopped his son and berated him. “The Beckett Group has its PR and Legal Departments led by their respective directors.” Jasper was unruffled. He sounded calm. “I am a president, not a nanny. I will take over certain issues but not meddle in things that aren’t under my purview.” “And do you think this scandal isn’t under your purview? Betty is your sister! Do you plan to watch as people harass her and slander her?” Sophia pressed against her chest with tears, as though she’d faint at any moment. “Sophie, you’re weak. You shouldn’t get emotional,” Javier quickly held her shoulders with a tender look. Two decades had passed, but Jasper still felt uneasy and suffocated whenever he saw the display of affection between Javier and Sophia. Javier had not once mentioned Jasper’s mother in the last two decades. He did not even pay a visit to her grave. The poor woman, who loved him with every fiber of her being, was treated as though she had never existed in Javier’s life. The lack of acknowledgment hurt more than any feeling of resentment and hatred +15 BONUS “I’m fine, Javier.” Sophia coughed softly in Javier’s arms. “I lost control of my temper and acted out I shouldn’t have troubled Jasper with the issue After all, he must be very occupied as the group president.” She added, “I’m just worried that he might hold a grudge against me, for I am not his biological mother. If that’s why he is unwilling to help us out, you shouldn’t blame him. I totally understand.” Jasper was sick of Sophia’s drama over the past twenty years. He wondered why Javier hadn’t gotten tired of her. “Sophie, do not overthink. Whatever that rascal thinks, you will always be my wife, which makes you his mother!” Sophia had successfully fanned the fire. The enraged Javier pointed a finger in Jasper’s unemotional face. “Figure out a solution right away! I need Betty to be removed from the trending topics, along with her videos! You’ll be liable if you fail to do so!” “I have come up with a solution, which I told Betty about.” Jasper looked at his feet. “Daddy, that was not a solution at all! He’s going to send me to hell!” Betty jumped when she heard her name mentioned. Stretching her neck, she grumbled, “He wanted me to issue a public apology to that hotel employee! Who is she to demand an apology from me? Why should I do that?” She wailed, “By the way, Alice White dropped by my store to create trouble. She slapped me in front of everyone! How am I supposed to ever show up in public?” Sophia and Javier were stunned. “What? Alice slapped you?” “Look at the slap marks on my face! It’s real!” Betty pointed at her swollen face. “That’s outrageous! Jasper, did you marry a devil?” Sophia was furious to see her daughter bullied. A scowl crept onto her gentle face. “How could she hit our Betty! I will sue her! I will not let her off the hook.” “It was Betty who wanted to hit Alice first. Alice was defending herself.” Jasper sounded unmoved and cold “So, did you just admit that Alice has hit Betty?” Jasper went silent, which proved that Betty was telling the truth. “Call Alice right now! I want her to apologize to Betty. You haven’t gone through the divorce proceedings with her, right? You must take time off tomorrow to file the divorce at the court! I do not want you to be associated with her in any way” Javier bellowed. ** +15 BONUS Jasper furrowed his brows. The divorce had initially been scheduled, but he felt uneasy after hearing Javier’s insulting remarks. Without thinking, he blurted out, “I will not.”