Ch. 2461..2470

Chapter 2461 Remy pursed his lips, bending down to pick up the fallen poker card. It was the King of Spades-an entry pass to Kings' Club.

"My attacker was..."

Remy's pupils constricted as he tightened his grip on the card.

"It can only be that dear uncle of mine, always claiming to see me as his own son." Justin's lips curled into a sinister smile. "He's trying to get rid of my right-hand man, taking advantage of my internal feud with Jasper. Weakening me is just his first step toward gaining control over me.

"He's been a fugitive ever since his successful prison break, never returning to Cyrris after receiving his life sentence. His power base remains in Kontina.

"I'm the last surviving Dutton. The Dutton Group, as a cover, has declared bankruptcy and severed all ties with the country.

"My dear uncle has taken a huge risk just to target me. He sent his men to attack you in Solana City. What a delightful surprise. It seems he truly doesn't trust me, his only remaining family."

Remy lowered his gaze, his eyes dim. "He's wary of you because he's afraid you'll supersede him."

Justin clicked his tongue. "Supersede him? Zachary is nothing but a stepping stone for me my ticket to Kings' Club and greater power overseas. Once I complete the new drug research, I'll replace him as one of their VIPS." Justin's eyes gleamed with ambition. The future of a ruler stretched before him.

Remy's temples throbbed at the mention of the new drug, and one name came to mind-Amber.

That poor woman was locked away in an abandoned hospital, subjected to torturous experiments for the sake of that very drug.

He furrowed his brow but kept his tone cold. "What's your next move?"

"I need to secure Project A5. That's my key to becoming Kings' Club's honored guest' An incoming call interrupted him. In the darkness, Justin's gaze fell on his phone. His expression hardened as he answered.

"Hello, Mr. Gentry."

Rafe coughed. "Mr. Beckett..."

Rafe paused. He chuckled awkwardly before continuing, "I know that Beckett Group has been facing challenges lately. I hate to bother you, but..."

Justin's patience thinned. "Just get straight to the point."

"About the Project A5 partnership, we may need to reconsider. Your share prices have been plummeting, and after the press conference incident, public opinion is against you. If I continue backing you, I'll face scrutiny possibly even a summons from the Department of Justice."

"So, you're cutting ties and looking for another partner?" A dark gleam crossed Justin's eyes.

"No, no, I'm not cutting ties! I just believe that when there's life, there's hope. Even if we can't close this deal, we're still associates."

Rafe did his best to paint a rosy picture for Justin. "I'm Beckett Group's best connection in Solana City. In fact, I've secured a document for a cultural city project set to begin bidding in three years. I promise it'll be yours. You have my word!"

"Three years?" Justin's voice dripped with mock gratitude. "How kind of you. But before you decide, let me show you something."

Justin tapped his phone, sending a video.

Moments later, Rafe's sharp intake of breath was audible through the call. His voice quivered with both fear and rage. "You... You set me up? How could you?"

The video showed Rafe, naked and debauched on a couch, flanked by two unclothed women. If this got out, he'd be ruined.

"You're exaggerating."

Justin glanced at Remy, who immediately lowered his gaze. Remy then stepped forward and refilled Justin's teacup. Justin's tone was calm, almost amused. "I simply captured your finest moment to remind you that we're on the same boat."

Rafe's head spun in anger. "Why, you—"

Justin remained unbothered. "That's not all. I also have records of your lavish spending at my clubhouse this past year. If I handed them over to the authorities, do you think Solana City's council would reward me for civic duty?"

"D-Don't! Mr. Beckett, I'm willing to renegotiate," Rafe blurted, panicked.

Justin's voice turned steely. "Project A5 has to be mine. I want it."

Chapter 2462 Rafe stated, "But Beckett Group is in the middle of a storm right now. If I insisted on giving your corporation the project, my superiors would investigate me. I wouldn't be able to escape unscathed!"

"If you're investigated, I'll make sure you can still live a life of luxury-even if you lose your job." Justin's tone darkened. "But if you turn against me, you won't just suffer a few losses. You'll lose everything."

Under the dim moonlight, Justin fiddled with his antique tea cup, his gaze narrowing. "You've worked so hard to get to where you are. Are you prepared to lose it all?"

After ending the call, Justin turned to Remy, who stood quietly at the side. "Sheryl is still being detained. She can't be bailed out for another two days. I need someone to watch over the research lab. You'll handle that."

Remy was taken aback. "I failed my last mission. Aren't you going to punish me?"

Justin's smile was cold and insincere. "It wasn't your fault. You were ambushed. If not for that, I trust you wouldn't have let me down."

After leaving the villa and getting into his car, Remy noticed his shirt was soaked in cold sweat.

He had never felt fear in all his years following Justin and seeing him as his lifesaver. But now, an unsettling feeling of dread gripped him. Why was he afraid? Was it fear that his changes would spiral out of control or that Justin might see right through him?

With no outlet for his suppressed emotions, Remy bit back the discomfort and sped down the winding road, cigarette in hand.

After some time, his instincts flared. He glanced in the rearview mirror. A black luxury car was following him. His eyes turned icy. Remy accelerated, drifting perfectly around a sharp bend.

Tires screeched against asphalt, sending up clouds of white smoke.

The trailing car fell behind.

Meanwhile, back at Heightsnew Villa, Mandy paced restlessly, eyes glued to the tracker on her phone.

Alyssa, determined to make up for past mistakes, had put all her work aside to stay by Mandy's side.

Just then, Mandy's phone buzzed.

"Mrs. Taylor, the reception at Domere Mountain is terrible. It's unstable," her subordinate reported. "I think I'm getting closer to the target, but I can't confirm if it's the person you're looking for."

Anxious, Mandy exclaimed, "But you're getting farther away!"

Her subordinate helplessly said, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Taylor. Their driving is incredible. I lost them at the last bend."

Immediately after, Mandy asked, "Lyse, why would Damien be at Domere Mountain? Does he live there?" "Perhaps."

Worried that Mandy might complicate things, Alyssa didn't share that Justin's private villa could be nearby. "Damn it! The signal's gone!" Mandy cried out urgently.

"Don't panic, Mandy. Reception at Domere Mountain is bad. The tracker will kick back in when it hits a better spot, Alyssa reassured her softly.

Then, her tone grew serious. "Promise me you'll only track him from a distance. Don't show yourself to Damien. And under no circumstances should you go to him alone. Can you promise me?"

Mandy nodded, her eyes shadowed with unease.

Since Julien's appearance at the press conference and his sudden disappearance, Jonah hadn't slept for three days. He even called his old subordinate Evan, and got Landon and Colene to gather men from Harper Group and Ivory Group to scour Solana City and Belbanks.

In the early hours of the third morning, Jonah was walking aimlessly through the streets, looking like a broken ghost, when Evan called.

"Judas! Get here now. I found your partner!" Evan's voice was breathless with emotion.

Standing in the freezing wind, Jonah froze. His heart clenched. "Where's Julien?"

"He's at a gay bar. I'll send the address to you!"

Chapter 2463 The bar was alive with striking lights and thundering music, and the air was thick with the scent of tobacco and alcohol. The atmosphere was one of moral decay-corrupt, degrading, and vile.

"Where's Julien?" Jonah's voice cut through the noise, his tone icy and sharp.

When Jonah stepped inside, the eyes of several men turned toward him, their gazes filled with illicit intent.

"Why, hello there. Are you here alone? Are you feeling lonely?"

A sexy man sauntered over, draping himself over Jonah's shoulders. He let his hands linger with a playful squeeze. "If you're bored, I'd be happy to keep you company."

Jonah's expression darkened. His hands trembled, veins bulging with barely contained rage.

Suddenly, Evan burst through the crowd, his face twisting in alarm at the sight of Jonah surrounded by a swarm of predatory men.

Evan yelled, "Don't touch him!"

A heavy thump reverberated through the room. Gasps erupted as people scrambled back.

The man who had draped himself over Jonah now lay crumpled on the floor, groaning in pain. Jonah hadn't even moved from his spot.

Evan exhaled in relief. It was okay for Jonah to brawl so long as his actions were morally justifiable. "Where's Julien?" Jonah repeated, stepping over the man without a second glance and closing in on Evan. "H-He's at the bar. Let me walk you there."

"No need," Jonah rasped, eyes already scanning the crowd.

Even amidst the chaos, Jonah's commanding presence drew every gaze in the room.

Evan watched him go, his mind whirring. Jonah was right-Julien and Blake were polar opposites.

Blake was gentle and quiet, with a demeanor so unassuming that it bordered on demure. He wouldn't be caught dead in a place like this, let alone interacting with such shady men.

Jonah once said that being with Blake made him feel safe and content, leading Evan to believe he sought a loving and understanding partner.

Julien, however, shattered that assumption. While strikingly handsome and bearing a resemblance to Blake, Julien was volatile and unyielding the polar opposite of everything Blake represented.

Evan had initially believed Jonah's tolerance of Julien stemmed from his attractive face, but now he wasn't so sure. Jonah was undeniably in love with Julien, and it wasn't just about his looks anymore. He loved the whole package, the flaws, the rebelliousness-everything. He might even have loved Julien more than he ever loved Blake.

In a light purple shirt, Julien's drunken gaze was unfocused. With a few buttons undone, his sculpted collarbone and a hint of pale skin were visible as a man refilled his glass.

A man leaned toward him with a hungry gleam in his eyes. "I noticed you the moment I walked in," the man said. " You're my ideal type."

The corny pick-up line earned Julien a wide, sarcastic smile. Turning his cheek to the man, he deliberately displayed his scar. "And now?" he asked, his voice dripping with irony. "Still your ideal type?"

The cross-shaped scar on Julien's face initially startled the man, his eyes widening in surprise. But the shock quickly gave way to something else, something akin to awe. He reached out, his touch gentle, and whispered, " You're mesmerizing... To me, you are my Venus."

But Julien didn't give him a chance. He stood abruptly, hopped onto a bench, and leaped onto the stage, where a half-naked pole dancer swayed to the beat.

Julien joined in, grinding to the music with a reckless abandon that made the crowd's eyes lock onto him.

The man who had approached him practically drooled. Just as he began climbing onto the stage, a hand seized his wrist with crushing force. A loud crack echoed through the room.

The man let out a yelp as he was lifted into the air and slammed to the floor.

The crowd gasped.

Jonah towered over him, pressing his boot hard against the man's abdomen until he gagged.

"If he's Venus," Jonah said, his voice a growl, "do you know who I am?"

The man whimpered, trembling as his face paled.

"I'm Mars."

Jonah stepped past him without a backward glance, his gaze locked on Julien as he swiftly mounted the stage.

Lost in the music and the haze of alcohol, Julien was blissfully unaware of the man before him, whose bloodshot eyes were filled with affection and unshed tears.

Chapter 2464 Jonah's gaze burned with a mix of longing, sorrow, and something deeply affectionate.

The world swam back into focus as Julien looked at Jonah. Without preamble, he asked, "Are you new? How much do you charge per night?"

Light-headed and grinning, Julien reached out a hand, his fingers brushing softly against Jonah's cheek. "You're pretty good-looking," he said, his voice slurred. Then his expression shifted. "Why do you... look so much like someone I hate with every fiber of my being?"

Jonah's heart clenched. Even so, he slid his arms around Julien's waist. Trembling, he pulled Julien into his arms. I'm new here. Could you help me meet my target tonight, Mr. Lovelace?"

Julien's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Jonah.

Jonah's eyes teared up as he held Julien's waist tightly. "I promise you won't be disappointed," he said, his voice deep.

Watching from the shadows below the stage, Evan nearly gagged at Jonah's sultry tone. Was this really the Judas he knew? The man sounded downright flirtatious.

Julien shivered all over, the rasp of Jonah's voice and the heat of his breath against his neck setting off an unsettling current inside him.

Then, his vision sharpened and he saw that face clearly-the face of the man who had shattered him.

A jolt of anger shot through him. He struggled against Jonah's hold, but the alcohol had robbed him of his strength. The fire in his eyes, though, remained undiminished. "Fuck off! Don't touch me!"

Jonah wasn't about to let Julien slip away again. In a swift, unexpected move, he swept Julien into a princess carry and leaped off the stage.

Gasps rippled through the crowd as Jonah strode out of the bar, unfazed by the stares.

Though Julien was five feet nine inches tall, Jonah held him effortlessly, as if he were meant to fit in his arms.

Evan followed silently, his mind spinning. Jonah had changed so much for Julien.

They slipped out of the bar quickly, Jonah's long strides unrelenting. As Evan was about to push the door open, something made him freeze. He turned back.

No one was there. But the hair on his neck prickled.

"Strange," he muttered, scratching his head. He could have sworn someone had been watching from the shadows.

"Jonah, fuck off! I don't want to see you!"

Jonah gently set Julien in the back seat of a luxury car. Julien trashed wildly, kicking and punching with drunken rage.

Evan winced, just watching. Even drunk, Julien's blows were powerful enough to leave bruises.

But Jonah didn't flinch. His gaze remained soft, his hands careful. Every move was measured so as not to hurt Julien.

A belch escaped Julien, followed by a wave of nausea. The dancing had taken its toll. Now that he was still, his stomach rebelled. He lurched upright, flung his arms around Jonah, and promptly vomited all over Jonah's expensive haute couture suit.

Evan's soul practically left his body. A germaphobe by nature, he would have lost it if he were in Jonah's place. Yet, Jonah was utterly unconcerned about himself. He calmly pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and patiently wiped Julien's mouth.

Jonah, undeterred by his own soiled state, lavished care on Julien. He longed to gather him into his arms, regardless of the filth.

"Julien, what do I have to do for you to forgive me?"

He held Julien's shoulders, searching his face with desperate eyes. "Tell me what will it take for you to give me another chance?"

Julien scoffed, his gaze on Jonah icy as he clenched his jaw. Simultaneously, his heart seemed to seize in his chest. "Jonah, you want forgiveness? After everything? You treated me like a substitute-like some toy to fill the void in your heart. You used me to vent all your emotions.

"You are a despicable man, Jonah. How dare you? Go to hell! Just go to hell! I'll forgive you when you're dead!"

Chapter 2465 Julien's merciless, hate-filled words hit Jonah like a ton of bricks. The pain was unbearable, a gut-wrenching ache that shattered his heart.

Under the dim lighting, Julien vaguely noticed a sorrowful tear forming at the corner of Jonah's eye. But before it could fall, Jonah forced a blink, swallowing his emotions whole.

Despite Jonah's attempt to brace himself, sorrow engulfed him, a tidal wave of despair. His features mirrored the devastation ripping through his heart.

As Evan opened the driver's side door, Julien lurched forward and vomited again. The sickening sound of him retching echoed in the air as if he were expelling everything inside him.

"Judas, Mr. Lovelace looks like he's suffering from alcohol poisoning. We should take him to the hospital."

Evan's worry deepened at Julien's condition.

Jonah wordlessly removed his suit jacket and began cleaning the mess in the car. His chest tightened painfully as he watched Julien groaning, clearly suffering.

Then, without hesitation, he pulled Julien into his arms.

Jonah knew Julien's alcohol tolerance. He wasn't the type to get drunk easily. For him to be this far gone, something must have driven him to the edge.

Something terrible.

"I'm parched... So parched... It's so warm..."

Julien's face burned, his gaze growing unfocused. He breathed a warm sigh that brushed Jonah's skin before his body went slack, sinking into Jonah's hold.

"Evan, what's happening? Julien's burning up!"

Jonah could feel the heat radiating through the skin of Julien's silk shirt.

"Judas, this isn't normal."

Evan, an experienced doctor, studied Julien's dazed expression. A sudden realization dawned on him. "Someone drugged Mr. Lovelace!"

Jonah's mind flashed back to the man who had been shamelessly flirting with Julien earlier. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

His hold on Julien tightened.

Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone. The conversation was short, his voice a clipped stream of venom. Minutes later, the man who had targeted Julien was dragged through the back exit of the bar and tossed into the grimy alley like refuse. He was soon swallowed by the darkness, his fate left unspoken but brutally clear.

"Judas, Mr. Lovelace is reaching his limit. We need to get him to the hospital immediately!" Evan exclaimed, his expression frantic.

"No need for that. I'm here."

Jonah's collar was rumpled, evidence of Julien's desperate hold. Additionally, his neck was marked by Julien's nails, yet Jonah's gaze remained unchanged, a well of tenderness and unwavering devotion.

"We're going to KS World Hotel," Jonah said.

A crescent moon hung in the night sky.

In the still, late hours, Seaview Manor was a place of quietude. Jasper, his countenance clouded, walked the length of the grand corridor, pausing outside Javier's study.

He gave a sharp knock, and Javier's voice, rich and deep, sounded from beyond the door.

Pushing the door open, Jasper found Javier alone on the couch with a drink in hand.

"Dad, you have high blood pressure. You shouldn't be drinking like this."

Jasper Jasper approached, leaning forward to push the half-empty whiskey bottle aside. He lowered his gaze, masking his inner turmoil.

Javier paused, glass still mid-air. When he lifted his gaze, it wasn't filled with its usual pride. Instead, his eyes were dark, heavy with something unreadable.

Jasper rarely saw Javier like this. Despite the confusion swirling within him, he held a serious expression. "Why did you summon me at this hour? Is it important?"

"Jasper..."

Javier took a slow, strained sip. His voice was hoarse and weary. "The board meeting is tomorrow. There's something you need to know in advance. I won't change my decision. Justin will remain as Beckett Group's president."

His lips parted as if to say more-perhaps an apology. But in the end, pride won. The words never left his mouth. He stifled the pang of guilt, permitting it to silently constrict his heart.

Jasper's faze was cold, unreadable. "Dad, I know you've always felt guilty about Justin. Now that he's back, you want to make it up to him. But whatever you do for him should never come at the expense of Beckett Group's future.

"You always taught me that, remember? I've held it close, always. Have you, however, neglected the principles you instilled in me?"

Javier's jaw tightened, his eyes refusing to meet Jasper's.

How could he possibly forget?

Chapter 2466 Beckett Group was, in essence, Javier's heart and soul, forged from his own labor.

"Justin set me up, framed me for drug addiction, and bribed my primary physician to give false testimony-all so he could drag me down. The fact that he dared to target me like this means he's willing to betray anyone."

Jasper took a deep breath, forcing down the rage roiling inside him as Javier remained silent.

"Fine. Even if you insist this is just a family matter, Justin's reputation is already in ruins, and the corporation's stock prices are fluctuating. Are you really going to stand by him, even now?"

"Justin has explained everything to me. He wasn't aware of the bribery. That female doctor who worked for him acted on her own. Besides, she's been arrested. The backlash against Justin will settle in time..."

Jasper listened, his face unreadable, but his heart clenched painfully. A lump rose in his throat, suffocating him.

He had lost his mother at a young age, but he had never longed for his father's love. He wasn't weak, nor did he make demands.

Yet, in this moment, he had just hoped that Javier would take his side for once.

But that day would never come, not even if he died.

"If everything will be made clear tomorrow, why did you feel the need to tell me tonight? Do you think I'm so fragile that I can't handle a minor blow?"

With a courteous nod, Jasper concealed the bitter disappointment within him, taking the half-empty whiskey bottle and silently leaving the study.

The moment the door closed, Javier's carefully constructed façade fell away. His shoulders shook violently as he buried his face in his hands.

A profound sense of defeat overcame him, a heavy weight that stole his breath and left him unable to stand. He had never felt this way before.

When Sophia was sentenced to death, he knew he had failed as a husband. Now, he could no longer deny it—he had failed as a father, too.

Jasper was on his way back to his room when he crossed paths with Rory.

"Hello, Mr. Jasper," Rory greeted politely.

Jasper pursed his lips, his eyes cold. "My father seems down. He's been drinking quite a bit. Check his blood pressure before he turns in."

Rory was startled. A flicker of something crossed his face before he murmured, "I didn't expect you to be the one in this family who cares about Mr. Javier the most."

Jasper caught the implication but chose not to address it. Instead, he said coolly, "Mr. Odom, you've served my father for over 20 years. He trusts you more than he trusts me. Go ahead and speak your mind."

Rory hesitated before finally gritting his teeth. "Mr. Jasper, I know your conversation with Mr. Javier didn't end well tonight. But I hope you won't hold a grudge against him. He has his own burdens."

Jasper's expression darkened. "What burdens?"

Rory looked pained. In a raspy voice, he replied, "I'm sorry. It's not my place to share. But I still hope-"

"I'm not holding any grudges against him." Jasper met Rory's gaze squarely. "First, he is the chairman of the corporation-the one who gave me my authority. As his son, I'm also his subordinate. Regarding his decision tonight, all I can say is that I deeply regret it.

"Second, if you had told me this in the past, I might have thought long and hard about it. But power no longer matters to me. More than anything, I just want my father to live a long and healthy life."

With that, Jasper curled his lips in a faint, unreadable smile and strode away.

Rory remained frozen in place, fists clenched.

The next morning, following the uproar at the press conference, an emergency board meeting was called at Beckett Group's headquarters. The agenda was to discuss the countermeasures against the impending crisis. Naturally, Justin, whose reputation was now in tatters, was a key topic of discussion.

sitting at the conference table, Justin smirked as he stared at Jasper's empty seat across from him.

So what if public opinion was against him? So what if outsiders speculated about his downfall?

He had already secured the position of president, and he wasn't about to give it up.

At the head of the table, Javier swept his gaze over the room, his expression unreadable. His eyes flickered toward Jasper's vacant chair before he spoke.

"Now that everyone is here, let's—"

Before he could finish his sentence, the door to the conference room swung open.

Jasper strode in, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit. His sharp gaze cut through the room, and an oppressive silence fell over the boardroom.

No one dared to meet his eyes.

Chapter 2467 Jasper's arrival plunged the conference room into an uneasy silence, and heavy tension settled over the space.

Justin looked up, his expression a frozen mask. A palpable chill emanated from him.

Javier's eyes widened in surprise. "Jasper? What are you doing here?"

"Even though I'm no longer the president of Beckett Group, I remain a shareholder and board member. It's only natural for me to be here," Jasper replied smoothly as he strolled to his seat.

As he passed behind Justin, he abruptly stopped.

Without a moment's notice, he struck the back of Justin's chair. The sudden impact made Justin flinch.

"Am I right, Justin?"

Justin's expression darkened. Forcing a smile, he replied, "As a board member, you have the right to attend, even if you're no longer involved in operations. There's no issue."

"If that's the case, why wasn't I informed about this meeting?"

Jasper lowered himself into his seat, legs slightly parted, exuding an air of indifference. Yet, beneath the nonchalance was an undeniable authority that warned others not to overstep.

Justin offered a small smile. "Then perhaps you should ask your secretary. Why didn't he notify you of such an important meeting? That level of negligence is unprofessional, wouldn't you agree?"

The air grew heavier.

Javier's expression hardened. The longer the meeting was delayed, the harder it would be to dispel the brewing animosity. If they let this drag on, they'd only make a spectacle of themselves.

Clearing his throat, Javier averted his gaze and moved to the agenda.

"The incident at the last press conference had quite an impact on the corporation. While the situation has largely stabilized, I felt it necessary to convene this meeting for a clear explanation."

He took a deep breath, his usual confidence wavering. In a low voice, he continued, "Although my sons were in direct conflict at the press conference, I believe it was all a misunderstanding.

"Justin and Jasper are biological brothers. When they were younger, Justin even saved Jasper's life. Blood is thicker than water- he would never resort to such underhanded means against his own brother."

A heavy silence followed.

Justin coughed softly, his gaze cutting across the room to Jasper, who sat upright and expressionless, as if none of this concerned him.

Justin scoffed. He almost admired how well Jasper concealed his emotions.

"The authorities have completed their investigation," Javier said. "It was determined that Justin's female physician orchestrated the entire situation. She admitted to everything, and Justin had nothing to do with it."

Javier took a sip of water, but his throat remained dry. "I hope everyone here will not let this incident cloud their judgment of Justin. After all, you've all witnessed his capability as the president of Beckett Group."

His stance was unmistakable. Javier was defending Justin's position with everything he had. However, it was only natural. As the eldest son and Javier's chosen successor, Justin had always been favored.

Javier's bias ran so deep that he would fight the world to protect Justin.

No matter how impeccable Jasper's achievements were, he would never receive that same unwavering support. Some things were decided at birth.

No matter how much Jasper struggled to bridge the gap, he would always be one step behind.

Even so, due process had to be followed, especially after such an incident.

With a serious expression, Javier continued, "Now, we shall proceed with a vote to reaffirm Justin's position as president of Beckett Group-"

Before he could finish, the conference room doors swung open.

Every head turned at once.

For a brief moment, shock rippled through the room. Then, as if by instinct, everyone shot to their feet, hurriedly buttoning their suits. They nodded in unison at the man who had just arrived.

Ben pushed Newton into the conference room as the latter sat in his wheelchair with an air of sovereignty.

A chorus of voices greeted him.

"Mr. Newton."

Justin's gaze darkened.

Javier stood quickly. "Dad? What brings you here?"

"Grandpa?" Jasper, too, rose to his feet.

Surprise flickered in his eyes, but concern soon followed. Newton was well past his prime, and his health had long been in decline. He had stepped away from corporate affairs years ago to enjoy his retirement. While he still held a seat on the board, he hadn't participated in decision-making for years.

Javier had been entrusted with full authority.

Yet, today, Newton had made an appearance at the board meeting.

It was a rare seismic event.

Jasper wasn't alone in his surprise at Newton's appearance. Javier and Justin were equally unaware he'd be attending the board meeting.

Chapter 2468 Despite his age, Newton exuded the same energy and sharpness he had in his younger days, even when surrounded by the board members brimming with vigor.

Despite his quiet presence in the wheelchair, an intimidating atmosphere clung to him.

In an instant, Javier was transported back to the days when he worked under Newton's strict supervision.

"Good day, Mr. Javier and all fellow board members. I assume no one has any objections to my presence at this meeting?"

Newton's gaze swept across the room, a perfunctory smile gracing his lips.

"Of course not. You are part of the corporation's board of directors!" the members responded immediately.

Newton nodded. "Much has happened within the corporation lately. Our shares have been fluctuating amid the controversy.

"As you all know, I had intended to retire after dedicating most of my life to this company. I wanted to step aside for the younger generation rather than hover over them like a specter, micromanaging everything.

"However, as a board member, I cannot stand idly by while the corporation faces turmoil. It is my duty to share the burden."

Javier pressed his lips together so tightly that they turned pale. Still, he was left with no choice but to concur with Newton.

He had spent nearly two decades climbing to Chester's former position, gaining Newton's trust, and coming close to obtaining full management rights over Beckett Group.

Now, Newton's sudden reappearance and his renewed involvement in the corporation felt like a betrayal. It was as though Newton was reneging on his promises. Javier's face burned with frustration.

"Javier."

Newton's serious tone jolted him.

Javier straightened. "Yes, Dad?"

With a solemn look on his face, Newton said, "I'm aware of the negative public sentiment against the corporation due to recent events. The board is about to vote on whether Justin, as president, should be held accountable."

Justin remained expressionless, but his eyes dimmed.

Javier cleared his throat. "That's correct..."

"Set that aside for now. I have an important announcement."

Silence filled the room as everyone waited.

"Beckett Group will soon welcome a new board member."

The announcement sent shockwaves through the room.

Jasper and Justin sat up straight, eyes locked on Newton's calm expression.

Javier's eyes widened. "A new board member? Who is it?"

"That would be me."

At the sound of the confident, melodious voice, Jasper froze. A strange sensation coursed through him as though electricity had just surged through his veins. His fingers tingled against his pen.

Even Justin, always poised and unshaken, raised a brow. He swallowed involuntarily.

Under the watchful eyes of the board, Alyssa strode into the conference room, the click of her heels punctuating the silence. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, complementing the crisp white designer suit she wore. She stood next to Newton.

Though her delicate features had sharpened with time, her light makeup accentuated her glow. But it was her piercing gaze, sharp and unwavering, that commanded respect. Even the most seasoned businessman hesitated to underestimate her.

"Alyssa Taylor?"

Javier's jaw dropped. Rage bubbled within him as he pointed at her. "Dad! You're making her a board member of Beckett Group? Are you joking?"

"I'm not."

Newton lifted his chin, his smile calm.

Alyssa nodded slightly and took his hand.

He continued, "I'm transferring 10% of my shares to Ms. Alyssa."

Javier staggered, his mind reeling. "What did you just say?"

Newton ignored him. "Starting today, Ms. Alyssa will be one of Beckett Group's major shareholders, and I am appointing her to the board. If anyone objects, speak now. Do not make a scene when the time comes to vote.

"I'm a petty man, and I will hold a grudge against whoever does so."

Newton's words silenced the room. To oppose him would be sheer folly.

Jasper's gaze lingered on Alyssa's dimples as she stood with unshakable composure. Then, he looked at Newton.

A sense of gratitude stirred within him, even as he grasped the full context.

Newton owned 27% of Beckett Group's shares. By transferring 10% to Alyssa, Newton consolidated Jasper's power, reinforced his influence over board decisions, and simultaneously weakened Javier's and Justin's authority, Many would consider granting an outsider ownership of Beckett Group's shares a dangerous and reckless gamble. But Jasper knew better. This was their strongest play.

If Alyssa couldn't be trusted, then there was no one else they could depend on.

And if Jasper understood that, Justin certainly did too.

Chapter 2469 Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence.

Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Beckett Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control.

Unlike others, Javier couldn't hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. "Dad, have you lost your mind? Don't you know who she is? She is KS Group's president our direct competitor!

"KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it's a blatant conflict of interest-outright cronyism!"

Newton sneered. "I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa."

His gaze hardened. "Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you're really talking about."

With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin's blank expression.

Just then, a board member from Javier's faction rose to offer his support. "Mr. Newton, I understand that you've publicly stated Ms. Alyssa is like a granddaughter to you. But in the end, she isn't family.

"And even if she were, shouldn't there be a clear boundary? This concerns Beckett Group, its shareholders, and the board members.

"KS Group, under Ms. Alyssa's leadership, is our strongest competitor for Project A5. Forgive me for being blunt, but placing her on our board doesn't seem like a wise decision."

Murmurs of agreement filled the room.

Newton furrowed his brows, a grim expression settling over his face. "I understand your concerns," he said.

Alyssa, however, merely smiled-a sweet yet unwavering expression. "To prove my sincerity, I've decided to withdraw KS Group from the bid for Project A5."

Astonishment rippled through the room as every head turned toward the breathtakingly bold woman who had just spoken. She was willing to make such a sacrifice?

"Alyssa..." Jasper clenched his fists, emotions crashing over him like waves.

He knew why she was here-why she was willing to give something that directly benefited her family. Still, the question lingered-was the risk she took proportionate to the help she offered?

Justin's gaze darkened as he turned toward Javier.

Javier's eyes flashed with a moment of sharp thought, calculating his next move, deciding if this was a fight he could win.

After a moment, he settled back into his chair, yielding.

Justin looked away, his eyes heavy with solemnity.

"Alright, if that's settled, I'd like to ask the board directly-are there any further objections to Ms. Alyssa becoming a board member?" Newton's tone was measured and controlled.

A heavy silence blanketed the entire conference room.

Alyssa narrowed her eyes slightly before speaking in a light, crisp tone. "Thank you all for your support. As a newcomer, I'm still learning the intricacies of Beckett Group's diverse operations. I'm eager to work alongside you all."

Alyssa was courteous. Her words were neither overbearing nor overly humble, and the board members seemed convinced.

With that settled, the meeting shifted back to the real issue at hand-Justin's presidency.

Once again, the air in the room grew tense and heavy.

Justin lowered his gaze, tapping his fingers against the table.

He knew exactly why Newton had orchestrated Alyssa's sudden involvement to shake things up when the votes were cast.

One extra vote could tip the scales in Newton's favor, and this would be Newton's chance to dismantle his position. With that realization, Justin's eyes dimmed as he met Newton's gaze. A bleakness settled in his eyes.

"Next," Javier announced, "we will vote by a show of hands. Those who oppose Justin remaining as president, please raise your hands."

Seconds passed, yet no one moved.

No one in the room raised their hands. Not Jasper. Not Alyssa. Not even Newton.

Chapter 2470 Justin frowned as a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes.

He had assumed Newton's unannounced appearance at the board meeting-along with Alyssa's involvement was a coordinated effort with Jasper to overthrow him as president. After mentally running through hundreds of countermeasures, the one possibility he hadn't considered was that everything would proceed smoothly in his favor.

Javier was equally stunned, though this outcome aligned with his desires. Today, Justin wasn't merely his son but a constant shadow looming over him, a silent predator watching his every move and reminding him that his past actions weren't completely buried.

Instead, this secret loomed like a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment, obliterating everything he'd built. And the person holding the detonator was Justin-his eldest son whom he had trusted above all others. With a dim gaze, Javier watched Justin rise to his feet amid the applause. Suddenly, Justin's voice seemed distant, almost fuzzy. Javier's attention drifted toward Jasper, who maintained a composed yet grim demeanor. Despite all he had endured, Jasper exuded a quiet resilience-like the sea at night, rocking with the waves yet undisturbed. A bitter lump rose in Javier's throat as his mouth went dry. He tasted acidity at the back of his tongue, painfully aware that Justin had become a monster while Jasper remained righteous and kind.

For over 20 years, he had failed to show his fatherly love to Jasper, condemning him to a miserable life. Yet, whether for his own sake or for Beckett Group's future, he believed he had no other choice.

"To Grandpa, Dad, and all the board members present-thank you for trusting me," Justin announced. "I will lead Beckett Group with distinction and secure Project A5. I will not disappoint any of you."

Upon finishing, Justin lifted his cold gaze toward Alyssa and walked directly toward her while everyone watched.

Alyssa's chest tightened as she felt Justin's cunning eyes upon her. This charming man before her resembled Satan himself-a viper in human form, flicking its tongue in her direction.

Jasper's pupils constricted instantly. As he fixed his eyes on Alyssa's tense expression, the veins on the back of his hands protruded as he clenched his fists against his knees.

"Congratulations on becoming part of Beckett Group, Ms. Alyssa," Justin said with a practiced smile, extending his right hand courteously.

Steadying her breath, Alyssa forced a slight smile while reaching out to shake his hand.

Justin's palm felt ice-cold against hers.

Meanwhile, emotions surged within Jasper's dark, still eyes. Though Alyssa was no longer his, watching her in contact with another man suffocated him. Bit by bit, complex feelings flooded his chest.

Justin continued, his tone shifting to business. "That being said, before the vote, you mentioned KS Group would withdraw completely from competing for Project A5. That wasn't just lip service, was it?"

Alyssa lifted the corners of her lips into an alluring yet threatening smile. "Of course not. We Taylors are people of our words. If you find it difficult to trust me, I'm happy to sign a legally binding Letter of Commitment."

Justin's grin widened. "That won't be necessary. I trust you because you are Alyssa Taylor. With you joining us, I hope you'll help elevate Beckett Group further.

"I look forward to us working closely together to create an even brighter future for Beckett Group and KS Group." Alyssa narrowed her eyes slightly as she slowly withdrew her hand.

Julien let out a pained groan.

As he gradually stirred in the presidential suite at KS World Hotel, the intense soreness in his lower body became impossible to ignore. Trembling, he sat up, supporting himself with his hands.

When he caught sight of himself in the mirror, he noticed his neck, collarbone, and abdomen were covered in unmistakable hickeys. He inhaled sharply, running his fingers through his hair before tugging at it in distress.

His head was pounding. Last night, could it have been- "You're awake?"

Julien's heart skipped a beat as his eyes darted to the doorway.

Jonah stood there, gazing deeply at him. Half-naked, Jonah's well-sculpted abdominal muscles drew attention. Those defined lines of toned muscle extended downward until hidden by the towel wrapped around his waist. His chest rose and fell with each breath, evoking specific images in Julien's mind.

Julien froze, eyes widening as he stared at Jonah, stupefied. Despite how deeply Jonah had hurt him, Julien couldn't help being drawn to him still. This addiction was deeply rooted-one he would need a lifetime to overcome.

Julien parted his slightly swollen lips. In a croaky voice, he stuttered, "Jonah, 1-last night... You—"

"We did it," Jonah interrupted, advancing slowly toward Julien with tears welling up in his eyes. Looking at Julien with extreme tenderness through moistened eyes, he confirmed, "Julien, everything you're thinking happened. We did it."