Night fell over Seaview Manor. Jasper sat in his study, reviewing the corporation's recent internal records alongside the two documents from Newton.
Removing Justin from the company wouldn't be difficult. But truly bringing him down? That was another matter entirely.
Just then, his phone rang on the desk. The name on the screen made his heart skip a beat.
It read, "Lyse."
Jasper took a deep breath and cleared his throat, which was still rough from
cigarette smoke. Once he had steadied himself, he answered the call.
"Jasper, something terrible has happened!" Alyssa exclaimed, her voice tight with panic.
Jasper's breath hitched. "Are you okay?"
Without hesitation, she was the first person on his mind.
"I'm fine. It's not about me; it's about your psychotic older brother."
Alyssa's normally gentle voice turned grave. "Cyrus just told me about two vehicles discovered this evening on a highway south of Solana City. There were four bodies inside. One of them was Gustav Holm, the leader of the kidnappers who abducted you and Justin back then.
"And that's not all. Another victim was Justin's biological uncle-Mr. Javier's first wife's older brother, and the former head of the Dutton family—Zachary Dutton."
Jasper's eyes widened. "Zachary is dead?"
"I always thought he was hiding overseas as a fugitive. I never expected him to return to Solana City... only to die here." Alyssa paused, her tone turning colder. "Who do you think could eliminate both of them at the same time?"
The answer was obvious. No one but Justin had both the motive and the ruthlessness.
"Justin is finally getting his hands dirty."
Jasper lowered his gaze, his blood boiling. His fists clenched at his sides as he added, "Then it's time for the final battle."
"Jasper, I'll start taking action tomorrow Justin wants complete control of Beckett Group. We can't let him stay on as president. We need to remove him as soon as possible."
In
Though Alyssa's heart still belonged to Jasper and his deep, steady voice could still make it race-she forced herself to stay focused there was no room for emotion now.
Calmly, she continued, "Zachary may be dead, but he was still Justin's biologicat uncle. Cyrus will go to Beckett Group tomorrow to bring him in for questioning. We'll use this to stir public attention and apply pressure.
"But without solid evidence, they can only detain him for 24 hours."
Jasper's eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing within them. "I know how we can keep him there longer."
After ending the call with Jasper, Alyssa stood on the balcony of her room at Heightsnew Villa, deep in thought. Her hair fluttered in the cool evening breeze.
Though she was dressed lightly, she didn't feel the chill. Instead, a quiet warmth spread from her chest through her entire body.
Everything was about to begin, and everything was about to end.
Just then, urgent knocking sounded at her door.
"Coming!" Alyssa called, hurrying over.
When she opened the door, she found Lyla and Colene standing outside, both looking anxious.
"Lyla, Colene, did something happen?" Alyssa asked, puzzled.
The two exchanged a glance before leaning in slightly.
"Lyse, we have a guest. An important one."
"An important guest? Who?"
"He's... from the royal family of Kontina," Lyla said, still sounding as though she
could hardly believe it.