Everyone turned toward the sound of approaching footsteps at the same time.
In the next instant, Justin's expression darkened, his jaw tightening.
Alyssa and Jasper stared in shock. They exclaimed in unison, "Cyrus?"
Cyrus gave a brief nod. Then, without wasting a second, he led two subordinates straight toward Javier. "Mr. Javier, please come with us."
He had been brief, addressing Javier with a politeness that went straight to the point.
Javier's lips curled into a bitter smile. He cast one last, lingering look at the closed doors of the emergency room before directing a tender gaze toward Jasper and Alyssa. He observed them quietly, as if every second were a final fleeting chance to memorize their faces.
Jasper had never grown up under Javier's care. Though Javier claimed to have loved Anne above all others, he had never legally wedded her, nor had he given her his whole heart while she lived. Worse, he had neglected and failed their only son.
Only now, in the eleventh hour, did he realize the sanctity of a father-son bond. He wasn't sure if he would ever see Jasper again, and even if this wasn't their final meeting, he knew his remaining opportunities were few.
That was simply the fundamental tragedy of the human condition; only when everything was about to slip beyond reach did they truly value it.
"Dad..." Jasper's voice was hoarse.
The faint tremor in his broad shoulders betrayed the storm of emotions he could no longer suppress.
Alyssa's breath hitched. She felt an instinctive urge to reach for Jasper's hand and offer him comfort, but she forced the impulse down. With Justin standing right there, she had no choice but to bury her feelings.
She balled her hands into tight fists; they were facing a formidable foe in a volatile situation. Even the simple luxury of a touch felt like an impossible risk.
Javier looked away reluctantly, his eyes dim but resolute. He extended his arms toward Cyrus.
After a brief, conflicted silence, Cyrus pulled out a set of handcuffs and snapped them shut. As the cold metal locked around his wrists, an uncontrollable shiver cascaded down Javier's spine.
He lowered his hands in defeat. He had started life with more than most could dream of, yet a lifetime of wrong decisions had brought him—and those he loved- to this.
But this time, he was certain he had
де
chosen correctly. By confessing and accepting his punishment, he could protect Jasper and keep the Beckett Group safe. It was far better to face a cell than to allow the family legacy to be dismantled by a madman like Justin.
"Mr. Javier, in consideration of your status and your voluntary surrender, we won't
take you out through the main entrance. We'll ensure this doesn't reflect poorly on Beckett Group."
Cyrus was a man of unyielding
integrity, known for zero tolerance
toward the lawless. Yet, whether out
Λοι
of respect for Jasper or moved by Javier's surrender, he found himself being uncharacteristically accommodating.
"Mr. Javier—" Rory's voice broke as tears streamed down his face. "I... I was responsible too. I'll face judgment and the time right alongside you!"
Justin's eyes widened. He stared at Javier's unperturbed expression in pure disbelief.
"You actually turned yourself in?" he spat through gritted teeth. "I can't believe you did that!"
"Justin, no matter how carefully you scheme, you can never fully account for the human heart. You cannot predict when someone will defy you, nor their conviction that drives them to see your empire fall."
A relaxed, unburdened laugh
escaped Javier-something he had never experienced before. "I would rather die than let Beckett Group fall into your hands. Take my advice, Stop while you can, Justin. and face your punishment Otherwise, your end will be far worse."
FindNovel.net
fess,
This was no longer a conversation between father and son. It was a final standoff between enemies.
Justin scoffed. "I'm afraid you won't live to see how this ends for me."
Then he laughed, his eyes gleaming with vicious malice. "Did you think this was enough to stop me? You're painfully naive for a man your age. Just focus on enjoying your twilight years in a cage."
But as the words left his lips, Cyrus stepped forward, his face a mask of professional indifference. "Justin Beckett, you are under arrest on charges of first-degree murder. Come with us."