Alyssa was born for greatness. She carried a natural air of commanding authority
that silently demanded submission, and the raw intimidation in her eyes made all the seasoned board members-all of whom were decades her senior-hold their breath unconsciously.
They exchanged tense glances, the atmosphere in the room turning suffocatingly serious.
Among the board members were several people who had once maintained private dealings with Justin. But now, Justin had fallen from power. Not only had Jasper seized control of the corporation, but with Newton's and Javier's support, he had officially become Beckett Group's new chairman.
Jasper's position was now firmly established-unshakeable and beyond dispute. And he had Alyssa on his side.
With her backing, even if he ultimately didn't inherit Beckett Group, he could still join Alyssa in leading KS Group. Even if he married into her family, he would still stand at the absolute pinnacle of wealth and power.
At this point, no one in the company dared voice another objection. Everyone in the room rose to their feet as thunderous applause erupted around them.
"Welcome back, Mr. Jasper! Congratulations on becoming Beckett Group's new chairman and chairman of the board!"
Alyssa breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Watching Jasper, her eyes grew increasingly warm and bright.
To the public, Jasper had simply been on an extended leave of absence granted by Javier. After everything that had transpired, he had merely reclaimed what was rightfully his. It was his family's legacy, after all. As long as he stayed clear of the criminal charges sinking Justin, his claim to the throne was undisputed.
Still, Alyssa's heart ached for the man she loved. Only she knew how grueling Jasper's journey had truly been. Every single step toward reclaiming his birthright had been carved out of hardship.
"Thank you for your trust, fellow board members," Jasper began, his voice cutting through the applause. "I am a straightforward man, both in my words and my actions. We have worked together for many years, so you should already be well- acquainted with how I operate."
Jasper's lips curved into a faint, chilly smile, his dark eyes carrying a terrifying weight. "As long as your loyalty remains undivided and you act in the best interests of Beckett Group, you will be handsomely rewarded.
"But if anyone is still pining for the previous Mr. Beckett, do not expect mercy, regardless of your seniority."
Alyssa gazed at Jasper, her smile reaching her eyes.
She could feel a profound shift in him since his return. He was sharper now, more ruthless more like a man who was born to command power and authority. Previously, he had seemed more like an exceptionally capable employee, someone who had buried himself in work and cared little for corporate politics. But now, he was beginning to resemble a truly brilliant and formidable leader.
"Beckett Group is currently navigating a tumultuous storm," Jasper continued, commanding the room. "My grandfather is fighting for his life, my father is under arrest, and my brother has been detained by the authorities.
"Our stock price experienced severe volatility this morning, and rival corporations have already begun quietly buying up our shares. Fortunately, Ms. Alyssa Taylor of KS Group stepped in to stabilize the market."
Jasper cast a deep, lingering glance at Alyssa before shifting his piercing gaze back to the board. "Moving forward, our immediate focus will pivot to two core areas- Project A5 and our artificial intelligence initiatives. As for the new pharmaceutical research project Justin previously championed, it is suspended indefinitely, effective immediately."
The room fell dead silent, followed by a wave of compliant nods. In this era, artificial intelligence was the future. If Beckett Group lagged behind now, they would be completely swallowed by the tide of progress.
"M-Mr. Jasper, if I may ask a question?"
One of the board members, a man who had previously thrown his full support behind Justin, timidly raised
his hand. He probed cauline
Regarding Mr. Jusun...
it
that
he's implicated in a homicide? Did he actually... commit murder? Is there any possibility of his return?"
Jasper fixed his eyes on the man, the corner of his mouth ticking upward. "He will never return."
The brief reply hit the room like a bombshell. It didn't just answer the question; it definitely confirmed that Justin was a murderer.
With the meeting adjourned, the board members quickly dismissed themselves.
Xavier, ever perceptive, had already slipped outside ahead of everyone else. After closing the conference room door behind him, he stood guard outside like a loyal sentry. This was a rare opportunity for Jasper and Alyssa to finally have a moment alone together Naturally he had to protect it with everything he had. On his watch, not even a fly would be allowed near the door.
As for the couple inside... well, if they decided to get a little wild and make a baby in there, absolutely no one would interrupt them.
Standing ramrod straight outside the door, Xavier's thoughts drifted merrily in that direction. He looked downright delighted-more excited than a groom on his wedding day.
Inside the conference room, Alyssa leaned lazily against the leather armrest of the chair, propping her chin on one hand as she gazed at Jasper with unconcealed delight.
Meanwhile, Jasper sat upright and rigid. Under Alyssa's burning, affectionate gaze, his throat turned dry, and even his breathing grew uneven.
"What are you staring at? Do I have something on my face?" he asked in a low voice.
"No. There's nothing." Alyssa leaned forward slightly, cupping her face in her hands as she replied in a playful,
coquettish tone, "I just can't bear to leave, so I wanted to look at you a
Hittle longer Why? Am I not allowed.
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"No, that's not what I meant..."
MS
Jasper swallowed hard. In a slightly hoarse yet innocent voice, he asked, "It's already noon. Would you like to... have lunch together?"
Alyssa's smile instantly brightened, her eyes sparkling like stars. "That sounds good. But before that, I have a present for you."
"What is i—"
Before he could even react, Alyssa rose to her feet and walked over to him. Placing
her hands against the back of his chair, she gave it a firm push, spinning him around to face her directly.
In the very next moment, she lifted one leg and straddled his lap. Cupping his face in both hands, she lowered her head and pressed her lips firmly against his.