In an instant, Alyssa's heart leaped into her throat. She forced herself to stay composed beneath Damien's piercing gaze.
"What? Nothing's wrong. I'm fine," she replied, her voice steady but thin.
Damien's eyes softened with concern. "I've been watching you since dinner. You looked pale then, and now you're even paler. You look... anemic."
His voice dropped, warm and probing. "Tell me what's going on? Did something happen?"
"No, not at all. I'm just exhausted. Winston handed me KS Group-a massive corporation—to manage. I'm not a superwoman. Of course I struggle sometimes."
Alyssa pouted as she grumbled, "Winston just had too much drive when he was young. Why did he have to build such a sprawling empire? I'm working myself to death trying to keep it afloat!"
Damien sighed helplessly. "I don't know much about business, but Jasper could help. He's experienced."
Alyssa's eyes welled, her voice catching. "Jasper has already done more than enough. I can manage on my own. I don't want to burden him with every little thing."
"Are you two... still not back together?"
Alyssa gave a faint, almost careless smile. "That doesn't matter anymore. Whether we return to what we once had... it is what it is. I won't force it.
"Jasper once said he wouldn't insist on us being together. He just wants to watch over me forever. This time, I'll be the one to watch over him."
Damien's throat tightened. He lowered his head, regret heavy in his voice. "Lyse, I'm sorry... It was because of me that you and Jasper ended up like this."
"Oh, no. Don't say that, Damien!"
Alyssa squeezed his shoulders gently, her eyes shimmering. "Nothing matters more than having you back with us. We're alive, united, and that's enough. As long as we're still breathing, everything will get better with time."
Three days later, Alyssa went to work and attended meetings at KS Group as usual. After work, she dismissed Sean and drove alone to the hospital where Justin was being held on medical furlough.
She didn't take anyone with her,
partly because doing so would make her an easy target. If she were photographed, the media wou Have a field day sensationalizing her relationship with Justin.
She had previously joined Beckett Group's board of directors and
partnered with Justin to develop Project A5, just so she could gain his trust. Because of that, publie speculations had run wild Many were convinced they had become an item behind closed doors and that it was only a matter of time before they went public.
Now, with Justin arrested as a homicide suspect, Alyssa had to sever all visible ties.
If anyone discovered she was still in contact with him, KS Group would suffer irreparable damage.
She could endure hardship herself, but she would never allow Winston's legacy-or the people she loved-to be dragged down because of her. That was her line in the sand.
Her black sports car glided silently into the hospital's basement lot. She sat for a moment, gathering her resolve, before stepping out.
She had barely taken a few steps when Theron approached, grinning broadly. "Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Alyssa."
Her tone was flat, almost cold. "How is Mr. Beckett?"
Theron's smile was sly. "If you wish him well, he will be. If you don't, he won't."
"I don't have that kind of influence on him."
"Of course you do." His grin widened as he winked at Alyssa. "To Mr. Beckett, you've always been the one he trusts and cares about the most.” I'm sure you're well aware of how he feels about you."
Alyssa's stomach churned in disgust. Rubbing her fingers together, she replied, "I truly am honored to receive such consideration from Mr. Beckett. Lead the way."
Theron led Alyssa into the elevator and up to the top floor of the hospital, heading toward the VIP ward.
Alyssa carefully observed her surroundings the entire way. Even though nothing specific stood out, something in the air felt subtly off.
It was too quiet. Too eerily quiet.
As peaceful as a VIP ward usually was, it shouldn't look like a complete ghost town.
There wasn't even a police officer stationed on guard.
Just as Alyssa was deep in thought, Theron came to a halt.
"We're here. Right this way, Ms. Alyssa."