Alyssa and Miley heard Colene’s muffled shouts from the horse’s back, followed by a chorus of


    laughter.


    Speechless, Alyssa said, “Well, I don’t mind, as long as Colene’s happy.”


    Miley slowly sat on the couch and looked hesitant to speak. Alyssa sat by her side and took her arm.”


    Miley, you must have something to discuss with me when you knock on my door thiste. Is it rted to


    Jameson?”


    “I remember he visited our home when he was younger. You seemed close to him,” Miley said tly.


    “Yes. We were ssmates in elementary school,” Alyssa reminisced. “I fended off the ss bullies for


    him, and he started sticking around me because he was grateful.


    “I didn’t have many friends in the ss due to my family background. Since everyone kept their


    distance, I


    had no choice but to be friends with Jameson.


    “To be honest, it was a happy time in my childhood. Later, Jameson went to Kontina with his mom, and


    we lost contact for 15 years.”


    “So, he’s practically a stranger after all these years,” remarked Miley knowingly.


    “Exactly. I couldn’t even recognize him at first. When he was younger, he looked fair and somewhat


    feminine. Now, he’s a tall, handsome guy.”


    “Between Jasper and Jameson, who’s hotter?” Miley yfully winked at Alyssa.


    “Miley, did Jasper bribe you or something? Why do you keep bringing him up? It’s such a mood


    dampener,


    grumbled Alyssa, who pouted in frustration.


    “Look, Lyse, I’m not against you dating anyone. Victor Schmidt is Dad’s good friend, so I’m sure his son


    will not treat you poorly. It’s just that…” Miley’s voice trailed off. She looked a little worried when she


    recalled Jameson’s profile that her assistant had found.


    She exined, “Jameson Schmidt is not what he seems. I secretly looked into his background. He runs


    a


    huge,plex business in Kontina’ that spans many industries.


    “Kontina’s society is not as simple as Cyrris’. It’s hard to tackle the organized crime and drug trade. The


    politicians and businessmen there are corrupt, and they work with each other. Jeremy’s first task when


    in


    power is to address the illegal drug trade and corruption.”


    Alyssa’s heart leaped to her throat. “Wow, life is going to be tough for you and Jeremy!”


    “Stop changing the topic,” Miley reminded her. “Given the scale of Jameson’s business in Kontina, it’s


    highly likely that he’s involved in organized crime and gangs.


    “I even heard that he was once discreetly called in by the prosecution for interrogation over his


    involvement in drugs but was released due to ack of evidence.”


    Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    “What did you say?” Alyssa was shocked.


    “He’s safe now because there’s no concrete evidence, but there’s no smoke without fire. He must have


    been a top suspect if the police looked into him.


    “Besides, the prosecutor who interrogated him was Jeremy’s student. That fellow is an upright and


    honest character. He would never be bribed and wouldn’t use anyone without evidence.”


    Miley sped Alyssa’s hands worriedly. “Lyse, you can be friends with him, but don’t be too involved


    with


    a dangerous man like him.”


    Alyssa blinked as she sank into deep thoughts. Then, she nodded gently. “Miley, I’m an adult who has


    my


    fair share of real-world experience. I’ve witnessed the ruthlessness of a warzone and experienced the


    dark side of humanity. I’ll keep your words in mind. I know what to do.”


    **


    A


    Five dayster, a procession of ck luxury cars lined the entrance of Seaview Manor in the evening.


    Bodyguards in ck, adorned with golden pins bearing the Harper Group insignia, stepped out of the


    cars.


    “Ms. Zoe!”


    “Madam Penelope!”


    “Mr. Cornelius!”