"You don''t agree?" Javier''s expression darkened coldly. His menacing re was devoid of any warmth


    or affection a father would have for his son. "Jasper, I am not dead yet, but are you already thinking of


    taking over my duties?


    "If I didn''t give you the chance, would you even be able to be the president of Beckett Group? It


    seems like you''ve be arrogant. Do you really think that you achieved everything by your own


    merit?"


    Facing his father''s insults, Jasper was more worried for Lauren than angry at his father.


    If Lauren really married into the Hodgson family, he couldn''t imagine what kind of crazy things Landon


    would do after he found out.


    Têxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Perhaps he would spiral into depression. Perhaps he would be so crushed that he would never recover


    from his heartbreak.


    Lauren was not strong and brave like Alyssa, who would stand up for herself. She was the most


    obedient child among the siblings. She was gentle and weak, epting whatever obstacles life threw


    at her without protest.


    Besides, she was the one who initiated the breakup.


    "Your brother is just ill; he''s not dead yet. Don''t think that just because you''re the president and Newton


    favors you, you can do whatever you want without a care in the world! You insolent brat, how dare you


    defy your own father and rebel against my decisions again and again!"


    Javier''s thinly veiled threats continued, "A few days ago, I went to Mosgravia to visit Justin. He looks


    much better than before."


    Jasper''s eyes narrowed as a glint appeared in his dark gaze.


    "Justin told me that when he gets better, he''ll return and reunite with our family again."


    Javier looked down at Jasper, his words dripping with menace. "Your grandfather and I always


    prioritized the eldest son. Justin has just been away for too long and has be distant from us,


    which is why you had the chance to showcase your abilities to Newton.


    "When he''s back, Newton will surelypensate him out of guilt. By that time, who knows whether


    you''ll still have a ce in Beckett Group? You''d better think about that carefully!"


    In the middle of the night, Xavier brought his investigations on Harper Group to meet Jasper.


    Smoke curledzily around them in the study. Jasper''s slender, calloused fingers held a cigarette while


    he studied the documents intently. His gaze was mysterious and dark, concealing his emotions.


    Seeing that the ashtray was almost full, Xavier couldn''t help but sigh. "Mr. Beckett, I know you''re


    feeling upset, but to smoke so much like this... it might reduce your sperm count..."


    Jasper arched an eyebrow, and his icy gaze bore into Xavier''s eyes. "Are you a sex therapist? Or are


    you a nosy know-it-all?"


    Xavier pretended to cough. "No, no, I''m just a dumb idiot."


    He sighed again. "Madam Alyssa hates the smell of smoke; you know this as well. I was just worried


    that when you return home, she''ll get angry if she smells smoke on you."


    "These two days, I''ll be at Seaview Manor apanying Lauren. I''ve already told Lyse."


    The mental image of Alyssa with her hands on her hips, pouting and nagging him made his heart beat


    faster and his blood run wild.


    How he wished he could pull her into his arms and dominate her, entangling their limbs the whole night.


    "Mr. Beckett, you must be in a terrible mood. If it weren''t so bad, you wouldn''t have resorted to smoking


    behind her back."


    Xavier asked out of concern, "What''s going on?"


    "Xavier, there are no issues with these documents. Send them to Mr. Harperter." Jasper''s tone was


    neutral.


    "Yes." Since Jasper wasn''t willing to share, Xavier refrained from probing.


    "Also, hand over your duties to others for the time being. Focus on your investigations on the Hodgson


    family."


    Xavier asked, "The Hodgsons?"


    Jasper narrowed his eyes. "Onder Hodgson."


    Xavier''s eyes widened. "The mayor?"


    "Start from Onder, then his wife and his son Freddy. Investigate as much as you can, gather every


    piece of information."


    When he finished talking, a light knock sounded on the door.


    "Jasper, are you there?"


    "It''s Lauren."


    Jasper stood up and hurriedly went over to open the door.


    Lauren stood awkwardly outside the door in the dark, wringing her fingers.


    "Lauren, it''s sote. Why aren''t you asleep yet?" Jasper asked gently.


    She pursed her lips. "Jasper, can I tell you something?"


    "Of course,e in."


    Jasper invited her in as Xavier left the room to give them privacy.


    "Lauren, don''t take what Dad said to heart. No matter what, I will not let you marry into the Hodgsons.


    Alyssa will not agree either."


    "Jasper."


    Before he finished his words, Lauren lowered her head and spoke up, "You and Alyssa have done a lot


    for me. It''s enough.


    "About my matters, you guys don''t need to worry about me anymore."


    Jasper''s heart sank. "Lauren, what do you mean?"


    Lauren felt tears prickling her eyes. She blinked hard, forcing her tears back. "I''ll listen to Dad. I''ll marry


    into the Hodgson family."