On the way home from the hospital, Alyssa reyed Jasper''s words in her mind, recalling the promise they''d sealed with a high five. Her heart swelled with a mix of emotions that she could barely define. Watching the snowfall outside, her eyes shimmered with tears. Softly, she murmured to herself, "Alyssa, he came to see you of his own ord and was willing to go along with what you wanted. Isn''t that enough? "You no longer have the right to be carefree and proud in front of him. You need to be grateful."


    As Sean drove, he nced into the rearview mirror. Seeing Alyssa''s deste expression stirred a deep sorrow within him.


    Being separated from Jasper had turned Alyssa''s world upside down. If Jasper were to die, Alyssa''s life would bepletely shattered.


    Perhaps having Jasper alive was the best oue fate could offer after all they had endured, however bittersweet it was.


    "Ms. Alyssa, it''ste. Why don''t you go home to rest instead of heading back to KS Group? You''ll soon be busy with the fight for Sna City''s Project A5," Sean said gently, concerned when he saw how pale Alyssa looked. Alyssa frowned, looking troubled. Instead of responding to Sean''s suggestion, she said, "Sean, there''s someone I''d like you to look into."


    Sean responded immediately, "Of course. Tell me more."


    "20 years ago, a woman named Mildred Hayes worked as a helper at Seaview Manor, caring for Grandpa Newton. Her mother''sst name is Rollins, and she still lives in Sna City."


    The grievance in her expression disappeared, reced by her usual calm andposed demeanor. She continued, "This woman was killed by Justin 20 years ago, but the exact circumstances and cause of her death remain unclear. We need to uncover the full story." This revtion shocked Sean. "Justin was involved in a murder at such a young age? He''s the devil incarnate, isn''t he?"


    "I suppose. I can''t believe that an elegant and gentle man who''s passionate about charity could have such a dark side to him. If I hadn''t seen and heard it for myself at the cemetery, I wouldn''t have believed it."


    Alyssa coldly stated, "It''s terrifying that someone like him-someone who could put on such an act is living under the same roof as Jasper and posing as his life-savior. Doesn''t this make you feel afraid?" Justin''s elegant and bright face shed in Sean''s mind, making him shudder. "It''s absolutely terrifying!"


    "That''s why we must get to the bottom of this. Generally speaking, a murderer should answer for his sins. Even if Justin was still a minor back then, it doesn''t excuse him from justice."


    Alyssa closed her eyes, hiding the


    199


    fierceness in her gaze. She steadied her breath and continued, "If he dares to reveal his true nature and tries to hurt Jasper, we''ll have leverage to control him. Perhaps that leverage could help Jasper when it matters the most


    Sean admired Alyssa''s strategicposure. She was no longer impulsive, but measured and astute.


    Then, a thought struck Sean. In a chilling tone, he remarked, "Ms. Alyssa, if Justin could kill at 14, that shows a naturally cold-blooded, brutal side."


    Alyssa remained calm. "Don''t you


    think his behavior resembles his


    uncle, Zachary Dutton? Moreover, Mrs. Rosie has shared that he used


    to torture and kill animals. Given that it isn''t surprising he couldmit murder." Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Wide-eyed, Sean asked, "But killing animals and murdering a person... Are they really the same?"


    "In essence, both acts stem from a


    animals he tortured. When that


    stopped thrilling him, he naturally shifted his focus to people. This pattern ismon among many psychopathic killers."


    "But Ms. Alyssa," Sean asked, finally voicing a question that had troubled him, "if Justin is so disturbed, how could he have saved Mr. Jasper''s life? Doesn''t his ruthlessness contradict that act?" Upon hearing that, Alyssa stiffened up. The look in her eyes was gloomy.


    Unaware of the tension, Sean continued, "If I were him, I''d have bribed the kidnappers. I''d use the situation to get rid of my younger brother once and for all so that he no longer stands in my way.


    "After all, Mr. Jasper was just an unwee illegitimate child in the Beckett family at the time. If he died just like that, it probably wouldn''t cause much of an uproar either. People would forget him soon enough." The more Alyssa mulled over it, the more her heart raced. She tightened her grip on the car door handle.