Chapter 713: Chapter 713

"Justin was a 15-year-old. And he was taller and stronger than Jasper,” Newton explained.

However, Justin was still a defenseless teenager at that time. How did he manage to subdue the kidnappers so Jasper could escape?

Alyssa, keeping her doubts to herself, wondered, “Grandpa, what happened next? How did Justin escape from the kidnappers?

Newton turned pale and trembled as he answered, “We paid Gustav the two billion dollars in ransom. Half a month later, Justin appeared in front of the Seaview Manor gates, completely naked. "When we found him, he was covered in blood and nearly dying from the torture. He spent a month in the hospital and underwent six months of psychiatric treatment before he improved, but his health was forever ruined.”

"Why?" Alyssa asked in shock.

Newton said, “We learned from Justin later that he had infuriated Gustav and the gang after helping Jasper to escape. They couldn't kill him off due to the ransom, so they turned him into a punching bag.

“They starved him, punched him, and even put him into a tightly sealed container. Due to the long- term abuse, he suffered from hypoxia. When he was hospitalized, he nearly lost his life from multiple organ failure. It took us a lot of effort to save his life.

“Until now, Justin is in poor health. He is also immunocompromised. Many times, he can only go out ina wheelchair. In the end, we owe him a tremendous debt.”

At this point, Alyssa had pieced the puzzle together. The incident was the source of Jasper’s guilt toward Justin. It also clarified Javier's hostility and stringent demeanor toward Jasper.

Jasper survived a traumatic experience as a child thanks to Justin's help, but as a result, Justin was left disabled.

She couldn't even picture the emotional burden on Jasper, It was why he endured Javier's scolding without retaliating, all due to his indebtedness to Justin.

Newton reminded her, “Alice, do not let Jasper know that I told you about the kidnapping and Justin. Act like you don't know if he doesn't bring it up.”

She smiled thoughtfully. “I understand. Don't worry.”

“Alice, will you look down on Jasper after learning the story? Will you see him as a coward who Colene once remarked that her father's greatest regret was failing to get rid of Gustav once and for all.

“Yes, it was indeed him, confirmed a troubled Newton. “Javier and I were cautious, but Gustav seized an opportunity and kidnapped my two grandsons.”

Alyssa’s heart dropped upon hearing that. She whispered, “What happened next?"

"After they took away Justin and Jasper, they demanded a ransom of two billion dollars-one billion for each kid. That was an astronomical amount back in those times. However, I didn’t even blink an eye and prepared the money. The safety of my grandsons came first.

“That cunning Gustav kept switching the meetup location to fool us. We dared not even file a police report for weeks after Justin and Jasper had been kidnapped.

Staring at the ground, Newton shook his head bitterly. “Jasper went through a lot and escaped from where they were held with injuries over his body. I couldn't believe it-he was only 11!"

"Did he escape alone?” Alyssa gasped in surprise. “How did he manage to pull it off at that age, surrounded by those ruthless gangsters? Someone must have helped him.”

“Yes. Justin did.”

Alyssa inhaled sharply at the revelation.