Cornelius had roped Landon into a meeting at the Harper Group building. However, midway through the discussion, Landonâs phone rang with urgency-it was Jasper, insisting on an immediate meetup at Jasperâs villa by Phoenix Lake.
Due to the urgent nature of Jasperâs call, Landon left the meeting under everyoneâs scrutiny and raced to the villa.
âWhat the hell?â Before entering the villa, Landon observed a plume of smoke on top of the structure like an impending volcanic explosion. Turning pale, he hurried into the villa and found Jasper burning stuff in the backyard.
Standing by a metal container, Jasper appeared pale and troubled. He bathed in the glow of the flames in the container, resembling a solitary statue amid the remnants of a war.
Alarmed by the chaotic scene, Landon approached him. âJasper, whatâs going on? What are you burning?â
When Landon spoke, Jasper tossed another item into the fire. Landon took a good look and realized it was a photo of Jasper with Liana.
Jasper questioned, âDid you bring me to this villa after I was drugged?â
âYeah. This is the only place I know. You always hang out here, donât you?â Landon replied.
Still confused about the situation, he confessed, âI couldnât send you back to Seaview Manor after what happened to you. Bringing you to my place was out of the question. This villa seemed like the best option.â
Jasper looked up. âAnd did you call Alyssa to come here?â
âYeah. You mentioned her name when you were barely conscious. I wanted to help you as a friend, so I lied to her and got her here,â Landon admitted.
He scanned the surroundings and asked, âHm, whereâs Lyse? Has she left?â
A crash ensued. Jasper angrily kicked the metal tin over, and sparks landed on Landon.
Landon hurriedly shielded his face with his arm, but the sparks had burned holes through his expensive suit, even burning off a part of his bangs.
âWhat the fuck? Jasper Beckett, are you crazy? Do you want to set me in flames? This is not a sacrificial ritual!â Landon growled at Jasper while he angrily put out the sparks.
Jasper, still not fully recovered from his injury, rolled his fists and panted. His shirt was soaked i âHuh?â Julien was surprised at how Jonah addressed him on a first-name basis.
âWill you stay here with Sean until he sends you home, or do you want to go with me?â Jonah asked sternly.
After a pause, Julien beamed at him. âYou didnât have to ask. Iâll choose you, of course.â
âIâll choose you, of course.â Jonah felt a pang in his chest upon hearing the declaration. In the past, his ex- lover had uttered the exact words with determination. âJonah, whatever happens in the future, Iâll stand by you. Youâre the only one that I will protect with my life.â
The Rolls-Royce headed toward the hospital. Jonah hugged Alyssa tightly throughout the journey and patiently comforted her with a soothing voice.
âJonah, Iâm in pain â¦â Alyssa mumbled, her face buried in his chest.
Her heart ached as she cried.
âLyse, tell me. Where does it hurt?â
She closed her eyes and pointed shakily at her heart. âIt hurts here.â
Jonah was shocked. He breathed heavily and clasped her icy hand, knowing only Jasper Beckett could inflict such pain on Alyssa.