Chapter 1826

Jasper's words snapped Alyssa out of her somber reverie.

Their minds couldn't help but gravitate toward that possibility, and the more they considered it, the

more plausible and concerning it seemed.

"We've discussed this before. Preston and Zoe lack the capability to find such a skilled accomplice

on their own. There must be someone behind the scenes aiding them."

Jasper's eyes gleamed with insight as he methodically analyzed, "What if it's Jameson seeking

revenge? It's conceivable. Moreover, Cyrus mentioned earlier that the killer is likely a foreigner.

Jameson has been in Kontina for years; it wouldn't be difficult for him to recruit assistance for

Harper and Zoe."

"Revenge? If Jamiper wanted revenge, it should be directed at us. What does it have to do with

Landon and Lauren?” Alyssa's frustration bubbled to the surface. "Does he have nothing better to

do than meddle in the Harper Group's affairs?”

"Lauren is my sister, and Landon is like a brother to me," Jasper replied, his voice tinged with

suppressed anger and loathing. "Now, do you understand, Lyse?"

Aware of Lauren's presence, he tempered his words, though his emotions simmered beneath the

surface.

Jameson was a deceitful manipulator, a predator masquerading as a friend, and a malevolent force

lurking in the shadows. It seemed plausible that he would seek revenge on those close to Jasper,

since he couldn't directly target him.

Jameson was acutely aware that Lauren held the highest place in Landon's heart. Deliberately, he

entrusted the knife to the Harpers, intending to wield it as a weapon to shatter the bond between

Landon and Lauren. He wanted Jasper's loved ones to experience the pain of losing someone dear.

This pain undoubtedly felt like using a blunt knife on Jasper's heart.

Alyssa's breath slowed as she pondered deeply. "Your analysis holds merit, Jasper, but these are

distinct circumstances. Does Jamiper need to employ the same tactic twice?

"He orchestrated the manipulation of a woman resembling me to undermine you, clouding your

judgment. Why dispatch an assassin resembling Damien? It seems superfluous.

"Moreover, Jameson was known for his meticulous nature. Wouldn't we connect the dots and

discern his involvement if he repeated the same scheme? Would he be so careless as to leave a trail

for us?"

"Jasper's analysis holds some merit,” Cyrus said, his eyes serious and piercing. He had returned to

his former glory as a man of the force. "Jameson has a motive to use the Harper Group and Landon,

but Lyse is right too. He doesn't need a Damien lookalike. If this man appears, it could cause more

trouble than necessary.”

Lauren, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. Her nervous gaze flickered to Cyrus’ serious face.

"Cyrus, are you saying the Schmidt guy might not be the one who hurt Landon? There could be

someone else?"

Alyssa and Jasper were taken aback.

In the past, Lauren was a cautious and unassuming person. She seemed naive and innocent. Landon

treated her like a delicate flower. However, she was perceptive and knew more than she let on.

"Yes, Lauren. You're smart,” Cyrus said, meeting her gaze with a gentle smile, though his heart

ached. "It has something to do with Jameson, but the killer might not be connected to him.

Someone else could be aiding him."

Lauren's concern and vigilance stemmed from the impact on her beloved.

"Someone else lurks behind Jameson," Jasper and Alyssa concurred simultaneously.

The web of connections grew more intricate, suggesting the imminent emergence of a new player.

Was this a harbinger of the enigmatic figure's appearance?

Was it mere coincidence that Damien's doppelganger entangled himself with their circle?

Jameson posed a formidable adversary. Who else wielded such terrifying influence over him?

After a serious discussion, Cyrus prepared to take his leave.

Jasper and Alyssa bid him farewell, but suddenly, Lauren dashed over, her coat forgotten. "C-Cyrus,

wait!"

Cyrus turned to see Lauren rushing toward him, a pang of concern gripping his heart. "What if you

catch a cold? Go back inside!"

I'm not cold. Don't worry."

Lauren's cheeks flushed as she spoke earnestly. "Cyrus, I finished the teddy bear cake you gave me

last time. It smelled delightful.”

"Oh, it's no trouble. I'm glad you enjoyed it." Cyrus's smile was warm.

Lauren bit her lip and handed him a rolled-up piece of paper. “T-This is for you. Thank you for

getting me the cake.”

Cyrus was taken aback as he accepted the gift and carefully unrolled it. It was a portrait of him—a

charming caricature capturing his essence. It was lively and endearing, and he cherished it.

"Wow... It's uncanny, Cyrus!" Alyssa exclaimed, peering at it in wonder.

Jasper nodded. "It does look like you."