On the screen of Justin''s phone, the iing call showed a private number.


    Justin''s eyes darkened, and the muscles along his chiseled jaw tightened. He slowly picked up his phone and swiped to answer.


    "Hello?"


    From the other end came Zachary''s rxed, mocking voice. "How have you been, my dear Justin?"


    Justin inhaled sharply but remained silent for a beat. In a falsely light-hearted tone, he replied, "I''ve been well. Thanks for asking, Uncle Zachary."


    "Blood is thicker than water. We''re family. You don''t have to pretend to be strong in front of me."


    Zachary chuckled. Then he continued, "I heard about what happened in Sna City tonight, even though I''m all the way in Mosgravia. As the mastermind, you actually staged such an exciting police raid for the members of Kings'' Club.


    "How much did you lose this time? One billion dors? Or two? That''s too much for you to make up for, isn''t it?"


    All the color drained from Justin''s face. He clenched his fists, his knuckles cracking sharply.


    Zachary clicked his tongue. "When I return to Cyrris, I must find time to visit your mother''s grave. I need toin to her about what a waste of money it is to raise a child—especially a son."


    His tone dripped with ridicule. "I''ve poured billions into you, and you''re still not even married. Given Ms. Alyssa''s family''s status, even handing over the entire Beckett Group as your wedding gift when you finally marry her might not be enough, would it?


    "By the way, has there been any real progress between the two of you yet? When will you finally win her over? As your uncle, I''m still waiting for that wedding invitation of yours."


    "Is there anything else you need, Uncle Zachary?"


    Justin forced down the fury burning in his chest until his eyes turned bloodshot. In an extremely hoarse voice, he continued, "Since you''ve already learned about what happened here, you should know my hands are full. I have plenty to deal with.


    "You wouldn''t want your business matters in Cyrris to end up in chaos, would you?"


    Zacharyughed. "I like the way you speak, my dear Justin. You''re quite eloquent. Far better than that tongue-tied younger brother of yours who knows nothing but how to work hard, only to give up his power just to live an ordinary life."


    A dark malice crept into Zachary''s voice as he went on, "I''m not the type to lend a helping hand, but I do enjoy fanning the mes. You can expect a special gift soon. Just sit tight and wait."


    With that, he ended the call.


    Through bloodshot eyes, Justin stared at the darkened screen of his phone. An icy chill spread through his entire body.


    "Track down Remy and Number 72. Once you locate them, make sure they don''t walk away alive. I don''t care what it takes or how much manpower it requires."


    ...


    While Jasper was taking Remy to the hospital, he received a call from Cyrus. Sheryl had escaped. The core data from the pharmaceutical experiments had disappeared, and many victims had died.


    However, there was good news. The authorities had secured a


    substantial amount of evidence of


    illegal human experimentation. Moreover, one survivor had miraculously pulled through and


    Qu


    was now in the ER.


    If the woman recovered, she would be a crucial witness in bringing Justin down.


    A sliver of light had pierced the darkness. Dawn''s victorious glow was drawing near.


    "Your friend who helped rescue Amber has met up with Mr. Axel. Amber has also been taken to the ER. It''s just... she''s not doing well. She''s still in critical condition."


    As Jasper ryed the news in a steady voice, a shadow crossed his eyes. Skillfully, he treated the gunshot wound in Remy''s shoulder.


    "I hope Ms. Altman makes it through," Jasper added quietly. "If anything happens to her, I can''t imagine how Mr. Axel would face it alone or how he would go on living."


    Remy''s handsome face was pale and slick with sweat, yet not a trace of pain showed in his expression. He was undeniably tough.


    "How deep is Axel''s love for Amber?" he suddenly asked.


    Jasper frowned slightly but said nothing.


    Remy lifted the corners of his lips faintly. "Is his love for Amber as deep as your love for Alyssa?"


    Jasper''s hands stilled. His heart skipped.


    "Do you remember what happened


    on Rose Ind? When Jameson took control of Alyssa abducted her and brought her there? You went alone and fought him, nearly losing your life just to save her.


    "Do you remember?"


    A lump rose in Jasper''s throat. In a low, husky voice, he replied, "I remember."


    "Good." Remy closed his reddened eyes. A trace of gentleness seeped into his frosty voice. "Your journey with Alyssa truly hasn''t been easy Though I was once your enemy, also witnessed your love for each other.


    "Since Alyssa acknowledges me as her fifth elder brother, that makes me her family.


    I hope you never let her down, Jasper."