If the authorities ever obtained that recording, Javier would be dragged into a full- blown scandal even if no physical evidence remained. His reputation would be destroyed, Beckett Group would descend into chaos, and even Newton would be greatly affected.
Beckett Group must never fall into Justin''s hands. If he gainedplete control, there was no telling how far into darkness he would steer it.
"H-How did you get that recording?" Javier''s voice trembled, his entire body shaking.
Back then, Justin had been what-three? Four? How could he possibly have...
"This was the only gift my dearest mother ever left me," Justin replied calmly. "Whether in life or death. She kept the voice recorder locked in a safe, deep within her wardrobe. The passcode is abination of your birthdate and mine."
He gave a soft click of his tongue, shaking his head. There was no grief in his eyes, only cold disdain for Caroline. She had been foolish enough to let a grand, blind love be her undoing.
"My mother was a fool for you. Even after discovering your betrayal—your affair with Jasper''s mother-her first instinct wasn''t to expose you or force you to end it.
"Instead, she hid the evidence, tucking it away where no one would ever find it. She never even took it out... not once. Not even before she took her own life.
"Sometimes, I think she deserved that ending. She might have been insane, but she wasn''t truly lost to madness; she justcked the stomach for the cruelty required to win. In the end, she could only watch another woman take the man she loved... and she couldn''t even rest in peace."
Justin slowly lifted his head, gazing up at the ornate ceiling as though looking beyond it toward Caroline. "But I am her son. I''ll finish what she couldn''t. If she''s watching from above, she can finally rest now."
Javier felt hollow, as if his soul had left his body. He slumped onto the couch, his vision dimming.
In the end, the most dangerous person had been the one closest to him. After a long silence, Javier spoke, his voice hoarse. "W-What do you want?"
"To me, Beckett Group is a non-entity-a mere footnote in the corporate world. However, even a small stone can serve as a pivot. If I am to reach my objective, I must use their insignificance as the foundation for my rise."
He crossed his legs and rested his chin on his hand, studying Javier with a faint, knowing smirk. "I want to be the chairman of Beckett Group, and I want every share you hold.
"Once that''s done, you''ll announce your resignation to the public_say you''re stepping down to recuperate.
"I know you''re addicted to power and won''t be able to walk away so easily. So, don''t worry. I''ll leave you an honorary seat on the board. You''ll still be the ''chairman''... in name."
Chairman in name only.
"W-What is your real goal?" Javier stammered. Bitterness rose in his throat, threatening to choke him. He was on the verge of copse.
"You don''t need to know."
Justin stood, Straightening his slightly loosened tie. He cast Javier a cold, sideways nce. "I''ll have the share transfer agreement ready by tomorrow morning. Call a board meeting announce your decision.
"And don''t test my patience. I''m far less indulgent than you''ve led yourself to believe."
The morning after news broke of Justin''s brutal murder of his family''s helper, Alyssa and Jasper arrived by coincidence at Newton''s residence at the same time.
In truth, Alyssa had orchestrated this herself. She had already informed Newton beforehand, fearing that the shock might overwhelm him. Though it was inevitable that he would learn the news, she worried
about the toll it could take on his
health. After all, Newton was an
elderly man.
To her relief, Newton appearedposed when she and Jasper saw him.
The two sat on either side of him.
"Grandpa Newton, the fight is about to begin. And it will be a hell of a fight." Alyssa sped Newton''s
darkening. A series of major event
hand tightly, her expression
is about to unfold. Have you prepared yourself mentally?