Can't Win Me Back

"Five times more potent than the previous version? Are you sure it's safe for Remy to consume this?" Sheryl picked up the pill, unease flickering across her face.

As much as she despised Remy, she couldn't deny his prowess as a fighter and his value as Justin's right-hand man. Having him around would certainly ease Justin's workload, prompting her to double-check.

"It won't kill him, but it won't be pleasant either. Don't worry-it's temporary," Justin replied, a sinister smile curling his lips. He continued nonchalantly, "When he takes the pill, his adrenaline will spike, flooding him with energy while his muscles tense. He'll feel both pain and euphoria. Then, it will fade, leaving him dependent on the drug moving forward."noveldrama

The implication was clear to Sheryl. Justin intended to control Remy through addiction.

"Remy wasn't born for the shadows," Justin continued, his gaze darkened. "He's just a victim of post-traumatic amnesia, his nervous system subdued with sedatives and anesthetics. That's the only reason he's compliant. But dormant instincts always awaken. "His outburst tonight? A warning sign. To prevent further incidents, the solution is simple-severe addiction. Don't you agree?"

A shiver ran down Sheryl's spine.

She had been involved in every aspect of Justin's dealings, including RC's development of these new drugs. She knew all too well the monstrous transformation awaiting anyone who consumed that pill.

"Mr. Justin, what if Remy reacts adversely to the drug and becomes useless to you?"

"A useless man is just trash. Naturally, a piece of trash has to go where it belongs."

With a dismissive wave, Justin signaled her to leave.

Sheryl's body turned cold. What she didn't realize what she would only understand upon her death-was that this chill foreshadowed her own fate.

Landon tore down the police tape without hesitation, sending his men to search The Millenium. He'd shoulder any consequences himself. But their search yielded nothing.

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When day broke, a group of them searched the mountain behind The Millennium.

Despite days of exhaustion, Alyssa pressed on ahead of Jasper and Landon, tears streaming silently down her cheeks. She thought of Axel, who had hung up abruptly after hearing of Amber's disappearance. She knew his silence stemmed from anger, fear, and anxiety-he didn't want his words to terrify her more.

After searching for some time, Xavier suddenly shouted, "Mr. Beckett, Ms. Alyssa, look! There's a blood trail!"

Everyone dashed forward, finding a line of crimson droplets leading into the distance.

"Assuming that this is the central point where it all happened, spread out and search for her!" Jasper commanded, and the team moved with precision, their actions

mirroring trained police officers.

Alyssa tried to join the search, but Jasper held her back. "You're completely worn out. Take a break."

"I'm fine..." she protested, trying to pull away.

"Come here." This time, Jasper wouldn't let her stubbornness win. He drew her into his arms, hands settling naturally at her waist, holding her firmly against him. Landon's lips curved into a relieved smile as he watched them embrace. Jasper still cared for Alyssa, even if his words said otherwise.

Alyssa trembled in Jasper's arms, head bowed like a child who'd caused some terrible disaster.

"Why are you crying again? Your tears never stop," Jasper muttered, frowning at her soft sobs. "You've always been strong, Alyssa."

"I've never been strong... It was all just a front..." she whispered, her tears dampening her lashes. "Not for a single moment... was I truly strong."

Something indefinable surged through Jasper, leaving his throat desert-dry as he swallowed.