"Throughout the execution of our plans, we were vigilant, and no information slipped out." Jasper's
eyes darkened.
He continued, "Looks like the Schmidt family has set up spies near the witnesses' homes to watch their
every move. When they found out we'd sought Maggie out, they feared she might participate in the
case as a witness. That was why they wanted to end her life so quickly."
"Damn them!" Alyssa and Xavier said at the same time.
"David is still in police custody, so there's no way he could have had any external contact. Who helped
him then? Jamebitch?" Xavier exclaimed hatefully.
Alyssa shook her head lightly. "No way it was Jamiper. He's the one person in the entire Schmidt family
who wants to see everyone crash and burn. He would never help David. It must've been either Victor or
Josh."
"Josh. It must be Josh," Jasper deduced, eyes sharp.
Alyssa's eyes glinted. She held Jasper's hand. "Why do you think it's him, Jasper?"
"Victor isn't from the underworld. He's not the kind to get rid of someone just because he doesn't like
them. He's a pretty successful businessman, and businessmen like him know to steer clear of
committing criminal acts at all times. He wouldn't have done something so drastic unless held at
gunpoint," Jasper explained.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Even if David were convicted, he'd be released as early as in a decade if his family pulled some
strings. If David got sentenced to death, Victor still wouldn't go to the extent of killing someone to save
his son. He's the chairman of his company's board, after all. Plus, he's not lacking in sons."
Jasper then continued, "David isn't his only child. With Josh and Jameson still in the picture, Victor
can't afford to dirty his hands. But Josh's situation is different. You understand just how complex the
relations amongst the Schmidt family members are, Lyse."
All of a sudden, Alyssa gained clarity. "Josh must be furious with how much Jamiper is being doted on
by Victor. That's why Josh is doing all he can to regain his father's affection, even going to such
lengths.
"I'm sure Josh is trying to prove himself to his father by freeing David of this situation. And I know
Jameson went through a lot of bullying from his siblings when he was a kid.
"David and Daisy never really stopped abusing him, even in adulthood. If Josh helped exonarate David
from this crime, he'd secure support for himself. After all, David still has shares in Schmidt Group."
Jasper swallowed, feeling irritated all of a sudden. "Do you pity Jameson, Lyse?"
"Yes, I do."
Jasper's breathing caught as his grip around Alyssa's waist tightened.
"I pity the Jameson from 15 years ago, not the cunning and cruel demon he's become today," Alyssa
said.
Complex emotions flooded her as she recalled her friendship with Jameson when they were children.
Her gaze stayed firm, however. "I thought those who've been hurt before would grow to care for others
more.
"Who knew Jameson would end up hurting others even more? I don't know what happened in Kontina
to have made him become like this. But none of it can justify him stooping to such lows."
Based on their pasts alone, Jameson's experiences didn't come close to the hardships and suffering
Jasper had endured. Yet, time and change did nothing to corrode Jasper's kindness and righteous soul.
That was why Alyssa loved Jasper.
Who wouldn't love someone righteous and kind?
Jasper smiled upon hearing this. He then kissed Alyssa's cheek.
"I'll have someone look into Josh's actions right away, sir, ma'am!" Xavier exclaimed, eyes burning with
hatred.
"You don't have to do anything for the time being except to let your injuries heal, Xavier," Jasper said
seriously. "Alyssa and I will figure out a way to deal with Josh. My seventh brother-in-law will deal with
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmthe man who hurt Maggie."
Alyssa cocked an eyebrow upon hearing Jasper's words.
Seventh brother-in-law, eh?
"B-But I still can't let this go!" Xavier panted harshly, heart aching. "Whenever I think about how that
man had his hands on Maggie's neck, how she pleaded desperately for help, I... I want to rip him to
shreds!"
"If you can't let this go, then stay by Maggie's side," Alyssa said gently, seeing through Xavier's feelings
right away. "Take good care of her and make sure she gains healthy weight. That's your main priority
right now."
"Madam." Grateful tears filled Xavier's eyes. He was about to say something when someone knocked
on the ward door.
"Are you in there, Ms. Alyssa?" Sean called out, having rushed over after hearing what happened.
"Sean!"
Alyssa and Jasper went over to open the door.
Sean was standing outside, sweating. He said anxiously, "Ms. Alyssa, I happened to run into Maggie's
mother and another victim's parents on my way here. They want to see you in person!"