Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
“It was Grandpa Newton who told you to say that, wasn’t it?” Alyssa scoffed, her eyes reddening. “I don’t care about getting forced expressions of gratitude.” Agitated, Jeremy furrowed his brow. “What do you want, then?”
Alyssa’s gaze met Jeremy’s vacant eyes, her heart heavy with sorrow. Once, those eyes had held warmth and affection, always patient and understanding.
She remembered the days when he’d listened to her rants and tears, offering only gentle smiles and comforting words. He’d always indulged in her, never once showing impatience.
She had no choice but to face the painful truth now-she was no longer important to him.
Despite everything, she found herself saying, “I want you to promise me something.”
Perhaps she was reluctant to resign herself to this fate.
Looking at her intently, Jeremy urged, “Tell me.”
“I haven’t thought of anything yet, but I’ll let you know once I do.” She lifted her chin slightly. “But you must agree to it when I make my request. Only then can that be counted as you repaying me. How about that?”
“You’re not asking to get back together with me, right?” A look of suspicion flashed in Jeremy’s eyes.
Alyssa’s chest tightened. “In your dreams! I’ve divorced you and we’ve broken up. Why would I still want be together with you? There are so many good men out there. Why would I limit myself to just you? That would be so low.”
Good men? Was she referring to Justin?
Those words echoed in Jeremy’s mind. Instinctively, he tightened his grip on her wrist.
“Ouch…” Alyssas shifted her shoulders in a subtle attempt to free herself, feeling delicate and tender.
“Okay, I promise.” Gazing deeply into her eyes, Jeremy stated seriously, “I will agree to whatever your request is.”
Alyssa felt a swell of emotion. She sniggered slightly and asked, “What if I asked you to commit murder or hurt someone?”
“I would do as you asked,” Jeremy replied without hesitation. “But based on the Alyssa I know, she would never be so cruel.” Alyssa’s eyes lit up and a wide smile spread across her face. She raised her left hand. “It’s a deal, then. High five!” “Deal.” Jeremy’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he returned the gesture.
On the way home from the hospital, Alyssa replayed Jeremy’s words in her mind, recalling the promise they’d sealed with a high five. Her heart swelled with a mix of emotions that she could barely define. Watching the snowfall outside, her eyes shimmered with tears. Softly, she murmured to herself, “Alyssa, he came to see you of his own accord and was willing to go along with what you wanted. Isn’t that enough? “You no longer have the right to be carefree and proud in front of him. You need to be grateful.”
As Sean drove, he glanced into the rearview mirror. Seeing Alyssa’s desolate expression stirred a deep sorrow within him.
Being separated from Jeremy had turned Alyssa’s world upside down. If Jeremy were to die, Alyssa’s life would be completely shattered.
Perhaps having Jeremy alive was the best outcome fate could offer after all they had endured, however bittersweet it was.
“Ms. Alyssa, it’s late. Why don’t you go home to rest instead of heading back to KS Group? You’ll soon be busy with the fight for Solana City’s Project A5,” Sean said gently, concerned when he saw how pale Alyssa looked. Alyssa frowned, looking troubled. Instead of responding to Sean’s suggestion, she said, “Sean, there’s someone I’d like you to look into.”
Sean responded immediately, “Of course. Tell me more.”
“20 years ago, a woman named Mildred Hayes worked as a helper at Seaview Manor, caring for Grandpa Newton. Her mother’s last name is Rollins, and she still lives in Solana City.”
The grievance in her expression disappeared, replaced by her usual calm and composed demeanor. She continued, “This woman was killed by Justin 20 years ago, but the exact circumstances and cause of her death remain unclear. We need to uncover the full story.” This revelation shocked Sean. “Justin was involved in a murder at such a young age? He’s the devil incarnate, isn’t he?”
“I suppose. I can’t believe that an elegant and gentle man who’s passionate about charity could have such a dark side to him. If I hadn’t seen and heard it for myself at the cemetery, I wouldn’t have believed it.”
Alyssa coldly stated, “It’s terrifying that someone like him-someone who could put on such an act is living under the same roof as Jeremy and posing as his life-savior. Doesn’t this make you feel afraid?” Justin’s elegant and bright face flashed in Sean’s mind, making him shudder. “It’s absolutely terrifying!”
“That’s why we must get to the bottom of this. Generally speaking, a murderer should answer for his sins. Even if Justin was still a minor back then, it doesn’t excuse him from justice.”
Alyssa closed her eyes, hiding the
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fierceness in her gaze. She steadied her breath and continued, “If he dares to reveal his true nature and tries to hurt Jeremy, we’ll have leverage to control him. Perhaps that leverage could help Jeremy when it matters the most
Sean admired Alyssa’s strategic composure. She was no longer impulsive, but measured and astute.
Then, a thought struck Sean. In a chilling tone, he remarked, “Ms. Alyssa, if Justin could kill at 14, that shows a naturally cold-blooded, brutal side.”
Alyssa remained calm. “Don’t you think his behavior resembles his uncle, Zachary Dutton? Moreover, Mrs. Rosie has shared that he used to torture and kill animals. Given that it isn’t surprising he could commit murder.”
Wide-eyed, Sean asked, “But killing animals and murdering a person… Are they really the same?”
“In essence, both acts stem from a lack of regard for life,” Alyssa replied, a heaviness in her chest. She shook her head”He didn’t care for the animals he tortured. When that net stopped thrilling him, he naturally shifted his focus to people. This pattern is common among many psychopathic killers.”
“But Ms. Alyssa,” Sean asked, finally voicing a question that had troubled him, “if Justin is so disturbed, how could he have saved Mr. Jeremy’s life? Doesn’t his ruthlessness contradict that act?” Upon hearing that, Alyssa stiffened up. The look in her eyes was gloomy.
Unaware of the tension, Sean continued, “If I were him, I’d have bribed the kidnappers. I’d use the situation to get rid of my younger brother once and for all so that he no longer stands in my way.
“After all, Mr. Jeremy was just an unwelcome illegitimate child in the Walsh family at the time. If he died just like that, it probably wouldn’t cause much of an uproar either. People would forget him soon enough.” The more Alyssa mulled over it, the more her heart raced. She tightened her grip on the car door handle.
Could that be the case? Could Justin really have harbored such sinister plans at such a young age?
Alyssa wasn’t keen to believe in a conspiracy, but she had begun to suspect something two years ago. How could a 15-year-old manage to rescue Jeremy from the kidnappers’ hideout? Even an adult would have struggled to pull that off. It would have been impossible for a teenager like him.
Moreover, the kidnapper-Gustav Holm, infamously known as “Crazy Gustav” among gangs was a vicious criminal with numerous kills to his name. And yet, Justin freed a captive right under his nose. Forget Gustav; if Alyssa herself had been in his place, Justin’s return to the Walsh family would have been out of the question.
Snapping back to reality, Alyssa quickly pulled out her phone and called Silas.
As soon as he picked up, she said, “Silas, can you help me retrieve a case file? I need to look at something.”
Silas sighed. It was either radio silence from Alyssa or a shocking request like this. “Lyse, case files aren’t something we can just hand out. There are rules.”
“In that case, you can explain it to me. This wouldn’t be against the rule, would it?”
Silas was rendered speechless. “What case are you interested in?”
“It’s the case from 20 years ago when Gustav Holm kidnapped the Walsh brothers.”
Silas was perplexed. “Lyse, why are you suddenly looking into that?”
“You don’t need to know why. Just look it up for me.”
After a pause, Alyssa asked, “How many years was Gustav sentenced to? Do you remember the case details?”
“I recall he was initially sentenced to death. Later, due to good behavior and assisting the police in a burglary case, he was deemed to have atoned for his crimes. And so, his sentence was reduced to life imprisonment. “However, his accomplice got 25 years. Considering time off for good behavior, he might be released soon.”
Alyssa narrowed her eyes, deep in thought.
Late that night, Newton lay connected to an IV drip. Jeremy sat by his bedside in the ward, keeping watch.
“Jeremy, you must secure Project A5
in Solana City this time. If you do no one will be able to threaten your position in the Walsh Group even if
I’m no longer around.” even if
With a firm and hopeful look in his eyes, Newton gazed at the grim expression on Jeremy’s face.
Jeremy clasped Newton’s weathered hands tightly and, in a low voice, reassured him, “Don’t say that,
Grandpa. You’ll live a long, blessed life.
“I’m old. I’ve lived for long enough. I only have two wishes-for you to fully succeed in Walsh Group and for you and Alyssa to reconcile.”
A lump rose in Jeremy’s throat. He curled his fingers inward slightly.
“Jeremy, I’m sure you remembered how you cried in front of me back then, saying you wanted Alyssa back.”
Jeremy’s pupils constricted slightly as a mix of inexplicable emotions brewed within.
“I refuse to believe you no longer love Alyssa. You were so deeply in love with her before. Just because you took a couple of pills… you lost your love for her? Fucking bullshit!”
Newton’s burst of agitation made his chest hurt. A pained expression came across his face.
Jeremy quickly comforted him. “Grandpa, please take care of yourself. The doctor warned that stress and anger won’t help.” Newton insisted, “In that case… Promise me you’ll win Alyssa back.”
Jeremy looked uncomfortable, his voice low. “Grandpa, she and I have “
Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Justin’s warm voice came from the other side. “Grandpa, I’m here. May I come in?”
Coincidentally, both Jeremy’s and Newton’s expressions darkened, and they both fell into silence. It was as if they had read each other’s minds and learned that neither of them wanted to let Justin in. Yet, their unwelcome guest had already taken the liberty of coming in. Ben, who had been waiting at the door, reluctantly opened it for Justin.
