Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
“Jeremy’s analysis holds some merit,” Cyrus said, his eyes serious and piercing. He had returned to his former glory as a man of the force. “Jameson has a motive to use the Harper Group and Landon, but Lyse is right too. He doesn’t need a Damien lookalike. If this man appears, it could cause more trouble than necessary.”
Lauren, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. Her nervous gaze flickered to Cyrus’ serious face. “Cyrus, are you saying the Schmidt guy might not be the one who hurt Landon? There could be someone else?”
Alyssa and Jeremy were taken aback.
In the past, Lauren was a cautious and unassuming person. She seemed naive and innocent. Landon treated her like a delicate flower. However, she was perceptive and knew more than she let on.
“Yes, Lauren. You’re smart,” Cyrus said, meeting her gaze with a gentle smile, though his heart ached. “It has something to do with Jameson, but the killer might not be connected to him. Someone else could be aiding him.”
Lauren’s concern and vigilance stemmed from the impact on her beloved.
“Someone else lurks behind Jameson,” Jeremy and Alyssa concurred simultaneously.
The web of connections grew more intricate, suggesting the imminent emergence of a new player. Was this a harbinger of the enigmatic figure’s appearance?
Was it mere coincidence that Damien’s doppelganger entangled himself with their circle?
Jameson posed a formidable adversary. Who else wielded such terrifying influence over him?
After a serious discussion, Cyrus prepared to take his leave.
Jeremy and Alyssa bid him farewell, but suddenly, Lauren dashed over, her coat forgotten. “C-Cyrus, wait!”
Cyrus turned to see Lauren rushing toward him, a pang of concern gripping his heart. “What if you catch a cold? Go back inside!”
I’m not cold. Don’t worry.”
Lauren’s cheeks flushed as she spoke earnestly. “Cyrus, I finished the teddy bear cake you gave me last time. It smelled delightful.”
“Oh, it’s no trouble. I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Cyrus’s smile was warm.
Lauren bit her lip and handed him a rolled-up piece of paper. “T-This is for you. Thank you for getting me the cake.”
Cyrus was taken aback as he accepted the gift and carefully unrolled it. It was a portrait of him¡ªa charming caricature capturing his essence. It was lively and endearing, and he cherished it.
“Wow… It’s uncanny, Cyrus!” Alyssa exclaimed, peering at it in wonder.
Jeremy nodded. “It does look like you.”
“I made this artwork too hastily. It’s rather rough. It could have been more intricate.” Lauren felt embarrassed, thinking her art was too ugly to be given.
“No way! It’s really good.” Cyrus tried to maintain his composure, but he was so excited that his voice wavered slightly. “Thank you, Lauren. I love it… Oh, by the way…”
He reached into the car and retrieved a neatly packaged candy apple, his ears turning red with embarrassment. “I saw a candy apple stand on the way here and couldn’t resist. I haven’t eaten it. Let me give it to you.”
Alyssa narrowed her eyes in confusion.
Knowing Cyrus’ love for food, it seemed unlikely that he would still have the candy apple if he’d been craving it so much. It was clear he had bought it for Lauren but was too shy to admit it.
“A candy apple?” A spark lit up Lauren’s eyes.
It was hard to believe that a wealthy girl like her had never experienced this common street snack.
Javier and Sophia had kept her sheltered at home due to her illness. She had a driver for school, rarely venturing out with friends like other girls would.
Moreover, Javier had a disdain for street food, so while she had seen candy apples before, she had never tasted one.
Cyrus opened the packaging and handed the candy apple to Lauren. He asked lightly, “Want to give it a try?”
Initially shy, Lauren couldn’t resist the temptation. She stuck her tongue out like a curious kitten and took a lick. “Oh, it’s sweet!”
Cyrus felt a surge of joy welling up within him. A genuine smile, born from the depths of his heart, crept into the corners of his eyes. Lauren’s innocent expression was like the candy apple on a stick, slowly melting away under his intense gaze.
A genuine smile, born from the depths of his heart, crept into the corners of his eyes. Lauren’s innocent expression was like the candy apple on a stick, slowly melting away under his intense gaze.
If he could, he would buy her candy apples all the time from now on.
Cyrus repeated his silent confession a thousand times in his heart. Yet, bit by bit, he pushed the thought aside¡ªhis confession dissipated into the breeze with his gentle smile.
As night descended, Jeremy and Alyssa shared a shower together. Alyssa sat before the mirror, a towel enveloping her body, while Jeremy assisted in blow-drying her thick, dark hair.
Her hair was thick, so it was hard to dry. Yet, Jeremy displayed unwavering patience, meticulously tending to it with each session.
Once her hair was tended to, Jeremy encircled her shoulders with both hands. He placed gentle kisses on her shoulder, marking her as his own.
Alyssa felt a lustful desire and couldn’t help but raise her head to search for his lips.
Their kiss ignited a blaze of passion.
After their lovemaking, Jeremy carried Alyssa to the bathroom. He settled her into the bathtub using the shower head to rinse her off.
“Jeremy,” Alyssa called out to him softly.
“Hmm?” Jeremy continued rinsing her body, leaning in for a kiss.
“Do you think… Landon or Cyrus would be better for Lauren?”
Alyssa traced his lips with her fingertips. “I want your unbiased opinion.”
Jeremy’s gaze darkened. “Lyse, are you trying to get Lauren and Cyrus together?”
“Not really.” Alyssa shook her head. “I just want Lauren to be happy.”
“Landon is passionate, while Cyrus is laid-back. They’re equally matched in looks, ability, and background. Either could be a good fit for Lauren.”
Jeremy held her waist, drawing closer until their lips met in a charged atmosphere. “But I think my sister has a romantic spirit. She should choose whomever she’s drawn to. That’s what matters most.”
Alyssa pursed her lips, nodding in agreement.
No matter how fitting the match might seem, Lauren’s feelings were paramount. Yet, Alyssa couldn’t shake her fear that the Harpers might once again cause harm to the innocent Lauren.
As they returned to the room, Jeremy’s phone buzzed just as they prepared to rest.
“Who is it?” Alyssa yawned.
Jeremy’s eyes widened. “It’s Landon!”
Jeremy tightened the grip on his phone. “Lyse, I need to answer Landon’s call.”
“Go ahead,” Alyssa gently said.
Jeremy had always been transparent with his calls in front of her; there were no secrets between them. But Alyssa understood that this call was important for both Landon and Jeremy.
Jeremy rose and made his way to the living room. Standing by the window, he answered with concern, “Landon, how are you holding up? Are you okay?”
“Jeremy.” After a prolonged pause, Landon’s voice came through, strained as if he hadn’t had water in days. “I miss Lauren so much…”
Jeremy felt a pang in his chest. “Don’t worry. Lauren is with Grandpa. We’re taking care of her. She’s safe.”
“Jeremy, can I still be with Lauren? Can I still marry her?” Landon’s question held a desperate tone. Jeremy’s throat constricted; he was momentarily speechless. While he knew Landon was deeply in love with Lauren, he couldn’t predict if Lauren would choose him.
“If I can resolve things with the Harper Group, will you let me be with Lauren?” Landon’s tone turned grim. “Jeremy, please help me.”
A steely resolve settled in Jeremy’s eyes. “You’re like a brother to me. Of course, I’ll help you.”
“In the coming days, let’s work together to gather evidence against the Harper Group. We need everything we can get, especially anything incriminating about Cornelius.”
Jeremys heart clenched. “Landon, Cornelius is your grandfather. And he’s the one truly running the Harper Group. Don’t do anything reckless!”
“Javier is your father too. I doubt you let him off lightly when it came to Alyssa,” Landon retorted. Jeremy was rendered speechless. Landon’s words hit home. He had been the one to turn his back on his family, setting a negative example for his closest friend.
“I’ve made my decision. Anyone who’s tried to harm Lauren or stand in the way of our marriage has no place in my life.” Landon’s voice, firm and cold, hung heavy in the night air. “Cornelius is the foundation of the Harper Group. We can’t dismantle Preston without targeting him. We have to teach that bastard a lesson.”
“Landon, I’m worried you’ll only bring trouble upon yourself,” Jeremy expressed genuine concern. “Just hold off a bit longer. We’ll find a better solution.”
“I can’t wait any longer! Every minute away from Lauren feels like a dagger in my heart. It’s unbearable!” Landon’s emotions began to spiral out of control, his words interspersed with heavy gasps. “If… If you had to part with Lyse, could you handle it? Could you?”