The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 457

In perfect sync, Amelia and Jaron both waved him off. "We're fine," they said together. "Just scratches."

"I really appreciate what you did," Mark told them.

They both shook their heads, insisting it was no big deal.

"Mark, how's Jasper?" Nicole asked urgently. "Is he awake yet?"

"Yeah, he's up. He wants to see you."

Nicole looked like she was about to cry with relief.

"Don't be afraid," Mark added. "I won't let anything happen to you. Jasper can't live without you."

This time, Mark had truly seen the depth of Jasper's resolve. Beside him, Jaron and Amelia looked away, a flicker of sadness in their eyes as they remembered the many times Jasper had been rushed to the hospital after trying to take his own life.

"Mark, I want to see him now," Nicole said.

"Alright. Let's go."

Nicole followed Mark to Jasper's room. Zoe was standing outside; Jasper had refused to let her in. When she saw Nicole, her eyes filled with envy.

Jasper had been staring fixedly at the door. The moment Nicole appeared, his lifeless expression vanished, replaced by a look of pure happiness.

"Nicole, come here," he said, his voice clear and bright with joy.

Seeing him covered in injuries made Nicole's heart ache, and her eyes began to swim with tears. "How do you feel? Are you in pain?"

Jasper gripped her hand tightly, only finding peace once he could feel her warmth. "Don't worry," he reassured her. "I'm okay."

He motioned for her to sit on the edge of the bed, his gaze briefly sweeping over the others in the room.

"Jasper," Felix began, "today is your engagement to Zoe. It's fine that you can't attend because you're hurt, but why is she here? What exactly are you playing at?"

Jasper looked up, his gaze sweeping over Felix with cold, undisguised hatred. There was a lethal edge to his stare that sent a chill down Felix's spine.

Was this really his son—the gentle, obedient Jasper he knew? If looks could kill, Felix would have died a hundred times over.

He truly hates me, Felix realized.

"Dad," Jasper said. "That's the last time I'm ever calling you that."

Felix stammered, a sudden, inexplicable sense of panic rising in his chest. "What—what are you talking about? What are you planning to do? You think you can just walk away from the Moore family?"

"You guessed right."

Felix stared at him in disbelief.

He was actually willing to give up everything the Moore name offered.

As soon as Vivian left, Cody allowed Zoe to enter.

Jaron and Amelia had also arrived to visit Jasper. They stood by his bedside, their expressions neutral as they watched Zoe approach.

"Jasper," Zoe began.

"We aren't close," Jasper interrupted, "so please don't address me so familiarly. I let you in on one thing: I don't love you. I didn't use to hate you—we were just acquaintances—but now I find you and the entire Walsh family's actions repulsive. You've seen for yourself that I would rather die than be with you. Whether the Walshes want to remain my enemy or let this matter rest is entirely up to you."

Zoe looked at the four of them. They stood together, their united front sending a silent, powerful message: a grudge like this would not be forgotten. If the Walsh family didn't handle the fallout of today's failed engagement properly, they would eventually be blacklisted by all four major families.

A bitter, hollow laugh escaped Zoe's lips.

She had truly believed this was her chance to finally be close to him, the closest she would ever get to happiness. She never imagined it would end like this.

Seeing that Jasper was willing to throw away his family name and his very life for Nicole, Zoe felt a pang of envy. She realized now that their bond was unbreakable; forcing the issue would only destroy her and her family.

"Mr. Moore," Zoe said, her voice steadying. "I understand what needs to be done. I wish you a speedy recovery."

She glanced at Nicole, unable to hide her longing. She wondered if she would ever find a man who loved her more than life itself. Wiping a stray tear from the corner of her eye, she turned and walked out with as much dignity as she could muster.

"Jasper, what's the plan?" Jaron asked. He knew Jasper was badly injured, but he also knew his friend wouldn't rest until this was handled.

"I need to grow my influence," Jasper replied. "And I need to do it fast."