Chapter 2299
Even though Justin was fully capable of operating his wheelchair, two young and adorable boys still helped with pushing him toward Alyssa.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.
"Mr. Justin, I didn't expect to see you here."
Although Alyssa responded politely with a smile, an observant person could tell that her smile was forced. "I didn't think you would attend an event like today's."
Justin lifted his elegant and bright face. He chuckled and asked, "Were you disappointed to see me?"
Alyssa's heart trembled. She posed an obvious question. "What is there to be disappointed about?"
"Logically speaking, Jasper should be the one to attend the charity events. I am not Beckett Group's president. So, in order to avoid having too many speculations going around out there, I won't be attending tonight's charity dinner. I will simply give them my best wishes."
With an understanding smile on his face, Justin explained in a tender voice, "Even though you didn't get to meet Jasper here, you will be able to see him when you attend the charity dinner tonight, Ms. Alyssa.
Alyssa pursed her lips. She studied Justin with a slightly discerning gaze. In a cold voice, she clarified, "I won't be attending the dinner. You're overthinking it, Mr. Justin."
Right then, Andie interrupted, "Ms. Alyssa, you might not know this, but Mr. Beckett has always been one of the greatest financial supporters of the charity foundation that supports us.
"He has been dedicating himself to charity these past few years. His support behind the scenes was one of the reasons our orphanage was able to expand to its current state."
Alyssa furrowed her brows subtly.
"Don't mention it, Ms. Campbell. It's the least I can do."
Justin smiled slightly. "Ms. Alyssa, I will build snowmen with the children in a bit. If you don't mind, would you like to come for a tour around the place for now?"
Alyssa didn't want to give outsiders the impression that she was pretentious, so she agreed in a soft voice, "Sure." She looked back and glanced at Sean, whose face was filled with concern. Then, she and Justin walked into the orphanage.
Meanwhile, Amber, who had reverted to her original appearance, arrived at the orphanage. A teacher quickly approached her at the entrance. "Excuse me, miss. May I know who you are?"
Amber was stunned. Thereafter, a joyous smile came across her face.
She was once a volunteer at this orphanage for three years. The teacher before her eyes actually knew her, but Amber couldn't believe that the teacher didn't recognize her at all. It seemed like she had indeed bid her dark past goodbye.
"I'm a new volunteer here. I'm... Clara Whitaker."
Amber came up with an alias for herself recently, fearing that she would draw unwanted attention.
Whitaker was her lover's last name, while Clara represented her anticipation of a bright future.
She pulled out an ID with a photograph of her new face on it. 'This is my ID. Please, have a look."
"Ah, Ms. Whitaker. Please come with me.
Just as Amber was about to follow the teacher, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned and saw Jasper, bathed in sunlight, walking toward the orphanage.
Walking with him was a woman whose face held a gentle smile. It was none other than Sheryl.
Amber's pupils constricted. Other than feeling alerted, her heart ached deeply for Alyssa.
Anyone who had seen how Jasper and Alyssa journeyed together wouldn't be able to look at this scene. Even Amber's heart wrenched painfully. How agonizing it must have been for Alyssa if she had seen this!
Amber clenched her fists into balls of fury as she watched them walk right past her.
Suddenly, Jasper stopped in his tracks. He directed his gaze toward Amber and asked, "Miss, have we met?" Upon hearing that, Sheryl looked sideways icily.
It was only at this moment that Amber realized that this was the first time Jasper was seeing her in her new face. As they were before Sheryl, a woman with a mysterious background, Amber figured that it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble.
As such, she didn't admit to knowing Jasper. She simply replied, "Nope. You've got the wrong person, Mr. Beckett. Sheryl smiled and said, "Since you've never met, how did you know this is Mr. Jasper Beckett?"
"That's because Mr. Beckett holds a high position and authority as Beckett Group's president." Amber lowered her eyes coldly. "Besides, Mr. Beckett and his ex-partner are well-known in Solana City for rescuing many who have fallen into hopelessness. Is there anyone who doesn't know of him?
"It's not strange that I know who Mr. Beckett is, is it?"
Jasper's eyes dimmed.
Amber and Sheryl glared at one another with hostility hidden in their eyes.
They both had a hunch that the woman before their eyes felt somewhat familiar.
"Mr. Beckett, it's time we head in." Sheryl looked away from Amber's face.
The expression on Jasper's face became as calm as still water once again as he walked away with Sheryl.
With Justin's company, Alyssa had a tour of the entire orphanage. After that, they returned to the courtyard to build snowmen and have a snowball fight with the children.
The delightful atmosphere made Alyssa temporarily forget about her troubles.
Justin sat up straight in his wheelchair while he watched Alyssa form a snowball with the children for the snowman's head. She was wearing a white woolen coat, and her delicate face was flushed pink from the cold.
Her innocent and carefree look made him curl his lips upward involuntarily. His dark eyes contained a slight twinkle.
"Wow... Look at how handsome that man is. He would look good together with Ms. Alyssa, so much so that I wouldn't be able to take my eyes off them!"
"You're right. It's a pity that such a charming man is physically disabled. It's truly such a pity. But, if he's able to stand to his feet, I feel like he'd be on par with Mr. Jasper."
"I heard that he's also from the Beckett family. He's the oldest son in their family."
"I see... He looks like a good match for Ms. Alyssa too. Mr. Jasper better watch out!"
Justin overheard the comments that others were whispering around him. The smile on his face widened. He bent forward, grabbed some snow from the ground, and formed it into a ball.
Seeing that they had finally built a snowman, Alyssa's eyes lit up with a smile. She exhaled puffs of white mist as she panted, and a layer of sweat had formed on her forehead.
The moment she turned around, she spotted Jasper and Sheryl standing a short distance away. Instantly, the warmth throughout her body dissipated, leaving her with a feeling of iciness.