“How dare you! You're a heartless traitor, Jasper! I raised you, nurtured you, and this is how you pay me back? You're nothing but an ingrate!" Darian shouted angrily.

Jasper merely smirked, his gaze glacial as he retorted, “And who was it that turned this ship into a floating bomb, Dad? Wasn't it you?"

Darian's face paled at the revelation. Jasper's words poured forth, “Did you think I was oblivious to your scheme? You planned for me to sail this ship to Milpon Island, a ship you Laced with explosives. Now, you're simply reaping what you sowed. Aren't you pleased?"

Caught off guard, Darian could barely stutter a response.

Jasper had long been aware of the true nature of their relationship, with neither of them harboring genuine affection for the other. He hadn't anticipated, however, that Darian‘s ruthlessness would reach a point of lethal proportions.

If that was the path Darian had chosen, Jasper was more than willing to return the favor.

Seeing the deadly intent in Jasper's eyes, Darian began to plead, “Jasper, despite everything, I was the one who raised you. I admit my mistake. Please, have mercy."

Ignoring his desperate pleas, Jasper reapplied the tape across Darian's mouth, and then turned on his heel, leaving Darian alone in the cabin.

On the deck, Brielle was bound to the railing, dressed exactly like Ariana. She saw Jasper and called him out, "Jasper, I swear I've been faithful to you! Please, let me go!"

“Did you really think I cared about your loyalty?" Jasper responded coldly.

"But you Loved me once, didn't you?" Brielle cried out, trembling.

"You wouldn't let me die, right?"

A hollow chuckle escaped Jasper as he crouched down, locking eyes with Brielle.

"Love? Sure, there was a time I cared for you. But my love for Ariana is greater than whatever I felt for you."

He forced her to look at him, his voice icy.

“If not for your seduction, Ariana and I could still be together. But I was a fool to let you come between us.”

His words were cutting, his eyes smoldering with resentment.

Learning about Ariana's pregnancy with Theodore's child ignited a fire of jealousy within him. It was then that he realized how much those three years with Ariana meant to him.

He hadn't planned to do anything to Brielle. But she happened to be there. Her presence was an unforeseen twist of fate.

“How dare you, Jasper!" Brielle's voice was a bitter hiss.