Can’t Win Me Back

“You clueless thing!" Newton bellowed at Jasper.

Alyssa's chest tightened when she witnessed Newton's outburst.

She was about to speak up for Jasper when Newton added, "You should have run it through me before carrying it out.

How could you act alone? Are you addicted to angering your dad?" "Grandpa, I—" "If your dad pulled the same thing on me, I would have been pissed as well.

Anyway, I was about to teach him a lesson for not discussing the press conference with me." Sighing furiously, Newton remarked, "You should have given me a heads up so I could fight with him over hosting the press conference.

"IT could have stopped him so you didn't have to get into an argument with him, killing two birds with one stone.

See, you have angered him again.

You know he's petty, and he'll keep score.

Why would you do that?" "Grandpa, I know you wanted to protect me, but I'm no five-year- old.

I'm an adult who could protect you, Lyse, and the company." Touched by Newton's sentiments, Jasper helped him to put on the left slipper.

"Please do not worry about me.

I can resolve all my problems by myself.

you should enjoy your

sleep over my problems.”

That's right.

a useless old thing now." Newton let out a long

about yourself." Alyssa observed the sadness on Newton's face as though he was saying, "I'd love to protect you, but I

forever." She choked

asked, "Sophia's case will be brought to court tomorrow, right?" Alyssa and Jasper

gifts I bought for Alyssa and Jasper!" Newton

his tone, he seemed in

"Coming, Mr.

two exquisitely wrapped gift boxes—one

your gifts out,"" Newton urged

by a velvety, sleeveless mermaid dress with a realistic embroidery of two butterflies on

looked like

work of Angelo Costa of Vittorino, isn't it?"

her a thumbs up and added, "I hope this dress brings you

opened his box and found a

but how am I supposed to

a theater actor in it." Jasper was utterly

"Mr.