Can’t Win Me Back

Right after the Rolls Royce departed, Alyssa’s expression hardened as she punched Jasper in the chest.

“Lyse, be gentle. I don’t want you to hurt yourself,” Jasper cautioned her, his voice trembling from her strength.

Sean, who was in the driver’s seat, stole a glance at them from the rearview mirror and stifled a laugh.

“Jasper, I have a question for you.” She poked his chest and asked angrily, “Did you know about the arranged marriage between Lauren and the Hodgson son?”

His eyes wavered. Grasping her hand, he wondered, “Lyse, how did you hear about it?”

“How could you ask that question? I think half of the city has heard about it by now!” Alyssa then proceeded to relay Silas’ update to Jasper.

“Damn it!” Enraged, he punched the car window. “By publicly announcing the news, the Hodgson family is pressuring Javier into finalizing the marriage.”

“They’re being delusional. What era are we in now? They can’t possibly force Lauren to marry Freddy!” Clenching her jaw, she said, “If Lauren refuses to marry, not even the president can make her!”

“But Lauren agreed to the marriage.”

“What? But why?” Alyssa and Sean gasped in unison.

“Lauren said that being with Landon was too burdensome.”

“That’s

she’d only attract trouble for Landon and Angie if she kept

Landon. Why does she have

Alyssa surmised, “Has Mr. Javier pressured her? What did he say to

into a fight with Javier in front of Lauren over the arranged marriage with the

punch the car window. Fortunately, the solid build of the Rolls Royce

from the heartache. She lamented, “Oh, Lauren. That was to protect

you and hit back at you in

other than to risk her happiness. That was the only way

Lauren, you silly girl.” Jasper, tormented by pain, shook his head. “We can’t have her

bitch! I’d rather Lauren marry Cyrus than that good-for-nothing Freddy Hodgson! I’d

He wondered, “Lyse, do you think Landon

grasp and make sense of.” Resting in Jasper’s arms, Alyssa sighed softly. “Lauren and Landon might encounter more obstacles than us.

a deal, Preston’s termination notice was immediately emailed to the inboxes of all company employees. The notice stated that Preston was relieved of all his roles in the

an unemployed bum who had nothing to do with the Harper Group except

release his frustration at

of being a wolf in sheep’s clothing who’d sell out anyone to protect his interest. His friends had no choice

time before