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.”

remarked, “That’s a

attract trouble for Landon and Angie if she kept dating

Landon. Why

skeptical, Alyssa surmised, “Has Mr. Javier pressured her? What did

of

the solid build of the Rolls Royce was

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

then explained, “Lauren must be worried that Mr. Javier would hold a grudge against you and hit back at

couldn’t support you in any way other than to risk her happiness. That was the only way she could protect her beloved

pain, shook his head. “We can’t have her marry Freddy.

good-for-nothing Freddy Hodgson! I’d rather keep a nice young lady like Lauren for my

his lips. He wondered, “Lyse, do you think Landon stands a chance to

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

all company employees. The

do with the Harper Group except when it

depressed, Preston gathered his friends at night to have fun and release his frustration at The Millennium,

clothing who’d sell out anyone to protect his interest. His friends had no choice but to comfort

of time before Preston made his return