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 a

Angie if she kept dating

so, she can leave Landon. Why does she have to marry

Mr. Javier pressured her? What

thinking, Jasper rasped, “I got into a fight with Javier in front of Lauren over the arranged

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

Alyssa struggled to breathe from the heartache. She lamented,

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

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

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

a bitch! I’d rather Lauren marry Cyrus than that good-for-nothing Freddy Hodgson! I’d rather keep a nice young lady like

“Lyse, do you think Landon stands a chance

Jasper’s arms, Alyssa sighed

Cornelius and Landon struck 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

he had become an unemployed bum who had nothing to do with the Harper Group except when it came to receiving

Preston gathered his friends at night to have fun and release his frustration at The Millennium, a famous luxurious entertainment establishment in

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

was only a matter of time before Preston made