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 kept dating him. She

she can leave Landon. Why

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

“I got into a fight with Javier in front of Lauren over the arranged marriage with the Hodgsons. I might have given her a

was Alyssa’s turn to punch the car window. Fortunately, the solid

up, Alyssa struggled to breathe from the heartache. She lamented, “Oh, Lauren. That

Javier would hold a grudge against you and hit back at you in the future, taking away

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

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

Alyssa cussed, “Son of a bitch! I’d rather Lauren marry Cyrus than that good-for-nothing Freddy Hodgson!

you think Landon stands a chance to get back with

Resting in Jasper’s arms, Alyssa sighed softly. “Lauren and Landon might

the inboxes of all company employees.

nothing to do with the Harper

Preston gathered his friends at night to have fun and release his

being a wolf in sheep’s clothing who’d sell out anyone to protect his interest. His friends had no choice but to comfort him, assuring him that he

only a matter of time before Preston made his return to the Harper