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

for Landon and Angie if she kept dating him. She refused to be a burden to

leave Landon. Why does she have to marry

Mr. Javier pressured her? What did

Javier in front of Lauren

Alyssa’s turn to punch the car window. Fortunately, the solid build of the Rolls Royce was able to withstand their

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

“Lauren must be worried that Mr. Javier would hold a grudge against you and hit

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

silly girl.” Jasper, tormented by pain, shook

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

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

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

was immediately emailed to the inboxes of all company employees. The

nothing to do with the Harper Group except when

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

his lounge after taking a few beers that tasted like wet cardboard. He accused Cornelius of being a wolf in sheep’s clothing who’d sell out anyone to protect his

of the bigger shareholders, it was only a matter of time before Preston