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

that she’d only attract trouble for Landon and Angie if she kept dating him. She refused to

she can leave Landon. Why does she have

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

with Javier in front of Lauren

the solid build of the Rolls Royce was able to withstand their

to breathe from the heartache.

worried that Mr. Javier would hold a grudge against you

than to risk her happiness. That was the only way

shook

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

do you think

A relationship is always the hardest to grasp and make sense of.” Resting in Jasper’s arms, Alyssa sighed softly. “Lauren

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 company

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

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

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 would one day make

it was only a matter of time before Preston made his return to