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

she can leave Landon. Why does she have

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

Jasper rasped, “I got into a fight with Javier in front of Lauren over the arranged marriage with the Hodgsons. I might

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

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

that Mr. Javier would hold a grudge against you

vulnerable, she couldn’t support you in any way other than to risk

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

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

you think Landon

no idea. A relationship is always the hardest to grasp and make sense of.” Resting in Jasper’s arms, Alyssa sighed softly. “Lauren

company employees. The notice stated that Preston was relieved of all his roles in the

an unemployed bum who had nothing to do with the Harper Group except when it

at night to have fun and release his frustration at

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 interest. His friends had no choice but to comfort him, assuring him that he would one day

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