Ch. 131..140

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 131-The image of an affluent socialite that Betty had carefully crafted for years fell apart at the press conference. That night, she returned to Seaview Manor weak and defeated. The maids had to help her into the house.

She waited, “Mom, you must get back at them for me! I’m so upset!” Her face was tear–stricken and full of snot. “Everyone’s cursing me online. I can’t go out in public anymore!” “What can I do? Should I slap Jasper or force him to hand over the role of president to you, little dimyat?” A furious Sophia pointed a finger at Betty’s teary face.

“What did I tell you before you left? I told you to recite my script, word by word, and never put on any makeup! You needed to show up bare -faced to appear sincere!” Sophia went on, “But what did you do instead? You went against everything I planned. You deserved everything that happened to you What’s the point of crying in front of me? Even your dad has given up on you!” “Mom, it’s all my fault. I should have listened to you. I won’t do that again!‘ Sobbing, Betty fell to Sophia’s feet and hugged her mother’s leg.

“Mom, the press conference was Jasper’s Idea, but it was Alice White who started it all! I wouldn’t have been in this mess if she hadn’t pestered me!” “We will need to get rid of Alice someday.” Narrowing her eyes, Sophla was scheming. “It will be Javier’s birthday soon. I have a plan to set Alice back and for you to turn around.” “Mom, what’s the plan?” Sniffling, Betty seemed more alive once she heard that Alice would be taught a lesson.

Sophia crossed her arms on her chest and snickered. “You’ll know by then.” Betty’s phone buzzed at that time. She checked her phone and yelped at such a high pitch that Sophia almost had a heart attack “Why the fuck did you do that at night?” “I’m going to kill that bitch Alice!” Betty screamed and stomped around like a manic–depressive.

Sophia’s phone was the next to ring. It was a call from Liana.

“What’s the matter, Lia?” I “Aunt Sophia, I bet you’ve seen the photos I sent Betty. Right?” Liana sounded concerned.

“What photos?” Sophia snatched Betty’s phone for a better look and stared in shock.

“I was shopping at the mall with Jasper and ran into Alice. She was with Landon Harper. They looked so intimate that everyone would have thought they were a thing.

“Not only that, Mr. Harper bought her an expensive blue diamond necklace.

Jasper had wanted to buy that necklace for me, but Mr. Harper fought for it and gave it to that bitch.” Sighing quietly, Liana added, “It’s just a necklace to me, but Betty’s marriage is at stake. She’s the future Mrs. Harper. Alice will be a problem in her marriage.

This is a serious matter.” *That little bitch. Is she thirsty for men? How dare she come for my future son– in–law?” Clenching her jaw, Sophia had a venomous look in her eyes. “Since she loves cheating, I’ll show her!” She thought, “Alice White, your time is up. Javier’s birthday is the day of your downfall!” In the next three days, Jasper recuperated in the hospital. He did not inform anyone of the incident to have some peace. He even made up an excuse not to take calls from Liana and did not request her to visit him.

Before going to sleep every night, he’d think of the scene where he forcefully kissed Alice on the lips. The tenderness of her lips remained vivid.

He fell that he was going insane Liquor was the root of all evil He gritted his teeth and On the fourth day, he lost his temper because Alice had not shown up to “Mr. Jasper, the doctor gave the green light for your discharge. You can couture tailored suit in his hand.

“Did Alice White reach out to you? Jasper questioned “N–No” He thought a h “Hah! Her man almost killed me. Is she going to muddle through this? Jasper tenched his fingers as a glue wa What about the yearbook from my alma mater, the National Military Academy? Have you found or “I got it!” Xavier put the sult aside and extracted a thick album with a navy cover from his bag. He handed LE

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 132-Jasper antemnly took the yearbook prollered and began skimming through.

The opponent from that night had a similar physique to him. Though he wore a mask, Jasper felt the man was very familiar. They must have met once before.

The understanding of Axel’s background was limited. Their military school followed a policy of safeguarding identities and related issues. But now that Jasper knew of his identity as Alice’s brother, the clouds were clearing up.

After some time, Jasper leaped up in surprise, staring at the yearbook on his knee. The gesture surprised Xavier, who also jumped slightly at the commollon “Did you see something, sir?” Hay him, of all people?” Jasper murmured to himself.

The man he’d hone in had a wide, handsome smile. Below his picture was the name “Axel Whitaker.” “Axel Whitaker Whitlaker. No wonder he seemed to know her!” Jasper exclaimed.

He had fond memories of the man. The two were one of the strongest Individuals in the school. Their only worthy opponents were each other, Sadly, Jasper lost contact with Axel after they graduated.

Jasper gazed leverishly at the picture. He was excited that he had uncovered a little more about Alice’s mysterious past.

He was unaware of Axel’s background. At their military school, they enforced a confidentiality policy for identities and similar concerns. But now that Jasper knew of his identity as Alice’s brother, the clouds were clearing up.

Just then, someone knocked on the door.

Xavier went to open it. He was surprised to see who it was outside.

With a lavish–looking goodle bag in hand, Sean smiled at the secretary. “I’m here on Ms. White’s instructions to check in on Mr. Beckett. Has he woken up yet?” “Come in,” Jasper called out from inside the room.

Xavier pursed his lips but let Sean step in regardless.

Sean walked inside. He placed the gilt on the table before saying politely.

“Looks like Ms. White was right about you, sir. You look ready to be discharged any time soon.” “Are you here alone?” Jasper peeked outside the door briefly, hoping to find that young, delicate woman standing outside.

“I’m afraid Ms. White is still occupled with the hotel management. She has asked me to come on her behalf. As her personal secretary, I would rightly represent her in this Instance.” The first part of the sentence wasn’t said as Instructed. But Sean thought it would be appropriate to add in order to hit back at the insolent man before him.

Sure enough, Jasper’s face darkened some. “You can take back this meaningless gift. I don’t want it.” “Per Ms. White’s instructions, if sir doesn’t want it, sir is free to dispose of It.

Miss has no Intention of retracting gifts she has given,” Sean responded flatly.

“Have Alice come see me in person.” Jasper stood up, now meeting Sean at full height.

“My apologies, Mr. Beckett, but Ms. White’s time is occupied. She won’t be able to see you anytime soon. She has given me full authority regarding reimbursing your losses.

“Feel free to state your terms. Ms. White will agree to most things save the illegal kind.” Sean’s smile never wavered.

“I want to see her.” +15 BONUS wanting my time here? Save cried womu un în bean, already at his tiredt.

“You’re just here is sparerste Mr. becarti, beans brede kuk on a vis edan, affuming the men’s Quesses wa min. Jasper gritted out That she Will tell me the identity of the man attacked me, I am not letting her off we net Beckett Group has one of the most fomitable legal teams in Solana City. Mr.

Beckett But our team is just as prepared to face wythnos at us Sean repted stemty. Do not expect us to be sitting ducks if you truly intend to take legal action against Mc.

Heyes then took on a peculiar shade. But im sure Mr deckett is so unreasonable, nu? Given how strategically organized and managed the Beckett Grover has been tv xo kong ” with that. Sean bowed and turned to have d Before stepping out he asked “Mr. Beckett. Mr. White has also asked me to ask you if you were the one who arranged Ms. Batty’s press conference 77 “That is none of your business‘ Jasper grunted coldly TE take my leave then,” with that Sean was pone “How dare he? He was clearly here to upset you sao Xasdır exclaimed, fighting the urge to run out and slap Saan in the face.

Jane took a deep bath to try and calm himself “Go and follow hien ight now, I want to know where he’ll go and what he’s up to next!”

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 133-Alyssa was supposed to be busy managing the KS World Hotel in her office.

The reality was, she was playing a survival game in her office. In the game, Alyssa was a chainsaw–wielding maniac. To win, she had to kill survivors.

Cans of ice–cold beer and a plate of fried chicken were on the desk before her.

Those were the foods she often enjoyed while playing her games.

She had no interest in the extravagant opulence of lavish restaurants and elite bars. Nothing could beat a good barbecue or a plateful of grits. 1 Alyssa recalled pushing through her allergies to learn cooking while married to Jasper. An old saying. “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, fascinated her. So, she learned to cook. She hoped her cooking would finally make Jasper do more than just quietly eat the lood at the table.

Alyssa had registered for the culinary classes at Solana City’s top culinary school. She was the only female student there for an entire year.

She graduated at the top of her class. Her teacher was very proud of her and sald she was the best student he had ever taught. He even considered making her his culinary heir.

Alyssa realized the age–old saying didn’t work for Jasper. Besides, he hardly ate at home.

Who could manage such disappointment?

Luckily, Alyssa didn’t have to anymore.

If only she could sell off her emotions. She’d exchange it for health and safety, for the good of those she loved and who loved her back.

A knock sounded at the office door, and Sean entered.

“I’ve delivered both your gift and message, miss.” “Let me guess. He wasn’t happy?” Alyssa asked flatly..

“Yes. He insists you hand Mr. Axel over, or he’ll take other action.” “Tsk tsk. What a prude.” Alyssa won another round of her game before logging off. Then, she feasted on her chicken wings. She mumbled. “My investigation shows no cameras in that area. Jasper can’t prove Axel was there that night. His statement is useless in court without proof.” Her family was always skilled at protecting themselves.

“But Ms. White, I have a feeling Jasper Beckett might have figured something out.” Sean went over to Alyssa, lowering his voice. “When I was there, I noticed he had his military school records on his bed. I believe he must’ve realized something to have brought those out.” Alyssa blinked worriedly at that, falling into thought. “It’s alright. The government has long kept Axel’s information hidden. He has never publicly appeared in KS either, so his identity should be safe.

*Regardless, I’ll make sure he’s protected from all this. Jasper can try all he wants. We’ll just watch him fail.” Years ago, Alyssa’s mother had given birth to quadruplets. Two took on their father’s surname, and two of them their mother’s.

Her elder and second brother looked almost alike, but then the genetic train took a different route with her third and fourth brothers. The latter two were very different from the former two in terms of looks.

That was obviously an advantage for Axel. As such, he was able to keep his identity sale for longer.

“I also asked Jasper about the press conference.” “What did he say?” Alyssa asked.

“He said it was none of our business. He was looking like an ass who had just eaten an onion,” Sean snorted.

Alyssa narrowed her eyes as she chewed on a chicken drumstick. “I know what he’s like. He might be a douche when it comes to his.

The weren’t the one belt he’d have told you straight up looks like he did do this.” Sean Haped in surprise “What for? He’s the CEO of Beckett Group. He won’t profit off a scandal arising from his own company.” Alasa subdenly had a flashback of being held in Jasper’s arms, his lips pressing against hers.

Fishing red, she lassed the chicken drumstick, now just a stripped bone, into the nearby trash can. “Who knows why he’s doing this? He mahl be out of his mind for all I know. Shame I never realized in my three years of being married to him.”

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 134-As emerged hom He lost with bean She was shumpmg banald Her dad hat use med dom her back baring her que lures. She wore a beautiful satin dress in White Jasper boobs Why had she never hessed up for him in their three years of mataver She was always in those collon fees and plain white shoes.

Why did she hold has all lose yeter Why did she portray herself as the victim in their relationship/ And why did she cow dould among everyone else regarding his ability to treat his woman kindly?

Jasper watched as Alice entered bondly’s The Halls Hove & was en route for Belbank. As the car drove on, Alyssa took out the financial reports and development plans she’d prepared for Winston She then handed them to Jonah “What do you think, Jonah? I’ve done a mally good job, haven’t 17” Jonah skimmed through the documents and palled his sister’s head. “Wonderful You’ve done wonderfully, just as I thought you would. You always manage to exceed expectations. I knew you had a knack for business management.” “Yay!” Alyssa beamed “When I’m FS Group’s CFO, the whole of Belbank will bow before me. Not just Belbank, but Solana City too. Once we make way for the city, Jasper will be left ealing dirt “Of course, Catherine the Great, Jonah leased fondly. “Would you be able to go head to head with Jasper, though? Given your past.” “You betti can’t walll Alyssa balled her hands into lists, an eager and proud light beaming from her eyes. “If I can’t beat him in love, I’m definitely crushing him in business!” “Alright! I’m rooting for you in this.” Jonah grinned.

How do you plan to do that? Alyssa asked, rubbing her hands together in anticipation.

Jonah’s grin grew deeper. “I pray for you, of course. May the Lord protect you and all that.” Alyssa was rendered speechless.

Meanwhile, The Maybach from before was hot on their tail.

Sir, they seem to be heading to Belbank! Sean spoke as he drove.

To which Jasper grunted darkly, “Indeed.” He–Mr. Taylor isn’t bringing Ms. White to meet his parents, is he? We have to do something, sir! We can’t let that happen!” “She wouldn’t dare, Jasper growled.

Such was his fury that the veins in his temple throbbed visibly.

He continued, “We haven’t gone through with the divorce yet. So, she’s still my lawfully–wedded wife. What does she take me for? Chopped liver?” He was withing to regard of not coming to see him after her brother had assayed he ing his parents!

But here she was treaty going out with another man, even pofentraliy Did she even just so she could make an idiot of him?

according to the agreement you will need to divorce Madam after Mr Beckett Senior’s birthday. You can’t do this forever Xavier said with a sigh Asustain the impact of those words, Jasper froze momentarily. His heart sank into the pits of his stomach as par began bubbling within Today’s Bonus Offer (GET IT NOW 2 kikultas, there hast best aged atia Because of this, Alyssa followed in karte band sha me ka tasty v Buck dickaign tien cascary and redress Even Alyssa opened up to them, કમિ mne kai daasi baan söögikoread with what she had to sate We consued What is the peeing of this, so #1 soon after her night, you should have sent her home so we could care for ional kaughed. “Twp as math albed the lilly köze what to say tera You know that spoed bine.

Shed to clash with all the tunes things had changed for the better now “Janah has been taking care of mi, don’t wants to assigned to dunder one secreta can cook the wall been eating wel, känna einum fern, Smart to for me And Mike Phark quit, bet camina tume kakay Cheeks. “You think Sear’s cong can let Ules? She has seen gres aing dinner since she heard you were “De haut let The Kit het once. It even to 2 HE water Event Ministon said it’s like site’s cooking for the president–to sourci matcooking to a Quarant “Sk to me that one we told her just a simale Tamla demer would suffice” “ke offered to heltz, bich she said the durch that anyone else’s cooking skills, so here we are,” Mandy laughed, then sighed gently. “le always thought she was the gentest among as hit I tams out she can be teoccus when needed!” i think it’s you who Lyla doesen’t brunt in the Achern, Costume” Aussa teased, making the women laugh.

She conting “i remember you burme holes in four different pans, ipgered three smoke alarms, and melted two stoves. I don’t think anyone in their right mind would want you in their kihuthernit

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 135-The Rolls Royce entered the grand mansion through its tall gates. As it did, numerous outside housekeepers and servants within exclaimed with joy. They shared the joyous news to whoever they could.

“Ms. Alyssa is finally home!” came the excited cries.

As Jonah and Alyssa got out of the car, they were greeted by two lines of house stall led by the house buller. The staff members respectfully bowed and greeted, “Welcome home, Ms. Alyssa!” “We’ve missed you, Ms. Alyssa!” Alyssa put her hand on her forehead, slightly overwhelmed by the sonorous welcome.

“Alyssa, you’re finally home!” someone exclaimed.

Alyssa turned to see who it was and spotted Mandy in the doorway. Beside her was a short–haired woman with a kerchief tied around her neck.

Alyssa recognized her as Winston’s newest and youngest wife, Colene Waters, She smiled and went up to the two women, hugging them both. “Mandy, Colene,” she greeted kindly.

Jonah beamed upon seeing this. Being the most powerful family in Belbank naturally meant complicated relations among themselves. (1)

When the three women had married into the family to Winston, there had been a great uproar. Because of this, Alyssa followed in Avers footsteps and worked with Opera for several years.

It took quite a while. But the wives gradually won the family’s trust through their sincerity and kindness. Even Alyssa opened up to them, no longer linding them at fault for being who they were.

The only person to find blame with was Winston, after all.

“You’ve lost so much weight, Alyssa!” Colene exclaimed.

Being a Southerner, Colene had always been straightforward with what she had to say.

She continued, “What is the meaning of this, Jonah? If you can’t look after her right, you should have sent her home so we could care for her! She’s as skinny as a matchstick now!” Jonah laughed. “I’m so sorry about this. I don’t really know what to say here.” “You know I have a strong metabolism, Colene,” Alyssa giggled.

She used to clash with Colene all the time. Fortunately, things had changed for the better now.

“Jonah has been taking care of me, don’t worry. He assigned his number one secretary, Sean, to work for me. And you know how well Sean can cook. I’ve really been eating well” Alyssa assured them.

Colene scowled. “I don’t buy it.” She then pinched Alyssa’s cheeks. “You think Sean’s cooking can beat Lyla’s?

She has been preparing dinner since she heard you were coming home today.

“She hasn’t left the kitchen once, not even for a sip of water. Even Winston said it’s like she’s cooking for the president–no, scratch thatcooking for a queen!” “She’s too sweet, that one. We told her just a simple family dinner would suffice.” “We offered to help, but she said she didn’t trust anyone else’s cooking skills, so here we are,” Mandy laughed, then sighed gently. “We always thought she was the gentlest among us, but it turns out she can be ferocious when needed!” “I think it’s you who Lyla doesn’t trust in the kitchen, Colene,” Alyssa leased, making the women laugh.

She continued, “I remember you burnt holes in four different pans, triggered three smoke alarms, and melted two stoves. I don’t think anyone in their right mind would want you in their kitchen!” 1/2 Why you- Come here you! Lolene grabbed at her, tickling her sensitive spots.

What did I say about teasing me, hun “Stop it! Ahahaha!” Alyssa squealed, trying to dodge her tickling. The two littered like long–lost friends, +15 BONUS Speaking of Lyla, Alyssa Instantly recalled her time as Jasper Beckett’s wife.

She had spent three years walking on eggshells. She made herself as tiny as possible, lest someone from Jasper’s side of the family made a mean jab at her.

Three years and it already felt like she had been pushed to her limit. How did Lyla handle twenty years of this?

Women should never stoop so low for any men. They should be Independent, strong, and free, like blossoming flowers in the spring–not cooped up in a house like some prisoner.

As the rest of the family came to greet Alyssa, she was surrounded like she was a celebrity, Chatter and laughter followed them as they went into the manor. 1 As night filled the landscape, the Maybach from earlier stopped outside the manor, hidden against the dark background.

Xavier opened the car door for Jasper, who quietly stepped out. He peered at the manor a distance away, observing its structure.

“I’ve long heard about Winston Taylor’s love for Oriental architecture. The man bought countless hectares of land just so he could make his architectural dreams come true. It looks like the rumors were true,” he murmured.

Xavier marveled at the old architecture. “It feels like we’re in some fairytale, sir.

The place is even more stunning than Seaview Manor.”

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 136-Xavier immediately smacked himself in the cheeks, feeling like he had misspoken, Jasper stared ahead, the manor’s lights reflecting in his eyes. He could faintly hear laughter coming from the building. At that, his heart sank into an icy pil of hopelessness, It seemed Alice was truly leaving an impression on Jonah Taylor’s family Jasper had considered the Taylor family to be incredibly Intricate, Winston Taylor had one wife before. But he had three wives now. None of them got registered at City Hall. They would surely make it tough for Alice to marry into the family.

He’d thought she might give up then and there.

However, it seemed like he had thought wrong. It sounded like Alice was truly getting along with the rest of the Taylor family. He could hear their laughter even from this distancel How close had they become Jasper was getting more distraught by the second. He had never felt so tense, so desperate. Even his breaths were becoming uneven.

“Do you have any cigarettes on you? Give me one.” “There you are, Winston!” Alyssa cried when the man walked downstairs, helped by Jonah.

Winston exclaimed, “What took you so long? I’m starving here!” “Oh, wow! Look al you! Are you trying to set a new trend for the grandpas out there?” Alyssa teased, looking him up and down.

Winston wore a waistcoat with a golden pocket watch at his breast. The outfit sulted him well, giving him a classy, refined look.

“A new trend? Ohoho, I wouldn’t need to try hard to become the next trendsetter.” Winston chuckled heartily. “I could throw on some slacks and easily become the next celebrity superstar of the decade.

“If I were thirty years younger and ventured into the world of those tasteful nude calendars, women would be swooning over me …” “Ahem. Dad, It’s best not to uh, say it like that. Silas reminded gently from the side.

“What are you talking about? No one would have made a big deal of it If you hadn’t mentioned it!” Winston glared at his second son. 1 Meanwhile, everyone else shared Silas‘ sentiment.

“You didn’t tell Miley, Cyrus, or Tatiana I’m home, right?” Alyssa asked kindly.

“We wouldn’t dare disobey your orders.” Mandy grinned. “Don’t worry. They don’t know you’re back.” “So you kept those brats away on purpose?” Winston demanded. “How could you? They’ve missed you too!” With a sigh, the man continued saying, “You should have had them come join us too!” “Miley’s with her husband in Kontina overseas. Do you really want her to fly all the way back just for a couple of nights?

“Cyrus is busy in the force with all his cases, and Tatiana’s occupied with her exams right now, so let’s not go bothering them, hm? Aren’t we enough already?” Alyssa scowled.

“What about Axel then? He doesn’t do anything. He’s always lounging around in Solana City. It’s just a two–hour drive, so why not have him over? Is he dead?” Winston fired back.

“Axel’s-” “There’s that familiar yelling. Needed It for my grand entrance.” Everyone looked back to see Axel standing at the entrance, pockets in his overcoat and a grin on his charming face.

“Good evening, Mr. Taylor. I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you if you were hoping I was dead.” The instant he appeared, both Mandy and Colene retreated to blend in with the background. Even their smiles faded somewhat. They “Why you-! Lome here you!” Colene grabbed at her, tickling her sensitive spots.

“What did I say about teasing me, hun?

“Stop it! Ahahaha!” Alyssa squealed, trying to dodge her tickling. The two littered like long–lost friends.

Speaking of Lyla, Alyssa instantly recalled her time as Jasper Beckell’s wife, She had spent three years walking on eggshells. She made herself as tiny as possible, lest someone from Jasper’s side of the family made a mean jab at her, Three years and it already felt like she had been pushed to her limit. How did Lyla handle twenty years of this?

Women should never stoop so low for any men. They should be Independent, strong, and free, like blossoming flowers in the spring–not cooped up in a house like some prisoner.

As the rest of the family came to greet Alyssa, she was surrounded like she was a celebrity, Chatter and laughter followed them as they went into the manor. 1 As night filled the landscape, the Maybach from earller stopped outside the manor, hidden against the dark background.

Xavier opened the car door for Jasper, who quietly stepped out. He peered at the manor a distance away, observing its structure.

Xavier marveled at the old architecture. “It feels like we’re in some fairytale, sir.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 137-What was Weston thinking, saying something so terrible about his own son “I don’t think that’s necessary.” Axel rolled his eyes. T’ll need to stay alive until the day you need a family member to sign you off in the “ospital I know Jonah and Silas wouldn’t be able to do it You’d need me.” “How dare your Weston shouted. “Why oughta-” Winston yelled for their butler Clark Anderson, to fetch him a cane. Meanwhile, he removed his leather boots and flung one in Axel’s face.

Jonan and Silas humedy went up to Winston to stop him, Mandy and Colene followed suit. Still, Winston’s temper remained.

All of a sudden a gentle, delicate voice rang out in the hallway.

dinners ready.” Everyone turned to see who had socken. It was Lyla, still in her apron and a trying pan in hand. Her pale skin glistened with oil and sweat. She looked dazedly at the crowd, having no idea as to what had transpired.

Winston’s stomach growled amidst the silence.

Fine, dinner first teach you a lesson after dinner, you little brat!” He huffed, making his way to the dining room.

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief then followed the old man to the dining room.

“That was a temble thing to joke about Axel Dad can take a joke, but that doesn’t make it okay for you to just say stuff like that,” Jonah said solemnly.

“Who said I was joking? Axel cocked an eyebrow at his brother.

Jonan’s expression immediately darkened. “Axel Whitaker.” “What? He was the one who said I’d die first. I – Fine, fine! I’ll keep my mouth shut. Stop looking at me like that, or I will get nightmares tonight” Axel shivered, then went to the dining room Only then did Jonah soften once again. He sighed and followed his brother.

“Oh, wow. Jonah could shut him up in seconds with that look.” Silas tried replicating his elder brother’s gaze from earlier, brows pushing together. “I’ll need to practice that. I use it on Axel if he ever tries to mess with me!” Alyssa scowled. “Stop it. You’re getting cock–eyed.” Winston was in an especially good mood tonight. He had drunk glass after glass of red wine. No one could stop him.

Everyone tonight could tell Winston was incredibly happy to see Axel home, even though not a word of this was spoken. Winston’s gaze would Enger fondly on him from time to time throughout the evening.

Whenever Avel noticed this, he instantly looked away, making Winston’s heart sink slightly.

Alyssa picked up on this throughout the night. She wasn’t pleased.

She knew Axel still had a grudge against their family and their father for not being able to stay committed to their mother and their mother only.

The Taylor empire spanned the entire nation. Winston’s eight children couldn’t even begin to take all of it it it were distributed equally.

As KS World Hotel’s chairman, Winston had executed several business miracles over the decades, bringing it to where it was today.

A man like him was the center of every woman’s dreams–except that he couldn’t settle down with just one, of course.

No one was perfect.

When Alyssa was younger, she had wept and gotten upset just like Axel did, but she’d since made peace with everything.

It wasn’t something that could be stopped, changed, or removed from existence.

Alyssa wasn’t hoping for Axel to forgive their father, nor would she ever come to his defense. She prayed Avel would find peace and slowy leave his trauma.

When dinner was nearly over, Axel released a big burp. “Damn! That wench’s cooking is really something. I’ve had three plates of food tonight. It looks like I’ll have to work the extra off tomorrow.” “Stop calling her a wench, Axel Have some pity on her, will you?” Alyssa said, sipping on her red wine.

“Ten years ago, maybe, but not anymore. She’s been at her peak ever since marrying the old man. Winston Taylor’s fourth wife. How grand. “Axel scoffed.

His tone then took a 180–degree turn, turning cold. “Don’t you think our mother is the one we should feel pity for? Do you think the old man has her on his mind when he’s spending every night with a different woman?” Xavier immediately smacked himself in the cheeks, feeling like he had misspe Jasper stared ahead, the manor’s lights reflecting in his eyes. He could faintly heather * sank into an icy pit of hopelessness.

It seemed Alice was truly leaving an impression on Jonah Taylor’s family Jasper had considered the Taylor family to be incredibly intricate, Winston two had news before, the the um re of them got registered at City Hall. They would surely make it tough for Alice to marry into the farly Hard the gu and there.

However, it seemed like he had thought wrong. It sounded like Alice was truly getting along with the rest of the fafor hear their laughter even from this distance!

How close had they become – Jasper was getting more distraught by the second. He had never felt so tense, so desperate. Even his “Do you have any cigarettes on you? Give me one.” “There you are. Winston!” Alyssa cried when the man walked downstairs, helped by Jonah, Winston exclaimed, “What took you so long? I’m starving here!” “Oh, wow! Look at you! Are you trying to set a new trend for the grandpas out there? Alyssa teased, looking him som Winston wore a waistcoat with a golden pocket watch at his breast. The outfit suited him “A new trend? Ohoho, I wouldn’t need to try hard to become the next trendsetter.” Winston chuckled heartly could throw or ora slacks and easily become the next celebrity superstar of the decade.

“If I were thirty years younger and ventured into the world of those tasteful nude calendars, women would be swooning over ma “Ahem. Dad, it’s best not to uh, say it like that Silas reminded gently from the side.

“What are you talking about? No one would have made a big deal of it if you hadn’t mentioned it Winston glared at his second son Meanwhile, everyone else shared Silas‘ sentiment.

“You didn’t tell Miley, Cyrus, or Tatiana I’m home, right? Alyssa asked kindly.

“We wouldn’t dare disobey your orders.” Mandy grinned. “Don’t worry. They don’t know you’re back,“ “So you kept those brats away on purpose? Winston demanded. “How could you? They’ve missed you toor With a sigh, the man continued saying, “You should have had them come join us toof “Miley’s with her husband in Kontina overseas. Do you really want her to fly all the way back just for a couple of nights)

“Cyrus is busy in the force with all his cases, and Tatiana’s occupied with her exams right now, so let’s not go bothering them, hm? Aren’t we enough already?” Alyssa scowled.

“What about Axel then? He doesn’t do anything. He’s always lounging around in Solana City. It’s just a two–hour drive, so by not have him over? Is he dead?” Winston fired back.

“Axel’s- “There’s that familiar yelling. Needed it for my grand entrance.” Everyone looked back to see Axel standing at the entrance, pockets in his overcoat and a grin on his charming face.

“Good evening, Mr. Taylor. I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you if you were hoping I was dead” The instant he appeared, both Mandy and Colene retreated to blend in with the background. Even their smiles faded somewhat. They Alvaxa heaved a attent stuh Avel was always sneaking around and showing up at the most unexpected times, as if this family would jinx him or something.

“Where’s dinner? Don’t tell me it isn’t ready yet. Hurry up already. I still need to go out and lounge around the city later. I’m up to no good, after all Axel drated.

Axelstran His wase tell onto Alvesa with a pointed look, as Il saying, “Hey, I’ve done what you’ve told me lo. Now stop being upset with me.” Alsa looked away immediately.

The atmosphere in the living room suddenly urew lense.

Just then, Winston walked up to Axel with a sullen face.

“Send me a picture of you. A sellle, Winston grunted out.

“What? Why?

“So if you do get your ass killed one day without any of us knowing. I’d at least be able to have a picture for your funeral! Now send it over!” T X What was Weston thinking, saying something so terrible about his own son “I don’t think that’s necessary.” Axel rolled his eyes. T’ll need to stay alive until the day you need a family member to sign you off in the “ospital I know Jonah and Silas wouldn’t be able to do it You’d need me.” “How dare your Weston shouted. “Why oughta-” Winston yelled for their butler Clark Anderson, to fetch him a cane. Meanwhile, he removed his leather boots and flung one in Axel’s face.