Ch. 1411..1420

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1411-"Dad, David engaged in contract killing and attempted murder! Besides, it was Cyrus Taylor who caught him red-handed. Even if I hired all the top attorneys from across the nation, they could not save David's ass!" Josh countered.

He was banking on Victor not laying a finger on him, as he had built a strong faction in the Schmidt Group and bagged a lucrative project in Tsulu from Jonah. So, he acted fearlessly. "Just admit that you're upset at me. Why would you compare me to Jimmy?

"Have you forgotten all I have done for you over the years and my sacrifices for the company? I deserve a little credit, don't you think? Plus, it's David who got us into trouble. We wouldn't be in this mess if he didn't think with his dick. The entire family will be dragged down if we keep cleaning his mess for him."

"Dad, calm down. I think Josh has a great point there," Jameson drawled. "You might think I am heartless, but I, too, agree that you'll need to give up on David in the interest of the company, even if it pains you to do so.

"It doesn't matter how we get to this situation. At the end of the day, David's man was arrested in action, and we'll need someone to take the blame."

Victor pursed his lips with a long face.

"Jimmy's right. Dad, we'll get into trouble if we continue defending David." For once, Josh was in agreement with Jameson.

"If so, I'll leave it to you, Josh." Victor closed his eyes in resentment. From his voice, one could discern the pain of losing a son. "I guess this marks the end of my relationship with David."

After Victor left, only Josh and Jameson remained in the meeting room, looking like two final survivors of a horrifically brutal game.

"Josh, it's just you and me in the family now. Please show me favor," Jameson spoke.

He rose gracefully from his seat and glanced at Josh from the corner of his eye. "Be gentle when you speak with David. You know he's emotionally immature. He might shred you into pieces if he learns that he'll be in jail forever."

"You are just lucky. Don't get ahead of yourself." Gritting his teeth, Josh knew how to hit Jameson where it hurt.

He taunted, "You played no role in David and Daisy's fates at all. It was all because of Alyssa and Jasper's strategies. That couple is more than capable of going up against the Schmidt Group."

The mention of Alyssa and Jasper as a couple cut into Jameson's heart. His expression froze, and he breathed heavily.

Josh did not stop there. "You are a bastard son who benefits off the success of others. Do you believe you can win against me by tattling on the others in front of Dad and driving a wedge between us?

"You are a shameless, fake-ass traitor. No matter how meticulously you present yourself, you still reek of the filth. It's no wonder Alyssa Taylor couldn't care less for you. You are no match for Jasper Beckett, you ridiculous thing!"

Hatred filled Jameson's chest. Like a raging bull, he stormed up to Josh with clenched fists.

Jameson snickered. "Oh, Jimmy, you're not going to beat me up right here, are you?" He pointed at the ceiling, adding, "There are cameras everywhere. If you lay a finger on me, you will only hurt your image of a dutiful son."

Jameson squinted and tried to hold back his anger. Then, he slowly adjusted Josh's tie for him. "Josh, your arrogance is pitiable yet comical in my eyes."

"What are you talking—Ugh—"

Without warning, Jameson tightened the tie, causing Josh to momentarily suffocate and gasp for breath.

Jameson hissed, "You have walked into my trap. Can't you tell?"

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1412-Jameson flexed his fist, veins bulging from his force. Feeling horrible, Josh kicked his feet and grabbed Jameson's hands, which were wrapped around his neck.

Jameson jeered, "All it takes is some taunting for you to silence the two victims. Tsk, tsk. You're stupid and gullible. So, what makes you think you could take me on?"

Josh's eyes wavered. He was overwhelmed by humiliation. "You're not that hopeless, though, considering you knew to take advantage of David to carry out the act. I thought I could take down every one of you this time, but I guess I'll have to wait."

Then, Jameson let go of Josh and left the meeting room cackling. Josh, alone in the meeting room and drenched in sweat, panted heavily.

Even though Alyssa and Jasper did not show up in front of the media, they were present at the police station to keep guard over Maggie and Anora.

Xavier and Sean tagged along for the statement recording. Not only that, Sean, well-versed in law, helped the families with the paperwork and patiently answered questions.

"Thank you, Xavier, and you here. Are you Ms. Alyssa's friend?" Gina thanked them with tears of gratitude. "Thank you for helping us!"

"Madam, don't mention it." Sean approached her emotionally and teared up as well. "This is not just for you and Alyssa. I am doing this for a personal reason."

Stunned, Gina mused, "A personal reason?"

"Ms. Alyssa's sister—the young lady who called out David on live stream—is my girlfriend," he declared proudly.

"I see. The two of you are not only kind-hearted but a perfect match for each other. I am genuinely thankful to Ms. Tatiana and you for your righteousness."

Sean was beyond elated upon hearing Gina's words.

After Maggie exited the interrogation room, she hurried into the restroom to calm herself down, as she refused to display her vulnerability to her mother and Xavier.

Xavier, worried about Maggie, surprisingly turned up at the police station. He waited patiently and anxiously by the entrance. The policewomen who walked past him shot him weird looks, but Xavier, normally sensitive, did not seem to care. Soon, Maggie strutted out of the restroom, eyes still red and swollen from the crying. When she looked up, she found a clean hanky with a blue gingham design in front of her face.

"Ms. Madison, clean up with this." Xavier beamed at her. "You look like a mess now, but I'm sure you feel better after letting it all out. Am I right?"

She accepted the clean hanky, wanting to wipe away the tears but worried about dirtying it. So, she gently dabbed it on her cheek and said, "I feel better. Thank you, Xavier. I-I'll return the hanky to you after I wash it."

Fixing his gaze on her radiant face, he felt himself attracted to her. His heart pounded every time her lashes fluttered.

Failing to hold back, he placed a hand on top of her head and caressed it. He croaked, "Remember, come to me if you are in trouble. I will rush to help you as soon as I can, no matter what time it is or where I am."

Her heart quickened when she looked up into his bright and brilliant eyes.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1413-In the street from across the police station, Alyssa had waited for a while in Jasper's arms.

Nestling against him softly, she sweated as she reported, "I received a text from Cyrus. He said he had asked a few close colleagues to keep tabs on the case. As of just now, apart from David Schmidt's attorney, no one from the Schmidt family has attempted to defend him. They did not make any moves at all."

It so happened that Alyssa was on her second day of the period, which was usually the worst. Jasper had advised her to stay home, but she was stubborn. Now, suffering from period cramps, she wiggled in his arms like an eel.

She silently thought, "Guess I need to listen to Jasper for once and take a good rest."

"Josh always plays long-term. All he wants right now is to hide away, I bet. There's no way he would defend a notorious and hopeless villain. He would only turn himself the next target of public wrath."

Holding her in his right arm, he placed a hand on her lower abdomen and caressed it in circles in a clockwise direction.

"Mm. Harder. Mm. Harder, please…"

Hearing that, he swallowed hard. A tingling sensation spread through his body from the fingertips in contact with her skin. He said hoarsely, "See? You're suffering from your stubbornness. I'll have Xavier buy something warm for you."

"It's fine. He's busy now with Maggie's matters. Don't bother him for everything. He's just your secretary, not your slave," Alyssa spoke up for Xavier, eliciting a bitter smile on Jasper's lips.

"Josh has not made a move, and the same goes for Victor. Seems like they're ready to give up on David," Alyssa said sweetly with a contradictory smirk. "That's their only choice right now."

"This scandal is the talk of the nation. As the Schmidt Group suffers from a PR crisis, it's only natural that they'll sacrifice David to calm the anger.

"They'd better give up on bribing the cops as well. No matter who's assigned to this case, they will penalize David to protect their professional reputation and the integrity of the police force. We have nothing to worry about, even if Cyrus isn't on the case. No one can save David Schmidt now."

Jasper clawed gently on her lower abdomen. He asked, "Does it still hurt?"

"Mm. I'm feeling better. You're an expert at this."

At that moment, there was a commotion at the police station entrance.

"Look! Maggie Madison and the others are out!"

The couple glanced out of the window and spotted the two victims trudging into the vehicles under the protection of their parents and bodyguards after breaking through the crowds of media.

Though the girls safely entered the vehicles, Alyssa remained fidgety as she was worried that something might happen to them.

Maggie left the police station last, safe in Xavier's embrace.

Suddenly, a male reporter emerged from the crowds and shoved a microphone into Maggie's face, questioning loudly, "May we know if you are in any way coerced by the KS Group or Beckett Group into filing a police report against David Schmidt?"

Xavier immediately shielded Maggie and glowered at the reporter. "What do you mean?"

"You are Mr. Beckett's head secretary, aren't you? I know you!" Looking smug, the reporter added, "Aside from you, Ms. Alyssa's secretary is also here to protect the victims. Is this all planned out by Ms.

Alyssa and Mr. Beckett?"

"We know that the Taylors and Schmidts are family friends. Ms. Alyssa is good friends with David Schmidt and even performed surgery on him. She might be anxious to put a distance between David Schmidt and herself after their relationship is known to the public. Perhaps she is attempting to protect her image by helping the victims. This is a totally reasonable speculation."

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1414-Reasonable? How was that fucking reasonable?

Xavier clenched his fist as he fought the urge to punch the reporter.

A hush fell across the crowds, who waited for the scene to unfold. Some reporters had wanted to ask the sensitive question but faltered in the face of Alyssa's influence. Naturally, they were happy that someone had posed the question.

Anger rolled through him. He nearly yanked the car door open and stormed out to confront the reporter, but Alyssa pulled him back. "Hey! It's enough of a mess out there. Don't add to the chaos!"

He gritted his teeth and thundered, "But he's slandering you."

"And? It doesn't hurt me in any way. Mr. Beckett, you're an adult, so act like one." Pouting, she scratched him on his chest.

Jasper calmed down soon, but he was disgruntled. "We can't let this slide. Who knows? He might be acting on the Schmidts' orders."

"So what?" She blinked at him, unfazed. "David Schmidt is done for, and we finally sought justice for the victims. I have achieved my goal, so I couldn't care less about what the reporters say about me."

"Lyse, you make me feel useless," he croaked, feeling bitter.

"You're not. I'm happy and carefree when I'm with you." Then, she leaned against his solid chest and cupped his face in her palms. "Come here. Give me a kiss."

His hands traveled between her waist and backside while he kissed her tenderly. In the past, he would feel awkward watching couples acting lovey-dovey. Because of that, he often skipped intimate scenes in movies.

However, he had changed for Alyssa. His soul was all hers now. He was no longer his old self. Or maybe he had been an envious and passionate soul from the very start—awakened when he met her.

Now, he only had eyes for her.

"Look how useful you are." She gazed at him affectionately as she slowly moved away from his lips.

"With a kiss, you chase away all my worries."

Meanwhile, Xavier had to keep his composure and professionalism despite the reporter's hostile question. Moreover, seeing the victims and families back home safe was of utmost importance. He was assigned to the task by Jasper and Alyssa, and he vowed not to start unnecessary trouble.

"Ms. Madison, ignore him. Let's go," Xavier whispered.

In the heat of the moment, he reflexively reached for Maggie's hand, but she did not budge at all.

In the next second, she took off her baseball cap and mask in public, causing Xavier to go blank in shock. His chest tightened. It was too late to stop her.

"Maggie! What is she trying to do?" Alyssa and Jasper gaped at her unexpected move.

Once Maggie revealed her face, she was attacked by endless camera flashes. She tried to keep her eyes open, looking fearless and determined. Staring at the male reporter, she questioned, "May I know if the question stems from your speculation, or do you have proof that this is Ms. Alyssa's plan all along?"

The reporter looked uncomfortable. "Uh… It's my speculation, and it's totally reasonable."

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1415-"Don't you know the basic ethics of a reporter is to report the truth? You accuse Ms. Alyssa without any proof. Not only that, you're twisting the narrative and slandering her. Say, are you hired by her enemy to stir trouble?" Maggie, despite looking vulnerable, carried herself in a fearless manner. She stunned the onlookers with her courage and sharp remarks.

The male reporter who posed difficult questions stumbled backward and disappeared into the crowd cowardly.

"Ms. Madison…" Xavier stared at Maggie, completely captivated by her. He should have been the calmest individual at the scene, but he failed to soothe his racing heart.

Maggie inhaled sharply and said loudly, "I have Ms. Alyssa to thank for giving me the courage to file a police report against David Schmidt. Her patience and advice were a great source of support for us.

"Ms. Alyssa is a lifesaver to us. I'd be ashamed of myself if I could not speak up for her. I'm not that heartless."

At the end of it, she started choking on tears. The chaotic scene at the police station had calmed down.

Everyone stood there in silence.

As a victim and a minor, no less, she must have been at the most vulnerable point in her life, grappling with the psychological trauma and the harassment of the media after giving her statement to the police.

Despite all her struggles, she surprised everyone by openly speaking up for her savior with such power and enthusiasm. They had nothing but respect for a pure and righteous soul like her.

At this point, the media started wondering if Alyssa Taylor, whom Maggie had passionately defended, was not the terrible and fake woman the netizens made her out to be.

After confirming that Xavier had helped Maggie into the car and left the scene safely, Alyssa collapsed into Jasper's arms and wept in silence.

Jasper said nothing, only patting her on the back to console her. Indeed, she had no reason to care about what the others said about her as long as he and the girls understood her. The victims' police report against David, coupled with Magnus' "confession" that David hired him to commit murder, enabled the police to arrest David under the charges of sexual assault and attempted murder.

No longer a person of interest or a suspect, David was now formally a criminal.

The shocking turn of events broke David. He screamed hysterically like a beast in the detention center, slamming himself against the door and rolling across the floor. After getting into an altercation with one of the policemen, he was charged with aggravated assault on top of the other charges.

"I'm fucking innocent! I didn't do anything except for raping a few girls. I did not kill anyone at all. I'm innocent!" Eyes ablaze, David banged the metal door maniacally.

Perhaps thinking that it wasn't enough to express his rage, he even took off his prosthetic leg and banged it against the door.

"Everyone who gets into detention claims they're innocent, but look how they end up. None could escape a heavy sentence." A policeman, staring hatefully at David's pale, thin, and stubbled face, spat, "Bleh! You're revolting. The Schmidts are a cancer in society! Too bad there isn't a national law to castrate rapists. They should have removed your dick and throw it away."

David's bloodshot eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. He growled, "I killed no one! I was framed! I will sue them. Get me my attorney!"

After two days of waiting, David ended up meeting with Josh instead of an attorney.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1416-"Josh!" Upon seeing Josh, David's eyes gleamed enthusiastically as if he had found a sliver of hope.

Separated by a long table, David was about to limp over to Josh when the policeman on the watch hurried over to pin him down out of concern he might lash out again.

Josh remained seated, but his disdain for his criminal brother was on full display from his back-leaning posture, vigilant gaze, and downturned lips. To him, familial bonds had always been the most useless thing in the Schmidt family.

In their youth, David had been Josh's playmate, but as adults, Josh regarded the foolish David merely as a tool. He had cleaned up David's mess multiple times and spoiled him to no end, all to prevent David from coveting his power.

His strategy had been to tame David and render David a dependent believer of his. Alas, David was a dim-witted good for nothing.

The more Josh thought about it, the more he felt disgusted by David. Even until now, he did not think he was in the wrong for framing David for murder. He'd done everything to save David, so it was only fair for David to shoulder the blame.

"Josh, why am I charged with attempted murder? I've not done anything like that," David rambled, his cracked lips trembling. "I'm innocent! They made a mistake! Someone's trying to frame me. Who did I attempt to murder? I know nothing about that!"

"Calm down, David, and listen to me," Josh said, adopting a stern tone as he cleared his throat. He spoke slowly as if addressing someone with difficulty in comprehension. "The witness statement and evidence are against you. The man who worked for you, Magnus Vale, was caught in the crime. He confessed—said you instructed him to silence your victims via murder."

"Silence my victims?" Stunned, David's face turned white. "When have I asked him to kill to silence? I never did that!"

Josh shook his head helplessly. "David, you have always listened to me. Why did you go down the wrong path at this critical time? Didn't I repeatedly assure you I'd get you out? Lose your patience, and this is what happens. Even Dad can't help you."

"I did not! I did not murder. How many times should I repeat myself?" David slammed his fists on the table, spittle flying. "Call Dad now! I need to speak to him. He won't give up on me—I'm his favorite!"

"David, I won't keep this from you. Dad also agreed with what I said just now," Josh's patience wore thin, and he frowned. "I've done all I could for you, but you messed it up all the time, even getting into trouble with Alyssa Taylor and Jasper Beckett. No one could save you now."

"What do you mean? Giving up on me?"

"I'll hire the best attorney for you and work on reducing your sentence. I'll get the wardens to look out for you, so you don't have to suffer. This is the best I can do for you as a brother." Josh shot a look at Cliff.

Taking the hint, Cliff placed a file on the table in front of David. Being cautious, he did not immediately offer a pen as he feared that David might use it to attack Josh.

As David's eyes fell on the stock transfer agreement, a sharp pain gripped his chest. "Josh, you're looting a burning house!"

Panting heavily, David bellowed, "I'm not dead yet! I might make it out one day. How could you get ahead of yourself and eye my stock ownership? This is too much! Even if I'm dead, Dad is the first in place to inherit my stocks, not you!"

"David, you haven't grasped the gravity of the situation, have you? Dad would have saved you if he wanted to. He's utterly disappointed with you, and he'll never give a care anymore." Sounding concerned, Josh added, "Money and stock ownership are fleeting material possessions—you can't bring them to the afterlife.

"There's no point holding on to your stuff. You're likely getting a life sentence; even if I appeal to reduce your sentence, you'll likely lose all your assets. It's a matter of time before you're stripped of your stock ownership."

"Even then, you don't have a claim to my stocks!" David gritted his teeth and fought the urge to hit Josh on the head with the prosthetic leg. "I finally saw this for what it is. You're not here to save me—just here to laugh at me and get me to sign away my stock ownership. Over my dead body! Now, get lost!"

Josh abandoned any pretense of being amicable. Snickering, he rose from his seat. "Josh, think over it carefully. If you refuse to transfer your stocks to me, you won't get a reduced sentence. You'll live a hellish life in prison as well."

David tore the agreement into pieces and tossed it at Josh. "Fucking stop threatening me. Dad will take care of me without your help. Get lost!"

News of Josh's visit reached Jameson promptly.

"Mr. Schmidt, Josh looked upset when he left the police station. I even noticed him cussing under his breath. It looks like their negotiation has fallen apart," Carl, standing behind the couch, updated Jameson while giving him a massage with a look of glee.

Jameson tasted the red wine with a relaxed smile. "David has always worshipped Josh from a young age. Now that his idol has gone rogue, he must be super disappointed in Josh."

"That's for sure."

"Once Josh has become a fodder, we'll send help to David at the right time." While Jameson was speaking, his phone started to ring from the coffee table.

Carl picked up the phone. Surprised at the caller's name, he then worriedly handed the phone to Jameson. "Mr. Schmidt, it's from Inigo Montoye."

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1417-The David Schmidt case had come to a close.

Despite Alyssa and Jasper's considerable wealth and influence, It had not been smooth and easy for them to get rid of David and Daisy, as they were up against the equally established Schmidt Group. Life, it seemed, was not all smooth sailing.

Fortunately, the outcome was worth all their time and effort. In high spirits, they granted Mrs. Rosie a day off and organized a celebratory dinner at home.

"Mr. Beckett, Madam Alyssa, I can't help but feel undeserving of my monthly pay when you keep giving me days off. It's like being paid without working," Mrs.

Rosie remarked joyfully as she observed Jasper diligently preparing ingredients in the kitchen.

With a wide smile, she commended, "Your knife skills are impressive! It's hard to believe you were once clumsy and lacked coordination. Now, you're a cooking expert."

"It's all thanks to Lyse," Jasper replied.

He was busy in the kitchen but glibly flirted with Alyssa. His eyes shone with affection.

"Chef Beckett, didn't I tell you repeatedly to focus when you're using the knife?"

Alyssa worked in the kitchen like a seasoned president's chef. She was utterly focused on searing the steak. "You don't want to end up slicing your fingers."

Jasper pursed his lips and hurriedly shifted his focus from her stern face to his task.

Mrs. Rosie covered her mouth and chuckled. Alyssa seemed like the only one who could rein in Jasper.

"Mrs. Rosie, we wanted to invite you for dinner, but we wouldn't want to deprive you of the chance to dine with your best friend," Alyssa beamed, adding, "Have fun!"

"Will do, Madam!" Mrs. Rosie happily left the house.

Alyssa plated the steak and wondered puzzledly, "Hm? Where is Xavier all day?

I thought we invited him to dinner."

"It's not just today. He's been missing for four nights in a row," Jasper replied helplessly.

Helping Alyssa to serve the food, he complained, "Ever since Maggie spoke up for you at the police station, he's been repeatedly bringing it up at least three times a day.

"Look, I'm thankful to Maggie for what she did for you, but Xavier was insufferable. My headache will return if this goes on."

"Ah. Is that so?" Alyssa flashed him an amused smile and said no more.

Jasper offered, "I'll call him and get him to join us." He reached out for the phone, but she stopped him.

She said, "It's fine. I know what he's up to. Let him be."

The clueless Jasper questioned, "What is he up to?"

"Heh heh, you fool. Looks like you don't know Xavier at all." She cut a slice of steak and sent it into his mouth. "Spring has come for Xavier."

The moon hung high in the night sky. Under the moonlight, Xavier stood alone in Maggie's neighborhood, clad in a suit. He held a bouquet in one hand and an exquisite gift box in another as he gazed up at the small but brightly lit window of an apartment.

In his hesitation, he glanced at the lovely bunch of purple hyacinths in his hand and let out a long sigh.

Meanwhile, Maggie and Gina had just finished their tasty home-cooked dinner.

There was a cute cake on the table for Maggie's birthday. David Schmidt's arrest was the greatest gift she could wish for.

They were interrupted by a knock on the door when they were about to cut the cake. Rising to answer the door, Maggie found her neighbor, Miriam Hert, standing there.

"Miriam! You're out of the hospital! How are you feeling? Better?" Maggie asked with a smile.

"Maggie, I need to tell you something." Miriam, appearing concerned and serious, reported, "I saw a suspicious man in a suit under the apartment when I came home just now. Men in suits scare me now."

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1418-"A man in a suit?" Maggie looked staggered.

"Oh, I remember now! No wonder he looks familiar. He's that fellow who dropped by for a visit with the young couple last time. I gave him a good beating then. Yes, it's him! He is acting very suspiciously; certainly up to no good."

Before Miriam was done speaking, Maggie darted out of her place with a pounding heart without even bothering to put on shoes.

In the end, Xavier couldn't muster up the courage to call Maggie. He felt that he was destined to go home disappointed, a victim of his own cowardice.

Just as he was about to turn and leave dejectedly, he heard a bright, sweet voice calling out to him. "X- Xavier!"

Feeling surprised, he spun around and saw Maggie hurtling toward him, dressed in bunny pajamas and tying her hair into a bun.

His frown disappeared, and his heart fluttered.

"G-Good evening, Ms. Madison," stammered Xavier with a foolish look on his face.

Then, he awkwardly shoved the flowers and the gift box into her arms. "Happy birthday!"

Her heart raced. She merely accepted the flowers but declined the gift because she recognized the expensive brand.

"Xavier, thank you for the flowers, but I can't possibly accept your gift," she said in a low voice.

As thoughtful as ever, she added, "I know you prepared the flowers and gifts because I helped… No, because I repaid Ms. Alyssa's favor. It was no trouble at all—just a minor gesture compared to what she had done for me. I'm the one who is without any idea on how to repay Ms. Alyssa and Mr. Beckett for their kindness."

While speaking, she was overwhelmed by emotions. She pressed her lips, failing to hold back her tears. Similarly, Xavier, teary-eyed and overtaken by passion, hugged Maggie. His empty heart was once again full.

Their throbbing hearts beat in sync, nearly shaking the petals off the purple hyacinths between them.

"Xavier." Maggie blushed, melting his heart.

"I did not drop by with flowers and gift on Mr. Beckett or Madam Alyssa's behalf."

Xavier's warm breath tickled her ear. Embracing her, he could not let go.

"Everything I did was for you. I'm here to see you because I miss you, Ms. Madison."

The feast was laid out, and the guests bustled around Alyssa and Jasper's home. The place looked as merry as Christmas. Alyssa, draping an arm around Lauren's shoulders, chatted with her and Sean in the living room.

Alyssa had also invited Jonah and Julien to the dinner, but Jonah could not make it because he was busy. Before she hung up on Jonah, she clearly overheard Julien's seductive, tender voice in the background. "Jonah, my waist hurts. A massage, please?"

Jonah replied, "Get down."

Alyssa gaped as she tried to fight off the unholy scenes playing out in her mind.

She wondered if Jonah was truly occupied that night, or if he just wanted some private time with Julien.

Meanwhile, Landon, who was the only guest at Jasper's invitation, approached Jasper as he felt too awkward to mingle with Alyssa's family.

When he stepped into the dining hall, he burst out laughing at Jasper, who was wearing an apron. "Hahaha! Jasper, since when have you become a model househusband? Not bad at all! You're both excellent in bed and the kitchen!"

"Why? Jealous?" Jasper faced the teasing calmly and deftly wiped his hands on the apron.

"Of course not. Why would I put myself through the suffering when I have a Michelin-star chef at home?" Landon shot his friend a disdainful look.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1419-No one knew that Landon, in private, was akin to Lauren's maid, who'd do anything just for her.

"Pfft, you're just talking tough." Jasper was unbothered by all the teasing.

"Hey, how about adding some excitement to Lyse's night?" Landon nudged Jasper playfully, squinting. "Wear nothing under your apron. See how she reacts. I bet she'd willingly surrender to your six-pack."

Jasper blushed and grumbled, "Get lost!"

Guests chatted cheerfully in the living room. Blushing, Lauren handed a bunch of lilies to Tatiana with the enthusiasm and agitation of a top fan. "You and Alyssa are my idols… I want to be as brave as you in the future!"

"No, better not!" Alyssa and Tatiana said in unison.

Worried that Lauren might misunderstand, Tatiana explained, "Lauren, I'm glad you admire me, but I don't wish upon you what has happened to me.

"I hope you are forever well-protected by Lyse, Jasper, and Landon. We'd rather you never have to summon your courage."

"Hm. But. Alright." Lauren scratched her head puzzledly, making Tatiana melt from her cuteness. Despite being similar in age to Lauren, Tatiana thought of her as an adorable little girl, someone she wanted to kiss.

Tatiana cupped Lauren's face and planted a loud kiss on her cheek.

"Mm." Lauren's face reddened. She had only been kissed by Landon so far, but a kiss by the same sex felt equally good.

Landon and Sean were green with envy due to their deep love for their women.

They felt jealous even though it was a friendly kiss between two ladies. The two men silently vowed to teach their women a "lesson" when they got home.

"Alright now. Since everyone's here, let's dig in. Try out Jasper's cooking,"

announced Alyssa, arm-inarm with Jasper and resting her head on his shoulder.

Tatiana clapped. "Wow, I didn't know Jasper could cook! How amazing. Lyse, you're lucky to enjoy his cooking!"

Lauren applauded too. "Jasper, you're amazing! You're the best."

Once again, Sean and Landon fell into silence as they seriously entertained the idea of learning cooking to compete against Jasper.

"Wow, Lyse. Are you leaving us out from dinner now? Fine. Looks like you no longer care about your brothers," grumbled Silas loudly from the entrance as he made his way to the dining hall with another figure.

Silas had shown up with Cyrus, who was instrumental in David's successful arrest.

Cyrus couldn't help but grin at the sight of Lauren, who sat on the couch like an exquisite china doll. Sensing Cyrus' gaze, Landon warily hugged Lauren like a predator protecting his prey.

"She's put everyone behind after she got together with Jasper. I'm not sure if you still have Mom in your mind, but you certainly have forgotten about your brothers." Silas pouted unhappily.

"Yeah, it's a matter of time before she forgets about Jonah, Liam, and Axel,"

Cyrus chimed in with a dramatic sigh.

Alyssa blinked at her two brothers and whispered to Jasper, "You know Silas' appetite. Do we have enough food for everyone?"

Slightly taken aback, Jasper soon wrapped an arm around her waist with a grin.

"Of course."

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1420-Silas had hurriedly dropped, but his visit was for an important discussion rather than the dinner. Cyrus might seem brash, but he was meticulous at times.

Earlier, he queued for two hours just to buy Alyssa and Tatiana's favorite desserts.

Cyrus was surprised to see Lauren—the young lady great at handicrafts—at the dinner as well. Suddenly, he regretted not buying more of the dessert, as he didn't want to be perceived as favoring his sisters.

"Woah, is this panda-shaped dessert a new item? How cute!" Tatiana was a sucker for cute treats and desserts. She couldn't resist the temptation, grabbing one and gobbling it down right away.

Sean was taken aback by Tatiana's behavior, as she had always displayed impeccable table manners and ate daintily like a bird. He realized he might not fully understand Tatiana's preferences after all.

Alyssa savored one of the desserts with a smile that left Jasper enchanted. He made a mental note of the brand, planning to frequent the store for her sake.

From now on, he wanted to learn everything about Alyssa from her brothers.

They knew their sister better than anyone else—even Winston was no match for them.

Jasper wanted to give his best since the Taylor family had entrusted him with Alyssa's happiness. He wanted to shower her with so much love and care that she wouldn't feel lonely without her family; he could fulfill every single role in her life.

Even if she had any silly ideas in mind and brought up absurd requests, he would willingly sacrifice himself to safeguard her happiness.

"Ms. Lauren, come and have a taste." Cyrus approached Lauren, a pandashaped dessert in his hand. He crouched in front of her and handed her the dessert with a warm smile. "I didn't know you'd be here, so I did not buy enough for everyone. I'll make it up to you the next time."

Lauren immediately took a liking to the dessert. Rubbing her hands, she was about to accept it when Landon snatched the dessert and swallowed it right away, to her dismay.

Cyrus squinted at Landon and slowly curled his fist.

"L-Lauren… Cough… Lauren… Time for dinner. You won't enjoy Jasper and Alyssa's feast if you indulge in the dessert now." Landon tried hard to swallow until his face was flushed. He nearly choked to his death, but he had to keep his composure as the Harper Group heir in the face of his love rival, maintain his image, and protect his lover.

"Mr. Landon, this is not a zoo. There's no need to fight for food," teased Cyrus, looking amused at Landon's reddened face. "By the way, you look like you need water."

Damn it! Did Cyrus just subtly refer to him as an animal? Landon grumbled in silence, thinking that the Ta lors were e uall shar -ton ued He had wanted to clap back, but he feared he might barf if he spoke because the food was stuck in his throat.

Sean and Tatiana might be oblivious to the changing dynamics, but Alyssa had noticed that Landon was highly vigilant around Cyrus.

The minor episode did not dampen the merry mood. The guests savored Alyssa and Jasper's excellent cooking. Both the hosts and the guests were satisfied with the perfect evening.

After dinner, Tatiana and Lauren retreated upstairs for mobile games, affording the others some privacy for serious discussions.