Ch. 1641..1650

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1641-"D-Did something happen?" Amber wasn't concerned for Jameson. She just needed to have everything under control to protect herself.

"Sigh! Mr. Schmidt went to see Mr. Justin and found out that Mr. Justin sent the drug that Mr. Schmidt failed to deliver to the Taylors. All these while, Mr. Justin had never interfered with Mr. Schmidt and Ms. Alyssa's business.

"Now, at this juncture, he decided to show up as the good guy. Wouldn't this paint Mr. Schmidt, the one who used the drug to threaten Mr. Winston, as a petty man?

"Ms. Alyssa would hate and despise him even more. Mr. Justin is throwing Mr.

Schmidt under the bus to make himself look good. Mr. Schmidt had every right to be outraged!"

Comparisons are odious.

Jameson had a well-thought-out plan, but Justin's interference had painted him like a fool.

"Mr. Justin is not doing this for Mr. Jasper but for Ms. Alyssa."

Carl sighed, "Mr. Schmidt had suspected Mr. Justin had feelings for Ms. Alyssa multiple times. From the looks of things, he is ready to cause trouble. How could he not panic?"

Amber smiled sadly.

Now, she realized—he was eager to send her to Justin like a token to stop Justin from having any ideas toward Alyssa.

Suddenly, she respected and admired Alyssa deeply.

Alyssa was an intelligent lady borne of riches. She was childhood friends with Jameson. Previously, when Jameson pursued her, she didn't even fall for him.

Instead, she exposed his true colors.

Amber wanted to be like Alyssa, a woman with a clear consciousness and mental strength.

If only she could be like her.

When Carl returned to Jameson, the man had almost dismantled his entire luxurious room.

Jameson exhausted his energy. He was panting as he slumped on the red velvet couch. He tugged his tie aggressively.

"Why isn't there any news from the people we sent to spy on the Taylors? Such a useless bunch! Aren't they just asking for it?" "Mr. Schmidt, please calm down.

Our men are working around the clock and monitoring the Taylors closely. If we dig deep enough, we will find something valuable in no time!"

Carl's phone rang as he finished.

He took his phone and looked at his WhatsApp.

Instantly, Carl's eyes widened like his world had been shaken. He ran to Jameson and handed the phone to him. His hands were shaking terribly. "M-Mr.

Schmidt, your chance to get back at them is here.

Look!"

Jameson frowned in annoyance and lazily glanced at the phone.

"This can't be wrong, Mr. Schmidt!"

A malicious and excited glint slowly grew in Jameson's eyes. He suddenly laughed so manically that he was crying.

After a long while, he handed the phone back to Carl. He leisurely sat on the couch again and poured himself a glass of red wine to celebrate.

"What's the rush? Even if we want to handle this, we shouldn't get our hands dirty."

Carl didn't understand what he meant. "What are you saying?"

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1642-Justin kept to his word. Jasper received the drugs after one week.

Jasper, who was hosting an important meeting in the Beckett Group, was on edge.

When the meeting ended, he sprung up from his seat and darted out the doors like lightning.

The management was left at their seats, exchanging glances.

"What is wrong with Mr. Beckett?"

"Haha! I think he had to relieve himself. The meeting was so long. I wouldn't have held it in if I were him. His kidneys are such champions!"

"Not to mention his bladder too!"

Today, the KS Group had an important board meeting that required Winston to attend.

However, Jameson's drugs ran out, and Julien was taken away by the Lovelace family. So, Winston grew more helpless.

The effects of the drugs had worn off. He started feeling his body weakening. He couldn't stop yawning. His nose was runny, his head was spinning, and his vision was blurry. He didn't even manage to eat dinner last night because he had fallen into a deep slumber.

He considered his physical condition and was afraid he couldn't get up in the morning. So, he pushed this meeting to the afternoon.

Even so, the consecutive alarms were useless. Winston only forced himself to wake up after Neil, Alyssa, and the rest tried to call for him.

"Mr. Winston?"

"Dad!"

"Winston!"

Winston opened his eyes with difficulty and saw Alyssa, Mandy, and Neil looking at him by his bedside.

"W-What time is it now?"

Alyssa's heart wrenched when she heard her father's frail voice. She held his icy hand firmly.

"It's almost noon. Winston, you haven't eaten breakfast, so you shouldn't skip lunch either. Your body will not be able to take it." Mandy looked at Winston's gaunt face painfully.

When Winston got up, his head was suddenly spinning. He collapsed to the ground.

"Winston!"

Sweat filled Alyssa's head. She quickly held his father's wrist, looking for a pulse.

She could sense her father's restlessness.

However, she wasn't Julien nor a neurologist.

She was skilled medically, but she specialized in surgical procedures. At this point, her hands were tied.

"Dad, you must go to the hospital now!" Alyssa frowned. Her voice was hoarse from the panic.

"I'm not going," Winston declined firmly.

"Then, cancel your board meeting!"

"No!" Winston pulled his hand away suddenly. He gritted his teeth, unwilling to resign. "I would crawl to that meeting if I have to!"

"Winston, listen to me!" Alyssa couldn't take it anymore. She reprimanded him like a mother would to her son, "Sitting up is laborious enough for you. Why are you still forcing yourself? Is it that important to show up at that crappy meeting?

"Is it more important than your health? Is it more important than your life?"

That aggressive reprimand shocked Mandy and Neil.

Alyssa was the only one in the whole of Belbanks who dared to address Winston this way.

"You brat! What do you know?"

Winston gathered his strength, but he broke into a sweat as he struggled. "The KS Group was in utter chaos when I was hospitalized the last time. The rumors were hard to take in.

"If I get hospitalized again, the KS Group wouldn't only be affected internally. All our competitors in the market would take this opportunity to snatch the resources that belonged to us, Taylors. It might cause more trouble than we can handle!"

"So, what? Let them take the resources if they want them. You can never make enough money."

"KS Group won't fall. As long as I'm here, no one will ever have the chance to snatch even a strand of hair from us. They can dream on!"

He wasn't obsessed with power. He wanted to work a few more years to lessen the burden on his children, so they were free to do whatever they wanted.

Then, they would never get back the carefree life they have now.

Alyssa was outraged.

Everyone said that it was a delight to have an elderly at home. However, Alyssa didn't think so.

It would be outrageous if she said it to Winston, too.

Mandy had a heavy and doubtful look on her face.

She had a hunch that Jameson's drugs were the cause of the changes in Winston's body.

However, Julien tested the drugs and confirmed that the drugs weren't poison.

So, were Winston's cold, headache, and lethargy side effects of the drug?

At this moment, there was a knock at the door.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1643-Neil walked over to open the door and received the shock of his life.

"Mr. Beckett?"

"Mr. Benton."

Jasper stood at the entrance coldly. He was panting, indicating that he had rushed here. "Is Uncle Winston and Alyssa in there? I brought the drugs."

When Alyssa heard his voice, she immediately got up and walked toward him.

An uncontrollable sense of longing surged in her heart.

"Jasper!"

Alyssa rushed into Jasper's wide embrace. The emotions she held in for so long had turned into tears and began streaming down.

Jasper eagerly stretched his sturdy yet shaky arms to hug her. His eyes reddened. "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting for so long, Alyssa. The wait wasn't in vain. I have the drugs."

He quickly reached into the pocket of his overcoat and retrieved a long box.

"There are six of them in here. It's more than what you received the last time.

This should cover Uncle Winston for a while, in case he needs it."

Alyssa took the box from him. Her heart was churning as she was overwhelmed by that gesture.

He didn't say much, but Alyssa knew how difficult it was to get his hands on the drugs. She wasn't concerned about the cost but was afraid Jasper used shameful means to get his hands on them, losing his dignity.

She would never be able to reconcile with the idea of that.

"Thank you, Jasper…" Alyssa clenched the box tightly as she felt like crying.

"Silly, you don't need to thank me. I would do anything for you."

Jasper smiled gently and took her hand. "Quick, give this to Uncle Winston."

"Wait!"

Mandy walked hurriedly to them with a frown on her face. "Thank you for your kind gesture, Jasper.

Lyse, I think let's not use this on your father for now."

"Why?" Jasper and Alyssa said at the same time.

"Haven't you realized how lethargic your father has been these days? He is sluggish and is no longer as energetic as he used to be."

An inexplicable heavy look was on Mandy's face. "A stroke is scary, but we know how his illness turned out this way. The drug may be able to elevate the symptoms temporarily, but it seems more like it is covering up the illness. Plus, we have no idea what the side effects would be.

"So, I'm suggesting to stop using the medication and observe his condition for now."

Jasper and Alyssa exchanged glances in shock.

"N-No, we can't stop the medication."

When Winston heard what Mandy said, he objected strongly as he got down from the bed with his forehead full of sweat.

After taking two steps, his legs couldn't support him anymore. Luckily, Carl was swift enough to hold him up.

Something was off!

He knew the changes in his body better than anyone else.

However, he had no choice.

"Lyse, something is wrong with Uncle Winston."

Jasper pursed his lips and murmured into Alyssa's ear, "I think Mrs. Taylor is right. Let's stop the medication for now."

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1644-"Dad, I'm not letting you go! You'd better stay here!" Alyssa flared up and blocked her father's way.

"How dare you! I'm your father. You have no right to tell me what to do. You are in no place to make decisions for the Taylor family."

Winston and Alyssa found themselves at a stalemate, unable to find common ground.

Mandy panicked and froze where she was.

It was the first time Jasper had experienced a situation like this after getting together with Alyssa. He didn't know how to comfort and how to mediate this argument.

"Dad, you…" Alyssa felt a sense of suffocation. She clenched her fists so hard that they'd turned pale.

"Alyssa, if you want to be a good daughter, please don't anger me anymore.

Please don't force me into this yelling match with you."

Winston had drenched his nightwear in sweat. Even panting took up a lot of his energy. The sight of his beloved daughter slowly turned blurry in his eyes.

"Please just let me do what I want this one time. Is it that hard?"

It was 1:30 pm.

Winston arrived at the KS Group building in the company of Neil, Alyssa, and Jasper.

Winston had changed into a smart-looking suit as if he had donned his armor, ready to engage in war. His energy now was a far cry from the feeble patient who struggled to even leave his bed just hours ago.

The effects of the medication were potent.

Jasper and Alyssa were worried. They followed Winston all the way to the entrance of the meeting room like parents sending their children off to school.

"Hey, Winston!"

They were unlucky to see the undaunted Dominic walking toward them.

A sharp glint flickered in Winston's eyes. He showed a composed smile.

"Dominic."

"How are you feeling, Winston?" Dominic walked in front of them and sized his brother up with concern.

In actual fact, he was prying.

"I've almost recovered completely. Thank you for asking." Winston stayed composed.

"Sigh, you don't need to be this courteous with me. We're at this age where illnesses are our best friends. Strokes are a tricky business. You must take good care of yourself!"

Then, Dominic noticed Jasper, who was standing behind. He was like a cold soldier, intimidating as ever.

Dominic was scared. Then, he remembered he was in the KS Group, not the Beckett Group. It was his territory, and he had his brother's support. He didn't need to be scared of Jasper.

So, Dominic looked at Jasper and smiled. "Are you joining us for the meeting, Mr. Beckett? Is the Beckett Group planning to join us as a shareholder?"

A grim glint flickered in Dominic's eyes. However, he had to know his place and not act out in front of Winston based on seniority. "Haha… I'm joking."

"If you become a shareholder, you could win brownie points with my brother and debunk the terrible rumor everyone is saying about you."

"Haha! Uncle Dominic, I thought you just had an outdated taste. I didn't realize how outdated the news you received was, too."

Alyssa felt like ripping Dominic to shreds, but she maintained her smile and stayed composed. "Even if you don't have working internet, it's not that hard to get more updated news from the television.

"Jasper is not an illegitimate child, but a pure blood of the Beckett family. After apprehending Sophia, Jasper had gotten the recognition he deserved.

As Jasper locked eyes with Alyssa, a warmth blossomed within his heart, spreading like a gentle flame.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1645-Winston frowned and coughed lightly. However, he didn't stop Alyssa.

The smile on Dominic's face slowly faded. He gritted his teeth hard.

Alyssa looked down, then slowly shifted her gaze from the bottom up. Her red lips curled into a contemptuous smile. "Also, I can't help but remind you, Uncle Dominic, when you attend an important event next time, please ask Renee to match your clothes for you. Red and green make you look like a walking Christmas tree."

Winston cleared his throat, hinting at Alyssa to stop.

Dominic, who was wearing a dark red suit with a dark green tie, froze.

After that debacle, Winston and Dominic entered the meeting room to start the meeting.

Alyssa and Jasper waited at Winston's office.

Alyssa lay horizontally on the couch and used Jasper's thigh as a pillow. She stared at Jasper's handsome face with thin lips and deep eyes. She was laughing hard.

"The memory of the horrified expression on Dominic's face when I unleashed my biting remarks fills me with pure delight."

Alyssa's laughter subsided, replaced by a flicker of indignation. "But I'm still seething! Dominic, that scheming bully believed he was untouchable with Dad by his side. He had the audacity to try and humiliate you. He's in for a rude awakening!"

"He should have picked someone his own size. Did he really think he could mess with my husband?"

A bright glint appeared in Jasper's dark eyes. He gripped Alyssa's hand. "Whose husband am I?"

Then, Alyssa finally regained her senses. Her silky smooth face had turned scarlet as she looked down.

Jasper sighed when he saw how embarrassed she was. As he was about to change the topic, he heard her say, "Mine."

Alyssa looked up slowly and stared into his gorgeous eyes. "You are mine."

Jasper's heart was pounding. He leaned toward her blushed face and touched the tip of her nose. His breath intertwined with her. "You are also mine."

However, before their lips could meet, Alyssa gently placed a finger on his mouth and glanced toward the camera in the top left corner.

"Don't. There's a camera here. Mr. Benton will check it every day. It would be embarrassing if he sees it.

Jasper agreed with her.

It was normal for couples to kiss, but they had to think twice about where they did it.

"Jasper, it's really difficult to procure this medication. Previously, Jonah and Julien went to inquire about it but returned in vain. How did you get it?" Alyssa asked after a brief hesitation.

Alyssa was shocked. "You went to see Justin? Was he the one who gave you the medication?"

Gratitude glimmered in Jasper's eyes. "Luckily, it ended well. It was delayed by a few days, but I still managed to get the medication."

Alyssa sat up abruptly. She stared at him doubtfully. He felt his hair stood on end by her stare.

"It has nothing to do with you."

Alyssa frowned. After contemplating briefly, she said, "I think something fishy is going on here."

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1646-"Fishy?" Jasper frowned.

Alyssa said, "It's completely normal for your brother to get his hands on the medication. He had been in Mosgravia for many years. One word from him can get Jesseltons to partner with the Beckett Group."

A dark look rested on Alyssa's face. "However, how did Jamiper get his hands on it?"

Jasper was caught off guard by the question.

"The Schmidt family abandoned him. He had built his life in Kontina since the beginning. Why would he have any connections in Mosgravia?"

Alyssa felt more unsettled the more she thought about it. "I have a wild theory.

I'm wondering if Jameson knew your brother or at least had met your brother before."

Jasper was about to object to her theory, but he remembered that Sheryl and Jameson had the same fragrance.

Drawing conclusions about Sheryl and Jameson knowing each other from this fact seemed premature. Nevertheless, doubts continued to nag at him.

Suddenly, hurried knocks echoed in the room.

Jasper and Alyssa exchanged glances and went to open the door quickly.

Winston's other secretary stood outside the door. It wasn't Neil, but this secretary was also a close confidant.

"Ms. Alyssa! Something happened!" The secretary appeared visibly anxious, his forehead drenched in sweat.

Alyssa's heart dropped. "Did something happen to my father?"

Jasper grabbed her by the waist and enveloped her in his arms to comfort her.

"Mr. Taylor is feeling unwell all of a sudden. Please follow me to the meeting room now."

"Winston! What's the matter with you? Winston!" Dominic, who sat closest to Winston, screamed at the top of his lungs, successfully attracting everyone's attention to Winston's swaying body.

Winston was steadying his shaky legs with both hands at the moment. He buried his head as his eyes were buzzing. His heart was pounding abnormally fast.

He didn't dare to lift his head. He could clearly sense that the muscles on his face were twitching uncontrollably. He was like a man suffering from Parkinson's disease.

The board members exchanged glances. They wanted to get a closer look at what was going on but were fearful to do so.

"Let's end the meeting here… for now," Winston drawled as he broke out in a cold sweat.

As he uttered the last two words, he felt a strange sensation enveloping his tongue, causing it to grow numb. His ability to speak clearly was slipping away.

"Winston, what is going on?"

"I'm fine. There's no need." Winston's eyes reddened. He pushed Dominic away, causing Dominic to stagger.

"I wouldn't want to trouble you, Dominic."

Neil quickly stepped in, creating a distance with Dominic using his body and helping Winston up.

"What is going on?" Dominic widened his eyes as he pointed at the lower part of Winston's body.

Everyone looked toward where he was looking at.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1647-Winston suddenly felt moisture seep from between his legs. Warm liquid trickled down his pants leg and to the floor.

Neil was stunned to his core. But he swiftly recovered and yelled out, "The meeting is over. All of you are dismissed immediately!"

Winston slowly looked down at the small puddle of water by his feet, mind blank.

He'd always lived his life proud and lustrous, never in such a pathetic and hideous state.

A great wave of shame consumed Winston, washing away the fear and pain from his illness. As the head of his family and company, he felt incredibly humiliated right now.

Just then, two rows of bodyguards filed into the room and got everyone out as soon as possible before securing the entrance.

Dominic sneakily pulled out his phone, wanting to record this humiliating moment. But before he could even start recording a video, pain shot through his wrist, making him release the phone.

Dominic yelped in pain, stumbling backward as he clasped his injured arm.

Standing in front of him was Jasper, who was now holding his phone and shooting him a death glare.

Jasper dropped Dominic's phone to the floor and stomped on it with his foot, breaking it.

"You… You!" Dominic exclaimed angrily, face flushed.

"Sorry. I wasn't paying attention," Jasper said coldly before kicking the shards of the phone away. "I'll have someone buy you a new one later."

"No need. It's just a phone. I'm not so petty," Dominic ground out angrily. Still, he decided to leave before he suffered any more losses. Before he left, he said coldly to Winston, "Take care of yourself, Winston. I'm sure you don't need my help anymore, what with all these people protecting you."

Dominic then swiftly left.

Jasper and Neil quickly helped Winston sit down. The latter held onto Winston's hand, tears falling down his cheeks. "Hold on, Mr. Winston. I've already called the medics over!"

"No. Don't call an ambulance." Winston was choked with shame.

"I understand! We need to make sure this news doesn't leak out. as much as possible!" Neil said.

Jasper understood why after seeing how pale Winston was, including the puddle of liquid on the floor. His heart pained as he saw Alyssa's father going through so much pain.

"Mr. Jasper! You." Neil's eyes widened with shock.

Thank you."

Meanwhile.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1648-Jasper and Alyssa took action separately. Jasper helped Neil take care of Winston while Alyssa gathered all the company directors aside from Dominic in a separate room to talk to them.

After all, this was something only Alyssa, the future heiress of KS Group and daughter of the Taylor family, was entitled to do.

The atmosphere in the room wasn't the best right now. The directors were continually grumbling and discussing amongst themselves.

These directors were prominent figures in Belbanks' business world who owned shares in KS Group. All of them had known Winston for more than two decades.

They obeyed and followed Winston's directions without complaint solely because he could help them earn a lot of money.

But what about Alyssa? As much as Winston doted on her, she was still an immature young woman. If anyone were to rise from the Taylor family, it had to be Jonah, who was the CEO of the company. So why was Alyssa rising to the occasion?

Sean had rushed over to Alyssa's side at her beck and call the instant he got wind of what transpired at the company. The two stood side by side as if returning to their old dynamic duo.

Alyssa sat at the head of the conference table, coldly observing all the old men around the table.

Sean angrily ground his teeth when he saw how disrespectful the directors were being toward Alyssa. "Ms. Alyssa, these old quacks are so annoying!"

Alyssa's eyes darkened before she said loudly, "Could I have a moment to speak?"

The directors continued bickering amongst themselves, ignoring her.

Alyssa's patience was already thin, given how worried she was for her father's illness. This was the last straw.

She raised her hand and heavily slammed it thrice on the conference desk.

All the directors jolted in shock at the loud noise.

"What is the meaning of this, Ms. Alyssa? Why did you call us here?"

"Yeah. We're very busy men with things to do!"

"And what happened with Mr. Taylor's illness? Hadn't he recovered already? It seemed like he was only getting worse. Is he able to manage the company if this continues?"

"Mr. Taylor even…"

Wet himself.

Fury consumed Alyssa as her heart ached.

Still, she maintained a cold, calm expression. "You've all been my father's close friends for several decades, helping him usher the company through thick and thin to make it what it is today.

"I'm sure your concerns stem from worry for my father and the company. I can sympathize entirely with this, and this is also while I have gathered you all here today."

Alyssa might be a woman, but she held an impressive and domineering presence. Her grace and strength surpassed even more than ten men combined.

The directors immediately quietened down, giving Alyssa temporary control of the situation.

The room was dead silent. Alyssa's words could not be clearer. It was an implied warning to certain unsatisfied parties.

Everyone else affirmed the sentiment.

"Yes, I know none of you would ever do that," Alyssa said, leaning forward and crossing her fingers together. "But I am a businessman, just like my father. We judge by actions, not words."

Alyssa then shot Sean a look.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1649-Sean nodded and took out a stack of documents from his briefcase before distributing them to the directors.

"A non-disclosure agreement?" The directors were shocked. Some of them felt insulted and asked, "What is the meaning of this, Ms. Alyssa? We're all close friends of your fathers and helped him build the company from scratch. Do you not trust us? Is this how you show your respect?"

Alyssa responded calmly, "Please don't misunderstand. I'm only doing this to protect my father, KS Group, and all your shares as much as possible. It has nothing to do with my respect for anyone. This NDA is just a safety precaution meant to keep those who mean harm in check.

"Not only are you all my father's business partners, you're also his friends. I trust none of you would do something to ruin my father's reputation. This agreement is a mere backup. Otherwise, there wouldn't be a need for contracts in the business world anymore, don't you agree?"

Alyssa had already spoken in a gracious and respectful enough manner. There was no reason for the directors not to sign the NDA unless they truly were the people who "meant to harm" as Alyssa had put it.

Soon, all agreements were signed.

Sean's brows furrowed before he whispered in Alyssa's ear, "Ms. Alyssa, Dominic Taylor isn't here."

"I know. Don't worry, we'll talk about him in a bit," Alyssa said, gaze sullen.

After collecting all the NDAs, the directors got up and left, no longer having the patience to speak to Alyssa any further.

"Since all of you have signed the agreement, let me remind you…" Alyssa swiveled in her chair, back facing the directors as she continued coldly, "…our company's board of directors have policies to follow. The most important one is that no directors can do anything that would harm KS Group in any way.

"The moment a director violates this rule, they will be dismissed from the board and never to rejoin. Am I clear?"

A weight settled in the directors' hearts upon hearing this. They quickly left the room without another word.

Silence soon filled the room once more.

Alyssa deflated in an instant, hands cupping her face.

She knew that her father would be alright with Jasper and Neil by his side. She'd give anything to go to her father's side right now.

But this was the first time something like this had happened—a crisis of this magnitude. This is something the Taylors had never experienced before. Alyssa had tried her best to compose herself, yet she was still anxious.

"Don't be scared, Ms. Alyssa," Sean said, crouching by her side as he consoled her. "We're all here for you. Mr. Winston and KS Group will both be okay!"

Alyssa took a deep breath and removed her hands, revealing her ashen face.

"Thank you for coming all the way, Sean."

"Nonsense!" Sean's eyes widened. "I'll always follow you loyally, no matter what happens!"

"If you still trust me and don't find me lacking compared to before, then please.

employ me as your secretary again."

Alyssa choked with gratitude.

"I know."

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1650-Alyssa marched fast, saying, "I purposely set up this trap for Dominic. All we have to do is for him to take the bait."

Sean was surprised. "What?"

"You don't really think that NDA is functional, do you?"

Alyssa's gaze was cold as she continued, "There's always a fly on the wall.

Even if Winston doesn't go to the hospital after this incident, news of it is still bound to spread. Dominic will naturally jump on this opportunity to strike now that he's seen it himself.

"If we want to get rid of him, we need to wait for him to take the first move. I can't retaliate if he doesn't strike first."

Sean immediately understood Alyssa's intentions. He gave her a thumbs up.

"Woah. You're really cunning, Ms. Alyssa. Oh, wait. I meant—you're a genius!"

Alyssa arrived at her father's side just as the medics left. Winston's condition had already stabilized.

His mental state, however, was in shambles.

"Have you told my family?" Alyssa's eyes were wet with tears as she stood in front of Jasper.

Jasper gently shook his head and pulled her into his arms, heart aching. "Even though they have to be notified of this sooner or later… I still think we should keep it quiet for now. Winston needs some rest. He's not in a good state right now."

Alyssa rested her forehead on Jasper's shoulder, fists trembling by her sides.

She was Winston's most loved daughter, and she was the one who knew her father best. Of course she knew just how much pain her father was going through.

"Have you dealt with the directors? If you need help, don't hesitate to ask me.

Don't take up all the pressure yourself," Jasper said earnestly.

"It has all been dealt with." Alyssa leaned weakly against him, sniffling.

"You're such an amazing woman, baby," Jasper said, kissing Alyssa's cheek as his heart pounded in his chest.

Yes, Jasper had to admit it. Alyssa was the only woman for him now. She was basically his wife at this point.

What is. going on with my father's body?" Alyssa asked worriedly as she rubbed her eyes.

"The medics came by just now, but they couldn't do much else besides stabilizing Winston's condition.

We'll need to get your father checked at the hospital, but… I'm afraid he doesn't want to go."

Alyssa grew frustrated. "Why is he still so proud? Is his pride more important than his life?"

Jasper clasped her trembling hand and said, "Honestly, given how your father has lived such a proud, respectable life for so long, you might be right."

Death before dishonor!

"This is not your fault, Jasper. Don't blame yourself." Alyssa caressed his face before going over to her father's side.

Winston was lying on the couch right now covered in a blanket, back toward them. He wasn't moving in the slightest bit.

Alyssa wanted to cry so badly.

Yet right now, Alyssa felt like her father had grown old.

He was silently curled into a ball like a sad old man.

"Winston. Hey, Winston."