Ch. 1691..1700

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1691-Axel's resolute words sent shivers down Silas' and Cyrus' spines.

When Axel made up his mind to be heartless, he would cut off his feelings.

Though he was wandering outside, he still harbored resentment toward Winston. It was enough to show how stubborn he was and how heartless he could be.

"Axel, there's no need to be so ruthless." Unexpectedly, Alyssa shook her head indifferently.

"As long as she shows remorse and is ready to break free from Jameson's control and join us, I won't make things difficult for her."

Axel looked surprised. "Lyse, are you saying—"

"If she's willing to switch sides and work with me, I'll gladly accept her and arrange a position for her in a subsidiary of KS Group. She won't have to live like that in The Millennium, selling herself."

This statement surprised even Jasper. "Lyse, do you really mean that?"

Silas frowned. "Although that woman helped Axel and provided us with this evidence, there's a chance this could be a trap set by Jamiper and her just to gain our trust. What if she acts as a double agent?"

"If that were the case, when Axel sneaked into The Millennium, she would have made it a bigger commotion and come out to mediate when necessary, pretending to help Axel. This way, she could have made Axel owe her a bigger favor.

"She wasn't trying to gain Axel's trust. She genuinely aimed to help him retreat safely. Providing him with this evidence regarding Josh was really her way of seeking the best possible way to handle the situation."

With that, Alyssa's eyes turned to Axel, her gaze becoming intriguing. "What Amber gave Axel was not only her sincerity. It was also a trump card in Jameson's hands. There's no need to take such risks if it was just to please him."

Axel remained expressionless, but a hint of complex emotion flashed through his eyes, imperceptible to the naked eye.

Cyrus carefully reviewed the information in his hand again and asked in confusion, "Most of the evidence has already been collected.

"Now that the internal power struggle within Schmidt Group is widely known, why doesn't Jameson release this evidence and directly crush Josh? Holding back like this seems to invite more trouble, doesn't it?"

Just as Alyssa was about to explain, Jasper spoke coldly, "Lyse said that this is Jameson's trump card. As the eldest son of the Schmidt family, Josh still holds a small share of the Schmidt Group, which is his only remaining value.

"Jameson wants to keep this last bit of leverage. At a critical moment, he'll force Josh to transfer the shares to him. It's the same tactic he used when dealing with David."

Alyssa smiled at Jasper, and her eyes were full of affection.

"Damn it! He always does things in the dark. No matter how high he stands with this power gained through underhanded methods, he'll still be despised and scorned," Silas spat out.

"So, we must not let Jamiper get what he wants." Alyssa smiled confidently.

"We do need to take action against Josh, not only to avenge Jonah but also to make Jameson's trump card into a useless card. We need to let him face the consequences of the trouble he caused."

Silas patted Axel's shoulder meaningfully. "Axel, for the sake of revenge, we'll have to rely on your charm."

Axel's sharp gaze softened slightly, and he smiled bitterly before leaving.

Jasper drew a bath in the bathroom while Alyssa lit scented candles and poured wine. At this moment, she received a call from Rose.

"Madam, how… have you been lately?" Rose asked cautiously, afraid of triggering her emotions.

"A lot is going on, but…"

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1692-When Jasper heard that, he couldn't help but smile. He was still not used to her calling him her husband, but he loved it nonetheless.

"Sigh… You have a husband now. I'll have to prepare two gifts from now on. It's going to be a big expense!" Rose pretended to sigh.

"Haha! You don't have to buy anything for him, just for me. Think of him as the free gift that comes with your purchase." Alyssa's laughter was clear and pleasant.

Rose laughed heartily. "Alright."

Jasper was completely speechless.

What? So he was just a free gift after all this time?

After a brief joke, Rose asked with concern, "Lyse, are you really okay? Is there anything I can help with? Don't hesitate to trouble me. I'll do my best to help you. I feel really sad when you keep things from me."

"Most things have been resolved now, and my father's condition has stabilized.

Jonah and Julien will take him to Mosgravia for further treatment soon. Thanks for your concern."

At the mention of Julien, Rose said, "Speaking of Julien, I still have the two sets of men's suits he had requested me to make. They've been ready for a long time, but he hasn't come to pick them up.

"I called him twice the other day. Once, his phone was off, and the other time, he didn't answer. I'm calling you this time to ask about his situation. He hasn't changed his mind, has he?"

"Jul asked you to make suits?" Alyssa was puzzled. Julien usually wore either casual clothes or a white coat. He didn't wear a suit.

Could it be…

"Well, I suspect, no, I'm sure these clothes should be for Jonah."

Rose was a top-notch tailor who had eyes like rulers. She could even estimate a person's measurements just by looking at them once.

"Several months ago, Julien came to me to make a man's suit. At that time, I realized that the measurements he gave were much larger than his own. I thought he was making it for his father.

"I even told him that if he was making clothes for an elderly person, the style was a bit too trendy. Now, thinking back… I'm really an idiot."

Alyssa couldn't help but laugh. "Now you know. My dear Jul is making clothes for his lover.

"Yes, yes. I'm sweating on my forehead."

Rose's tone was cheerful and excited. "Lyse, Julien and Jonah are really a perfect match. I was so excited after watching the news that night that I rolled around in bed all night long!

"By the way, I've already made up my mind. I'll personally make the wedding suits for Jonah and Julien when they get married, and I won't charge a penny."

Married?

Indeed, they were a perfect match.

"Okay, ma'am. I'll prepare some delicious food for you when you come over."

After ending the call, the bath water was also ready.

"Lyse, you go first. I'll go out and call Xavier to discuss some work."

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1693-The moment Jasper turned around, Alyssa grabbed his hand and looked at him with her beautiful eyes.

Her cheeks flushed with a tempting blush as she coquettishly asked, "Do you have to go now? Can you bear to have me bathe alone?"

on his hand bulge, subtly twitching.

"I can't bear to, but for the past two days, you haven't been sleeping well because of me. If we do it again tonight, I'm afraid your waist won't be able to handle it."

As soon as he finished his sentence, a glint appeared in Alyssa's eyes. With a gentle flick of her fingertips, the only bath towel left on her slender body slipped off completely.

In an instant, Jasper's breathing became heavy. His already weak willpower shattered at once.

He lowered his eyes and kissed Alyssa's soft lips passionately. While doing that, he unbuttoned the buttons of his shirt.

However, he only managed to unbutton one as he tore the rest open. Expensive crystal buttons fell into the misty bathroom like his shattered reason.

While kissing her, he lifted her and stepped into the large bathtub.

Alyssa hooked her arms around his neck, emitting a soft, delicate moan as she melted into his embrace.

Her slender fingers grasped the edge of the bathtub as she sank down and then floated up again.

Ripples layered upon layers. The scene was enchanting.

After a passionate exchange, Alyssa lay exhausted on the bed, deeply embraced by Jasper from behind.

"Do you dare seduce me again, you little enchantress?" Jasper buried his face in the nape of her neck, inhaling her fragrance.

"Are you blaming me?" Alyssa felt ticklish and shrank her neck. "It's all because you can't control yourself. You should train your willpower. Hmph!"

"You're so cruel. How could you bear to let a lion eat grass?" Jasper chuckled helplessly.

Alyssa turned over in his arms. When she faced him, she asked softly with a teasing tone, "Jasper, I said that if Amber is willing to join us, I'll take her in. You really don't mind?"

"As long as it's your decision, I don't mind."

"I knew it. You guys don't understand my thoughts." Alyssa sighed softly.

Alyssa nodded repeatedly.

"Jameson has Amber and Carl. They can be said to be his left and right-hand men. Carl is like Xavier to me, completely devoted, and there's no crack at letting us in.

Jasper was slightly taken aback. "Your… face?"

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 1694-Alyssa said, "I believe that Amber is a pawn Jameson prepared long ago. Even if not, he might have forcibly deprived her of her original face and turned her into me just to satisfy his despicable desires because he can't get me."

Alyssa trembled with anger in Jasper's embrace. "It's understandable if she became even more beautiful after the surgery. But who would willingly become someone else's substitute and lose their true self?

"Does she truly accept walking in the sunlight, only to be pointed at and called Alyssa Taylor? Do you know what that means? It means, in this world, that girl named Amber is dead even if she's still alive."

Jasper felt a chill run down his spine instantly.

"Now, she's secretly passing evidence to us through Axel. That's her act of rebellion. She's no longer willing to submit to Jameson and be a ridiculous stand-in."

"That makes sense. I've never thought of that, Lyse."

After pondering for a moment, Jasper suddenly asked with concern, "Do you think that Axel might develop feelings for Amber after their interaction?"

"No, Axel is even more immune to love than Jonah," Alyssa replied without hesitation.

"Jonah has been single for so many years because he likes men, while Axel is because of the nature of his profession.

"He told me before that in order to complete the tasks assigned by the organization, he has seduced 80, if not 100 women over the course of a year.

He's immune to love a long time ago."

"80?" Jasper was dumbfounded by the astonishing number. "Is Axel's body…

okay?"

"What are you thinking?"

Alyssa poked his forehead with her finger. "Axel sells his talent but not his body, okay? Anyway, don't worry. What you're worried about will never happen."

Early the next morning, Rose went out to buy groceries.

She returned to the kitchen in her studio while humming happily as she prepared meals and snacks for Alyssa.

As lunchtime approached, she was about to call Alyssa when her assistant rushed in.

"Ms. Emerson, there's a visitor."

"Do we have an appointment?"

"No."

"Did you just start working with me yesterday? My rule is no appointments, no meetings."

"What the hell? What kind of shrew is that?"

The assistant nodded reluctantly. Just as she was about to leave, Rose stopped her.

"Do you know who that woman is?"

"She said her name is Clarissa Sparks, the wife of the Schmidt family's eldest son."

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1695-When Rose got to her office, she found Clarissa standing stiffly, waiting for her.

"Are you Clarissa Sparks?"

At the sound of her name, Clarissa hurriedly rose to her feet. "Ms. Emerson."

Rose studied her with surprise. She had expected the matriarch of the Schmidt family to exude grace and authority, not the demeanor she encountered.

Clarissa only wore a simple white suit with her hair in a neat bun. Though her makeup was impeccably applied, it couldn't hide the exhaustion etched on her face.

"Ms. Sparks, please take a seat," Rose said, masking her initial resentment toward a meeting with a member of the Schmidt family. She decided to withhold her emotions and assess the situation first.

"Ms. Emerson, I apologize for this sudden visit, but I desperately need your help in designing an evening gown," Clarissa pleaded. "Money is no object. I can pay you double or even triple what others would offer. All I ask is for your expertise.

Please, I implore you!"

"Ms. Sparks, I am merely a designer. It seems excessive for you to beg," Rose remarked, noticing Clarissa's trembling hand as she held her cup. It was evident she was not in a stable state of mind.

Rose softened her tone. "Since establishing my workshop, I have always operated by appointment only. Making exceptions would disrupt our production schedule and compromise the quality of our work, which wouldn't be fair to our clients or our reputation. Therefore, I hope you understand—"

Before Rose could finish, Clarissa sank to her knees before her.

"What are you doing, Ms. Sparks?" Rose panicked and quickly went to pull her up.

As she pulled Clarissa up, Clarissa's sleeves slid up.

Rose unintentionally caught a glimpse of a few large bruises and bloody marks on her arm.

Rose's mind reeled from the shock.

As Rose witnessed Clarissa's distress, her thoughts drifted to her own past, where her mother endured humiliation to provide her with a better life. The haunting image of her abusive father flashed through her mind, a reminder of the pain her mother endured.

"I need to place an order for an evening gown. Only a masterpiece from you can surpass all others. Your designs would overshadow them all."

Clarissa shuddered. She wanted to cry, but she was without tears. "I won't get up until you agree to help me."

"Please don't do this. Get up, and we'll talk."

Clarissa gripped her hand tightly. Tears filled her reddened eyes. "Thank you…"

After dismissing her staff and assistant, Rose attended to Clarissa personally, carefully taking her measurements. Once done, she presented three evening gowns that she believed would suit Clarissa.

"How do you find these three options, Ms. Sparks? If none are to your liking, I can certainly offer more selections," Rose offered.

Clarissa hesitated briefly before she walked into the fitting room.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1696-Innumerable memories flooded Rose's mind like relentless nightmares, leaving her heart in turmoil. She made her way to the fridge, retrieved a chilled bottle of water, and drank it all, hoping to quell the unrest within her.

At this moment, a thud emanated from the fitting room, jolting Rose. Hastily, she approached and rapped on the door, concern evident in her voice. "Ms. Sparks, is everything alright? Ms. Sparks?"

No one responded. Rose felt something was off and barged into the fitting room.

"Ms. Sparks!"

Clarissa had fainted, her upper body exposed. Clarissa's back was covered with bruises and scabs formed by old injuries.

Rose was stunned for two seconds before she swiftly took off her coat to cover Clarissa's body. Then she carried her up.

"Ms. Sparks, wake up!"

As Clarissa gradually regained consciousness, Rose's relief was palpable, yet her concern lingered. "How did you get these injuries, Ms. Sparks?"

Avoiding Rose's probing gaze, Clarissa turned away, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Are you being abused? Did Josh do this to you?" Rose's eyes blazed with fury, their depths tinged with scarlet intensity.

"Ms. Emerson, this is a private matter. Please don't ask."

Clarissa struggled to get up. She frantically wore her clothes. "I will transfer the money to you shortly. I will ask my assistant to collect the gown from you. Sorry for the trouble!"

As Clarissa prepared to flee, Rose's voice cut through the air, "Ms. Sparks, domestic abuse isn't a singular event—it recurs, relentlessly haunting its victims.

You understand more than anyone the anguish and torment you've endured all these years.

"Are you truly willing to spend the rest of your life with that pretentious bastard?

No matter how much you endure, your body will inevitably falter under the strain. Are you resigned to the possibility of meeting your end at his hands one day?"

"Then, what am I supposed to do? Do I have a choice?"

Clarissa finally broke down, unleashing the pent-up hatred she had suppressed for so long. "I'm barely clinging to life as it is. If I fight back, I'll only end up dead." "Bullshit!" The domestic violence had struck a nerve in Rose. She shrieked, "You will end up dead if you don't retaliate! Ms. Sparks, it's still not too late for you. As long as—"

Before she could finish, the door slammed shut, cutting her off.

Rose's features hardened, her body tensing with suppressed fury as an unsettling idea took root in her mind.

Just as Clarissa's car made its way out of the studio, a sleek luxury vehicle swept in. Disregarding the marked parking areas, it brazenly parked sideways in front of the studio, demonstrating utter arrogance and a disdain for the rules.

She was Jamie Emerson, Rose's sister from another mother.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1697-"Haha! You've got a point, Mom!" Jamie furrowed her well-trimmed brows. "But I still don't get why we didn't hire a top-notch designer for my wedding gown. Why settle for this woman's help? It's ridiculous."

"Ah, my dear daughter, there's more to it than meets the eye."

Lydia held Jamie's arm and said seriously, "Your father's success in business stems from his ability to allocate resources wisely from a young age.

"Having Rose design your wedding dress serves several purposes. Firstly, it would be a waste not to utilize her skills. Secondly, it's a subtle way for your father to assert his authority over her. She needs to understand her place in the Emerson family.

"She may be an Emerson, but she would always be beneath you. She would have to suck up to you for the rest of her life."

With a meticulously crafted plan in mind, Lydia and Jamie made their way through the entrance.

"Hi, do you have an appointment?" The assistant approached them.

"Appointment? What for? This little establishment is not that upscale. No need for formalities." Jamie sneered and rolled her eyes.

The assistant frowned, her demeanor turning frosty. "Ms. Emerson doesn't entertain unannounced guests. Madam Clarissa from the Schmidt Group was turned away earlier because she didn't have an appointment."

Lydia and Jamie exchanged surprised glances. They couldn't believe someone from the Schmidt Group would come to Rose's shop to custom-make their clothes.

Though the Emersons held some social sway, they paled in comparison to the Schmidts, one of the four great families.

"Ahem… We're Rose's family. Kindly inform her that her relatives are here to see her. She'll surely come down to greet us." Unable to meet Rose, Lydia was forced to reveal her identity.

"Huh? If that's the case, I'm afraid I can't let you in."

The assistant regarded them icily. "I've worked for Ms. Emerson for many years, and I know her like the back of my hand. Ms. Emerson mentioned that her mother is the only living relative she has. The rest of her family has passed away."

Lydia's expression darkened instantly.

"Passed away? How could that bitch say that?" Jamie's rage boiled over, and she hurled an insult at Rose.

A sudden chill crept up their spines, accompanied by the relentless echo of imposing footsteps drawing closer.

Lydia and Jamie shuddered and whirled around.

Approaching them was an imposing man in a dark uniform, his sharp gaze fixed upon them.

Jamie stared at him blankly, momentarily transfixed. Her heart raced uncontrollably as if it might leap from her chest. He was so strikingly handsome that she felt an inexplicable urge to scream.

Alas, there would always be someone more superior.

"And who might you be?" the assistant asked, puzzled.

Silas glanced at Jamie, who had just cursed Rose, with a cold stare.

Lydia trembled and instinctively pulled Jamie closer.

Silas added, "Please take care of your business first. Once you're finished, attend to my needs. I'm in no rush."

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1698-The assistant was taken aback by Silas' demeanor. However, interpreting his nonchalant attitude as that of a typical client coming to collect his garments, she proceeded with her duties.

"Jamie, what's gotten into you? You're practically ogling. Pull yourself together!"

Lydia chided, tugging Jamie's arm.

"Mom! Look at that man. He is so handsome! I've never seen such a pretty face in my life," Jamie gushed, her excitement palpable.

"Enough of that. You're a woman of means; act like it. No matter how handsome he may be, he's still just a man," Lydia scolded, though she couldn't help but steal glances at Silas.

Something about him seemed familiar, and his icy gaze sent shivers down her spine.

As the assistant pondered how to handle the situation, the crisp click of high heels echoed from the staircase.

"Are you two quite finished?"

Silas turned his attention to Rose, who had just arrived. His eyes narrowed as he observed the aggression emanating from her demeanor.

"Mom, that bitch is here!" Jamie exclaimed, her expression twisted with disgust and hostility.

Jamie, as the legitimate daughter of the Emerson family, felt deeply unsettled by the impact Rose, the illegitimate daughter, had on the former's relationship with their father, George Emerson.

Rose surpassed Jamie in various aspects. Not only was Rose exceptionally beautiful, but she also possessed remarkable talent. Excelling academically and displaying exemplary character from a young age, Rose rose to become the most esteemed fashion designer in the country.

If Rose hadn't been burdened by her mother's criminal past, George wouldn't have treated her with such coldness and distance. Rose might have even married into the prestigious Dalton family from Northuis instead of Jamie.

As Rose approached Lydia and Jamie, each step felt as heavy as lead.

Upon reaching the bottom, her gaze fell upon Silas, seated with an air of effortless elegance. His charming eyes captivated her, causing her heart to flutter uncontrollably, just as it always did in his presence. Yet, despite her undeniable attraction, Rose knew she could never act upon her feelings.

The arrival of Lydia and Jamie felt like the striking of midnight, a cruel reminder for Rose to awaken from her Cinderella dream.

Despite her deep affection for Silas, Rose harbored a secret hope that he would find a more suitable partner for himself—one without the burdensome background, family, and past that plagued her.

Lydia's eyes burned with hatred as she observed Rose's remarkable success.

Her anger simmered beneath the surface, threatening to boil over.

"Lydia, I am working right now. We can talk after work," Rose uttered, her voice strained with forced composure.

Silas remained a silent observer on the sidelines, rendering Rose unable to unleash her pent-up frustrations on Lydia and Jamie. She grappled with the thought of revealing her family's inner turmoil, especially considering how it might affect her standing in Silas and Alyssa's eyes.

Rose had fought tooth and nail to rise from the depths of the slums to her current position, and she was determined never to return to square one and endure the scorn of others.

Silas noticed the grim look on Rose's face. Yet, he remained calm.

Lydia, however, was seething with outrage. Finally laying eyes on Rose, she spewed forth a venomous tirade. "Rose, you may be a renowned designer now, but your arrogance and temper have worsened over time.

"You have changed. You used to try to appease us when you and your mother were still living with the Emersons."

"Mom, you're saying it in such a roundabout way. Does Rose even understand?

Let me make it clear to her," Jamie interjected, her tone dripping with malice as she glanced at Silas, igniting a sense of malicious competitiveness within her.

She inched closer to Rose. "Rose, you have to always remember that you are an illegitimate daughter of the Emerson family."

Silas, holding a cup, tightened his grip as his heart panged with ache. Sensing Rose's discomfort, he averted his burning gaze, fearful of adding to her distress.

The assistant seethed with humiliation, but understanding their relationship with Rose, she bit back her anger.

Each insult pierced Rose's heart like a knife, particularly in front of the man she loved. It was a brutal assault on her most vulnerable side.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1699-Silas remained silent.

Rose couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze, her heart aching with an intensity that made her wish for it to cease beating altogether.

No one would be able to accept her, even someone as understanding and perceptive as Silas.

After an agonizing stretch of tense silence, Rose summoned the strength to plaster a strained smile on her face.

"Yes, I am the illegitimate daughter, the product of George's affair. Our family is a complete mess, our drama both entertaining and scandalous!"

She turned her attention to Jamie, her voice tinged with defiance. "Jamie, you're on the verge of marrying into the Dalton family, aren't you? When I meet my new brother-in-law, rest assured I'll enlighten him about the Emerson family's true colors. Perhaps then, we can find common ground."

Lydia and Jamie were left dumbfounded by Rose's audacity. With each forced laugh, their fury only intensified.

Rose had made everything worse!

"Tell me, what brings you to visit this illegitimate daughter you seldom acknowledge?" Rose's tone dripped with sarcasm as she arrogantly checked her watch. "Hurry up, my time is valuable."

Lydia ground her teeth, struggling to contain her anger. "Jamie is about to become engaged. Your father expects you to create two gowns for her."

"I'm sorry, but my schedule is fully booked for the next few months. I simply don't have the time."

Lydia's icy glare bore into Rose. "Rose, are you going against your father's orders?"

Rose fearlessly replied, "It doesn't matter. Even if the president comes, I won't do it."

Jamie was livid. "You!"

"Lydia, do you take me for a fool?"

Rose, towering over Lydia, regarded her with a mixture of disdain and defiance.

"You and your daughter humiliated me just seconds ago, and mere seconds later, you dare to ask me for a favor? I can't believe the extent of your shamelessness."

"You disrespectful wretch! You've crossed the line!"

Lydia was unable to contain her rage any longer. With eyes reddened with fury, she raised her arm intending to deliver a slap across Rose's face.

Rose's muscles tensed, ready to defend herself, when a sharp gust of wind suddenly sliced through the air. Then, a sharp, echoing smack reverberated throughout the space.

"Ah! It hurts!" Lydia cried out in pain, her forehead glistening with sweat as she clutched her throbbing wrist.

The sound of something shattering echoed through the room as a cup fell to the ground after it thwarted Lydia's attempt to strike Rose.

"Mom, are you okay?" Jamie was scared out of her wits.

Lydia's hand trembled in pain. "Who did this?"

"Me."

A voice, firm and unwavering, rang out.

Rose looked up abruptly. Her heart felt heavy as tears swirled in her eyes.

There was no disgust or disdain in his eyes, only genuine concern for her wellbeing.

As Jamie watched Silas' intense gaze fixed upon Rose, whom she considered to be an eyesore, a pang of jealousy twisted her stomach.

"Did you just hit me? Who do you think you are?" Lydia's voice trembled with anger and fear as she confronted the intimidating Silas.

"Then, who do you think you are to strike her?"

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1700-Rose stood behind Silas, her heart initially unsettled. Her lips were pressed thinly together.

However, she nearly broke into a smile after hearing Silas' remark.

Silas possessed a formidable ability to dismantle a convict in court and ruthlessly exploit someone's vulnerabilities with his words.

"Nonsense! I've never had my face done!" Lydia retorted, hastily covering her stiffened face, a mix of shame, anger, and guilt consuming her.

Silas shook his head. "It's not your fault for aging, but it's not right to run around scaring people off with that face either."

Lydia seethed with outrage, feeling her blood boil at his audacity.

"Who are you to Rose?" Jamie interjected, clinging to her mother and demanding an answer.

"Who am I to Rose?" Silas mused, touching the inside of his cheek with his tongue before turning to Rose with a serious expression. "Ms. Emerson, she wants to know my role in your life."

Rose met his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest.

"If you don't say anything, then I'll take the liberty of calling myself your boyfriend," Silas announced with a wide smile, a gentle glint in his eyes.

"What?" Lydia's and Jamie's jaws dropped.

How could this sophisticated man be Rose's boyfriend?

Rose's cheeks flushed instantly. She looked down shyly, afraid to look at him.

Silas' expression softened as he reached for her cold hand, intertwining his fingers with hers.

"I didn't intervene when you were bullying Rosie earlier because I wanted to witness the extent of your cruelty and shamelessness. I wanted to see just how low you could stoop," Silas remarked coolly, his demeanor exuding a chilling presence.

"And you didn't disappoint me. It's truly eye-opening to see both of you devils in action," he added, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Rosie?

Rose blinked away the moisture from her eyes, feeling a warmth spreading in her chest.

Lydia gritted her teeth. "This concerns only the Emersons. I don't think this has anything to do with you."

"Rosie is mine, so that makes her problems mine as well.." Silas rubbed his cheeks, his gaze sharp enough to deter anyone from meeting it directly.

"Sir, my mother has never spoken an untruth about her."

Jamie erupted, hurling accusations at Rose once more. "She's the illegitimate offspring of the Emersons. Her mother seduced my father and bore her out of wedlock. Unable to secure her position, she birthed this wretch behind my father's back.

"Then, in desperation, her mother brought her to us for protection. We embraced her as family, but Rose, despite our kindness, turned her back on us after gaining some fame for herself. She wouldn't even deign to design a gown for me!

"She wouldn't even be here if not for us Emersons. If my father hadn't taken them in, Rose and her mother would have perished on the streets."

Rose's eyes blazed crimson, her breaths labored while Silas sneered with contempt.

"What does any of this have to do with my Rosie?"

Jamie was stunned.

Silas fixed his gaze on Rose, his eyes darkened with understanding.

"If you possess an iota of dignity, leave my presence. Otherwise, I'll ensure you lose even that."