Ch. 1701..1710

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1701-Jamie exclaimed, "They managed to scare us off. How embarrassing and humiliating!"

"You're kidding, right? It'd be even more embarrassing to stick around any longer," Lydia countered as she suppressed the pain in her wrist.

Lydia then retrieved her phone, opened the browser, and found a picture of Jonah Taylor, the president of KS Group.

Jamie peered over her shoulder. When she saw the picture, she gasped, "Isn't this the guy we saw earlier? He's the president of KS Group!"

Lydia's eyes darkened as she gazed at the picture, feeling beads of sweat forming.

Initially, the man had seemed familiar, but she couldn't place him. Then, as she left through the exit, it clicked—he was one-half of the gay couple that had recently made headlines.

"That can't be right. The president of KS Group is gay. How could he also be the one claiming to be Rose's boyfriend? They just bear a striking resemblance."

"You're right. That bitch couldn't be so lucky as to date a Taylor."

Jamie, visibly shaken, attempted to reassure herself. She murmured, "But they look so alike. Anyone would have thought they were brothers."

Rose returned to her office, clutching her chest while her other hand frantically searched her drawer for nitroglycerin pills. She found them, poured out a dose, and swallowed them hastily.

Silas entered the office behind her, noticing her continued distress even after taking the pills. His heart went out to her, feeling a pang of sympathy.

With her back to him, Rose's once proud posture now slumped slightly. She slowly tightened her grip on her chest, the strain evident in her movements.

"You… saw everything."

Silas pursed his lips, his gaze turning somber.

"That's my family… I hail from a cheap and lowly background. What's the point of a fancy designer title anyway? It can't scrub away the stains of my past. You must be really let down, huh? Well, now that they're gone, you don't have to pretend for my sake anymore."

Before Rose could finish speaking, she felt a warm, reassuring presence enveloping her from behind.

Without knowing what came over him, Silas expressed his affection by pulling her into a firm embrace.

Initially resistant, Rose soon found herself yielding to the comforting embrace, her body craving the closeness.

"Who said I was pretending?" Silas murmured, his warm breath brushing against her ear.

His voice was hoarse as he added, "I've never been more sincere with you."

Silas' eyes reddened as he spoke softly, coaxing her, "You've misunderstood me. Let me explain."

"I don't want to hear it."

"It's not that I didn't want to help. I wanted to beat that bitch up when she started throwing insults at you."

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1702-Silas tightened his arms around her as he spoke as if fearing she might escape him.

A warm blush crept up Rose's chest, a pleasant tingle settling in her heart. Her voice dipped to a playful whisper, more of a tease than a scold. "Well, at least you know you're being sneaky."

"Rosie." Silas couldn't tear his gaze away. A captivating blush painted Rose's pale face as he murmured, "Well, you're just as cunning. You're the sneak who's stolen my heart."

Rose found herself at a loss for words.

She remembered listening to Alyssa chatter about her family and Silas. He had such a handsome face. Yet, he was so dense and cheesy that it raised concerns for him.

It seemed Alyssa was right.

Silas noticed her sudden silence and fell into a surge of panic. He turned her to face him. "Are you still upset with me?"

"Silas Taylor."

Silas' panic intensified at the sound of Rose addressing him by his full name.

Unconsciously, he swallowed hard.

"I am an illegitimate daughter of the Emerson family. I am a disgrace. Even the Emersons would come to me and cause trouble. I have no peace. I don't deserve you. It'll only be harder for you if you stay by my side."

It felt as though she was tearing a piece of her heart away with each word uttered. "You deserve better."

Rose continued, "There are plenty of reasons why you might feel this way about me, and perhaps one of them is because your emotions stem from a desire to protect me—a misplaced sense of sympathy.

"But once the initial rush fades, you'll see what I see—love is fleeting and nothing but trouble. You come from a good place, and even if you don't need someone of equal standing, you deserve a well- educated woman with a respectable family background.

"My life… it's forever marked. Today was just a glimpse, a mere whisper of the darkness I carry."

Beneath the icy veneer of a renowned designer, Rose harbored a wellspring of bitterness and insecurity. Her extravagant creations were a carefully crafted facade, a shield to deflect from the vulnerability beneath.

Despite her prestigious Emerson name, Rose felt adrift, a life without roots. She could never bring herself to proclaim her lineage.

Though she wasn't blind to Silas' good qualities or the depth of his love, a relentless sense of unworthiness gnawed at her.

Clarity, however painful, was necessary. She couldn't bear the thought of a future where Silas' feelings waned or a future where their love faced an insurmountable societal backlash.

To avoid the inevitable heartbreak, she would rather not start it at all.

"I've known about your background for quite some time."

Her avoidance stung, but he pressed on, "So what, Rose? It doesn't change a thing. I see you, all of you. And I still want you in my life."

A tremor ran through Rose, shattering her composure. "Silas, is this some kind of prosecutorial harassment? You've investigated me?"

"I just wanted to know the real you!" Silas panicked and held her shoulders forcefully.

"Rose, do you honestly think I have nothing better to do than pry into your life? It was about getting closer to you, truly. All of this with the hope of winning your heart and earning a place by your side!

"I understand your concerns, but they're unfounded. You're Lyse's best friend.

She's incessantly badgered me about making you her sister-in-law.

A fresh wave of ache washed over Rose, constricting her heart. Squeezing her eyes shut, she shook her head. Her hands pressed against his chest, forcefully pushing him away.

"Dr. Lovelace is the second in line to helm the Lovelace Group, and Jasper is the president of the Beckett Group. They're royalty compared to me. There's a world of difference. Don't waste your time on me anymore."

Rose was truly obstinate, and she was getting on Silas' nerves.

Frustration flickered across Silas' face, reddening his face. He took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1703-Rose's body stiffened, feeling as though a sharp ice blade had pierced her heart, plunging her into agony.

"Okay," she complied, her trembling hand slipping into the pocket of her coat.

Slowly, she extracted the badge, gripping it tightly in her palm, then turned around.

At that moment, Silas gazed at her gloomily, extending his hand toward her.

Rose pressed her lips together into a thin line as she placed the badge in his palm. Just as she attempted to retract her hand, Silas seized it, pulling her forcefully into his embrace.

Caught off guard, Rose collided with Silas' chest. He couldn't resist holding the small of her back, sealing her lips fiercely with a fiery kiss. Deepening the embrace, a sense of possessiveness lingered between their entwined lips.

Rose's thoughts scattered, and her mind seemingly zapped. She responded to his passion, wrapping her arms around him and returning the kiss with equal fervor.

After what felt like an eternity of kissing, Silas reluctantly pulled away, holding her chin gently with his fingertips as he smiled. "You were so pale earlier. Did I frighten you? Were you afraid I was truly going to leave? That I truly desired it back?"

"No," Rose croaked, tears glistening in her eyes. "When did you become so confident? Did you learn from Lyse to be this bold?"

Silas sighed affectionately and helplessly, enveloping her in his embrace.

"Extraordinary… who cares? It wouldn't matter to me. You're the one I want in my life. You're the best thing a man could ever wish for."

At that moment, Silas' unwavering determination shattered all of Rose's doubts and hesitations.

"Rosie, be my girlfriend."

Silas' eyes sparkled with genuine sincerity. "Let me be the one to love you, to cherish you, to hold you safe. Let me help you rediscover what you deserve.

Please, Rose, give me a chance."

Silas ran out of romantic things to say. These few sentences marked the extent of his eloquence.

Rose could no longer contain the storm of emotions within her. With tears flowing down her face, she gave a gentle nod.

With that, Silas' world lit up. He tenderly stroked her nape once more before pulling her into a deep, passionate kiss.

Alyssa was stuck handling work matters with Jonah, which meant she couldn't meet Rose in Solana City. So, she tasked Silas with picking up the suit.

While retrieving the suit was important, her main motive was to create an opportunity for Silas and Rose to meet.

Even if there were a spark between them, their current situation wouldn't allow them to see each other. How could their relationship possibly blossom under these circumstances?

"Phew, I'm beat," she sighed, collapsing weakly into Jasper's arms like a robot running low on power. "Why is there so much to do? No one in their right mind could handle Jonah's workload."

Jasper, clearly charmed by her confident spirit, planted a kiss on her forehead.

"There's no one quite like you, Lyse. You're the best, the queen bee. Why don't I just hand Berenike Hotel over to you? You'd breathe new life into it."

"Hmm… I don't think so," Alyssa replied thoughtfully. "I know you're estranged from your father, but let's not push it too far."

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1704-Alyssa waved dismissively. "If I take the hotel, it would definitely strain your relationship with your father. I wouldn't want that on my conscience."

Jasper ran a hand over her head, torn between amusement and exasperation.

"Any news from Silas? Did he meet Rose yet?" Alyssa's voice bubbled with excitement. "Don't tell me they succumbed to their desires and got busy with some 'adult activities.'" She squirmed playfully in his arms.

Jasper, however, took her inappropriate thoughts seriously. "In broad daylight?

Highly unlikely. Besides, it's Silas' first date. Doubt he'd be that… bold, would he?"

"Oh, Silas is plenty daring," Alyssa countered. "It's that stuffy prosecutor uniform that's holding back his wild side."

With a playful grin, she flipped them over, pinning him beneath her. Her fingertip as a guy knows his surroundings when he's turned on, right? Can men even tell time down there?"

Jasper swallowed hard, his gaze deepening. Deeply smitten, he interpreted Alyssa's words as a clear invitation. His hand, seemingly of its own accord, began a slow ascent up her thigh.

The burgeoning sexual tension was abruptly shattered by the shrill ring of Alyssa's phone.

She answered, draping her arm around his neck. "Silas, finally! Did you meet Rose?"

"Lyse, get Jasper and come outside. We're right here."

Walking out of Heightsnew Villa, hand-in-hand, their eyes widened in shock at the sight before them.

Under the scorching sun, Silas tenderly held Rose close, their lips meeting in a fervent kiss, oblivious to everything around them.

Alyssa couldn't contain her excitement and let out a joyful shriek.

Alyssa's shrieks shattered the tender moment. Rose, flushed crimson, immediately pushed Silas away.

Feeling Alyssa's hand quiver with excitement, Jasper gave it a squeeze. "Calm down. Seems you've startled Rose a bit."

"I can't help it! A new sister-in-law!" Alyssa squealed as she punched Jasper's chest playfully.

Silas was not shy at all. He strolled toward them, hand in hand with Rose.

"Lyse, let me formally introduce her." He turned to Rose, his gaze lingering with affection. "This is your brand new sister-in-law, Rose Emerson."

Rose's cheeks, already rosy, deepened to a breathtaking crimson. "I-I'm not quite sure about that," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

Undeterred, Alyssa beamed. "Hi, Rose! Your official sister-in-law, reporting for duty!" she declared with a mock salute.

Jasper, quick to respond, said, "Hello, my dearest sister-in-law, and congratulations, Silas! Lyse and I will be eagerly awaiting our wedding invitation."

Silas grinned, pointing at Jasper in approval. "You're quite the rascal," he chuckled.

In that instant, Silas found himself growing more accepting of Jasper as his brother-in-law.

Rose, feeling flustered, couldn't lift her gaze. "Madam, please, stop teasing me,"

she murmured.

Alyssa interjected with a grin, "I've told you, Rose, you're bound to be my sisterin-law eventually. Resistance is futile."

Rose felt her eyes welling up with tears at his words.

Everyone admired her talent, but she felt her personality held her back. Despite her gifts, most people didn't quite hold her in high regard.

Apart from Alyssa, Silas was the second person who loved and respected her.

She never knew someone like her could be loved too.

Being loved was such a happy feeling.

"Since you're here, give a tour of our house to Rose, Silas," Alyssa chirped. She couldn't wait to introduce Rose to everyone in her family.

He elaborated, "Rose and I came to see you because Rose has something important to tell you."

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1705-Dinnertime arrived, and the four of them were famished. To celebrate Silas and Rose's newfound romance, they decided to visit Belbanks' most renowned local restaurant.

Jasper took the wheel while Alyssa sat next to him in the front passenger seat.

They allowed Silas and Rose to claim the backseat. After all, they just got together. It was understandable that they would be all over each other.

Alyssa and Jasper, however, couldn't help but avoid the rearview mirror. The only sounds reaching them were occasional smacks.

"Ouch, Rosie," Silas winced, rubbing his hand. "Can you be a little lighter? I am your husband, you know." His playful tone made it clear he wasn't bothered by their audience.

Despite the playful pain, his affection was evident.

"Whose permission did you think you had to let your hands wander like that?

Quite bold of you, isn't it?"

Silas tightened his embrace around Rose's waist, sending a warm flush creeping up her cheeks. As Rose nestled against his chest, a wave of captivation washed over him, deeper than before.

The man hugged Rose rightly by her waist. Her face was blushed. A sweetsmelling lady was glued to his chest; it was undeniably captivating.

"Besides, you're my boyfriend, not my husband."

"Is there a difference? Are you saying there's a chance for someone else if I don't behave?" Silas' warm breath tickled her ear as he squeezed her waist.

Rose playfully challenged him, tilting her chin up. "We'll see about that, mister. It might not be you if you keep this up."

"I dare you, Rosie."

Silas leaned in and kissed Rose fervently, parting her lips with his tongue, and enveloping her in his embrace.

Rose was taken aback and flushed with embarrassment. Though she considered pushing him away, Silas' passionate kiss left her unable to resist.

She averted her gaze, her fingers trembling as they curled around his necktie.

With a soft tug, their tongues danced together with increasing intensity.

Silas whispered in her ear, "You can't think about anyone else. It's only me in your future.

Though meant as a jest, Silas couldn't shake off the possessive fury burning in his eyes.

Only God could comprehend the sting of jealousy that Silas felt as he watched the intimacy between Jasper and Alyssa, or the flirtatious exchanges between Jonah and Julien.

Even in his dreams, Rose's face haunted him, turning his desires into lustful fantasies.

Now that he had won her heart and tasted the sweetness of their relationship, he yearned for her intensely, feeling addicted to her presence. He was unwilling to be away from her for even one second. As Silas and Rose kissed passionately, Alyssa and Jasper remained silent, not daring to turn their heads or speak.

Arriving at the restaurant's basement parking, Jasper let out a long sigh, his forehead glistening with sweat.

"You're sweating buckets," Alyssa remarked, wiping his face with a tissue from her purse. "I told you, my brother looks serious on the surface, but lustful within.

By day, he was a normal man. But by night, he was like an animal on the heat."

"Both of you are definitely siblings, alright. Only you would dare to say this because you're his sister."

Jasper grabbed her hand and placed it on his chest. "However, I understand how Silas feels.

"Back then, when you chose to accept me once again, I was overwhelmed with joy," Jasper confessed. "I could only think about…"

"Hush! Stop it!"

The luxurious private room overflowed with an array of mouthwatering dishes.

Rose laughed heartily as she filled Silas' plate as if treating him like a child.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1706-Alyssa said, "Silas, you're stuffing yourself silly! Rose hasn't even taken a bite because she is busy taking care of you. Is this how you care for her?"

Alyssa savored the prawns and fish Jasper had prepared for her. Her eyes widened. "Silas, if you mistreat Rose in any way, I'll introduce her to Liam, Axel, and Cyrus. We'll see if you can still eat like that then!"

Silas choked, sputtering in terror, nearly dropping his plate.

Rose blushed and patted his back gently. Then, she offered him her water.

"Madam, please stop teasing me."

"R-Rose, cough. I'm sorry," Silas stammered, quickly putting some food on Rose's plate. His face flushed red, on the verge of tears. "It's my first time being a boyfriend. Please don't be mad I haven't been taking care of you. Give me some time. I'll learn, slowly… no, quickly, as fast as I can!"

Rose, slightly embarrassed, pursed her lips. She playfully poked his chest.

"There's no rush, Silas. We have plenty of time."

Alyssa and Jasper exchanged a smile.

The Taylors were a large family with many siblings. Each had their own specialty and personality. However, one thing united them—they were hopeless romantics.

After dinner, Rose resolved to disclose the purpose of her visit to Alyssa.

"Madam," Rose began seriously, "guess who came to my workshop today?"

"Who?"

"Josh's wife, Clarissa."

Alyssa and Jasper were both shocked to hear that. "Why was she at your workshop?" they asked in unison.

"She wants me to design an evening gown for her."

Rose frowned as fear lingered within her. "But that wasn't the point. You won't believe how she had reacted.

"She knelt before me and wept when I informed her that I only accept appointments and don't have ready-made items available. All because she wanted an evening gown on the spot!"

Alyssa widened her eyes in disbelief.

Silas gazed at Rose with admiration, resting his face on his hand. "Rosie, even the matriarch of the Schmidt family bowed to you. You're truly incredible. I love it."

Silas seemed to have entirely missed the gravity of their conversation. Rose restrained the urge to roll her eyes at him. He was nothing like the assertive and persuasive prosecutor she knew.

"Haha, it seems the Schmidts truly have no concern for their reputation."

"Could someone be threatening her?"

"Spot on, madam," Rose confirmed, taking a deep breath to tamp down the rising rage. The next words spilled with barely concealed fury. "Clarissa collapsed during a fitting.

"When I rushed into the room to check on her, I saw that her body was riddled with bruises—beatings, cigarette burns, even whip marks. Some of them looked new as the scabs had barely formed."

"Josh, that bastard! He doesn't deserve to live!"

Violence was never tolerated by Alyssa, but this level of cruelty was unforgivable.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1707-Silas grew serious.

"Calm down, Lyse. You need to watch out for your health," Jasper said, holding onto Alyssa's trembling hands. "Especially after you just ate. You have a weak stomach; getting angry might make it worse."

Alyssa sat down angrily. Jasper quickly embraced her and kissed her temple.

Though he was calming her down, she still quivered in anger.

Rose said through uneven breathing, "This really is Josh's doing. I'd asked Clarissa before why she didn't rebel against him. Times have changed, after all.

She could've sued for divorce and made Josh pay at any point in time so long as she had ample evidence.

"But… Clarissa was really terrified of Josh. It almost seemed like Josh had some deadly upper hand over her, making it so that she never dared make a move, even if it meant meeting her death at his hands one day. Clarissa ran off before I could finish talking to her."

Silas' gaze darkened somewhat when he gazed at Rose's pale face. He'd noticed how she had reacted. It was as if she was in Clarissa's shoes instead of being an outsider.

There must be so many things Rose was hiding from Silas.

"The Schmidts are hosting a cocktail party in two weeks and have already sent invites to all sorts of powerful and influential people." Jasper's eyes glinted coldly. "Xavier informed me on our way here earlier that Javier had received an invite."

"Huh? Why didn't we receive any? Where's the respect?" Alyssa huffed.

Jasper clasped her shoulder and said hoarsely, "I'm afraid Jameson might want to personally deliver it to you here in Belbanks."

Silas held Rose's hand under the desk and mumbled, "Will he stop being so jealous for once?"

Alyssa's eyes narrowed fondly. "If Jameson comes over, I'll shove the invite up his ass and tell him to scram!"

Jasper chuckled and kissed her on the lips.

"Now I understand. Clarissa must've come to get a custom dress from Rose because Josh forced her to. All the guests are bound to dress up glamorously during the cocktail party. Someone as egoistic as Josh would definitely want his own wife to shine," Alyssa concluded and shook her head in pity. "Josh would probably beat Clarissa to near death again if she didn't."

Alyssa was truly concerned for that poor woman.

Jasper's lips pulled taut when he recalled how he'd judged Clarissa at first. Guilt welled up in his chest.

"Madam, I was wondering whether you and Mr. Jasper could find a way to win Clarissa over to our side. If she can testify that Josh abused her, the odds would tip in our favor against the Schmidts!" Rose said.

Alyssa sighed dully. "Things aren't that simple, Rose. The Schmidt family is one of the four great families and is even on par with the Beckett family in Solana City. Jasper and I have battled against them for so long, yet their stronghold barely shifted an inch, even after losing two of their children and that project in Tsulu.

"The Sparks family is incredibly miniscule in comparison to the Schmidt family.

Their patriarch has long retired. What power would Clarissa have to back her up against Josh? Even if she goes against him, what will happen to her family? The Schmidts are capable of destroying the Sparks in an instant if they're crossed."

Rose was at a loss for words. She really was too naive.

There were many things in this world that couldn't be achieved with just passion and persistence. Reality was always crueler than fiction.

"Clarissa might even know his deepest, darkest secrets. If she does join us, it'll be much easier for us to take down Josh, with the addition of the evidence Axel provided."

"That's only because Clarissa has a weakness." Jasper smiled. "All we have to do is make it so that she doesn't, no?"

Alyssa suddenly understood what Jasper meant. "Are you saying we should back the Sparks family up?"

"That's a great idea!" Both Silas and Rose said at the same time.

Alyssa intertwined her fingers with Jasper's, eyes glowing brightly. "Josh will never expect the greatest key to his downfall to be right beside him!"

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1708-Meanwhile, Lauren had finally gotten into Solana City Arts Academy after Landon pulled some strings, thus granting her a spot as an associate student.

Lauren quickly began her first week of classes.

Though she sat in the last row of each classroom every time and even hid herself behind the large easel, she still caught the attention of the male students in class.

None of them were in the mood to pay attention anymore. They kept on arching their necks to get a peek at Lauren.

But Lauren was so focused on listening in class and drawing that she never once noticed the other boys. She had to pay attention as she wanted to absorb everything the art teacher was saying. After all, Landon had helped her secure this spot, so she didn't want to waste it.

When class ended, Lauren began clearing up her station.

Some of the male students urged one of their friends forward in Lauren's direction. The male student then took a deep breath and walked over to the last row.

"Apologies for coming late, madam. I was taking a call just now." Angelina walked over to Lauren and helped her carry her art tools while resting a hand on her waist.

Angelina then glanced coldly at the male students. That single glance was enough to stun them all.

She was both beautiful and terrifying at the same time!

"What are all of you trying to do here? Mess with a young, married woman?"

Angeline quipped.

Married woman?

The male students were stunned. Many of them cried internally at losing their new prospect.

"Ms. Lauren is already married. If any of you ogle her again, I'll sue you all for harassment," Angelina said. She was originally going to say "pluck your eyeballs out" but decided not to go the violent route, given these were Lauren's classmates.

Lauren looked down shyly as she walked out of the classroom. She was blushing furiously.

"I came late today as I had to deal with some things over at the company. From now on, I'll wait for you outside class here," Angelina said. At the thought of those male students, she couldn't help but still feel concerned for Lauren's safety.

No wonder Landon looked at Lauren the way he did all the time and even wanted to hide her away from the world. Lauren would be put at the mercy of the wolves if she was left outside just like this.

Angie, Landon and I aren't married yet…" Lauren blinked rapidly.

Lauren had felt really happy inside when Angelina called her a married woman earlier, but there was still shyness.

"The only difference is you two don't have a wedding certificate, madam. You two still love one another regardless of whether you are married, no?" Angelina smiled and patted Lauren's head.

She continued, "Mr. Harper is already planning the wedding in secret. He's going to Yoarkley next month to attend a royal auction. There is a rare diamond he wants to acquire, and the queen of Yoarkley has supposedly worn it before.

Mr. Harper wants to make it into a wedding ring for you."

"Landon doesn't need to spend that much money for me. All that matters is that he loves me." Lauren shook her head lightly, grabbing onto Angelina's shirt.

Just then, Angelina received a letter from Landon. She sighed to herself after reading it.

"Is… Landon not coming home for dinner tonight?" Lauren immediately knew why Angelina reacted the way she did.

"I'm sorry, madam. Mr. Harper has been really busy as the board meeting is just around the corner."

"It's okay, I understand. CEOs are always really busy." Lauren hugged her teddy bear tight.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1709-"From now on, I need to care for Landon just like how Alyssa had cared for Jasper," Lauren promised.

Angelina felt both endeared and sad upon hearing this. She was glad that Landon and Lauren's relationship had been far less eventful than Jasper's and Alyssa's. Lauren would never suffer by Landon's side the way Alyssa had with Jasper.

But it was a good thing that Alyssa was patient enough and that Jasper realized how he truly felt in time, finally enabling both of them to reunite.

"Angie, if Landon isn't coming home for dinner tonight, then there's no point for me to go back either." Lauren held Angelina's hand and said, "I want to practice in one of the drawing rooms. Can we have dinner at a restaurant later instead?"

"W-What did you just say, madam?" Angelina was stunned.

Lauren was both autistic and had high social anxiety. She'd never had a meal outside the house, even after dating Landon for so long. Lauren was always hesitant whenever Landon got them a spot at a restaurant and would find excuses to eat at home instead.

Lauren had clearly changed for the better ever since being outside more. She spoke and smiled more, no longer as timid as she used to be. Angelina was incredibly touched by this change.

"Well… I heard from the students in the front row that a new barbecue place has opened on Saint Avenue. They said the food there was really good, so can we try it out tonight?" Lauren asked.

She continued hopefully, "You've already come with me to class for a week now and even have to prepare dinner for me in the evenings. I'm sure it must be really exhausting. So why don't you take a break tonight? I have the money to buy you dinner."

Angelina did her best to hold her tears of joy back. "Alright. Thank you, madam."

The drawing room was devoid of people as class was over.

Lauren tied her long hair into a bun and took up a pencil before she began drawing.

Angelina took a picture of her and sent it to Landon. Landon immediately replied with an angry text. It read, "Why is she still in class? Is that school trying to exhaust Lauren? Do they not want the money to rebuild their library anymore?"

"Class is over, Mr. Harper. Madam just wanted to stay behind and practice her art," Angelina texted back.

"Oh, Lauren. Fine then. Just watch after her and make sure she doesn't exhaust herself. I feel bad when she does."

"I'd also like to update you on something, sir. Madam wanted to treat me to dinner tonight at a barbecue restaurant."

Landon didn't reply for a while after receiving this text.

A series of furious emojis were then sent to Angelina, making her phone vibrate endlessly. They were then followed by a single text, reading, "FUCK!"

Angelina didn't respond.

"I am SO jealous of you right now, Angelina! Just you wait till I'm back!" Landon texted.

Angelina scoffed. Landon was always so straightforward and indiscriminate with his jealousy.

Shortly after, Landon followed up with, "Take care of Lauren and eat my portion for me too."

"Okay."

The bitterness from that word alone was incredibly apparent.

Angelina left to do so and didn't return, even after a long while had passed.

Lauren didn't even notice when Angeline had left as she was too focused on her art.

A shrill and terrifying scream suddenly pierced the silence.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1710-Lauren's pencils fell to the floor as she flinched in shock.

She then saw a human body fall outside the window, followed by a loud slam.

Lauren immediately rose from her chair, her body strung tight. She sheepishly walked over to the window and looked downstairs.

Her mind went blank in an instant. She clasped her mouth in fright and stumbled backward, legs beginning to quiver.

A woman had fallen off the building and was lying dead on the ground outside.

Panic ensued just then as screams of terror rang out from downstairs.

Lauren's heart pounded heavily in her chest. She grabbed her teddy bear and promptly ran out of the classroom, not even bothering to pack anything else.

"Angie… Angie, where are you?" Lauren cried as she ran through the hallways.

The image of the dead woman had branded itself into her mind.

After running to who-knows-where, there came frantic footsteps from behind Lauren, followed by panicked wails.

"Help! Someone has been murdered! Help!"

Murdered?

Lauren turned around in shock. Two male students were running frantically in her direction.

Behind them was a middle-aged man drenched in blood with a cleaver in one hand.

Lauren was rooted to the spot in fright, hugging her teddy bear tight.

"Bastards! I'll kill all of you!" the man roared viciously, raising his blade in the air and aiming it right at the male students.

Lauren took a fearful step back.

Just then, one of the students grabbed her arm and dragged her over to shield himself from the knife's blow.

"Ah!" Lauren slammed right into the man as her teddy bear dropped to the floor.

The two cruel students had already run off by then.

The man was about to shove Lauren away when police sirens blared from outside the window.

"H-Help me!" Lauren shrieked before the man grabbed her by the shoulder and pressed his knife against her neck.

"Shut up and follow me if you still want to live!" he barked.

All the students had run out of the building in fright as the killer was on the loose.

Many onlookers crowded outside the building. The police had to stop them from going past the safety tape, creating quite a chaotic scene.

There were even reporters eager to get tomorrow's headlines right away!

"What's the situation right now?" Cyrus asked, going past the safety tape and heading into the building.

Cyrus' brows knitted together. "Did the female student commit suicide?"

"She did, but after we reviewed the footage in the area, she'd only done it because Whitman forced her to!"

Cyrus found this peculiar. "Do all the five students know one another?"

Cyrus narrowed his eyes. "Is that where the crime scene is?"

"Yes, sir!"

Cyrus immediately figured out that Denver wasn't just mindlessly killing people.