Ch. 1721..1730

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1721-"Sure, Mr. Landon." Angelina picked up the hint and proceeded to change the sheets. There were other maids in the manor as well, but Landon only trusted Angelina to enter and clean a private space like his bedroom.

The heavy and luxurious velvet curtain remained drawn. The dimly lit bedroom carried a stuffy smell; it smelled like sex.

Angelina stole a glance at the messy sheets, unable to hide her joyful expression. It appeared that the couple had had a rather exciting night. She made a mental note to massage Lauren's waist after a night of being ravaged by Landon.

Angelina quickly changed the sheets and covers. Then, she picked up the clothes scattered across the floor and gathered them in the laundry basket.

Ever since Landon had expressed his desire to marry Lauren to the Harper family, and after he had formally made the proposal to the Beckett family, Angelina couldn't see a condom around the house.

Clearly, Landon wished for Lauren to carry his child. Since they were having unprotected sex, it was only a matter of time before Landon's wish came true.

Looking happy, she exited the bedroom. At that time, Landon said to her in a low voice, "Angie, stay at home with Lauren. She needs to rest and recover. She'll skip her classes at Solana City Arts Academy for the time being."

"Mr. Landon, that's…" While Angelina hesitated, the bathroom door flung open without warning.

"No! I want to go to school! I don't want to stay at home! I want to go to school!"

Landon and Angelina were stunned by the sight of Lauren dripping wet, wrapped in the vapor from the bathroom. All she had was a towel wrapped around her. She ran out barefooted.

Shocked, Landon rushed over, took off his fresh suit jacket, and wrapped her in it. The jacket worth thousands of dollars immediately turned into a towel. Lauren looked even more fragile and petite in his large jacket.

"Oh, you silly one. You're going to catch a cold if you run out of the bathroom like this!" He hugged her emotionally, causing her to stand on tiptoe, and nearly lifted off the ground.

He added, "Have you forgotten your promise to me? You said you'd behave."

As Angelina watched on, her concern for Landon grew along with her worry for Lauren. Ever since Landon was officially appointed the heir, he had been attending all sorts of business events to expand the company's network.

On top of that, he occasionally made business trips abroad for project evaluations. He was no longer the carefree young man who had all the time to keep his lovely partner company.

Besides, Lauren was back to school, leaving them only a few nights per week to enjoy each other's company. Unfortunately, the hostage incident that happened yesterday had only further added to Landon's stress.

His nerves were as tight as a bowstring, and it might snap soon to release the tension.

"Why? Why are you stopping me from going to school?" Lauren stared at him with an anxious and pleading look.

He gently explained, "I never said to stop you from attending. For the time being…"

"Landon, I'm really happy to attend school, and I'd like to learn painting. Please don't do this to me. Don't take away my happiness. Please."

Taking away her happiness? Her heavy remark sent a shooting pain through his body. He always thought of himself as the man who loved her the most, and he believed he could provide her with a happy future.

To his dismay, his concern for her was perceived as an act of stripping her of her happiness.

Angelina was rendered speechless as she secretly admired Lauren's thoughtfulness.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1722-Lauren might be simplistic most of the time, but she seemed extra level-headed when she fought to go back to school. Landon had no choice but to cave in. He left the manor with a long face, wearing the damp jacket he had wrapped Lauren in earlier.

Angelina had offered a new jacket for him, but he declined. All he said was, "Take good care of Lauren."

"Of course, Mr. Landon."

"One more thing." He paused in his tracks with an icy look. "Be vigilant. Make sure other men stay away from her."

"Sure." Angelina froze. Cyrus' cheerful and handsome face flashed across her mind.

Clarissa had been troubled ever since she retrieved her dress from Rose.

Losing sleep, she couldn't shake off Rose's harsh advice for her. Rose had warned her, "Domestic violence, once happened, will happen again."

"Are you going to do nothing until he beats you to death?"

"You're going to die if you don't fight back!"

Recently, Josh had regained Victor's trust and was welcomed back to the Schmidt Group after his successful plot against Jonah. Therefore, Clarissa thought that Josh would be in a better mood and that he'd cease beating her up and cussing at her.

Alas, Josh's good mood didn't last long. Not long before, he suddenly sneaked back home late at night with injuries all over his face and body.

Upon storming into the bedroom, Josh grabbed Clarissa's hair like a devil and tossed her onto the ground. Without any word, he started punching and kicking her. Her cries and pleas echoed across the floor for the whole night.

The Schmidt Group's event was just around the corner. Josh, with too much time on his hands one day, had flashbacks of the time he had forced Clarissa to order a tailored dress from Rose.

It was nothing more than his way of putting Clarissa into trouble. The high society of Solana City was well aware of Rose Emerson's reputation for being difficult. Most prospective clients who went to Rose to order a dress would likely find themselves rejected, not to mention a woman as dumb and clumsy as Clarissa.

Josh thought he would have a good reason to be mad at Clarissa when she failed to get Rose to make the dress. However, before he had a chance to go nuts on Clarissa, she surprised him by getting her hands on a dress designed by Rose Emerson. He thought, "Well, Clarissa might not be a trophy wife, but she's not exactly a good-for-nothing."

"It took me a lot of effort to return to the Schmidt Group. This Schmidt family cocktail party is my first public appearance after my return. As my wife, you need to look glamorous at the party. If you embarrass me in any way… You know what I'll do to you," he whispered a threat in Clarissa's ear while forcing himself on her.

In tears, Clarissa agreed fearfully as she endured the humiliation.

After Josh was done, he put on his pants and straightened his tie. Then, putting on his gentlemanly front, he exited the dressing room.

"J-Josh." Clarissa called out to him weakly.

He stopped and glared at her. "What is it this time?"

"And?"

"You promised me. to find a kidney transplant for my dad."

"Let's discuss this after the cocktail party."

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1723-Clarissa jolted in fear.

"Besides, don't you know how much a kidney transplant costs? Your dad still proved himself useful to me when he was the Attorney General years ago. I would have seen it as an investment and saved him back then.

"But he's a dying old man now. Why would I waste my money and energy on a man who's about to meet his maker? I'm not doing charity." Josh looked away in disdain and snorted. "If your dad could wait, make him wait. If he can't, he only has himself to blame."

After Josh left, Clarissa fell on her knees helplessly. She covered her face and wept.

In the evening, Clarissa changed into simple clothes to visit her father, Oscar Sparks, at the hospital. She covered every inch of her skin from head to toe to hide her bruises and scars from Oscar.

Oscar had weakened to a point where he struggled to speak. Still, he tried to stop Clarissa from worrying about him because he was aware of her suffering in her marriage to Josh.

Had the Schmidt family not financially assisted the Sparks family, the Sparkses would have gone bankrupt. It was all thanks to the Schmidt Group that Clarissa's brother, Hendrix Sparks, had a job. As a result, Oscar dared not ask for more.

Clarissa verbally promised not to worry, but she took the chance of getting water and sobbed inconsolably on the bench in the corridor.

The doctor gave Oscar a month to live. A kidney transplant was their final hope, but the surgery risk was high.

Oscar had repeatedly talked her out of trying, but she couldn't bring herself to give up on him. As a daughter, she wanted her dad to live. Moreover, Oscar was the only reason that kept her going. If Oscar passed away, she would have no reason to live with the Schmidts.

Right then, she heard the steady sounds of leather shoes and the crisp clicking of heels. Two people approached her.

"Ms. Sparks."

Clarissa couldn't help but marvel at the clear and melodious voice. She slowly raised her swollen eyes, only to be shocked by Alyssa and Jasper's presence.

They looked like the perfect couple.

Although Clarissa was in a seated position with Alyssa towering over her, Alyssa did not put on any airs. Instead, she flashed Clarissa a gracious and friendly smile.

Jasper, holding onto Alyssa's waist, looked as handsome as ever. No man from the Schmidt family could hold a candle to him—not even Jameson, the popular choice in the race to power right now.

Although Jameson was good-looking, he did not exude the same air as Jasper.

Jameson wouldn't appear like a leader, even if he was appointed to be one.

Jasper was the embodiment of a real leader. No woman except for Alyssa was good enough for him. They were indeed a match made in heaven.

"Mr. Beckett, Ms. Alyssa, why are you…" Clarissa's voice trailed off in surprise.

Not in a rush to explain the purpose of the visit, Alyssa took a seat beside Clarissa like a friend. "General Sparks must have been hospitalized for quite a while."

Clarissa lowered her head. It had been a while since she heard Oscar being addressed as such. "Dad has retired a while ago. I haven't heard anyone calling him General since."

"I'm sorry, but we're standing on opposing sides. As a member of the Schmidt family, I will never betray the Schmidt Group. You don't have to say anything more to me. Please leave."

Alyssa nodded in silence. Upon getting the green light, Jasper handed over the documents they prepared to Clarissa.

"What is."

"Ms. Sparks, we don't need an answer from you right away. Please have a look at these documents for now," Alyssa suggested with a calm smile.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1724-Clarissa looked puzzled but accepted the documents regardless. She carefully checked the contents, and she shot up in surprise. Her heart raced in excitement. "I-Is this…"

"Mr. Beckett found a kidney donor match for your father," Alyssa addressed Clarissa gently like she would a friend. "It's difficult to find a matching donor. I believe you understand the complexity since you've been searching for a long time. Even wealthy patients struggle to find a matching donor. Forcing a kidney transplant will only result in adverse reactions that ultimately lead to kidney failure. Mr.

Beckett, I dare say, has utilized all his resources to find this matching donor."

"You. You." Staring at the documents containing life-saving information for Oscar, Clarissa sobbed.

Her tears stained the papers and smudged the printed words.

"Ms. Sparks, you're a good daughter. Anyone else would have given up by now,"

Jasper remarked coolly and earnestly.

"What. do you want me to do?" She hung her head as she clutched the papers with trembling hands.

Alyssa's eyes lit up with passion. She proposed firmly, "Ms. Sparks, we'd like to release you from the suffering."

Knowing that Alyssa and Rose were good friends, Clarissa knew that Alyssa must have heard about the domestic violence at the Schmidts' home. Clarissa's pale face was colored with rage and humiliation. "You're only using the matching donor to make a deal with me. You either want me to publicly expose the domestic violence or make me Josh's spy so that you can take him down.

"Ms. Alyssa, you're just using me. You don't have to make it sound altruistic."

Jasper furrowed his brows when he realized that Clarissa, though seeming vulnerable, was opinionated.

"Using you? I guess so." Alyssa flashed a smile. "However, if we're using each other and benefitting off it, that should be labeled a 'cooperation' instead. Ms.

Sparks, Mr. Beckett and I would like to work with you. What do you think?"

Clarissa slowly raised her gaze to examine Alyssa with a racing heart. Alyssa wore a serious look on her lovely face.

It had been ages since anyone accorded Clarissa any respect. Be it the outsiders or the maids at the Schmidt residence, everyone might address her politely, but no one showed her any shred of respect. She was regarded as an outcast of the family and Josh's plaything.

Hence, she felt her passion reignited when Alyssa addressed her as "Ms.

Sparks". She was brought back to the good old times when she was the precious daughter of the Sparks family, doted on by her parents and her brother.

That was the happiest time in her life.

I. I so wish to go home. I wish to turn back time," Clarissa mumbled between sobs.

Feeling touched, Alyssa offered, "We can help you leave the Schmidt family and return to your old life if that's what you want."

Clutching the documents tightly, Clarissa questioned, "What do you need me to do in exchange for the kidney transplant?"

Clarissa was taken aback by how considerate Jasper was in the negotiation.

"Ms. Sparks, you must have a lot of dirt on Josh after years of marriage to him.

Share some clues with us and provide evidence. We'll kickstart the investigation on our own.

Staring straight at Alyssa, Clarissa whispered, "Do I need to… sign some sort of agreement or contract? Give it to me. I'll sign now."

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1725-"Is there no need to sign an agreement? Ms. Alyssa, are you sure?" Clarissa stared at Alyssa in shock. "Aren't you worried that I would change my mind after the transplant and refuse to help you out? I thought you businesspeople always dismissed oral agreements and emphasized the importance of putting everything down in black and white."

"I'm doing this to show you that you always have a choice, regardless of the deal we have struck." Alyssa flashed a faint smile, looking as calming and reassuring as ever. "If you sign the agreement, you'll turn this into a formal deal.

If you don't, you can think of it as a battle to avenge your family.

"I will not blame you if you choose to return to the Schmidt family under pressure after the transplant surgery. As a doctor, my priority is saving lives. Not only that, as General Sparks was a great mentor to my brother, I'll do this to return his favor on my brother's behalf."

Even as an outsider, Jasper felt awestruck by Alyssa's remarks and marveled at Alyssa's grace and elegance.

The emotional impact on Clarissa was understandably greater. At that moment, Clarissa's pent-up anger, frustration, grievance, and pain transformed into tears that rolled down her cheeks. She threw herself into Alyssa's arms and finally cried her heart out after fighting to hold back her emotions.

Jasper had not let go of Alyssa's waist on their way home from hospital. They sat in silence as they walked back to the car. She finally relaxed when they entered the car and leaned softly on his firm and warm chest.

She rested her forehead on his broad shoulder and started weeping quietly. His breathing grew heavy at the sounds of her quiet sobs. He gently caressed her back, feeling emotional and touched.

"My darling," he called out dotingly.

Then, he nibbled her ear. He said, "Why are you becoming a crybaby by the day? You were once a strong career woman."

"Pfft! I didn't cry in public, okay? I only cry when I'm with you. Anything wrong with that?" She pouted and wiped away her tears with his tie. "It's like how Elizabeth Bennett only kicks up a fuss when she's with Mr. Darcy."

"Of course you can." He breathed heavily by her ear, his voice sending a thrill of excitement through her. "However, you must remember that you can only cry when you're with me."

She proudly scoffed but obediently wriggled into his embrace nevertheless. "I can't believe I cried over Clarissa's matters. Jasper, you must see me as weak and dumb…" "You're not. You're the smartest in the world." Jasper ran out of adjectives to compliment her, so he sighed helplessly and added, "Lyse, you're too kind."

In reality, Alyssa had prepared an agreement, but she softened when she saw from afar Clarissa crying helplessly over her inability to save Oscar. The scene reminded her of Winston, who had been gravely ill and bedridden not long ago.

Therefore, she decided to put aside her calculations and help out Clarissa. That was it.

"What's up, Xavier?" Jasper asked in a raspy voice.

His fingertips were stained by Alyssa's lipstick, which he wiped off from the corner of her lips.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1726-"Mr. Beckett, we have dealt with the three students per your and Madam Alyssa's orders. The family company of one student was on the brink of bankruptcy after getting embroiled in some scandals, including questionable product quality. The police followed the trail of evidence and uncovered criminal evidence against his father, who was arrested this morning.

"Another student was found to hire prostitutes, organize group sex, and have a penchant for BDSM. I made someone else distribute his photos and videos online from an overseas IP. Netizens are now 'enjoying' his works. I'm afraid his father's political career has met an end because of his scandal," Xavier reported with enthusiasm.

Jasper nodded in satisfaction. "How about the remaining student?"

"Well…" After a pause, Xavier lowered his voice, "The third student suffered the worst fate. From what I heard, he had been abducted. He was later found with ten or so slash wounds on his body, but none was fatal. He was castrated by the abductors as well.

"He was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, but his current condition remains unknown. Anyway, I was told that he was basically crippled even if the hospital managed to save his life."

With a frown, Alyssa cast a loaded look at Jasper. Jasper's expression darkened. He questioned, "You didn't do that, did you?"

"Of course not! I could barely kill a turkey for Thanksgiving. I could never do something nasty like that." After some thinking, Xavier surmised, "I went investigating at the school and learned that men from the Harper Group went to the academy on the second day of the incident to copy the security footage.

"The security footage was supposed to be confidential, but the chancellor couldn't afford to upset the Harper Group, which had sponsored their newest library. So, the academy turned in the footage without a fuss. I believe that Mr.

Landon probably saw something that made him lay a finger on that third student."

Alyssa and Jasper finally connected the dots. Indeed, it was Landon's style to make his enemy suffer a worse fate than death.

Since there was time, Alyssa and Jasper decided to visit Lauren and update her about their successful revenge for Joanna.

"Is it true? Have Joanna's bullies been punished?" Sitting between Alyssa and Jasper like an excited young girl, Lauren grabbed their arms. "That's awesome!

Evil needs to be punished. Mr. Whitman will be at peace knowing that I kept my word to avenge Joanna." "Lauren, you're just like me. You are a woman of your word. You're a heroine!" Alyssa rubbed her head against Lauren's.

Jasper watched them with a gentle smile on his lips. Putting aside Lauren's age and height, she felt more like a daughter to Jasper with her childlike and innocent mindset.

"Alyssa, who took the revenge? Was it Cyrus?" Lauren blinked at Alyssa. The latter exchanged a look with Jasper upon hearing Cyrus' name. How should they answer Lauren?

They had been entrusted by Cyrus to take revenge, but ultimately, they—and Landon—were the ones taking action against the three bullies. They wondered if they'd disappoint Lauren by telling her the truth, as she seemed to hold Cyrus in high regard.

Unfortunately, Lauren mistook their hesitation as silent admission.

A moody look flashed across Landon's eyes, but it vanished in no time. He soon smiled at them. "Jasper, Lyse, you're here."

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1727-"Landon, you're home early today," Jasper replied to Landon's greeting.

"Darling, I'm home. Why don't you give me a hug after a long day?" Landon beamed as he opened his arms at Lauren. The black coat, which was loosely draped on his shoulders, fell onto the floor, but he did not bother to pick it up.

Despite feeling oddly nervous, Lauren obediently went up to Landon and sneaked into his arms like an adorable kitten. He wrapped his tall and muscular body around her, carrying with him the warmth from the car heater that seeped into her skin. The warm sensation helped soothe her emotions.

"Landon, don't be angry," she mumbled in a voice only audible to them.

"Hm? Why would I be angry at you for no reason?" he whispered in a raspy voice.

"I-I…" Lauren had learned to carefully ponder her words before voicing them aloud. After some thinking, she chose to keep her thoughts to herself.

"If you've done something to upset me, just give me a kiss, and I won't be angry at you anymore." Landon rubbed his lips against her cold cheek.

Embarrassed to kiss Landon in Alyssa and Jasper's presence, Lauren still tiptoed and gave him a peck on the lips to avoid making him upset.

However, a peck was not enough to satisfy Landon. He pressed a hand on the small of the back, forcing her to kiss him deeper.

Angelina happened to serve the tea and desserts. Unfazed by the kiss, she smiled politely at the visitors. "Mr. Beckett, Ms. Alyssa, please have some tea."

Coughing awkwardly, Jasper handed a cup of tea to Alyssa. "Lyse, have some tea."

"Oh, sure." She accepted the cup and looked away from Lauren and Landon with complicated feelings.

The kiss was supposed to be a sweet and loving scene, but Alyssa was plagued by a feeling that something was amiss with Lauren, who seemed a little withdrawn and timid.

Lauren had lost her mother, and her deadbeat father was of no help. Her grandfather, Newton, was in such bad health and could not look after her since they rarely met up. As her sister-in-law, Alyssa decided to pay closer attention to Lauren's well-being.

After Landon and Lauren wrapped up their kiss, Jasper calmly remarked, "Landon, I need to have a private talk with you."

"Sure. Let's go to my study." Landon, happy to meet his friend, went upstairs with Jasper.

"Angie, I love fresh orange juice. Could you make two glasses of orange juice for me and Lauren? She likes it too," Alyssa requested with a warm smile.

Sure. I'm on it." Angelina headed to the kitchen.

"Did Landon do anything weird to you lately?" Alyssa prodded with a skeptical squint.

After some serious thinking, Lauren admitted with flushed cheeks. "Y-Yeah."

Alyssa immediately questioned, "And what is it?"

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1728-Alyssa understood what Lauren was trying to say. She let out an awkward cough.

It had already been a while since Alyssa was married and had a long-term partner. So, she wasn't too embarrassed to talk about the matters in the bedroom.

She asked in a serious voice, "Lauren, are you ready to become a mother?"

"A… mother?" Lauren was taken aback. She felt as if this word was far from her grasp.

To be frank, she wasn't ready.

She even felt like she was not yet an adult. Moreover, she had a condition. She wasn't even sure if her children would be affected.

That said, she knew that Landon yearned to start a family with her.

Each time they made love, when he was at his climax, he would mumble in her ear, "Let's start a family. Lauren, Let's have a few children. Doesn't matter if they're boys or girls. I will love them as long as they're yours."

A conflicted look came across Lauren's face. "I. haven't thought about that. Do you plan to bear children for Jasper, Alyssa?"

This one question was like a thin, sharp sword that stabbed through Alyssa's heart. A piercing pain spread through the fullness of her heart.

"I am deeply in love with Jasper, both in the past and now."

Alyssa's eyes welled up. Her voice became hoarse and tense as she suppressed the pain of regret. "But that doesn't mean that we must have children. It's enough for me as long as I can grow old together with him."

This was how she truly felt. Moreover, she was physically incapable of bearing her own child.

Unexpectedly, this tugged at Lauren's heartstrings.

"Actually. I don't really want to have kids," she confessed.

Lauren hung her head down low. She clasped her hands together and rubbed them against each other. This was a rare occasion when she spoke her true thoughts. "I'm afraid that my children will inherit my condition. I don't want them to become a laughingstock after I give birth to them.

"Also, I want to learn art. If we have kids, I won't be able to focus on my art.

When Mom used to raise Betty and me, we had so many helpers and nannies looking after us. Yet, she was still occupied every day. I'm afraid that."

Then, you should share your thoughts with Landon." Alyssa furrowed her brows.

Lauren shook her head immediately. "Landon wants to have children. He loves kids. I don't want to disappoint him…"

The more Alyssa listened to her, the more heartbroken she felt. How many more heartfelt thoughts did this quiet woman have hidden within her?

At the end of the day, Angelina was still Landon's employee. There were some things that Lauren just couldn't express to her no matter how much she liked her.

However, this matter about having children was out of Alyssa's reach.

This was a matter between the couple. She would be overstepping if she tried to have a say in it.

Jasper was usually oblivious toward the people closest to him. He never suspected that there was someone else.

Alyssa, on the other hand, was a sensitive person. She was extremely aware.

Nothing unusual could escape her attention.

"Has Landon been in a bad mood recently? I noticed that you've been tiptoeing around him."

Alyssa hit the bullseye about what was bothering Lauren. She pressed her pink lips together tightly.

"Cyrus is a good person, Alyssa. But so is Landon. I don't want them to be in disagreement. I want them to be friends."

Alyssa was taken aback. Momentarily after, a smile came across her face, and her dimples showed.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1729-In the study, Landon tried to pour Jasper a drink but was rejected. "My driver's not with me today. I won't be drinking as I need to drive."

"I didn't expect you and Alyssa to come over tonight."

Landon picked up the glass that Jasper turned down and drank from it instead.

Then, he placed it back down. His tall frame leaned against the side of the table relaxedly.

He retrieved a cigarette from his cigarette box and lit it naturally.

He inhaled so deeply that he almost looked avaricious. It was as if he wanted to fill his lungs with smoke.

"Are you in a bad mood?" Jasper squinted at him.

"I'm alright."

"You've previously mentioned that Lauren doesn't like the smell of cigarettes, so you've cut down on smoking for her sake. I can see that your ashtray is looking like a mass grave. You've been smoking double the amount from last time, haven't you?"

Right after, Jasper started speaking like he was Landon's elder.

In an exceptionally serious tone, he questioned, "Do you want Lauren to hug a chimney to sleep every day? Are you still wanting to have children when you're acting like this? Don't you know that you'd have to quit smoking and drinking if you want to start a family?"

Landon heeded his advice. He threw his cigarette butt onto the floor and stepped on it to put it out.

"Didn't you have something to talk to me about?"

"The thing that happened to that man. Was it your doing?" Jasper was a straightforward man. He went straight to the point.

"I do many things to many people every day. Who are you referring to?"

Landon's gaze was dark. He was clearly asking a question that he already knew the answer to.

"The male student from Solana City Arts Academy. You had him kidnapped and stabbed him ten times. Right now, he is still in the ICU with his life hanging on a thread."

Landon sniggered as if it was no big deal. "So that's what you were referring to.

I thought it was some other big deal.

"You're right. I was the one who did it."

"Didn't you go overboard with this?"

Jasper's frown was deep. "You are not in the same position as you were before.

You are the president of Harper Group, not a gangster. The corporation and the world watch every single move you make. And they're not only watching you but Lauren too.

"There are thousands of ways to teach that man a lesson. Yet, of all methods, you chose the riskiest and the most extreme way."

"I went overboard? I feel like I've been considerate enough toward him. I should have left him to die in the wilderness and be eaten by wolves!"

Landon slammed his hand on the table. His eyes burned red with anger. "If that bastard hadn't used Lauren as his shield and pushed her to that maniac, how would she have ended up as a hostage? Now, she's having nightmares every night. It's all that bastard's fault!

"He should be thankful that I even kept him alive!"

Right at this moment, Jasper's phone vibrated. He received a message from Xavier.

He looked down and tapped to open his Whatsapp message. Instantly, the look in his eyes dimmed.

"Mr. Beckett, that man couldn't be resuscitated. He just died."

"Xavier just sent me a message. That man has died."

Landon paused for a moment before curling his lips into a cold smile. "That serves him right. I'm satisfied."

Jasper looked glum. He shook his head angrily and helplessly. "If Lauren were to find out what you did to avenge her, she would continue having nightmares for the rest of her life."

"I will never let her find out."

Fiery passion filled Landon's eyes. His gaze burned like a fire and overflowed with intense possessiveness. "Whoever bullies or touches Lauren deserves to die."

"Landon, have you realized that you are becoming increasingly paranoid?

You've been unable to keep your cool when it comes to things related to Lauren," Jasper remarked in a calm voice. Deep down, he felt anxious.

"Jasper, my wife almost lost her life to that maniac! I almost lost her forever, but you're telling me to keep my cool?"

Landon was trying to suppress himself. It was as if he had a wild beast in his chest that was waiting to pounce.

His chest heaved as he continued, "If Alyssa was the one who was held hostage, would you be able to keep calm? You would be even more cruel and merciless than me!

"Both of us are the type of lovers who would throw their lives away for the sake of their woman. Stop lecturing me. You have no right to do so, nor will I listen to you!"

"As much as you hate it, you must listen to me!"

Jasper couldn't bear to see him live in regret for the rest of his life just because of a misstep. He leaped up from the couch and glared at him.

In an instant, Jasper's words gave Landon an epiphany.

But only heaven knew how he felt when he saw the scene through the surveillance video. He wished that he could get there in person and shoot that asshole in the head!

"This is the last time. Moving forward, before you do anything, spend a few seconds to think about Lauren and the things that I've said.

Jasper walked to the front of Landon and placed his hands on his shoulders.

"You are like a brother to me. You are family. My only hope is for you to live happily with Lauren."

"What do I do, Jasper? I love her so much…"

Landon lowered his head. He tried his best to take deep breaths, but the air felt thin. It made him feel like he was suffocating.

"I'm always so worried that I will lose her. I don't know what to do. I don't feel like myself anymore."

Subconsciously, like a river, tears started streaming down her cheeks.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1730-After coming out from Sage Manor, Alyssa and Jasper sat in silence in the car for quite a while.

Finally, Alyssa broke the silence.

"Jasper, I… I will make a trip home tonight. Aren't you leaving for a long-distance trip tomorrow morning? You can just go back to Seaview Manor. Or you can come to my place for the night, too."

Jasper was still worried about Landon. So, he frowned and agreed, "Alright. I'll drop you off at Heightsnew Villa then. I'll see you again tomorrow night."

Upon returning to Heightsnew Villa, they exchanged a farewell kiss that conveyed their reluctance to part ways.

After watching Alyssa go into the house, Jasper's gaze became glum. He took out his phone and dialed Xavier's number.

"What are the updates from the hospital?"

"That man died from excessive bleeding. His parents are also prominent figures in Solana City. They are insisting on taking this to court.

"The problem is that the police are also now involved. It would get tricky if their investigation shows that the perpetrator is related to Harper Group."

Xavier was not his usual, cheery self. He was unusually serious. "But I have followed your instructions to get the details from Ms. Brands in private.

"She shared that Mr. Landon really wasn't intending to take the man's life. It was his subordinate who wasn't professional and acted rashly. They may have tried to avoid any critical points, but who in the world would be able to withstand ten stabs?

"Though, he was also someone who deserved to die. Didn't we look into him before? He is a walking bastard who's just like David! Since the cops have become involved, they will surely get to the bottom of things."

Jasper stayed silent for a few seconds as he concentrated on his thoughts.

Then, he started coldly, "Keep in close contact with Angelina. Money isn't a problem.

"The important thing is to make sure that the culprit from Harper Group keeps his mouth shut. Wipe off any traces of his connection with Harper Group and have him turn himself in immediately.

"All in all, this matter cannot be linked back to Landon, no matter what it costs.

Do you understand me?"

Xavier inhaled deeply. "Understood!

When Alyssa got home, her face still showed that she was preoccupied.

Right at this time, Mandy happened to walk past the living room with a hot bowl of soup. She was on her way to bring the soup to Winston.

"Welcome home, Lyse."

"Is Cyrus at home tonight, Mandy? I heard that he came home. Is he in?"

Mandy nodded. "He is. I think he went to the cellar by himself. Did you need to speak with him?"

Alyssa smiled and replied, "Nah, I was just missing Cyrus and wanted to have a drink with him."

It was peaceful and quiet in the cellar.

When Alyssa pushed the door to enter, she saw Cyrus sitting under the dazzling glass lamp, enjoying a glass of wine. The stream of light highlighted the edges of his charming face.

In fact, since a long time ago, Alyssa had felt like Cyrus was the son who resembled Winston the most.

He was never like Jonah and Silas who dressed smartly and scrupulously in suits. Instead, he was someone who still exuded his classiness even if he only had a gunny sack on. He would still shine even if he were covered in dirt.

All of Winston's sons were people who brought calamity and suffering to the people around them once they were allowed to roam free.

"Hey, Cyrus," Alyssa called out to him softly.

Cyrus looked as if he had just been awakened from a dream. In a flash, his eyes became clear, and his eyelids fluttered. "Lyse, you're back. Want to have a drink with me?"

Alyssa caught a glimpse of a familiar-looking teddy bear cake on the table. She gave him an intrigued smile. "As far as I remember, you don't really have a sweet tooth," she remarked.

Cyrus froze, then smiled slightly. "I do crave this occasionally. The teddy bear is quite a treat."

"Do you actually like the taste of the teddy bear cake, or is it because it reminds you of someone, Cyrus?" asked Alyssa as she sat down across him.

It was obvious what she was hinting at.

Cyrus looked deep into her eyes. After a while, he smiled brightly. "We're siblings, Lyse. You can be direct with me."

"I saw Lauren today, Cyrus."

Just the sound of that name made Cyrus' heart skip a beat. But he maintained a calm expression on his face. "How is she? Is she alright? What happened the last time must have scared her. Has she calmed down?"

He might look composed, but every word of his was filled with concern.

"Cyrus, since you've asked me to be direct with you, I won't beat around the bush then."

Alyssa took a deep breath. In a serious manner, she asked, "You have feelings for Lauren, don't you?"

Cyrus tightened his grip on his wine glass until his knuckles turned white. His eyes turned slightly red.

"Yes, I do. That said, I am a rational person. I know when I should or should not have feelings for someone. Lauren and Landon have feelings for one another, and they're already at the stage of discussing marriage. So, I know that I shouldn't be having feelings for her."

"Cyrus…"

"However, I still like her. I can't lie to you or myself about that." Cyrus forced a relatively relaxed smile on his face. He scooped up a piece of the cake and put it in front of Alyssa.

All of a sudden, Alyssa's heart was pained.

It was a pity that the order of arrival had too important a role to play when it came to love.

Being one step late could mean that one's feelings had to be concealed.

"Did you come here this late to see me so that you can ask me about Lauren specifically? Also, you look so serious. Did something happen?"

Cyrus was always a bold yet attentive person. Instantly, he became alarmed.

"Did my presence make things difficult for Lauren? Did she have a fight with Landon?"

"Lauren told me that she hopes that you and Landon could be friends," Alyssa said in a low voice.

Cyrus chuckled awkwardly. "Do you think that's possible, Lyse?"

Alyssa let out a dispirited sigh.

"But, I will give them a wedding gift when they get married. I think that's about it."

Upon saying that, Cyrus downed the rest of the alcohol in his glass raffishly.

Tears welled up in Alyssa's eyes as she poured a glass for herself.

Mandy had raised her three children exceptionally well. They were selfless, generous, righteous, and kind.

"Lyse, I've heard you share many things about Lauren. I know it hasn't been easy for her to get to where she is with her partner."

"You'll definitely be able to find your own happiness in the future too, Cyrus."

Cyrus laughed, "My happiness is to be of service to the people."

Upon saying that, Cyrus and Alyssa clinked glasses. After unraveling the troubles in their hearts, they drank to their heart's content.