Ch. 1731..1740

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1731-Under Jasper's orchestration in secret, the subordinate under the Harper Group took the initiative to turn himself in. He admitted to his crime on the spot and gave his testimony by providing all the details of his offense. All he said matched the situation perfectly.

There was sufficient evidence for the police to conclude the case. Although the student's father still wanted to look into his son's death further, his capabilities were limited, and he could only accept the outcome as it was.

At the same time, Preston was quick-witted. He had already gotten an understanding of the ins and outs of the incident.

The moment he found out that Lauren was the one who was taken hostage, he knew that this incident had to be connected to Landon.

The cruelty of the crime had Landon's name written all over it!

"What? The background of the man who turned himself in was clean?" Preston's eyes were as wide as saucers.

"That's right. His background has been wiped clean. He does not have a single thing to do with Harper Group. Even the authorities weren't able to find anything," his secretary reported while dripping in sweat.

"Landon, that son of a bitch! He's becoming more and more cunning!"

Preston took a deep inhale of his cigar. In the end, his breath wasn't even, and he almost choked himself to death.

"This incident could also be set up by Mr. Beckett. Mr. Beckett is watertight in his execution. Plus, he and Landon are two peas in a pod. Wouldn't he help him out?"

Damn it!

Preston slammed the table hard. "I was thinking of using this opportunity to cut this president off. This is now a missed opportunity!

"Don't tell me that I can only watch as that son of a bitch climbs all over me? If so, what was the purpose of me destroying Bill in the first place?"

"Shh! Lower your voice!" His secretary had turned pale from terror.

Preston harrumphed. "What are you afraid of? It's been so many years. He has died, and there's no evidence."

A look of maliciousness flashed across his eyes. "Did you think that Landon hadn't suspected me? He has suspected me since a while ago, but what can he do about that?

"I just fucking love to see that look on his face that's full of hatred and helplessness as he's not able to do anything about me! I will make him feel uneasy for his entire life!"

Right at that moment, his phone rang.

Preston saw that it was Zoe who was calling. He dismissed his secretary before answering the call with a dark expression.

"Zoe, I thought you had forgotten about me."

"Don't say that, Uncle Preston. Of all people, I won't forget you," Zoe replied sweetly.

"You're always so good with your words, Zoe."

Preston gritted his teeth and continued, "If that's the case, why haven't you done anything yet? It seems like you are still siding with Landon. Is it because you and Penelope get to feel proud of him becoming the president?"

"Uncle Preston, you might not like what I'm about to say."

Zoe smiled. "Actually, you have no chance at all going against Landon for the position of president. Since the beginning, Grandpa has never considered you as his successor. You should be more well aware of this than me.

"You asked me for help, yet you don't even have a good foundation. How can I assist you then? If I am that capable, wouldn't it be better if I became the president instead?"

Preston felt humiliated by Zoe. His face flushed red with anger. "However, weren't you the one who said that you can make Landon suffer?"

"No need to feel so anxious about it. It'll happen soon."

Zoe's tone became somber. "I will be visiting Grandpa tonight.

"Landon wants to become the president and marry the love of his life at the same time? He's such a greedy man. Nothing on this earth can be so perfect!"

Later that night, at the Harper Residence, Cornelius summoned both Landon and Preston to his study for a three-person meeting.

After they were done discussing the corporation and its projects, Landon stood up. He placed a pearly white invitation card in front of Cornelius.

"This is…"

"It's the invitation to my engagement celebration with Lauren."

Landon's eyes were bright and hopeful. He added in a serious voice, "I want to give Lauren a grand wedding of the century. But that requires me to hire a professional team. So, we'll have to start planning now as it will take some time.

"Thus, before that, I'm thinking of organizing an engagement ceremony and getting our marriage registered first. Not only does this show prudence, but it can also reflect the importance of Lauren to our family. We will abide by the customs to become officially married."

As he said that, he retrieved a notebook with a red-colored hardcover and presented it to Cornelius with both hands. "This is the list of wedding gifts that I have prepared for Lauren. Please have a look."

Cornelius opened the notebook. At the same time, Preston couldn't help but peer at it, too.

Good lord!

It was a crowded list. It was one that would make anyone dizzy just by looking at it!

Cornelius took out his reading glasses and put them on. He went through items on the list one by one. As he did so, his frown became deeper and deeper, and the look of his face became more serious.

Was Landon trying to empty their house just to please that woman?

"You're exaggerating, Uncle Preston. It is a bit more than usual, but it's not that much."

Landon chuckled coldly, "Moreover, these are all things that I've accumulated over these years. Don't worry, I won't be touching a single cent from the corporation."

Preston froze. He swore, "Fuck, you bastard. Are you showing off your wealth to me?"

"It's just some wedding gifts. Is it necessary to make such a big deal out of it?"

Cornelius sounded a little unhappy.

"Yes. Lauren deserves it."

Anger rose within Cornelius, and a lump formed in his throat. In a low voice, he said, "Alright. I'll leave it to you to arrange your own marriage matters."

"Thank you for that, Grandpa." Landon's face was filled with joy as he took a bow.

"Save it. I don't need your money. You can just congratulate us from afar."

Preston's expression turned dark. He was speechless.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be taking my leave, Grandpa."

Landon and Preston exited the study one after another.

Landon looked up at the sound of clacking heels. Right after that, his gaze became glum.

Zoe was walking toward them slowly from the right opposite him. She was carrying a tray with both hands.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1732-"Hi, Landon. Hi, Uncle Preston."

Zoe stopped right in front of them. A sweet smile came across her face. She was pretending to be nice.

"Oh, hey, Zoe! Are you feeling better?" Preston asked, pretending to be concerned.

"I'm much better. Thanks for asking, Uncle Preston."

"That's good to hear. You're a precious one in the Harper family. Your Grandpa and mother would be sad if anything bad happened to you!" Preston uttered these words for Landon to hear.

Following that, he shot Zoe a look before walking away while humming a tune.

"What are you doing here?" Landon glared at her frigidly.

"I made some chicken soup for Grandpa, so I'm bringing it to him while it's still hot."

Zoe blinked. She had an innocent look in her eyes. "Landon, you're not going to stop me from being nice to Grandpa, are you?"

Landon's deep and icy gaze narrowed as he raised his hand, pointing dominantly at her face.

Although he hadn't said a word, Zoe's heart started racing out of fear. Her hands, which were carrying the tray, trembled slightly.

"I'm warning you, Zoe. Don't try to be funny. Otherwise, I will rip off that dishonest tongue of yours and break your damn legs. You can try me if you don't believe me."

Upon saying that, Landon bumped her out of the way and left with great strides.

Zoe glared at him from behind. It was as if he was unshakable. Through gritted teeth, she muttered, "Let's see then!"

After that, she wiped off the gloomy expression from her face and put on a lovely smile before entering the study.

"I'm here to see you, Grandpa!"

The dull gaze in Cornelius' eyes vanished temporarily at the sight of Zoe. He gave a friendly smile in response. "Hi, Zoe."

"Here's some chicken soup. I made it especially for you, Grandpa. It took me an entire day to prepare it."

Zoe placed the tray on the coffee table. She served up a bowl of soup to Cornelius. "This soup is best eaten when you're in a bad mood. It nourishes your body and helps soothe your heart. Try it, Grandpa."

"How did you know that I was in a bad mood, Zoe?" Cornelius put a spoonful of soup into his mouth. Just like Zoe said, it made him feel less suffocated.

"Landon just came to see you. I also noticed that you looked like you had a lot on your mind when I walked in. There's also this invitation card on the table. It's from Landon and Lauren, isn't it?"

Zoe smiled perfunctorily. "It seems like they have some good news?"

"Good news? This is not good news!"

Cornelius put his bowl down heavily. He exhaled heavily and glared, "Landon is my only grandson, but that lady from the Beckett family has him wrapped around her finger! He has been completely bewitched by her!

"After they get married, I dare say that all the Harpers will end up changing their last name to 'Beckett' within a few years!"

"I know right, Grandpa? I knew that you were bothered by this."

"At this point, what else is there that I wouldn't be able to take? Just tell me!"

"Take a look at this, Grandpa."

Doubtfully, Cornelius took the document from her and started flipping through it briefly.

In an instant, his eyes widened with anger. He stared at the diagnosis in disbelief. Lauren's name was written clearly on it!

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1733-Cornelius asked, "That lady from the Beckett family has a mental condition?"

"That's right, Grandpa." A vicious look flashed across Zoe's gleaming eyes. She continued, "She and the entire Beckett family have been hiding Lauren's condition from you all along. She actually has severe autism. In other words, she is mentally disabled.

"I was in the same middle school as her. At that time, other classmates would call her 'dumb' and 'idiot' behind her back. She also quit her tertiary studies halfway because of her condition."

"No wonder I've always felt that there was something strange about her every time I met her. Despite being 21… or is it 22? Her mind is still like a child's.

Turns out that it's because of her mental problem!

"As expected, Sophia's offspring is indeed problematic! Even though she died, she still left her retarded daughter to wreck my precious grandson!"

Cornelius started coughing. He was so consumed by anger that he started to feel unwell. He coughed continuously until his face had flushed red.

Zoe helped to soothe his back immediately. "Deep breaths, Grandpa. Watch your health!"

"Landon. Does he know about that woman's condition?"

"Landon is well aware."

Cornelius became even more enraged. More than that, he couldn't wrap his head around it. "He still wants to marry her even though he knows about it? He's out of his mind! Isn't he afraid that their children would also be mentally impaired?

"I really don't understand it. As my grandson, he can have any woman he likes.

Why is he so fixated on a dumbo?"

"Landon is being tricked by Lauren's naivete. He has had so much fun with glamorous women in the past that he's now unable to stop himself after getting a taste of something plain," Zoe remarked in a scornful tone.

Cornelius' eyes became bloodshot from fury. He hit his palms against the couch's armrest repeatedly. "The entire Beckett family is a bunch of swindlers!

They think that they can shove their undesirable daughter into our family. In their dreams!

"As long as I'm around, I will never let that woman marry into our family! I will go and meet Newton first thing tomorrow morning and break this marriage off!" "I'm afraid that won't be a good idea, Grandpa."

Zoe knelt down on one knee next to Cornelius. She held his trembling hands and comforted him. "If you go to Mr. Beckett Senior in such haste, Landon will hear about it immediately.

"You should already know what his personality is like. If he finds out, he will surely cause a ruckus. He's also such good friends with Mr. Beckett. With him siding with outsiders, we will end up being the ones at a loss."

"My dear granddaughter, you're so thoughtful! How smart of you!"

Cornelius started to calm down. He then pressed on, "How about if you come up with an idea for me? How should I handle this?"

"Lauren and I used to be schoolmates. Let me find time to speak with her face to face."

When Zoe spoke, her voice was gentle and the look on her face was kind. "I'll tell her how I feel and reason with her. In that way, I hope that I can convince her not to cling to Landon any longer. They will not have a future together."

Cornelius thought about Landon, who had fallen head over heels in love. He couldn't help but feel worried. "What happens if you're not able to convince that lady?"

"Then, I will use the second method—one that is a little cruel and vicious. That said, it is a method that can make them have a clean break."

Zoe smirked slyly. "You just have to wait and see."

After a short period of recuperation, Lauren resumed her school life as usual.

Lauren was able to live a peaceful life thanks to all that Landon had built for her.

If possible, Landon would have loved to build a flawless ivory tower so that he could keep and protect her within it, like a flower in a closed terrarium.

Nonetheless, what he didn't know was…

Perhaps, just like that, this would be the end.

Maybe, eventually, the crack would spread slowly and become like an extensive web. In the end, the entire terrarium might be covered in cracks.

Every day, Angelina kept Lauren company and watched her like a hawk.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1734-Lauren learned how to conceal her feelings. When she got home, she would close herself in the drawing studio. She focused on painting and didn't show her emotions.

Angelina didn't notice anything amiss with Lauren.

If there were anything to say about the difference in Lauren, it would be in her artwork. Their hues had become duller, they were darker, and they had become more bewildering to Angelina.

Lauren heard that Landon had returned home that evening to see Cornelius.

She felt anxious about it, so she painted in the studio while she waited for him to come home.

Nevertheless, even after an extensive period, he had not returned home.

Eventually, unable to keep herself awake any longer, Lauren succumbed to sleep at her desk amidst her watercolors.

By the time Landon rushed back, it was already in the wee hours of the morning.

He noticed that Lauren had fallen asleep with her head on the desk. She had gotten smears of colorful paint all over her face. A loving smile spread across his face.

"What took you so long, Mr. Landon? Madam Lauren has been waiting for you."

Angelina asked in a worried voice. "Was Mr. Cornelius unhappy about the engagement?"

"Grandpa has given his green light. He left it to me to make my own arrangements," Landon answered as he stood at the door and fixed his eyes on Lauren, who was fast asleep. His gaze was filled with love.

Angelina asked excitedly, "Really?"

Landon lifted his finger vertically in front of his lips, signaling Angelina to lower her voice.

"Yeah. After leaving the Harper Residence, I made a trip to Stellus at Belbanks. I heard that there were some good products made of quality materials these past couple of days.

"I was afraid that others would get their hands on it first, so I rushed over to see if I could pick out a couple of things that would suit Lauren.

"I only had some time today. I'll be busy with other things tomorrow. So, I decided to just settle all I could today."

Angelina couldn't help but feel sad. In a hoarse voice, she said, "I'm sure you've put in a lot of effort."

"It's nothing. Things will get better."

As he said that, he took out a rectangular box from the pocket in his suit and opened it in front of Angelina.

Sitting in there was a hair clip made of clear quartz. It was exquisitely carved, and it shimmered under the light.

Angelina's eyes widened in awe. She was deeply drawn by it. A mere glance revealed the unmistakable value of this item; it was exceedingly precious.

"It's so beautiful. It really suits Madam Lauren."

"How can my princess be using a pencil to put up her hair? A valuable hair clip like this is what suits her." Landon's eyes twinkled with a soft gaze.

Angelina nodded in agreement.

"Oh, there's another thing."

Landon retrieved another box from his coat pocket and handed it to Angelina.

"This is for you."

Angelina froze. She hesitantly accepted the box and opened it.

"It's a lucky charm," Landon explained casually.

"This… This is too expensive. I can't accept it!"

"Isn't your birthday coming up in a few days? This is a birthday gift from Lauren and I. Accept it."

"I'm not sure if I'll have time to celebrate your birthday with you. Happy birthday in advance, Angelina."

Upon saying that, Landon walked into the room toward the woman he loved.

Angelina's eyes welled up with tears. She clasped the pendant in her hands tightly and pressed her hands against her chest.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1735-It was in the early hours of the morning. The hospital corridor was quiet. The operating theater light had been illuminated for ten consecutive hours.

Jasper was sitting up straight on the bench. Both his body and facial expression were still. Yet, his gloomy gaze and the popping veins on the back of his hands that were on his knees revealed the nervousness within him.

Even so, sitting opposite him was an even more nervous pair of siblings. They were Clarissa and Hendrix Sparks.

Till now, Hendrix had no idea how much his sister suffered in the Schmidt family.

More than that, he couldn't believe that the Schmidts, whom they had always admired, weren't the ones who offered to save their father. Instead, it was Alyssa.

Another 30 minutes passed before the operating theater light was turned off.

The Sparks siblings held onto each other's hands tightly. Jasper also couldn't help but get up to his feet.

The door opened, and an exhausted Alyssa walked out from the operating room in her green scrubs.

She had a mask over her face, and only a pair of eyes could be seen.

All of a sudden, Jasper's heart started to race. There was something that he hadn't realized at normal times.

Why did a mask-wearing Alyssa look so much like the White Dove, who had fought alongside him and saved him from the raining bullets on the battlefield back then?

However, how was that possible?

Alyssa was the apple of the eye in the Taylor family. How could she have appeared on the battlefield in Luminara? Moreover, how could she have met him so coincidentally?

Not only that, she had never been to Luminara. Within their relationship, he was unreserved and completely truthful with her. So, why would she not mention a single thing about such a significant experience?

But if… Just if…

Could Alyssa possibly be the White Dove, whom he had been searching high and low for?

Jasper clenched his shaking hands into fists. Each breath he inhaled was like an invisible blade that ruffled him from within.

He didn't dare to make such assumptions. A lump of bitterness rose in his throat.

He felt like his soul had been captured even just by this fleeting thought. He was on the verge of breaking down.

"Ms. Alyssa, how's…"

Clarissa's lips were pale. Her heart was full of anxiousness, and yet, she couldn't bring herself to probe more. She was afraid that she would end up hearing bad news.

Alyssa removed her mask, revealing her sweaty face. She let out a relieved sigh. "The operation was very successful. The new kidney is functioning well in your father's body. You don't have to worry."

Upon hearing that, Jasper felt relieved, too. He went forward to Alyssa immediately and put his arms around her waist.

Alyssa was also drained. She leaned on him feebly. With her surgical cap still on her head, she rubbed her head gently on his warm chest.

"That's great. That's great news!"

Hendrix was thrilled, and he hugged Clarissa tightly. "Claire, Dad is saved!"

He then expressed his gratitude toward Alyssa. "Thank you, Ms. Alyssa! Our family owes you big time!"

"That's just my duty as a doctor."

Right after Alyssa said those words, to her surprise, Clarissa prostrated before her.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1736-Jasper and Alyssa were utterly shocked. They helped Clarissa up from the ground immediately. "Please get up, Ms. Sparks! Don't do this!"

As Clarissa's older brother, Hendrix's heart ached for her. He, too, tried to help her up.

"Ms. Alyssa… Thank you… Thank you very much…"

Clarissa's voice was breaking from all that crying. She spoke incoherently. "The favor that you've done for my father. I will pay you back with my life."

Alyssa shook her head gently. "You don't have to pay anything back to me. I just hope that you can free yourself from Josh and the Schmidts. That is the outcome that I wish for the most."

Oscar was transferred to the VIP ward for observation.

In the lounge next door, the Sparks siblings sat across from Jasper and Alyssa.

Clarissa had her eyes lowered as she rolled up her sleeve with her shaking hands.

When Hendrix saw the scars that covered her arms, he lost it. He enveloped Clarissa in his arms and started crying his eyes out.

"It's alright, Hendrix. It's all over," Clarissa consoled him with a relaxed smile on her face.

Now that Oscar's surgery was successful, she had nothing else to worry about.

She had decided to give her all. She was choosing to walk out of darkness and into the light.

Clarissa took out a brown envelope and put it on the table. "This envelope contains some evidence that I have gathered. It includes evidence of Josh embezzling the corporation's funds, giving and receiving bribes, and him using the Bright Scholarship Foundation under the Schmidt Group to launder money."

Hendrix looked serious and furious at the same time. "I can testify that during my time working at Schmidt Group's legal department, Josh asked me to go through loopholes in the law to embezzle funds for his own profit. This happened more than once.

"I can't believe that he even abused Clarissa. I don't care if I end up being imprisoned or losing my reputation. I will stand up and testify against him! I have to avenge Clarissa!"

"Hendrix." Clarissa choked on her tears. She felt terrible.

Nonetheless, she was well aware that the Sparks and the Schmidts were inlaws. It was inevitable that both parties would end up hurt through this dreadful fight.

Jasper and Alyssa focused their attention on going through all the evidence.

With serious looks on their faces, they looked very much like one another. They were even in sync when it came to turning pages.

"Actually, Josh even has attempted murder."

Jasper and Alyssa asked in surprise, "Who did he try to murder?

"Previously, David was suspected of sexually assaulting minors. One of the victims, Maggie Madison, intended to step forward to testify against David.

"At the time, Josh had a motive to protect David. So, he seized the opportunity to bribe one of David's subordinates when he was being detained and tried to get rid of Maggie.

"At that time, he wasn't doing so to help his brother. Instead, he was just trying to win brownie points with Victor. He chose to use David's subordinate because if this was revealed, he could then push the blame to David while he leaves unscathed."

When the incident happened, Alyssa and Jasper had considered this possibility.

Yet, when they heard Clarissa's explanation in person, they still reacted with staggered expressions. They felt perturbed.

Clarissa shook her head regretfully and helplessly. She sobbed, "During that time, I was right by Josh's side. I listened to him as he blatantly came up with a plan to murder that innocent woman. But I was completely incapable of stopping him.

"Even when I asked him more about it, he would beat me up…"

"Don't blame yourself, Ms. Sparks."

"It was a pity that I didn't record what he said at the time." Clarissa was filled with regret.

"Even if you had recorded it, it wouldn't be of much use."

Jasper put down the documents in his hand. His eyes were glum as he shared his analysis calmly. "Firstly, a recording taken without consent cannot be presented as evidence in court.

"Secondly, Maggie didn't die, and she is now safe and sound. That means that Josh could even strike back by suing you for false accusations and defamation.

"Josh is Victor's eldest son. Although Victor's eyes are on Jameson now, he will not give up on him that easily. No matter what happens, he will do all he can to cover for him.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1737-Clarissa furrowed her brows in anger. "Then… Then, what can we do? Does the law really have no hold against these financial tycoons?"

"What Jasper means is that we need something that's even more earthshattering." Alyssa looked into Jasper's dark eyes as if she was able to see right through him. "When going against Josh, we have to hit the bullseye so that he doesn't have a chance to get back up.

"The only way is if he gets punished both by the heavens and on the earth."

The look in Jasper's eyes reflected his understanding of Alyssa. He resonated with her so deeply that his blood pulsed through his veins. He couldn't help but put his arm over her shoulders and hold her.

She was the one who understood his innermost feelings the most.

Clarissa looked down as she thought about it deeply. After a moment, she lifted her eyes again and looked at them with a determined gaze. "Josh has a kink.

He likes to record sex videos in secret.

"Not only did he use the funds from the Bright Scholarship Foundation to force those women into sex trades, but he violated them too. On top of that, he also filmed them secretly.

"He saved the files in his password-protected computer and would rewatch them from time to time for his enjoyment. Even when we had sex. he would do it with me while playing those videos."

Hendrix, Alyssa, and Jasper were already boiling in rage. Yet, Clarissa was extremely calm when she said all this.

"Oh, Claire. Josh is a bastard!" Hendrix felt like his heart was crushed.

Clarissa was a precious family member in the Sparks family. She had to endure such inhumanity after marrying into the Schmidt family.

Alyssa grasped Clarissa's hand in hers firmly. "Ms. Sparks, is there any way that you can make a copy of those videos?"

"I would like to do that, but the computer is in Josh's room. Plus, it's a hidden folder that has been password-protected. He doesn't let anyone enter his study easily. Even if I managed to get in, I won't be able to access his computer,"

Clarissa explained with a dejected expression on her face.

"As long as you're able to turn his computer on, I can crack his password remotely and transfer his folder out!" Alyssa exclaimed with confidence.

"Lyse is an expert hacker. Josh's dirty tricks are no match for her," Jasper chimed in with praises for Alyssa. His eyes were filled with love and admiration.

Clarissa's and Hendrix's jaws dropped.

They were like a real-life version of Rachel and Ross.

No, they were like Mr. and Mrs. Smith!

Clarissa was bright-eyed. "If so, I will do my best to do that for you."

Alyssa nodded. At the same time, she looked concerned. She urged, "But, you have to promise me that you will not force yourself. Only proceed on the condition that you are able to keep yourself safe."

On the way back from the hospital, Xavier was in the driver's seat while Jasper sat in the back seat with Alyssa in his arms.

They leaned against one another. Alyssa had just completed an important task.

She had finally felt more cheery after suppressing her emotions for days. She wrapped her arms around Jasper's neck, humming a joyful tune.

At first, Jasper only watched her with a smile on his face.

Eventually, he was lured in by how playful she looked. He couldn't hold himself back anymore. He lowered his head and started kissing her on her soft lips. He couldn't stop himself once he started.

Xavier raised the privacy divider immediately and became a professionally oblivious secretary.

"I have a question I'd like to ask you, Lyse. Would you be able to answer me?"

"Hmm." Alyssa mumbled as she leaned her chin against his collarbone.

Jasper counted the seconds in his heart. Some time passed. Yet, Alyssa didn't give a single response.

It wasn't until he heard the sound of her even breathing in his ear that he realized…

Alyssa had already fallen asleep out of exhaustion.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1738-Landon carried Lauren back into their room. In a few swift moves, he removed her white cotton dress, which had been stained with colors. He picked her up and entered the bathroom with her.

He ran a warm bath in the bathtub. Carefully, he lowered her into the tub. He was afraid that he couldn't refrain himself, so he didn't join her. Instead, he sat by the side of the bathtub, rolled up the sleeves of his black shirt, and wiped her body down gently.

He realized that Lauren had become thinner recently. She wasn't as plump as she used to be when he fed her all the good food. Her tummy was flat, her prominent clavicle, her sharp chin…

Landon pursed his lips. He couldn't stop the pain in his heart.

All of a sudden, he started to regret it.

If he hadn't taken over this position, he would have been able to accompany Lauren every day. Their days would be boisterous. Wouldn't that be lovely?

But, if he hadn't fought for it, Harper Group would have ended up in Preston's hands in the end. There was no way he would give it up. Even if Harper Group was destroyed, he could not let that bastard get what he wanted!

"Mm."

Lauren opened her bleary eyes slowly. She jolted awake once she saw Landon's face. She stared at him in surprise.

"Oh, I woke you up in the end. It's my bad. I was too clumsy," Landon chuckled bitterly as he blamed himself and frowned.

Suddenly, the water splashed.

Lauren leaped out from the bath and threw herself around Landon's neck. She started bawling.

With every weep, her warm tears fell onto his shoulders. Landon was terrified.

He wrapped his arms around her naked body, wishing that he could consume her.

"What's wrong? What's wrong? You're crying your eyes out. Was there someone who bullied you?" Landon asked anxiously.

Lauren, however, only kept crying.

She was afraid. She was absolutely terrified. She feared that Landon had endangered himself for her sake once again.

She was afraid of the night. She was worried that he wouldn't be by her side when she woke up in the morning. She feared that he would get himself into trouble and be arrested.

In the past, she was afraid of losing him.

Right now, all she wished for was for him to be safe.

"Next time… Can you come home earlier?" Lauren sobbed. Her eyes had turned red.

"Ah, I see that you've missed me."

Landon breathed a sigh of relief. He planted kisses on her wet shoulders, inch by inch. At last, he bit her softly on her shoulder.

"Bear with me for a few more days, Lauren. We can be together day and night very soon."

That night, there was no dancing in the sheets.

Lately, Landon had been too tired. After they climbed into bed, he soon fell asleep with Lauren in his arms.

Lauren, on the other hand, was wide awake till the day was bright.

In the morning, she pretended that nothing had happened. She knelt on the bed and tied Landon's tie for him.

That said, he couldn't afford to be so frivolous now.

After much practice, she had perfected the art of tying ties. Her dexterous hands were now able to tie a full Rindsor knot quickly.

"All done, Landon."

Before she had even finished her sentence, Landon tugged her in by the waist and smacked his lips onto hers.

Landon could feel Lauren's body melting in his arms, just like a tasty piece of white chocolate that was at its melting point.

He was being stimulated so early in the morning.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1739-All of a sudden, Landon was no longer motivated to go to work. As he kissed Lauren's moist lips, he lifted his hand to tug at his tie.

"Don't^" Lauren panted softly. She grabbed his hand and said, "It's already tied.

Don't ruin it. Wait until you come home…"

"Okay. Compensate me when I come back tonight then," Landon whispered in her ear in a sultry voice.

Lauren blushed. She nodded shyly.

Angelina had prepared breakfast. It was almost time, but she only stayed standing by the door. She knew that it was best that she didn't bother them.

She could hear the sound of flirtatious remarks coming from the room. She lifted the corners of her lips into a slight smile.

Landon always stuck close to Lauren until the very last moment before he left the house.

"Here's a small gift for you, darling."

Landon picked Lauren up and placed her on the chair in front of the vanity table.

Then, he opened the rectangular jewelry box.

"Ah. It's beautiful!" Lauren gasped as she laid her eyes on the gleam of the hair clip made of clear quartz.

"I know that you don't fancy jewelry. You've never worn any of the many jewelry that I've bought for you previously. But I hope that you'll use this. Let me put it on for you."

Landon stood behind her. He picked up her long, smooth hair. He used the method Angelina taught him and put her hair up rather clumsily.

For Lauren's sake, he had gone above and beyond, doing things he had never imagined himself doing before. Yet, he still felt like he was greatly indebted to her. All these were far from enough.

A moment later, Landon was done putting her hair up. He then clipped her hair up with the quartz hair clip.

The clear quartz itself was splendid, but Lauren was even more dazzling. Her skin was fair as snow, and her eyes twinkled. At that moment, no other treasure in the world could compare to her.

"Lauren, do you know what it means for a man to do up another woman's hair?"

Landon lowered his body and spoke tenderly. "It means that you are my wife.

You are a married woman now, Lauren."

A warm ray of light came through the window, illuminating Lauren's glowy cheeks. Her eyelashes fluttered, and her ears turned red.

Landon walked out of his manor in big strides. Angelina followed behind him.

"Angelina, did Lauren meet anyone when she was in school these two days?"

Landon was reminded of the way Lauren hugged him and sobbed last night, as well as her dark circles this morning. He couldn't help but feel bothered by it.

"Nope. Apart from attending classes and spending time at the art studio honing her craft, she had little interaction with others."

Angelina asked anxiously, "What happened to Madam Lauren, Mr. Landon?"

"Nothing much. Perhaps Lauren was feeling down because I haven't been allocating much time for her lately."

"Madam Lauren is going to school to attend the school's anniversary celebration in the afternoon."

"Sure. She has been looking forward to it for a long time."

Landon frowned. He continued in a low voice, "Just make sure that you watch over her. Don't let any accidents happen again."

At 1:00 pm sharp, Lauren arrived at Solana City Arts Academy. She was accompanied by Angelina and two other bodyguards.

Soon, Lauren and Angelina arrived at the entrance to the academy's auditorium.

Her tension gradually eased away. Her eyes sparkled as a smile slowly came across her face.

Angelina watched her. A smile of relief spread across her face.

Indeed, one of the best decisions Landon ever made for Lauren was for her to study at this academy.

Can not Win Me Back Chapter 1740-Lauren and Angelina arrived at the venue together, but Angelina was stopped by members of the student union and security guards at the entrance.

"I'm sorry, but you can't enter without a student ID."

The school had tightened security due to the previous incident, especially for large events like this one.

After being rejected, Angelina looked embarrassed. Normally, she would have fought with anyone who stopped her, but she couldn't do that at school. She didn't want to embarrass Lauren and make her life difficult in school.

"Angie, I'll be fine," Lauren said, holding Angelina's slightly calloused hand and gently squeezing it. "If you're worried, just wait here for me. If anything happens, you can rush in to protect me, right?"

Reluctantly, Angelina agreed. "Alright, Madam Lauren. I'll wait here. If you feel sick, just send me a text."

Lauren nodded and followed the crowd into the auditorium.

As the event began, the doors were closed.

The timid Lauren didn't dare to sit in the front row, so she found a seat in a corner at the back.

When she saw the black piano on the stage, her heart skipped a beat. Her pale hands trembled as she tightly gripped them together.

Some of the traumas buried in her mind throughout her student years resurfaced, seemingly haunting her once again.

As the ceremony was about to begin, the lights on the stage came on while those in the audience dimmed.

The noise around her gradually quieted down.

Lauren lowered her eyes and hesitated to look up at the stage.

In her eyes, the black piano seemed more like a giant monster, ready to devour her at any moment.

Suddenly, footsteps in high heels approached from behind. It got closer and closer until they stopped at Lauren's row.

Although Lauren had kept her head down, she felt someone sitting beside her.

"It's been a long time, Lauren."

The familiar, sultry voice carried a hint of mockery and jest. It was like a sharp blade scraping against Lauren's throat, cutting off her breath instantly.

A chill ran down Lauren's spine. In panic, her shoulders couldn't stop trembling.

"It's quite obvious that you're spoiled. You're really different now that you have my brother backing you up."

Zoe, wearing sunglasses, provocatively raised her brightly painted red lips with a cold sneer. "We're classmates, after all. If you really marry Landon in the future, I'll be your sister-in-law. It's not appropriate for you to ignore me, is it?"

Lauren's breath caught in her throat, and she firmly gripped her phone.

She remembered Angelina's instructions, but after much hesitation, she still didn't send her a text.

After all, Zoe was Landon's sister, while Angelina was just a subordinate. Even if she did send a text, what good would it do? It would only cause trouble for Angelina. Lauren didn't want to put her in a difficult position.

"Is there anything you want to talk to me about?" Lauren's voice was barely audible.

With her legs crossed, Zoe tapped her slender fingers on her knees, playing a silent melody.

However, it resounded in Lauren's ears like thunder.

A huge shadow loomed over her.

Lauren remained silent. Of course, she knew. She knew better than anyone that Landon had put in all his efforts to get where he was today.

"I'm not an idiot," Lauren retorted.

Facing such blatant insult, she summoned unprecedented courage and looked at Zoe with red eyes.

"I'm not an idiot. Please stop calling me that."