Ch. 1841..1850

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1841-Fine. Let's have a discussion, then." With a flat expression, Landon instructed, "Jordan, get the document.""Sure, Mr. Landon." Jordan grabbed the share transfer agreement from his bag and handed it to Preston. "Mr. Preston, please sign the agreement."Glaring at the writing, Preston could no longer humble himself. Punching the ground, he growled, "Landon Harper, you're looting a burning house! This is daylight robbery!""Yes. So what?" A grin played on Landon's lips, but his eyes remained impassive. The duality of him sent a chill down Preston's spine.Landon added, "This is nothing compared to what you've done to Lauren.Anyway, I'll try my best to catch up to you. The younger generation has to do better, don't you think?"Preston scowled, and the corners of his lips twitched. He could not possibly sign the agreement, as that would mean a complete separation from the Harper Group. Without any shares to his name, he would not stand a chance of making a comeback. It was a fate worse than death!"Landon Harper, you're not a gang leader anymore. You're the president of Harper Group, yet you break the law. Do you want to lose your preside—"When Preston was speaking, he noticed the glimmer of a blade in his face.Landon grabbed the knife from Angelina and cut off Preston's right arm without hesitation.Preston's agonizing scream filled the air, but Angelina, Jordan, and the rest of Landon's subordinates merely watched on without shock.This version of Landon was the one they knew better—a man of action who did not speak much.Falling in love with Lauren transformed him into a human being with feelings and emotions. However, Preston had brought out the devil in Landon once more.Landon signed the agreement using Preston's blood. Then, he tossed the severed arm away with disdain. "I got your signature now. Uncle Preston, thanks for your generosity. I will soon be one of the largest shareholders of Harper Group, just second to Grandpa."I spared your left hand for wiping your ass when you use the bathroom."With that, Landon gracefully entered his Bentley. Angelina and the others retreated, leaving silently like how they had arrived.They left Preston struggling for life on the ground. He gripped his severed arm tightly and hissed, "Landon Harper, just wait and see... I'll make you pay double for what you put me through today!1 After Preston was taken to the hospital, two men showed up at the underground parking of The Millennium with buckets and mops to clean up the mess. They did their work speedily, and soon, there was no trace of a fight ever happening there.Back in the security control room, Amber's fingers trembled as she watched the security footage she had edited. She had edited Landon out of the footage.Suddenly, she heard a rhythmic knock on the door. She hurriedly shut her laptop and answered the door."Ms. Altman, I've cleaned the scene per your orders." A good-looking security guard stood at the door. He addressed her with much respect.After checking the surroundings, Amber quickly pulled him into the room and locked the door behind her.Feeling touched, she beamed at him. "Still, thank you. Loyalty and comradeship are hard to come by at The Millennium."Blushing, the man suddenly looked worried. "But Ms. Altman, why would you take the huge risk to lend Landon Harper a hand? Is it worth the risk?""Good question. I have no idea. All I know is that I'm listening to my heart." A wry expression crossed her face.He carefully prodded, "Do you... have a crush on Mr. Landon?"

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1842-On their way back, Jordan was in charge of driving while Angelina sat in the front passenger seat. Keeping Landon company, she said to him, "Mr. Landon, we need to keep our guard up for the time being.

"Jameson Schmidt is the owner of The Millennium, and he'll definitely catch wind of what happened tonight at his clubhouse. I'm worried he might use your action against Preston tonight to stab you in the back."

"Whatever. He's just a paper tiger." His tone was sharp and arrogant as ever. He rasped, "I've gotten what I wanted anyway. Preston's man hurt you in the leg, so I took his arm. We're even now. As for the rest, I don't fucking care."

"Mr. Landon, thank you for getting back at him on my behalf." Angelina's eyes grew misty. Choking, it took her a while to speak. "But I hope this will be the last time. I will avenge myself in the future. I do not want you to get into trouble over someone like me."

He pursed his lips and fell silent.

"Mr. Landon, would you like to head home?" Jordan saw Landon having a shuteye in the back through the rearview mirror.

"Home? Do I still have a home?" Coughing, Landon felt the bitterness spread across him. "The moment Lauren left, I no longer have a home. I cannot bring myself to return to Sage Manor."

These days, he called the hotel presidential suite his home, as he had nowhere else to go. With his wealth, he could have bought ten more villas, but he was scared of being alone in an empty house.

Any building that resembled a home would evoke his deep yearning for Lauren.

Each corner would reignite the happy memories he'd shared with her.

His longing for her was worse than death. One day, he might be crushed under the pain.

"Angie, I need a cigarette," he said in a hoarse voice.

Feeling sorry for him, she declined, "No, Mr. Landon. You've been smoking too much lately. The doctor made it clear that cigarettes and alcohol are bad for your health. You have a heavy responsibility on your shoulders, and you can't afford to crumble! Please don't self-sabotage anymore."

While she was speaking, Jordan stepped on the brakes, causing them to jolt.

"What's wrong?" Landon narrowed his eyes.

Sweat formed on Jordan's forehead. He honked repeatedly. "M-Mr. Landon, a car is in our way, but it refuses to give way."

Angelina noticed that the car, though not as expensive as the Harpers', carried a unique monotone carplate. In Solana City, only the powerful or the politicians possessed carplates like that.

She decided not to invite trouble. She said to Jordan in exasperation, "Let's back up."

Landon held the opposite view. "Let's go ahead."

Angelina looked troubled. "But Mr. Landon, that car is…"

"They are the ones against traffic. If anything, they should have backed up and yielded to us. If they aren't going to follow the rules, we don't have to show them any respect. Drive into them."

Jordan dared not defy Landon. He accelerated and collided with the car ahead, causing the hood of the other car to spring up.

The driver of the opposite car angrily came over to argue with them, but Jordan was ready to teach him a lesson.

"Are you blind? How can you run into us? Didn't you notice our special carplate at all? My goodness!" The driver yelled at them insolently, "Are you going to take responsibility if anything happens to the people in my car?"

Under the high beam, Angelina finally made out the face of the man seated in the opposite car.

Stunned, she gasped, "Mr. Landon, that's Mayor Hodgson's son, Freddy!"

Landon's eyes widened in shock. He cast a threatening look at Freddy and got out of the car. Angelina followed suit.

Seeing that, Freddy lazily got out of his car under the protection of his bodyguard. The air between the two men was tense; the look in their eyes showed they were ready for war.

Angelina silently curled her fists. She couldn't believe that a man of Freddy's stature would behave like a hooligan.

"Are you blind? Can't you see the lane divider?" Landon immediately went straight to openly insulting the hypocritical Freddy.

Freddy's expression froze.

Landon smirked, looking like a handsome devil in the night. "Your driver behaves worse than a beast. Does he take after you?"

"You—" Freddy so wanted to punch Landon, but he feared he might not be Landon's match.

Taking a deep breath, he grinned maliciously in a manner that did not match his social standing. "Hah! I won't take your outburst to heart. I'm big-hearted, unlike someone."

"Who are you insinuating?" Angelina glared at him and took a step forward.

Seeing that, Freddy's bodyguard did the same thing to protect his employer.

Heart sinking, Landon hissed at him, "Who's getting married?"

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1843-"What did you just say? Repeat it." Landon's breathing grew uneven. His eyes were shooting fire.

Landon looked provoked and tethered on the brink of sanity, much to Freddy's pleasure. Freddy lifted his chin and cackled manically like a victor. "Mr. Landon, I need to thank you for my marriage to Lauren.

"I wouldn't have gotten her hand in marriage if the Harpers had treated her better. Instead, you tortured her endlessly, triggering her despite knowing about her condition, which was totally despicable. You could have married her if it weren't for your family."

Just now, Angelina and Jordan couldn't make out the content of Freddy's whisper. However, they heard his second remark loud and clear, and they looked pained.

"You're lying!" Landon grabbed Freddy by the collar, nearly lifting him off the ground. He then proceeded to toss Freddy against the car door.

His swift action caught Freddy's bodyguards by surprise. The bodyguards attempted to stop Landon, but Angelina and Jordan immediately kept them away from him.

Meanwhile, Freddy grimaced in pain as he felt his body falling apart. Having been raised sheltered, he had never been abused in such a manner. He said in a shaky voice, "W-Why would you vent your anger on me? You should blame yourself for failing to keep Lauren by your side. You're angry at your incompetence, but you're letting it out on me."

The color drained from Landon's face. He could taste blood in his throat.

Freddy continued, "Even if I weren't in the equation, the Becketts would never allow their daughter to marry you! Did you think the Hodgsons forced her into marriage? She agreed to marry me because she was disappointed in you!"

"Shut up!" bellowed Landon.

He hurled another punch at Freddy's face, causing the latter to shut his eyes in fear.

"Mr. Landon!" Angelina interfered in time. She held Landon's fist with her calloused hand. "Please, don't do this! I beg of you!"

However, Landon's anger did not dissipate. He gritted his teeth.

"Haha! Why aren't you punching me?" Freddy was emboldened after knowing that Landon was hesitant. "That's because you don't have the guts. Your family has already crossed the Becketts. Mr. Newton and Mr. Javier shared the same sentiment—they would like the Harpers blacklisted in Solana City!

"Lay a finger on me, and I promise that none of the Harper Group's projects will ever materialize in Solana City. I want to witness the Harpers' downfall!"

The weather at midnight was relentlessly chilly.

Lauren hadn't gone to bed. Clad in comfortable, fluffy loungewear, she focused on sketching. The ruffling of pencils on the paper was the only sound in the quiet room.

She heard a soft, hesitant knock on the door at that time.

"Ms. Lauren, are you asleep?"

"Not yet. Come in." Lauren flipped to a new page, concealing her sketch of Landon.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1844-The maid who entered was Holly Lockstein, the best friend of the late Nina when they were working at Seaview Manor. Now that Lauren had moved home, Holly volunteered to attend to her.

"Why aren't you resting yet? It's late," Lauren addressed Holly gently.

"Ms. Lauren…" Eyes flickering, Holly finally said after some hesitation, "Mr.

Landon has stood at the Seaview Manor entrance for more than two hours. I learned about this when I heard Mr. Durham talking about it with the others."

Lauren's pupils wavered. She felt as if someone had stabbed her in the chest and twisted the blade.

"Mr. Durham and the others kept it a secret because they didn't want to wake Mr. Javier. Even if Mr. Javier is asleep, it'll be trouble if Rory learns about it."

Holly looked worried.

Lauren turned her back to Holly and switched on her phone. The phone vibrated nonstop as a barrage of notifications of incoming calls flooded her screen.

Landon had called her many times, but he only texted her once, writing, "Darling, I miss you."

Her tears fell onto the screen. His affectionate text had opened her wounds again. She thought she'd gotten used to losing him. Even if she hadn't, she thought she'd at least be calm at the mention of him.

All her efforts to numb herself had gone down the drain because of Landon's text.

"Ms. Lauren, just sneak out to meet with him." Holly felt sorry when she saw Lauren crying.

Lauren hung her head low and hunched her back.

Holly insisted, "You'll regret it if you don't."

"I can't change anything even if I meet with him."

"You should meet him if you cherish your relationship with him. I think it's cruel to break up with Mr. Landon without giving him closure," Holly persuaded Lauren. "Even if you have to bid goodbye to him, you should wrap up the relationship nicely. Do it with the grace of a Beckett."

Landon stood tall in the chilly winds, not once looking away from Seaview Manor.

He occasionally let out a cough, and his stomach hurt, but none of it mattered as his soul had already separated from his body.

"Mr. Landon, take your medicine." Angelina fetched him some pills and a thermal mug.

He lowered his eyes and stared at the pills in his palm. Then, he slowly curled his fingers. When he unfurled his fists, the pills had been crushed into powder, scattering into the winds.

"What's the point of living?" He smirked.

She caught herself at the right time and pressed her lips.

"Mr. Landon, look!" Jordan suddenly yelled in excitement.

Landon looked up with vacant eyes, but his heart immediately raced.

A shuttle bus drove in their direction in the middle of the night. Landon immediately recognized Lauren demurely sitting in the back of the vehicle.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1845-Lauren approached Landon, still clad in the white loungewear that she always wore when she was at Sage Manor. Her adorable appearance put a smile on Landon's face.

As he smiled, a drop of tear rolled down his cheek. When their eyes met, emotions washed over them, and their hearts pounded wildly.

She nearly could not recognize Landon as he'd lost many pounds. Suppressing her heartache, she pursed her lips and said nothing, fearing that she might cry if she opened her mouth.

If she cried in front of Landon, the resolution that she had shown would all mean nothing.

Landon went up to his lover with heavy footsteps and hugged her in tears. She wept in silence, suppressing any sound and refraining from returning his hug.

Despite that, her uneven breathing and her racing heart were proof of her emotions.

There were three things that couldn't be hidden—coughing, poverty, and love.

During his journey, Landon had many thoughts and questions for Lauren. He wanted to ask Lauren about the reason she agreed to marry Freddy. Just why?

However, when they finally met, he could only manage to say, "You should've put on a jacket. What if you catch a cold?"

She rested her forehead against his chest and shook her head softly. Angelina and Jordan looked away, feeling sorry for the ill-fated couple.

After hugging in silence, Landon touched his lips against Lauren's ear, which was red from the cold. He pleaded, "Lauren, don't marry another man. I'm begging you. Please come home with me."

She did not reply, but her tears stained his chest. After some silence, she clenched her teeth and pushed him away with trembling hands. "Landon, take good care of yourself. Don't ever meet me anymore."

It had been a while since he heard his name leaving her mouth, but it sounded distant. She no longer called his name sweetly.

Just as Lauren was about to leave, Landon lost his composure. He grabbed her arm with such great strength that he might crush her bones. "Lauren, how could you do this to me? This is too cruel. You might as well kill me!"

"Mr. Landon, calm down!" Angelina and Jordan frantically stopped him, worried that he might hurt Lauren.

Looking tearful and shattered, Landon questioned, "Didn't you say that you love me? You said you'd be my woman and only mine. How could you go back on your word?"

He was acting unreasonable and hysterical. His disgruntlement was peppered with threats.

"I'm just an ordinary woman. I can't handle a life with adventures and challenges. All I want is to live a simple life, even if it's loveless. All I ask is peace and safety.

"Landon, breakups hurt at first, but it'll get better. I've gotten over it, and you will too."

Angelina gaped at Lauren. For the first time, she witnessed someone making a cruel remark in a gentle tone.

The best solution for the time being was to put a distance between Landon and Lauren. After getting rid of all his enemies and threats, he could then marry Lauren without any worries.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1846-Landon's suit was drenched in sweat. The color drained from his face when he heard Lauren's cruel words. How could she advise him to let go of the unforgettable memories with such ease?

At that moment, they heard a jarring honking sound. Heart sinking, Lauren turned around and found a vehicle's high beam in her face.

Rory got out of the car and politely opened the car door for Javier, who was clad in leisure wear. Javier got out of the car as well, seemingly woken up from his sleep.

"Lauren, what did you promise me?" Standing in the lights, Javier said sternly, "Didn't you promise me never to meet anyone from the Harper family? Why are you giving me trouble? Are you going to follow in Jasper's footsteps as well? Is Jasper a bad influence on you?"

Jasper was Lauren's Achilles' heel. She was instantly reminded of Javier's conversation with him that night.

"Dad, please don't blame this on Jasper. Life's been difficult for him over the years. He's sacrificed too much for his work, so please do not blame him."

"I dislike people who don't listen to me, and Jasper is the prime example. I have been keeping it to myself because I needed him to manage the company for me. That's how I turned him into an arrogant and disrespectful brat!

"Now that Justin is recovering, he will return to Solana City once his health markers have stabilized. I could replace Jasper with Justin in managing the company. Without Jasper around to anger me, I might even live a few years longer."

"Dad, don't replace Jasper. Please!"

"I will reconsider keeping Jasper around if you listen to me and agree to the marriage with Freddy Hodgson."

"Lauren, come to Dad." Javier extended an arm to his daughter with a flat expression. Lauren lowered her gaze and dragged herself toward him.

"Lauren Beckett, come back!" Eyes ablaze with anger, Landon yelled at her, but she did not turn around at all.

"Mr. Landon, don't you find it degrading and shameful to travel all the way here and play the victim in the middle of the night?" Javier hugged Lauren with a disdainful look toward Landon. "Lauren is now the fiancée of another man. Your short-lived secret relationship has come to an end.

"If you truly care about Lauren, do not show up in front of her again. She's been ruined by your family. Are you trying to make her suffer more by pestering her?"

Trembling, Landon stumbled a few steps backward. He watched as the entourage marched away, each step weighing on his heart.

Filled with helplessness, he had never once felt so close to losing Lauren than at that moment.

Jasper accompanied Alyssa to spend a night at Heightsnew Villa. During intimacy that night, Alyssa looked distracted because her mind was on Lauren's marriage to Freddy.

It was the weekend the next day. By afternoon, Alyssa finally tidied up and went to the living room with Jasper. There, she spotted Cyrus' familiar jacket draped on the couch.

Clark, the butler, happened to pass them. She stopped him, asking, "Is Cyrus home?"

"Yes, Ms. Alyssa. Mr. Cyrus is home. He's chatting with Madam Mandy in the guest room."

Alyssa and Jasper exchanged looks. Then, they held hands and wandered toward the guest room.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1847-Jasper and Alyssa exchanged astonished looks. Cyrus, no doubt, must have been referring to Lauren.

After that, they heard Mandy's shocked gasp. "Cyrus, what are you talking about? Marrying Lauren? Since when have you caught feelings for her?

"Tell me, what role did you play in the breakup between Lauren and Landon?

For heaven's sake, please don't tell me you came between them. You're only going to humiliate me. A Taylor son can be gay, but he shouldn't break up relationships!"

Cyrus, Jasper, and Alyssa stared at Mandy speechlessly.

After some silence, Cyrus explained bitterly, "I gave up on Lauren because I saw how much she and Landon were in love. Landon seemed to care for her very much, and I did not want to stir trouble. All I wanted for Lauren was a smooth sailing relationship."

Alyssa lowered her gaze and let out a quiet sigh. Cyrus and Lauren shared a similarity—in that they always prioritize the needs of others before themselves.

They were both empathetic and sensitive.

Frankly, Alyssa had thought over the scenario many times—would Lauren be happier with Cyrus? Alas, hypothetical questions were useless in relationships.

"But she's going to marry a man she doesn't love!" Cyrus said, gripped by a pressing and intense worry from suppressing his desire for too long. "If so, Mom, I want to satisfy myself for once. I'd like to pursue Lauren. I'd like to—"

"Since the news is out, it means that Lauren's marriage to Freddy Hogdson is a done deal. What are you doing, coming between them at this time?" Mandy sighed. "Besides, as you said, Lauren and Landon were in love. Even if they have broken up… Son, you might not win Lauren's heart.

"To be honest, Landon will forever be her first love. Are you confident in spending your life with a woman whose heart belongs to another man? Are you sure you'll never feel regretful or disgruntled?

It's a tougher path than you think."

"Mom, you knew Dad loved someone else when you married him. But have you once regretted choosing him?" Cyrus directed a pointed question at Mandy.

Jasper felt Alyssa tightening her grip on his arm. He quickly turned to look at her and noticed her pale face.

Mandy replied in a low mumble, "My situation was different from yours."

"Mom, there is something we share in common. I will choose what I want. As for the rest, I do not care." Cyrus let out a deep, bitter chuckle. "My principle is to keep my loved ones happy. If I can't do that, what principles are left for me to hold on to?"

You brat— "Mandy, Cyrus." Alyssa entered the room with Jasper at that moment.

Mandy's expression froze upon seeing them. Cyrus sprung from his seat. "Lyse, did you overhear—" Alyssa smiled. "I overheard your conversation just now. But I didn't do it on purpose."

Jasper pressed his lips softly at her remark. She certainly didn't do it on purpose, huh? He knew she had a habit of eavesdropping; she was like a walking bug.

Cyrus held his breath and stared at Alyssa earnestly. "Lyse, since you heard what we just said, I have nothing more to hide from you. I'd like to take my shot with Lauren. Do you mind?"

"My dad's various flaws did not stop you from falling in love with him at first sight," Cyrus retorted.

"Or… does Lauren's condition bother you?"

"Cyrus!" Alyssa had to jump in. "Mandy will never think of Lauren in that way.

You shouldn't have asked the question in the first place."

Cyrus, realizing that he had overstepped, looked downcast. "Mom, I'm sorry."

"Well, I could tell you really love Lauren," remarked Mandy.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1848-Feeling bitter, Mandy nonetheless smiled with understanding. "You wouldn't have talked back to me otherwise.

"I will not stop you from pursuing the woman you love, but with one condition— Lauren and Landon must have a clean break. If they remained entangled with each other, I do not want you involved in it." Mandy's tone grew serious. "I do not mind your partner's background or life experience as long as she's a decent young lady. However, I will not accept a daughter-in-law whom you stole from another man."

Jasper had a newfound respect for Mandy. It was no surprise she had raised three wonderful children.

"Lauren will have the final say." Cyrus' eyes shone with determination. "If she chooses me, I will not disappoint her. But if she chooses to be with Landon, I will help them to overcome the challenges, no matter what it takes."

An idea came to Alyssa. Eyes twinkling, she asked, "Cyrus, are you really willing to help?"

"Have I ever walked back on my word?" Cyrus seemed to have made up his mind.

"Since Mandy is here as well, I will openly state my idea." After a pause, Alyssa inquired firmly, "Cyrus, may I make use of you?"

Jasper and Mandy exchanged confused looks. Cyrus fixed a solemn gaze on Alyssa. "Lyse, what is it that you want me to do?"

She flashed a clever smile at him. "I want you to wreck their marriage."

Her daring idea made him speechless. Smiling wryly, he commented, "Lyse, my mom has just warned me not to steal a woman from another man. You've got a bold idea there."

She wagged her fingers at him. "No, no. By wrecking their marriage, what I mean is I'd like you to ruin the upcoming marriage between Lauren and Freddy, so he won't get to lay his hand on her."

The look in Jasper's eyes deepened. He wrapped an arm around her waist. Last night, he made love to her in an attempt to distract her and make her fall asleep.

However, he couldn't get any shut-eye at all, as he thought through solutions for Landon and Lauren and made preparations for the future. To his surprise, Alyssa was more clear-headed than him.

Looking back, none of the Taylor sons could escape their fates of being used by Alyssa in one way or another.

"Do you want me to pose as a love rival and fight with Freddy over Lauren?"

Cyrus rested his chin on his fingers. Deep in thought, he said, "Well, it's no different than stealing, but I don't mind competing against Freddy. I'm a Taylor—I don't shy away from conflicts, and I can handle the fallout."

Frowning, Jasper opined, "Lyse, Javier has agreed to the marriage. He's very happy with the Hodgsons. Even if we make Cyrus openly compete against Freddy, it'll be hard for Cyrus to win Javier's approval." "Indeed. Lyse, Javier Beckett holds a deep grudge against our family because of your actions at the horseracing competition. That old bastard can't possibly approve of Cyrus,"

Mandy taunted Javier without a care in front of Jasper, much to Cyrus' dismay.

Meanwhile, Alyssa stifled a laugh at Mandy's antics. Colene was a bad influence on Mandy, teaching the latter how to cuss.

"Javier's opinion doesn't matter. It takes two to tango, doesn't it?" Smiling confidently, she explained, "If the Hodgsons refuse to take Lauren as their daughter-in-law, Javier can't force the marriage. He can't afford to lose face anymore."

Jasper fixed a gentle and passionate look on Alyssa. "Lyse, you're smart."

"Mom." Cyrus choked on emotions. He felt guilty and bitter for questioning her opinion of Lauren before this.

Similarly, Alyssa felt helpless and heavy-hearted. "Mandy, sorry to trouble you over our matters."

"It makes me even guiltier when you thank me for a minor effort."

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1849-After making the arrangements, Jasper and Alyssa traveled home to Solana City. During the journey, he pulled her into a hug, kissing her on the ear. "Lyse, thank you. How can I ever thank you enough?"

"Why so formal?" Alyssa wrapped her arm behind his neck while tapping the tip of his nose, sending his heart fluttering. "In return, how about you take Mrs.

Rosie's place and cook for me for a month?"

"A month? You're underestimating me." He squinted at her with an affectionate look. "I can cook for you forever."

She shook her head. "Oh, never mind then. I appreciate the thought. Eating your cooking forever will only be torture."

She rendered Jasper speechless with that remark. Pouting, she added, "To be honest, I feel sorry for putting this burden on Cyrus, but it's the only way to pressure the Hodgsons into calling off the marriage.

"Only when the Hodgsons give up on Lauren will Landon have the luxury of time to focus on his family matters. He'll stand a chance to get back with Lauren once he sorts out his family issues."

"Lyse, I have other ways to deal with the Hodgsons," Jasper began.

She shook her head. "I know you're prepared, but you shouldn't get into trouble with the politicians in Solana City."

He said coldly, "I don't mind crossing anyone for Lauren and Landon's sake."

"But you can't get onto Javier's wrong side for now. You can't give him ammunition against you. If he thinks you're a liability to the Beckett Group, he has more reason to get rid of you." She sat up in his embrace and comforted him, "Don't worry. Mandy is a capable woman.

"She's been managing part of Winston's business and assets for years. I'm sure she will make the Hodgsons give up on their social-climbing plan."

Jasper couldn't hold back a grin. He was about to kiss her again when her phone rang. She answered the call from Sean, "Hey, Sean."

"Ms. Alyssa, we have new updates on Betty Beckett," Sean reported urgently, "We got news that Betty went for a health checkup at the hospital, and she looked quite sick."

"Oh, great news, then." She spoke in a low voice, her eyes shining with a chilling look, "Get someone to monitor her. After she leaves the hospital, get her blood sample by any means."

"Got it, Ms. Alyssa!"

At the same time, Betty struggled with continuous low fever for a week at Mosgravia. The fever did not subside even though she took medications.

She had not planned to visit the hospital due to the expensive consultation fees in Mosgravia. Her allowance was a pittance that wasn't enough to sustain her lavish lifestyle, not to mention pay for medical expenses.

She recalled the times in the past when she had people tending to her for something as minor as a prick in the finger. The difference in treatment saddened her.

However, she decided to visit the hospital late at night, as new symptoms such as lethargy and persistent cough emerged.

After going through multiple checkups and tests, she wrapped herself in a dirty jacket and drifted to sleep on the bench in the hospital corridor.

In the middle of her sleep, a nurse woke her up and reminded her to get the test results from the doctor.

The doctor hesitated as he glanced at Betty's test results. Finally, he said in a low voice, "Madam, I'm sorry to let you know that you have caught HIV. We came to this conclusion from all the tests we ran on you."

"HIV?" Betty's face paled. She fixed a blank stare on the doctor's serious face.

Back in school, she was a bad student who couldn't properly grasp Grunslandish. Still, she understood the doctor's diagnosis upon hearing the term "HIV". Her slow response was merely out of disbelief.

The doctor attributed her response to the language barrier. So, he repeated the diagnosis in his broken Cyrrisian, "In other words, it's AIDS."

Her mind went blank, and she couldn't take in a word the doctor said. It wasn't like she could actually hear him anyway.

The model did not use protection and came twice—once inside her and once on her breasts. Was he the one who spread AIDS to her?

Before that exhilarating night, she had only been staying at home. There could be no one else but him.

She had been kicked out of the Beckett family and lost access to a privileged life. Not only did she lose her hearing in both ears, but she was also diagnosed with AIDS.

She couldn't see a reason to live, and she wanted death.

In the depths of her despair, she heard footsteps approaching her. A man in leather shoes stopped in front of her.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1850-"Are you Betty Beckett?" The man spoke in Cyrrisian. When Betty heard her mother tongue, she slowly stopped crying and lifted her face.

A stranger in a suit stood in front of her.

"How… How did you know me?" Betty immediately put aside her ego and begged him in tears and snot, "Y-You must be sent by my dad, right? Please, bring me home to Solana City. I do not wish to stay a day longer in this godforsaken place!

"I am really sick right now. It's a serious illness. I might die if I don't receive treatment. Dad won't leave his daughter to die."

The man replied flatly, "I'm sorry, Ms. Betty. Your dad did not send me."

Betty collapsed onto the ground again with a look of disappointment and despair.

The man added, "However, someone would like to meet with you."

Betty had no capacity to think. Hopeless and embattled, she scrambled up from the ground and followed him to a luxury car.

When the car door opened, the first thing that came into her vision was a pair of luxury silver satin stilettos. The ankles of the woman were bony and pristine.

Betty hurriedly flinched when she recalled the shabby outfit she was wearing.

The stilettos on that woman were once Betty's favorite brand, but all Betty could do now was admire them.

"Ms. Betty, please enter the car," the man casually said to her.

Betty bit the bullet and entered the car. The graceful woman in the car was surprisingly dressed in a white lab coat. Smiling, she radiated warmth and friendliness. Betty instantly took a liking to her.

"Hi, Ms. Betty. Nice to meet you." The woman politely reached out for a handshake.

Tears streamed down Betty's cheeks when she shook the woman's hand. After being bullied by her landlord and neighbors, as well as dealing with the drop in quality of life and the sudden AIDS diagnosis, she felt extremely emotional when accorded respect in the car.

Seeing that, the woman quickly handed her some napkins in a thoughtful move.

"T-Thanks…" Sniffling, Betty asked, "May I know your name? And how did you hear of me?"

The woman beamed. "My last name is Gardner. I'm also from Solana City."

Gardner?

Betty stared at the smiling face in front of her and sniffled again. She explained, "I. I once knew this annoying bitch who was a Gardner too. But you are way prettier and kinder than she was."

"Is that so? Well, we're destined to meet, it seems." The woman's smile broadened. "I had heard of you when I was in Solana City. You were living a glorious life as the daughter of Javier Beckett then.

"I ran into you when I was at the hospital. Your current state piqued my interest, so I wanted to check on you. Since we're both from Solana City, I want to help you if I can."

The woman frowned. "What about the AIDS?"

Betty cast aside her pride when she finally ran into someone who offered a listening ear. Crying, she vented about the unfortunate events that had befallen her.

"If I were you, I wouldn't let this slide. I would do anything to drag that sister to the afterlife with me."

The woman's smile grew creepier. "Since your brother did everything for your sister, you may take revenge against him by making her life hellish."

The woman's remarks reignited Betty's desire for revenge. A murderous look appeared in Betty's eyes as she huffed and puffed.-