Ch. 1921..1930

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1921-Preston quivered in fear and sweated profusely. The five injections represented revenge for five different victims.

Oddly, even when Preston had his arm severed by Landon, or when he was shot three times at the swimming pool, he had never felt closer to death than this moment.

Perhaps Jordan was right. Preston's courage to die seemed to fade away after being given a second shot at life.

Jordan, with a steely look in his eyes, injected the first poison into Preston's chest. The cold needle pierced through the skin, causing Preston to writhe as though he was being electrocuted. His eyes popped out in agony as he moaned.

"The first injection is for Landon's late father, who is dead because of you. After this shot, your limbs will go numb, and you will experience convulsions." Jordan picked up the second syringe and plunged it into Preston's left rib. "This shot is for Mr. Cornelius. You will feel a sharp pain in your stomach, as well as a headache and nausea."

Preston cast a pleading look at Jordan. His tears and snot gushed out humiliatingly. The slow torture hurt more than being shot.

"The third injection is for Mr. Landon. You will start to foam by the mouth and struggle to breathe." Jordan poked the needle into Preston's right rib.

A few seconds later, Preston indeed started to heave, but vomit accumulated and was forced back into his throat due to the tape over his mouth. His face turned red before gradually transitioning into a deathly shade of purple.

"The fourth injection is for Madam. After this shot, you will lose your eyesight while the pain in your stomach intensifies." Jordan poked the thick needle into Preston's stomach this time with a heartless chuckle.

Slowly, Preston's vision blurred. The poison got to his organs, leading to a seizure. His facial muscles stiffened, and his heart pounded against his chest.

His bloodshot eyes carried a vacant and despairing look.

"The final injection is for my senior… Angelina." Jordan held the fifth syringe with trembling fingers.

Tears brimmed in his eyes. He struggled to speak. "She lived her whole life in danger and suffering. She did not enjoy a day to herself before leaving the world. How could life be this unfair to her? That was too cruel.

"She would never have the chance to see Mr. Landon married. She had not found the love of her life. How could she leave us?

"If I were given a second chance, I would take her place and die. How I wish I could fall into that empty pool in her place.

"Preston Harper, go to hell. Repent your sins in front of the devil and be punished forever!"

Jordan's chest tightened. Panicking, he shoved the doors open and barged out.

With two policemen hard on his heels, he sprinted all the way to the underground parking lot.

The door of the second car flung open, followed by a familiar voice coming from the shadows in the car. "Hop in!"

Jordan's heart thundered. Without hesitation, he climbed into the car.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1922-Jordan was able to get away without a hitch thanks to the other car that stopped the police at the hospital.

A black vehicle zoomed through the brightly lit Solana Highway.

Landon was staring out the window. His eyes were empty and dark. Under the flickering lights, his face was alluring as usual but inexplicably desolate.

It was as if he was a completely different person.

Jordan observed him closely, searching for any trace of his presidential demeanor, but found none whatsoever. Landon was completely broken.

"I didn't issue any orders. You shouldn't have done more than what I've instructed you to."

After a long silence, Landon spoke up softly, "There are numerous opportunities to kill Preston. Yet, you chose the one time when it was the riskiest."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Landon."

Jordan lowered his head. He clenched his fists tightly. "It's just that… I really wanted him to die. He's considered lucky to even be able to live another day!

"I'm sorry. I know that I've made things very difficult for you. I'm willing to bear all the punishment. If the police approach you, tell them that I was the one who did it. I have taken my revenge, so I no longer have any regrets. I'm willing to plead guilty and—"

Landon closed his eyes and lifted his hand, interrupting Jordan. "I didn't ask you to take action because I was afraid that you'd become involved."

Jordan's heart raced, caught off guard by Landon's words. "Mr. Landon."

"You are the only one I have left by my side." Landon was anguished. He choked, "You were Angelina's best friend when she was still alive. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if anything happened to you."

"Thank you." Jordan couldn't hold himself back anymore. Tears of regret started flowing down his face.

"He's dead?"

"Yes. I watched him catch his last breath. Don't worry, Mr. Landon. I wouldn't have made it easy for him. He died a painful death."

Landon lifted the corners of his lips briefly.

A complex ball of emotions rolled within him. He felt a lump in his throat and didn't utter another word for quite a while.

"I got a call from the police station today. They said that Mr. Cornelius' autopsy had been completed. You can go ahead and make arrangements for his funeral," Jordan explained mournfully.

"Okay."

Just then, Landon's phone vibrated. It was Penelope calling.

Landon lowered his eyes and stared at his phone for a while. Despite hanging up on her multiple times, he eventually answered her call.

"Landon! What's going on with you? Do you still have a heart?" Penelope was yelling on the other end of the line. She loudly berated him, "You kept protecting Lauren Beckett! Now, this is the outcome! Our family is broken. It's completely ruined!

"Your grandfather died, and you've wounded your sister so severely. She's coughing up blood every day! Are you happy now? Are you satisfied now?"

Landon listened calmly to Penelope's unrestrained lecture. He wasn't feeling disturbed. He even laughed out loud.

Penelope screamed like a mad woman. Her attitude was not at all classy, and it was unbecoming for a woman her stature.

Penelope was stunned by his lack of emotion. All she could do was catch her breath.

"It seems like the recent events in our family have had a significant impact on you. Your mental wellbeing doesn't appear to be in good shape."

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1923-Jordan was initially taken aback. Then, he answered, "Alright. I'll look into it tomorrow."

Landon was about to hang up when Penelope continued with her tirade on the phone.

"Landon Harper! I am your mother! I can't believe that you want to keep me locked up in an asylum. You're a madman! Let me tell you this… Even if the entire Harper Group ends up in your hands… even if you are now the head of the family, I am not afraid! I will give my all and use all of my connections to rescue Zoe!

"Come and take my life if you're that capable! You're disowning me anyway.

Well, I will not have such an ungrateful and ruthless man as my son! You are no longer my son!"

"Okay."

Without any hesitation, Landon hung up the call.

His world was now quiet.

Jordan stared at Landon in shock. After a while, he queried, "M-Mr. Landon, are you really cutting off ties with Madam Penelope? You have just taken over the entire Harper Group. I'm worried that the media will come up with nonsense if they hear a word about this. It will affect your reputation."

"That's not important."

There was a slight smile on Landon's face. His eyes were filled with tenderness.

"All I need is Lauren."

Jordan nodded. All of a sudden, he had the urge to cry again.

Landon had indeed sacrificed way too much, all for the sake of getting his happiness.

"Dear God, let them be together. Please," Jordan pleaded in his heart.

"Oh, right. Mr. Harper, Madam Penelope said that she wanted to rescue Zoe.

The best way to do this is to get her on medical parole. Her current condition also meets the criteria. Do we want to stop—"

"There is no need for that. She wants to try giving her all for her daughter. Just let her be."

The look in Landon's eyes was calm. In a sharp and icy voice, he continued, "It's her responsibility as her mother."

It was in the wee hours of the morning. Landon hadn't gone home to rest.

Instead, he rushed to the hospital to visit Lauren.

In the quiet corridor, Jasper and Julien were discussing Lauren's condition.

Jasper pulled Landon aside the moment he spotted him.

"I heard the news from Cyrus. Preston was murdered in the hospital. Was it your doing?"

"Yes," Landon answered bluntly in the face of his best friend.

"That was too risky. This is murder. Although Preston deserves to die, you would only become embroiled in bigger troubles by doing this!"

Jasper placed his hands down on Landon's shoulders and gave them a squeeze. "What use would it be if the revenge would cost you your own life?

Even if you're not putting yourself into consideration, you should also keep Lauren in mind.

"Angelina has lost her life. How is Lauren going to live on if something bad happens to you too?"

Landon's throat felt dry. Tears welled up in his eyes.

"Preston is now dead. The authorities will surely see you as the primary suspect because you have enough motive."

"I'm sorry, Jasper. It was me. I was the one who hurt Lauren…"

Landon bawled his eyes out like a young child. Drops of his tears made Jasper's suit wet.

"I. I want to visit Lauren."

In the hospital ward, Lauren's frail body lay on the white hospital bed, an oxygen mask covering her face. She was hooked up to a heart monitor, which displayed her weak heartbeat.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1924-Landon sat by the bedside, lifting Lauren's bruised hand and gently pressing it to his cheek. He rubbed her hand tenderly against his cheek before placing a delicate kiss on her palm.

This was also how he typically showed her affection. He treated her like an incredibly fragile and precious object, guarding her with unwavering devotion.

He had cared for her diligently, yet those monsters had mercilessly ravaged his beloved, dragging her through the mire and shattering her.

"Lauren, I'm right here. Open your eyes and look at me, will you?" he implored, tears welling in his eyes, his lips quivering with emotion. "Wake up… Don't leave me alone."

In the end, he remained seated like that until daybreak.

Early the next day, Javier, accompanied by Rory, arrived to visit Lauren.

Jasper was sitting outside the hospital ward. He hadn't slept all night. A conflicted look came across his eyes when he saw Javier, but he stood up anyway.

"Have you been sitting here all night without sleeping?" Javier was surprised to see the dark circles beneath Jasper's eyes.

Jasper replied coldly, "Yeah. I wasn't sleepy."

Javier frowned. "How is that possible? It has been four days, hasn't it? The longest someone can go without sleep is seven days. You could end up dying a sudden death!" he blurted.

Javier's and Jasper's eyes met. The atmosphere was awkward between them.

Jasper's eyes widened slightly. He couldn't believe that Javier was expressing concern for him, and it sounded genuine.

Jasper wasn't used to that.

Javier blinked and cleared his throat. "I had Rory buy some breakfast. You haven't eaten, have you? Here, have something to eat."

Rory was carrying two boxes of takeout. He placed them on the chair immediately.

"I've included a portion for Cornelius. Bring it over to him later. He's a picky eater, and he said that the hospital food tastes bland. He specified that he wanted pancakes and such. I don't understand what's so tasty about pancakes that he never gets enough of it."

Javier paused. Then, he added in a casual tone, "I heard that Alyssa was also here all night. I got breakfast for her too. Let's eat together."

Jasper thought that he had misheard. He stared at Javier and asked, "What did you say?"

Javier coughed before explaining, "She has been helping out a lot since that incident with Lauren. She even hired a doctor from Mosgravia to check up on Lauren."

Javier pressed his lips together. The look on his face was as prideful as usual.

"Although I don't really like her, she did help my daughter. So, I should show her my gratitude."

Jasper was stunned. He had mixed feelings about what Javier had said and didn't know how to respond.

Rory noticed all these and smiled slightly.

It was probably a blessing in disguise. It was as if Javier and Jasper were starting to get along better than before.

Javier looked through the glass window and noticed the figure of a man. "Who's inside?" he asked in curiosity.

"That's Landon."

"That's Landon?" Javier was shocked. "Why does his hair look so different?"

Rory looked in the same direction too. Although Landon was young, his hair had turned grayish-white.

It broke his heart to see him like that.

Javier was shocked. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, yet he couldn't deny the evidence before him.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1925-Landon felt touched. He gazed at Javier, gratitude evident in his eyes. Though he opened his mouth to speak, words eluded him, leaving him in a momentary silence.

Jasper, standing nearby, watched with surprise, his expression softening into a relieved smile.

"Got it, Mr. Javier. I'll see to it right away!" Rory answered with a smile.

Rory was about to leave when Landon stopped him. "There is no need to trouble yourselves. I still have a lot of work to do. Thank you for your kind thought, Mr. Javier."

Upon hearing that, Javier decided not to impose. He nodded slightly and offered a quiet piece of advice. "Much has happened in your family recently. It must be an immense burden to bear alone. But don't forget to take care of yourself too.

Lauren is my only daughter. If you crumble, so will her world."

Days of exhaustion and helplessness weighed heavily on Landon. His body bore the scars of reality's harshness. At this moment, he was filled with a sense of warmth that he hadn't felt in a while.

His chest tightened with emotion as he met Javier's gaze. In a voice roughened by fatigue but filled with determination, he affirmed, "For Lauren's sake, I will endure, no matter how arduous the path. You have my word."

Jasper had his hand around Landon's shoulders as they made their way to the parking lot.

"Congratulations, Landon." Jasper beamed; his smile was akin to the bright sun emerging after a storm. "It seems like Dad is more accepting of you now. After this dangerous encounter, I think he has come around and is not as repulsed by you."

Although barely discernible, an awkward smile briefly flitted across Landon's face. "Thanks for trying to comfort me, Jasper. But I know where I stand."

Jasper observed the dim spark in his eyes and felt a pang of guilt. Landon, once vibrant and flamboyant, now seemed weighed down by regret and inferiority, particularly regarding his relationship with Lauren. It was as if he could no longer love someone with the same arrogance and passion as before.

The current version of Landon reminded Jasper of the time when he had desperately pursued the opportunity to watch over Alyssa. Having weathered his own storms, Jasper was determined to shield Landon from further hardship.

"Have some confidence, Landon. You've done nothing wrong," Jasper reassured, firmly patting him on the shoulder. "Javier may no longer have a say in your relationship with Lauren, despite him being Lauren's father. Even so, Lauren would be happier if Javier were to give his blessings to the both of you.

"Plus, in the future, he will likely support Harper Group for the sake of his only daughter, making your journey as the family head smoother.

"However, in Lyse's words, Javier is a prick. No matter how much recognition he may have for someone deep down, he would never admit it. But the way he interacted with you today was unprecedented.

"Don't worry. You and Lauren have been through fire; nothing and no one can separate the both of you again."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Both Landon and Jasper whipped their heads around, stunned.

"Mr. Axel?"

"Axel?"

A breeze swept through the parking lot as Axel approached, his black coat billowing in the wind. His clear eyes held a steely resolve. "Sorry for being late. I was held up by work."

Jasper shook his head. "No worries."

Axel observed the changes in Landon, his lashes fluttering slightly. He was brief with his words. "Is there anything else that I can help you with?"

A warmth spread in Landon's heart as he shook his head. "Thank you. I can manage on my own."

 

"Feel free to mobilize your resources when necessary, myself included."

"Mr. Axel, thank you," Landon said softly, his eyes brimming with gratitude.

Axel couldn't stay serious for long. With a playful grin, he teased, "Hey, if you're really grateful, just call me Axel."

In a sheepish tone, Landon replied, "Okay, Axel."

Axel clicked his tongue, feigning disappointment. "You're no fun. You took my advice too seriously."

Landon remained eerily calm despite the troubling news. "Gather all those who are still willing to work for me. I won't force them if they're afraid of taking the risk."

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1926-Landon had beaten up Zoe quite badly. Two of her ribs were broken, so her treatment at the detention center was marginally better than Betty's. At least, Zoe was placed in a single cell, spared from the torments of other inmates.

Zoe coughed up blood every day. She didn't even have the energy to cause a racket. Every day, she lay stiffly in bed and cried. "Help me. I'm going to die… I drank the blood of someone with HIV. I'm going to be infected. Save me, please!"

Strangely enough, Betty's ruse had an effect. Zoe was plagued by constant fear, her days filled with bouts of vomiting triggered by the vile words she had heard.

It was a shame that no one bothered about her.

Despite her suffering, Zoe endured until the news of her impending medical parole revitalized her. In a sudden surge of energy, she sat up, laughing and crying hysterically in front of the prison guard and her attorney, Horace Finch, appearing unhinged.

"I knew it! I knew that Grandpa and Mom wouldn't abandon me! I just knew it!"

Zoe exclaimed, her laughter bordering on madness. "Landon tried to end my life… but only in his dreams!"

Her response was foolish and unrepentant. Even the prison guard frowned in disapproval as he watched her.

Fearing Zoe's reaction, Horace chose not to inform her of Cornelius' death. He anticipated her volatile response, worrying she might attack him like a rabid animal, necessitating a rabies vaccine. Instead, he calmly informed her, "Ms.

Zoe, the police have arranged transportation to the hospital. They're waiting outside. It's time to go."

"The police? Didn't my mom arrange a car for me? Why do I have to ride with the police?" Zoe's tone was disdainful as she glared and wrinkled her nose.

Horace was left speechless. "Ms. Zoe, you are being placed on medical parole.

You're not being acquitted. Right now, you are still a criminal suspect. The prosecution will proceed with the case against you while you receive treatment at the hospital."

"You useless piece of shit!" Zoe pointed at his nose, unleashing her frustration.

"You can't even get this little bit right. What is our family paying you for?"

Horace clenched his teeth in anger, silently cursing her.

Zoe emerged from the detention center, her wrists restrained by handcuffs, flanked by two policemen.

The weather was dreary, with dark clouds dominating the sky, casting a somber mood. Despite the dismal atmosphere, Zoe looked up at the sky with anticipation, inhaling the fresh air eagerly; she thought that freedom was finally within reach.

Since she was able to walk out of the detention center, she was convinced that she would escape legal consequences unscathed, and it was all because she was Cornelius' and Penelope's most beloved family member.

With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Zoe drifted off to sleep.

The journey had been uneventful until an ear-piercing screech came from the tires.

 

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1927-The van experienced simultaneous punctures in both of its front tires. The driver lost control, causing the vehicle to crash into the left wall with a jarring impact, leaving the door dented and the front end mangled. It was a horrible sight.

Fortunately, the officers had fastened their seatbelts, so they sustained only minor bruises. But Zoe, seated in the back row, was in a dire state. Wailing in agony, she suffered a head injury and had her left arm pinned by the door, with a metal plate slicing her flesh, causing profuse bleeding.

Amidst the chaos, confusion arose.

"Why did the tires go flat all of a sudden?"

"It's too strange. Let's go and take a look!"

Both officers got out of the van. The moment they bent down to inspect the tires, they both felt a sharp pain at the back of their necks. They lost consciousness and collapsed to the ground.

When Zoe witnessed that, she wasn't afraid. Instead, she looked at the man in front of her with a gaze full of gratitude. Hopefully, she asked, "Did Grandpa send you to save me? He did, didn't he?"

"To save a monster like you?" The man, clad in a black coat and mask, narrowed his eyes and chuckled derisively. "I'm not so low as to do that."

Zoe's hope turned to terror as she stared at him, trembling.

"Who… Who are you?" she stammered.

"Me?" Leaning closer with an overbearing gaze, the man identified himself, "Me? I am Ares, the son of Zeus and Hera. I am here to serve justice."

When Zoe regained consciousness, she found herself bound by iron chains hanging from the ceiling in an unfamiliar room. Stripped of her prison uniform, she was left only in filthy undergarments.

The room had no windows at all. Zoe figured that she was in a basement. The air was so chilly that it made her teeth chatter. She started to get goosebumps all over her body.

"Is anyone there? Help! Save me!" Zoe struggled to free herself as she cried out continuously, "Grandpa. Mom. Save me!"

Suddenly, the basement door opened, and three burly men entered without a word, stripping away the last shreds of Zoe's dignity. In a harrowing ordeal, they subjected her to unspeakable acts of violence, her screams reverberating through the confines of the room.

Zoe bawled until her vision became blurry. She stared at the dim lamp that was swinging above her. Her eyes were filled with despair.

Her face swelled up from the beatings she took. Yet, she was powerless and could only endure the brutality that was being forced upon her.

The pain was agonizing. It was as if she had kept crawling toward the prison exit but was being pulled back into the abyss time and time again.

Right at that moment, she heard the sound of heavy footsteps approaching.

A pair of clean leather shoes showed up in front of her. Her eyes were so swollen that she could only see through slits. She mustered up her strength and looked up.

"Why… you…" Zoe breathed heavily. Her eyes were ablaze with anger.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1928-"Landon… Landon…"

With dirt-stained hands, Zoe clutched onto the leg of Landon's pants, her eyes burning with fury and hatred. "Just because of that bitch. Just because of that bitch. How could you do this to me?

"Who does Lauren think she is? I am your biological sister! How could you do this to me? You should just go to hell!"

"That's right, you are my biological sister," Landon rasped. Tears welled in his eyes, casting an icy glare. "I've cherished you since childhood. But you repeatedly hurt me with your actions. You've torn apart my happiness to satisfy your selfish desires.

"If your actions stemmed from hatred toward me, perhaps I could have found it in my heart to forgive you, considering our familial bond. But instead, you've harmed an innocent woman. And not just anyone—she is the love of my life.

"I've given you countless chances, Zoe. Each time, I held onto hope that you would change and repent. Yet, each time, you proved me wrong. Instead of remorse, I was met with further cruelty toward Lauren."

He closed his eyes, the image of Lauren fighting against her bullies haunting his mind.

If she hadn't had the energy to resist. If she hadn't given her life to fight back.

The same tragedy that had befallen Zoe could have easily happened to Lauren.

Landon knew he could have lost Lauren forever.

"Landon, stop making excuses for your ingratitude and your infatuation!" Zoe panted heavily; her glare was fierce. "That stupid woman has consumed your soul! You're a madman, a pawn manipulated by her!

"The greatest regret of my life is being your sister and not ridding you of that bitch earlier. condemning you to a lifetime of sorrow and regret!"

Landon's expression remained cold as he watched Zoe's outburst. Her rage contorted her face into that of a ferocious beast.

Zoe continued, "By locking me in here. Did you think you could avenge that bitch this way? You abducted me from the police. They will find me soon! And Grandpa. Mom. They will all find me. You're finished, Landon! You're fucking finished!"

"Grandpa is already dead." Landon, who had been calm all along, choked on his tears as he informed Zoe of this news.

Instantly, Zoe became as white as a sheet, her gaze vacant. "What did you say?

Grandpa. is dead?"

Following that, she erupted into laughter, disbelief painting her features.

"Landon, you're lying to me, aren't you? You would even go as far as coming up with such a lie just to get me?"

Landon's response was filled with bitterness. "Would I need to lie about something like this? Grandpa's funeral is in two days. But you won't be there to bid him goodbye."

Zoe's pupils were constricted. She panicked. "How could that—"

"Preston killed him. He stabbed Grandpa three times."

Zoe's world crumbled around her. "No… No…"

"You chose to side with the enemy. You wanted to use Preston to come against me and Lauren. But in the end, Preston killed the one in this family who loved you the most. And Dad's death was also because of him. His helicopter crashed into the sea because Preston hired someone to tamper with it."

Zoe was utterly stupefied.

"In the past, I have given you multiple warnings to stay away from Preston. I said he might have caused Dad's death. But you sided with him. You're his accomplice."

Landon tried his best to suppress the despair of losing his loved one. He rasped, "He was cruel enough to even murder his own father. Did you think you could survive under him?

Landon maintained a calm expression on his face. "I will give you one last chance. Apologize to Lauren now. I'll be merciful."

Zoe spat back defiantly. "Dream on! You want me to yield to that bitch? Over my dead body!"

"Jordan."

Jordan, who had been waiting outside, walked over to Landon's side. "I'm here, Mr. Landon."

"See Ms. Zoe off for the last time," instructed Landon coldly.

With that, he left without another word, his resolve unshaken

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1929-Zoe exclaimed, "Landon! Where are you taking me? What else are you going to do to me?"

Just moments ago, Zoe was still causing a racket. Now, she was completely terrified. Yet, she remained stubborn and refused to beg for forgiveness. She shouted from behind Landon, "Have you forgotten the oath you pledged before Dad's grave?

"You said you would love and protect me all your life! Is this how you keep your promise to our dead father?"

Upon hearing that, Landon stopped in his tracks.

A million thoughts bombarded his mind. He felt like his heart was sinking in quicksand; exhaustion gnawed at him from all the struggling he'd been forced to do.

Slowly, with trembling hands, he unfurled his palms. These were the hands that once wove through his younger sister's silky hair, hands that fed her, cradled her, and hoisted her high in the air. Hands that, in happier times, grasped hers as they raced through the park, laughter echoing in their wake.

He was her older brother. Yet, he had taken on the role of a father from an early age. He did all he could to fill the void left behind by their late father during her formative years.

Yet, these same hands also harbored a simmering hatred for the family member who had shattered him. Now, with these very hands, he was severing the familial bond.

A tear escaped and dropped onto his palm.

"I vowed to love my younger sister. You, on the other hand, have been taken over by jealousy and desire. You're nothing but a parasitic monster."

With those final words, Landon walked away.

Zoe's heart plummeted to her stomach. Her expression was blank. It was as if her soul had left her body. Regret washed over her in a tidal wave. However, there was no turning back.

Night had fallen by the time Landon walked out of the abandoned manor.

Axel was leaning against the sports car's hood and smoking a cigarette.

Spotting Landon, he threw the cigarette at his feet and stomped it out.

"Hey, Axel. You're still here." Landon approached Axel. The former's face was pale.

"I didn't dare leave, in case you did something rash. Jasper wanted me to keep an eye on you." Axel feigned relief. "Fortunately, you didn't go overboard." "Were you worried that I'd kill her?" Landon shook his head and continued, "I won't take her life. Jasper doesn't want blood on my hands. I don't want to disappoint him."

Axel fixed his eyes on Landon, hesitant to speak.

"Do you think it's unreasonable how I treat my sister?" Landon's voice wavered, his emotions barely contained.

Axel crossed his arms and briefly pondered before responding, "Let me think about this from a different perspective. If Lyse were the victim, I would have been even more brutal than you. I'd kill her, and no one would be able to stop me."

Landon lowered his head. He felt really tired. "Axel, I'm not sure why, but my heart still hurts, but I don't regret it."

Following Zoe's abduction, the police conducted an exhaustive search throughout the night, but she remained elusive.

The surveillance camera at the scene had been hacked, and both officers on duty didn't manage to get a good look at the abductor's face before they were each injected with a tranquilizer.

Zoe had vanished in plain sight.

The next day, an emergency board meeting was held at Harper Group.

Unanimously, all board members voted for Landon to be officially promoted.

He hadn't even turned 30 and had already taken over the Harper Group and become the head of the Harper family. He was now the chairman of both the company and its board of directors.

Despite being the leader, Landon didn't appear particularly elated. After all, he had never wanted any of this.

Right at that moment, the meeting room door flung open.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1930-Landon was looking down as he twirled his pen between his fingers.

Everyone else in the room shook their heads as they glanced scornfully at Penelope, who was causing a scene.

"Zoe was en route to the hospital for treatment when she vanished without a trace, and they have yet to locate her. I know it was you who took her!"

Penelope's voice reverberated as she advanced toward Landon, pounding the table with both hands. Ignoring the presence of the board members, she continued, "Landon! Give me back my daughter!

"If you don't return her to me, I will hold a shareholder meeting and have you ousted from Harper Group! Return Zoe to me!"

Landon stopped twirling his pen. However, he still didn't look up at Penelope.

"What are you doing, Penelope?" one of the board members interjected.

"Perhaps Ms. Zoe left of her own volition while the police weren't looking. If you wish to pursue this matter further, it's best addressed with law enforcement."

"Indeed," another chimed in. "This is a board meeting; personal family matters shouldn't be aired here.

It reflects poorly on Harper Group."

"Personal family matter?" Penelope's eyes widened incredulously. "Are you dense? If it were your child, would you spout such callous remarks?"

The board members fell silent. In their minds, they acknowledged that Penelope hadn't exhibited such behavior when Bill was alive. Her widowhood seemed to have taken a toll on her sanity.

Landon, despite being the focal point of the conflict, had remained passive.

Finally, he spoke in a composed tone, "That concludes today's meeting. You are all dismissed."

"Alright, Mr. Landon!"

Everyone got up and left the room, fleeing the tense situation like startled rabbits.

The unison of "Mr. Landon" echoing in their wake slammed into Penelope. The realization that her outburst had made her look like a buffoon was a punch to the gut. It had been nothing more than a childish tantrum.

Silence descended upon the empty meeting room. "Landon," she spat, her voice laced with barely contained fury, "did you take Zoe? Where is she?"

Landon's response was a glacial stare. His eyes, devoid of warmth, held a darkness. "Trash deserves to be discarded." "Return Zoe to me! She is my flesh and blood!" Penelope screamed, "You've already refused to acknowledge me as your mother. Zoe is the only one I have left. Give her back to me!"

Landon silently watched as Penelope went into a frenzy.

Penelope, a woman who showered her daughter Zoe with indulgence but lacked any true parenting skills, was now a cornered tigress. For most of her life, Penelope had coasted by, sheltered and carefree. This was the first time Landon had seen such fierce protectiveness in her, and tragically, it was directed at a monster.

She emphasized how Zoe was her flesh and blood. She appeared to have forgotten that Landon was her flesh and blood too.

Penelope appeared to have overlooked the fact that it was Landon who had shouldered the family burden at a tender age since Bill's passing. Thanks to Landon, they were able to live a comfortable life within the Harper family.

Penelope revealed her true colors upon seeing Landon remain impassive.

Through gritted teeth, she threatened, "You're not going to give in, are you?

Fine. Then the police will hear about this! The media too!

"I'll tell them everything—how you brutalized and kidnapped your own sister!

They'll condemn you, Landon! Your reputation will be shattered!"

A harsh clatter cut through her tirade. Landon had tossed his phone onto the table. A video was playing; pitiful cries filled the air.

Penelope stared at the phone, her face draining of color. She watched Zoe being violated by three men. The men took their turns with Zoe.

Penelope's heart was crushed. She buried her head in her hands and pulled at her own hair. She stomped her feet and wailed, "Zoe… My baby!"

"She's not your daughter. She's just a monster that you nurtured and spoiled."

Landon turned off the video. His lips were a pale line, pressed thin with repressed fury. and cold. "You failed to raise her. So, I can only use this method to teach her.

"Penelope, I know that you must be in despair now. She's your biological daughter after all. Go ahead and let those tears out. You'll never be able to see her again anyway."

Penelope collapsed, her emotions spiraling out of control. She laughed through tears, spewing curses between clenched teeth. Jordan summoned two bodyguards to escort her out.

Frustrated by Penelope's antics, Jordan turned to Landon. "Mr. Landon, I'll have Madam Penelope escorted to the VIP parking lot via your private elevator. She won't encounter anyone along the way."

Landon, facing the window with a cold demeanor, responded, "No need for that.

Let her leave the way she entered—through the main entrance. Let the public see her in this state."

Understanding Landon's intention, Jordan complied silently. He knew Landon wanted everyone to witness Penelope's breakdown, discrediting any claims she might make.

"Did you record the scene in the meeting room earlier?" Landon asked with a blank look in his eyes.

Jordan nodded. "Yes, it was all recorded."

 

"Will do, Mr. Landon." Jordan smiled coldly.

"Also, I received an update just now. Zoe has been placed on a stowaway boat headed for Tsulu. She will arrive at Tsulu in five days. Do you think—"

"Just leave her to fend for herself."

Landon closed his eyes, feeling exhausted. He took a deep breath. "I don't want to waste my energy on garbage."

Jordan sighed, "Right. It's not worth it."

"Jordan, do you feel like I have become terrifying?"

"There is only a fine line between good and evil."

Landon's phone rang as he said that. He took a deep breath, steeling himself when he realized that it was Jasper calling. He answered, "Hey, Jasper."

"Landon, come to the hospital quickly. Lauren is awake!"