Ch. 1991..2000

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1991-Cyrus sat at the edge of his desk with his arms crossed while looking at Jasper and Alyssa with a grave expression.

"Firstly, we found drugs on him, and the member of the Ivory Gang named Harvey Palmer, who sold him the drugs, is also stubbornly accusing Xavier. The evidence against him is solid.

"Secondly, with the recent crackdown on drugs, Xavier happened to fall right into the crosshairs. Chief Novak specifically instructed not to let any black sheep off the hook, regardless of their background or identity." 1

"Xavier's case must be completely sealed off from the public." Alyssa's gaze was sharp.

Cyrus shook his head in frustration. "Before you two arrived, several reporters came to snoop around, but I had my people chase them away. But I think the news got out somehow. How else would those reporters know to come poking around?

"What's even trickier is that higher-ups found out Xavier is connected to Jasper.

Considering my relationship with Jasper, I’m not allowed to intervene in this case. Even the officers questioning him in the interrogation room are not under my command. If I want to intervene, I don't know where to start."

At this, both Jasper's and Alyssa's expressions darkened. Both of them felt that there was a hint of conspiracy in this whole affair. 1 "We must find a way to clear Xavier's name now. At the very least, we must get him released on bail. Otherwise, Jasper will soon get dragged into it." Cyrus truly regarded Jasper as family, so he was filled with worry.

"Sean's appearance as Xavier's attorney can only buy US time. It won't solve the fundamental problem."

The usually omnipotent daughter of the Taylor family frowned in distress.

Actually, this matter was quite simple.

If Xavier confessed and denied any connection with Jasper, the matter would end there. But Xavier wasn't just any ordinary secretary. He was an extremely important person to Jasper, a comrade-in-arms akin to family.

Jasper would rather take all the blame himself and give up his position as the president of Beckett Group than sacrifice Xavier and let him go to jail.

"Xavier can be released on bail if someone provides false testimony or if the evidence is incomplete, right?" Jasper, who had remained silent, suddenly spoke in a chilling tone.

Cyrus nodded. "In theory, yes."

"Then let's start with the Ivory Gang member." Jasper's face turned terrifyingly grim. "I'll have someone intercept his attorney and find a way to communicate with him." 1 Alyssa stared at the man next to her in shock. She parted her lips but didn't know what to say for a moment. 1 "Jasper, do you even know where you are right now? Do you know what I do?"

Cyrus was both frustrated and furious. His lips twitched in agitation. "I'm a police officer! You're attempting to collude with a witness to provide false testimony in front of me! Do you know that I can charge you with perverting the course of justice? I can't let you do that!"

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Cyrus quickly composed himself and responded to the knock.

A police officer walked in. "Chief Taylor, Harvey Palmer's attorney has arrived."

At the same time, Alyssa's phone rang. It was a call from Colene. She quickly answered with a low voice. "Colene?"

"Lyse, are you with Jasper?" Colene asked seriously.

Alyssa glanced at the man beside her. "Yes."

"Let him take the call. I have something to say to him."

Upon hearing that, Alyssa pressed her lips together and handed then phone to Jasper. As she leaned close to his ear, she whispered, "Jasper, it's Colene."

Jasper's eyes widened. He took the phone and held it to his ear with al seriousjexpression. Yes, Madam Colene."

Colene let out a cold laugh, but her tone gave a sense of security. "That Ivory Gang punk has, gaysed troüble for you Nicertainly won't stand by and watch. I've already asked Nathan to handle this matter. From now on, you don't need to do anything. Just watch."

"I'm afraid things aren't going too well on your end, are they?" Colene's tone was intriguing.

Jasper's throat tightened. "You know about it?"

"I'm guessing the news has spread throughout Solana City by now."

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1992-Inside the interrogation room, Xavier sat silently beside Sean. He watched as Sean transformed into a cold and resolute fortress, shielding him from the officers' attack.

His eyes shone brightly. He was almost shedding tears.

If it weren't for his crush, he would fall for Sean. 1 While Sean appeared calm on the surface, he felt uneasy inside.

He felt that something about the whole situation was fishy. The attitude of the police seemed as if they were eager to pin the blame on Xavier immediately,

fearing that he might turn the tables. 2 Involvement in drug transactions as a buyer, even for small quantities, could result in a minimum six-month sentence.

Once convicted, even if the sentence weren't severe, it would still be a huge blow to Xavier as the head secretary of Beckett Group's president. His future would be ruined.

In another room, Harvey Palmer, the member of the Ivory Gang who sold drugs to Xavier, was having a private conversation with his attorney, Jabari Chapman.

"The Ivory Gang strictly prohibits its members from dealing drugs. You know that very well. Your actions have made Mr. Nathan extremely angry." Jabari stared at him with a dark expression.

Thinking of the ruthless Nathan, Harvey paled, and his chair squeaked as he trembled.

"Mr. Nathan is giving you two options. One, you take all the blame and tell the police that you sold drugs to Xavier voluntarily. You got angry when Xavier didn't accept your offer, so you secretly planted the drugs in his suit pocket.

Everything was your doing, and Xavier has nothing to do with this."

Harvey’s eyes reddened with anger. He gritted his teeth but dared not speak out.

Jabari had already prepared the testimony for him. The Ivory Gang's lawyer was really something.

"If you don't agree, whether you come out of prison alive is a question. Don't forget about your 60-year-old mother and your younger brother who still hasn't married in the countryside.

"If you obey, Mr. Nathan will take care of your family. If you don't, he'll make sure your whole family joins you in hell.” Upon hearing that, Harvey widened his eyes, and he immediately nodded vigorously. "I-I agree! I'll confess! Please ask Mr. Nathan to spare my mother and my brother! I'll admit to any crime!"

Satisfied, Jabari nodded and continued coldly, Mr. Nathan also wants me to ask you if you were instigated by someone to frame Xavier. Who's behind this? If you confess, I can try to help you reduce your sentence."

"N-No one instigated me.” Harvey confessed, spilling everything. "That Xavier guy showed up at my place three days straight, but he wasn’t interested in partying with girls. I figured he wanted to buy some meds, so I approached him.

"At first, he was cautious, asking about the meds. I observed him for a while before finally agfeeing to the deanno dre one instigated me. It was just my bad luck that the cops showed up on the day of the deal!"

Jabari frowned. "Meds? Is that the name of the drug?"

Harvey grabbed Jabari’s hand as if grasping a lifeline. He pleaded, "Please help me explain to Mr. Nathan! I-I did use this stuff to make money privately. But it's just medicine! It's not a drug!" 1

The police handling the case never expected Harvey to completely m overturn all his previous testimony in just half an hour. He insisted that the incident had nothing to do with Xavier and that it was all his doing.

Even a fool could guess what his attorney had told him to make him take all the blame.

However, the police couldn't obtain the surveillance footage from the nightclub that night. With issuesn arising with witness testimony, Xävier was eventually successfully released on bail. However, for the next month, he couldn't leave Solana City and had to be available for police.

questioning at anytime.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1993-Xavier successfully navigated this hurdle. When he emerged from the interrogation room, he maintained a calm demeanor, but his legs trembled inside his trousers.Jasper had once again taken away his first time. He needed an increase in salary.To avoid suspicion, Alyssa left through the back door of the police station.Meanwhile, Jasper and Xavier, accompanied by Sean, walked out of the police station gates.They expected to be swarmed by reporters outside, but strangely, there was no one there. Scratching his head, Sean remarked, "There's no one here? I had my press release ready." "Perhaps someone already got wind of Xavier being released, so there was no need to pay off reporters to spruce up his image for free,"Jasper said coldly."Such a jackass," Sean couldn't help but curse."I've already notified Beckett Group's PR Department to work overttonight to withdraw the trending hashtags and control public opinion. We'll try to minimize the impact." Jasper continued calmly, "Tomorrow morning, Beckett Group's Legal Department will send out a lawyer's letter. Those media outlets reporting on this matter tonight can expect to receive court subpoenas." Feeling guilty, Xavier hung his head tearfully. "Mr. Beckett, I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I couldn't get the stuff, and I almost got myself into trouble." Jasper's gaze softened, and he said in a low voice, "We'll talk about it later." At that moment, a honk sounded.The three men turned to look, only to see two black Mercedes-Benz cars speeding toward them, one behind the other, before coming to a halt in front of them.The lead car's window was wound down to reveal Alyssa's delicate and beautiful face. "Jasper." Jasper couldn't help but be surprised. "Lyse?" 1 By the tXavier was released, dawn had already broken.

Alyssa and Jasper remained composed, but Sean and Xavier Were left with dropped jaws.

Xavier exclaimed in amazement, you must have invested "Mr. Nillions of dollars in your tens of clubhouse. You sure make good money in your line of work S Mine? Wow, youre really flättering me. These are all my dad's.

And my dad's, in the end, will all be my sister's." Nathan's eyes were full of affection when he mentioned Colene. "Thank you for what you've done today, Mr. Nathan." Jasper looked at Nathan, feeling moved. "I owe you one. I'll surely repay it."

As Jasper and Alyssa followed Nathan to the Ivory Gang's branch, the sky began to brighten.However, their eagerness to understand the whole situation left them with no interest in sleeping.Two Mercedes-Benz cars pulled into a discreet, luxury clubhouse.Nathan entered the password, and they stepped inside, where they were greeted with a surprising scene.The clubhouse was extravagantly luxurious and bustling with activity.

Several gambling tables were lively with action. Men and women were seen everyhere, dressed in flashy attire and indulging in debauchery and decadence.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1994-Nathan waved his hand dismissively. "Please don't say that, Mr. Beckett. I was simply following Colene's instructions. It's just a small favor. Besides, Harvey is one of our guys. As the Ivory Gang's leader, it's my duty to handle this trouble. If you want to repay the favor, just repay Colene." The group entered Nathan's luxurious office, which was quiet compared to the bustling activity outside.

Jabari immediately recounted Harvey's words to them.

"Meds?" Jasper and Alyssa looked surprised.

Xavier's eyes lit up. "Yes, yes, when he was dealing with me, he asked if I was buying meds. Is that their code language?" Jabari explained, "Strangely enough, Harvey insists that what he was selling was not drugs but a type of medicine. It's

a banned medicine popular overseas that has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration here.

"It's said that taking this medicine can produce the ssensation as drugs, and it can't be detected even in urine tests. So, it has becparticularly popular in the underground world of Solana City recently.

"It's rumored that smembers of the Ivory Gang are already addicted to it. Not just the Ivory Gang, but other gangs too." "Did the Ivory Gang member who died on the street use this medicine too?" Jasper's eyes flashed with sharp coldness.

Nathan's expression turned grave. "Yes, not only did he use it himself, but he also sold it privately to other members of the gang." "Something's wrong with that medicine." When Alyssa recalled the horrifying and abnormal manner of the man's death, her heart sank. "Regardless of whether it's considered a drug, we can now be sure that people who take it are at risk of life-threatening danger."

"It's such a pity! I got caught right when I got hold of that medicine. I couldn't complete the task Mr. Beckett entrustedwith…" Xavier sighed with regret.

Jasper comforted him, "It's alright. Your safety is more important than anything else." Xavier was on the verge of tears again.

Pursing his lips, Nathan reached into his suit pocket. He pulled out a small plastic bag and placed it on the coffee table.

"This is the medicine we're talking about. I went to great lengths to get hold of it.

This bag is even more expensive than drugs." Alyssa immediately picked it up and examined it closely under the light.

The deep blue pills had the letter "D" on them.

When we get back, I'll have et someone analyze it to see what ngredients it contains. Uncle Nathan, you must make it clear 'our people that no one should ouch this thing, or their lives will be danger." Alyssa's expression was xtremely serious. Content belongs o english"Oh, please. Don't calluncle." Nathan waved his hands in panic, hardly resembling a gang leader.

"Just callNathan, Ms. Alyssa. If Colene finds out, she'll think I'm taking advantage of you and probably block my contact again."

Jasper lowered his head in contemplation. "The person when brought this into Solana City must häve initially promoted it as a type of medicine. Even if caught by the police, they could use this as an excuse to escape legal sanctions.

That's why it spread so quickly and becmore and more rampant."

"It seems it's not widely circulated on the market, but many members.of the Ivory Gang haye cacross il…!

Damn it. bid our gang monopolize it?"

Drugs, sudden deaths, specific groups…

"There's something particularly strange. "Nathan was pondering as well. "When this medicine surfaced in Solana City, I had my people ask around everywhere. None of the high-end clubs, celebrities, or even sof the big nightclubs we oversee have seen this stuff.

Alyssa's mind raced. Suddenly, she grabbed Jasper's hand.

"It seems it's not widely circulated on the market, but many members.of the Ivory Gang haye cacross il…!

Damn it. bid our gang monopolize it?"

Drugs, sudden deaths, specific groups…

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1995-At the Millennium, upon learning that Xavier was safely released, Jameson was engulfed in rage. He smashed several antique crystal glasses into pieces.

"Please calm down, Mr. Schmidt." Nicholas' voice on the phone sounded cautious and respectful.

"Everything was planned perfectly. Jasper's secretary was supposed to be doomed. Who would have thought that the scum from the Ivory Gang would change his statement at the last minute and shoulder all the blame himself? It was too unexpected. I couldn't do anything." "The Ivory Gang pressured him?"

Jameson widened his crimson eyes. He then slowly bent down to pick up a piece of broken glass and clenched it tightly in his palm.

The blood seeped through his fingers, staining his pale hand with its vibrant hue.

However, he felt no pain. Instead, the suffocating feeling in his chest eased a bit.

"Marc is already old. Years of fighting have left his body riddled with ailments.

He's already retired to the background. Now, the Ivory Gang is under Nathan's control."

Nicholas' voice was sinister. "Nathan has a close relationship with the Taylor family's Colene. Alyssa asked Colene to intervene and get Nathan to lend a hand. There's no reason for Nathan to refuse.

"Also, Aidan's promotion of the new medicine has been going smoothly all along. But when it came to the Ivory Gang, it was constantly hindered."

Jameson slowly opened his palm. As he looked at the bloody mess, a cruel smile tugged at his lips. "Find a way to stop Nathan from ruining my plans."

"Should we get rid of him?" Nicholas asked cautiously. 3 "Killing him would cause trouble. He's the Ivory Gang's leader, after all. Just find a way to make him lose control of the Ivory Gang."

Jameson dropped the shard and walked to the window.

When he saw the Damask rose he had carefully nurtured, his dark and gloomy face revealed a strangely gentle expression. He brushed his bloody fingers against the crimson petals, as if caressing a lover's face.

"That kind of scum isn't worthy of me using my brain, let alone dirtying my hands." "You're right. I'll take care of those lowly thugs for you."

Nicholas paused before speaking in a tone that was cautious yet filled with anticipation. "By the way, Mr. Schmidt, can the new medicine be successfully developed?" "Yes, definitely. As long as we have enough experimental samples and accurate data, we're one step closer to success." "That's great! If you encounter any difficulties, just let me know. I'm willing to do anything for you, as long as the new medicine can be successfully developed."

As the call ended, Carl walked in.

Seeing the mess on the floor and blood dripping everywhere, he was terrified and hurried over. "Mr? !!!

Schmidt! Are you injured? I'll go get a doctor to bandage you up!"

"Medicine… Give me the medicine…'

Jameson's injured hand trembled uncontrollably, and even the muscles in his cheeks twitched.

Carl immediately realized what was happening. He took out a syringe from the safe and injected the medicine into Jameson's veins with practiced ease.

"Mr. Schmidt, I feel that your episodes have become more frequent ever since you finished the last batch of medicine."

Carl looked at Jameson, who was gradually calming down on the couch, full of worry. "You can't use this medicine anymore._Although it controls vourphysical tremors, your body has developed a strong dependency on it, and the side effects are becoming more and more obvious." "You think… I haven't tried to quit?" Jameson looked up at the exquisitely luxurious crystal chandelier on the ceiling.

He felt like he was spinning, but this sensation of weightlessness unexpectedly madehi@ feel o m comfortable. "But I can't… If I don't inject it for some time, my withdrawal symptoms… are more terrifying than drug withdrawal."

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1996-Carl parted his lips anxiously but didn't know what to say.

"Carl, did Mr. Justin… lie to me?" Jameson suddenly asked hoarsely. "Is the medicine he gave me poison? Will I be dependent on it for life?" 2 Before Carl could reply, he comforted himself with a smile, "But it doesn't matter.

After all, Mr. Justin gave me this life… I have no complaints, even if he wants to take it away one day.

"I just… can't bear to leave Lyse. If I can't love her and be with her… I hope, at the very least, I can be the person who accompanies her to the end of

her life." 4 At the same time, there was a waterproof, delicate miniature tapping device silently capturing every sound in the room. It was hidden under the pot of red roses carefully tended by Jameson.

Jameson checked and dismantled every nook and cranny in the private room, but he held the pot of roses dear, untouched. Any damage to its petals was met with severe consequences.

He never imagined someone would hide a tapping device there. 2 The scandal of Xavier's involvement in drugs briefly appeared on the internet but was quickly suppressed by Jasper.

The following morning, Xavier arrived punctually at the entrance of the Beckett Group Tower. He strode in with his head held high, effectively dispelling the scandal with his presence.

The day after receiving the medicine, Alyssa got up early to dress and prepare to return to Belbanks to find Julien.

Jasper had been busy recently, and Alyssa was worried he was exhausted. She got up with extra caution, afraid of disturbing his sleep.

After getting dressed, Alyssa rose from the dressing table and returned to the bed. She couldn't bear to leave Jasper's side.

His strong and sturdy chest was exposed, with small red marks standing out.

There was a distinct bite mark on his collarbone from their passionate encounter the previous night. 1 Alyssa pursed her lips, feeling a flush creep up her cheeks.

Her eyes drifted to his face. His thick lashes rested gently, giving him a serene look. His curved lips hinted at contentment.

"I'll satisfy you again when I come back." Alyssa leaned down to kiss him with a flushed face.

In an instant, she felt a firm pressure on her head.

Jasper had woken up at some point but still had his eyes, ogsed. Hem guided herbead down with his large hand, and their two hot lips met.

Alyssa yielded to the intensity, and her breathing gradually became rapid.

With his other arm around her waist, he sucked and bit her lips. His tongue connected with hers, stirring her mind.

Only when her breath became heavier did Jasper finally let herigo.

While panting heavily, he ran his.

finger over her slightly faded lips.

His morning erection was so obvious, even through the duvet. It was pressing against her belly.

"Your lipstick tastes really good."

"Hey… I just put it on, and yoy yan ruined it" Alysse lightly pounded his chest as she pressed her whole body against him.

Jasper pinched her waist and suddenly rolled over, pressing her under him.

"Since you've already let me have a taste, how about… letting me have my fill?"

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1997-Before noon, Alyssa hurried back to Heightsnew Villa.

Upon hearing her return, Colene immediately rushed down from upstairs.

"Lyse!"

"Colene!" Alyssa hurried to greet her, and the two women hugged tightly. "Thank you for your help this time."

"Don't say that. I'm already grateful that you and Jasper don't blme. You don't know how scared | was."

Colene's eyes were red. She kept patting her chest with her hand, still feeling scared. "Thank goodness Nathan sorted it out. If

Xavier had landed in prison and Jasper got into trouble because of that jerk from the Ivory Gang, | would've been in tears. How could | still face you both?"

"Please don't say that. Even if you hadn't intervened, we would have found a way to get Xavier out."

Alyssa's eyes softened as she gently patted Colene's back. "The Ivory Gang is such a big organization in Solana City with so many members. How could you possibly manage it?"

"The members are different now. They don't listen to their boss anymore."

Colene's eyes flashed with anger. She shook her head indignantly. "Mr. Waters is losing his edge as he gets older. Without Nathan's support, the Ivory Gang would've fallen apart long ago.

"But Nathan's hands are tied. He's been trying to clean up the Ivory Gang's business and lead them down the right path. But the senior members have other ideas. They don't listen to him, making his efforts an uphill battle."

Alyssa fell silent for a moment before gently asking, "Colene, do you want to go back and see Mr. Waters? If | remember correctly, you haven't been back for a long time."

Colene just blinked at her words.

"Now that Mr. Waters can't manage the Ivory Gang, do you want to go back and help him?"

"Although I'm Marc's only daughter, from the moment | chose Winston, | have had nothing to do with the Ivory Gang. | don't care whether they thrive or decline." Colene's gaze turned cold once again, clearly showing her resistance.

Years ago, during that terrifying gunfight, Colene was shot twice while protecting Winston. She had almost lost her life.

This incident had made Marc so angry that he almost had a heart attack.

However, he couldn't say anything since Colene had volunteered to sacrifice herself.

But as soon as she recovered, she insisted on marrying Winston. Sacrificing herself was one thing, but being infatuated with that old man and even removing her uterus to marry him was both shameless and reckless.

As a result, Marc completely severed ties with Colene. Despite the passing years, there was no sign of reconciliation.

Winston tried to persuade Colene many times but to no avail.

Feeling guilty, he had been secretly taking care of the Ivory Gang's businesses under the guise of an external investor.

Otherwise, under internal and external pressures, they would have crumbled long ago.

Alyssa knew this was a historical issue, so she didn't want to force it. She changed the subject. "By the way, are Jonah and Jul here?"

"They're still sleeping."

Colene flashed a mischievous grin as she leaned in to gossip. "I've never seen Jonah lazing in bed before. Looks like Julien's got sserious charm. It remindsof that study about couples and sleep."

"The one about how couples who sleep together sleep better?" Alyssa guessed.

"Exactly!" Colene exclaimed, clapping her hands.

"You better not say that in front of Jonah and Jul. They won't be able to handle your teasing."

Colene chuckled. "Jonah's a bit shy, but | bet Julien would secretly love it."

Alyssa knocked on the door for a while but got no response. Knowing that the couple must be sleeping in the bedroom inside, she boldly pushed the door open and entered.

The Taylors' rooms in Heightsnew Villa were surprisingly large. Upon pushing open the door, visitors would be greeted by a living room, followed by separate master and guest bedrooms, as well as a study.

The Taylor brothers had always spoiled Alyssa and never set up defenses against her.

As soon as Alyssa entered, her body stiffened, and she stood still in embarrassment.

The living room floor was covered with men's suits, ties, shirts, and belts, extending all the way to the bedroom.

It seemed like Jonah and Julien had a really intense night, with their first "battlefield" being the living room.

Alyssa turned into a maid, helping them pick up and tidy their clothes. Bored, she went to Jonah's study to read.

When she was a child, she often spent whole afternoong in Jonahis study. When she got tired, she would just lie down by the

window and take a nap.

Each time, Jonah was worried that she might be uncomfortable sleeping there, sphewould carefully lift her up and carry her back

to her room.

Alyssa stood beside the huge bookshelf and idly scanned the rows of books.

At that moment, her gaze was caught by a book in the corner with no words on the spine in the second-to-last row.

She bent down to take it out, humming a little tune as she flipped through the pages.

It turned out to be a yellowed Bible.

Suddenly, something fell to the ground. It seemed like a photograph.

Alyssa blinked in confusion. She squatted down to pick up the photo on the ground.

As she turned it over, she showed a gentle smile. "Oh, why did Jonah put a photo of him and Jul here?"

The next moment, her eyes suddenly widened.

In the photo, the man resting on Jonah's shoulder had handsome, !

refined features and bright eyes. H bore a striking resemblance

to Julien.

However, upon closer examination, it was evident that while the man in the photo resembled Julien, he wasn't him

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1998-As Alyssa stared at the man in the photo, her heart clenched with each beat, then raced erratically.

The yellowing border indicated the photo's age.

In the image, Jonah and the man appeared intimately affectionate.

Even though the photo couldn't speak, Alyssa could tell that Jonah and he were lovers. Their affection for each other was evident in the depth of their eyes.

Jonah's smile in the photo was so bright and warm. Even Alyssa, who had been raised by Jonah since childhood, had never seen

such a smile on his face, not even when he was with Julien.

Somehow, a murky and inexplicable emotion lodged in Alyssa's chest, causing her discomfort.

Suddenly, she heard steady footsteps outside the study.

Alyssa quickly put the Bible back in its place and slipped the photo into her pocket.

The door to the study clicked open.

Jonah, wearing dark blue silk pajamas, entered leisurely. When he saw Alyssa, a smile crept on his face. "When did you come, Lyse?

Did you wait for long?"

"Not too long."

Alyssa's face stiffened slightly as she glanced outside. "Is Jul awake?"

"Not yet. He loves to sleep in. We had a good tlast night, so | doubt he'll be up before afternoon." Jonah's dark eyes rippled with affection as he spoke.

Alyssa bit her lip and took a deep breath before saying, "Jonah, could you close the door? | want to talk to you privately."

Jonah didn't think much of it. He turned to close the door and then returned to stand in front of her. "Lyse, you don't look too good.

What happened?” Alyssa lowered her eyelashes and slowly retrieved the photo from her pocket before handing it to Jonah. "Who is this person, Jonah?"

As Jonah looked at the photo, his face instantly drained of color. His heart clenched painfully before plunging into uncontrollable palpitations.

So many years had passed, but his heart still pounded violently when he saw him as if it were his first tmeeting him.

"Your… ex?" Alyssa got the affirmative answer from his stunned expression.

Jonah's fingertips trembled as he took the photo. His voice was hoarse. "You found that Bible?"

"I stumbled upon it. You know how | like to snoop around. | often like to go 'treasure hunting’ in your study."

Jonah smiled, but his eyes were tinged with sadness, and he felt stifled. "When |

was still Judas,’ he was one of Cloudtop's heads.

He sacrificed himself formore than once. He used to be one of the most trusted and cherished people in my life."

Of course, Alyssa knew about Cloudtop.

couldn't compare to Cloudtop back then.

But later, Cloudtop disbanded, and its members scattered to various corners of the world.

Sof the core members from back then were said to have established their own gangs, but no one could recreate Cloudtop's glory.

To be precise, the glory of the era when "Judas" was in charge.

Alyssa lowered her voice and asked, "So where is he now?"

"Dead."

gather intel, and undermine its influence from the inside."

 

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 1999-Jonah continued, "After his identity was exposed, Khaos abandoned him, and Cloudtop hunted him down. Traitors always meet the sfate—death."

"So… back then, you executed him as Judas?" Alyssa's voice trembled as a chill ran through her body.

Jonah closed his eyes and shook his head in pain.

"When | becthe leader, | swore that | would never kill. It was my bottom line. But back then… everyone was pressuring me and forcingto execute him myself."

Listening to this, Alyssa felt suffocated. Her heart pounded in fear.

"He didn't want to putin a difficult position, so he grabbed the gun from my hand and shot himself."

Jonah's tone was calm and low as he recounted the event again. If it weren't for the crimson in his eyes, Alyssa would have thought he was telling someone else's story.

Would anyone in the world be able to bear such a devastating blow as watching their beloved take their own life before their eyes?

If Jasper had done that, Alyssa might have picked up the gun without hesitation and followed him into the afterlife.

"Enough about that. It's all in the past now. It's all in the past…" Jonah murmured as if trying to heal his bloody wound with those words.

"Jonah, I'm sorry about the person's death, but | have to ask you."

Alyssa looked at him intently and continued word by word, "Did you choose to be with Jul because he looks like that person?"

While clenching the photo in his hand, Jonah bowed his head and grazed his teeth with his tongue.

"From the moment you saw Jul, you were attracted to him because he resembled that person. When you approached him and showed him kindness, it wasn't just to helpwin him over, was it?

"You wanted to see him and couldn't resist being near him. He simply reminded you of that person, didn't he?"

After a long silence, Jonah slowly parted his lips. "Yes."

"Jonah!" Alyssa widened her eyes in shock.

"Lyse, perhaps I'm always perfect in your eyes. To you, I'm a good brother who's emotionally stable, has strong moral principles, respects elders, and cares for younger siblings."

Jonah smiled bitterly while shaking his head. "But I'm far from as good as you think. In fact, I'm not even as good as many ordinary people."

"Jonah… how could you… how could you use Jul as a substitute?"

Alyssa anxiously grabbed his arm. Her fingers were almost embedded into his skin. "Jul gave up everything to be with you! All this time, he's been helping you, our family, Jasper, and Lauren wholeheartedly!

How could you do this to him?"

"Lyse, | admit that | was attracted to Julien initially because he resembled that person."

Jonah's eyes turned red-rimmed. He clenched his fists until the pain M piercedhis palms before slowly releasing them. "But now… I've

truly fallen in love with him. It has nothing to do with his face. | love him for who he is."

"Do you love Jul, or do you love that person more?" Alyssa persisted.

"They cannot be compared, Lyse. It's a different kind of love."

"Love is love! Love only varies in depth! How can there be a difference?"

Alyssa was both anxious and angry.

Her chest heaved violently *onah, have you ever considered the consequences if Jul were to

"Burn this photo in front ofnow and forget about this person, completely."

Alyssa's eyes blazed with fury. "If you really want to

find out? How would he feel knowing he's just a replacement for someone from your past?

"How devastated, angry, and desperate would he be? How could you do this?

How could you mistreat someone who loves you so deeply?"

Jonah parted his pale lips but couldn't utter a word, as if a sharp thorn had pierced his throat.

grow old with Jul, if you truly love him, then burn it!"

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 2000-Jonah's pupils contracted sharply. His eyes rimmed with red from anguish.

He had thought that those painful memories had gradually been buried with his self-restraint and the passage of time. Even after he officially got together with Julien, he hadn't touched any of the items he had treasured about that person.

But when Alyssa angrily accused him and demanded that he burn the photo to show loyalty to Julien, his heart was wracked with pain, as if she were asking him to burn his own body.

Alyssa stared at Jonah with frustration. His sorrowful and pained expression said it all. He couldn't bear to do it. He still had lingering affection for his ex.

Even though that person had been dead for many years, he still held a significant place in Jonah's heart. It was profound enough to stir Jonah, who was typically calm and composed.

"Lyse… | haven't touched these things since Julien and | got together. I've let go of him. | really have."

Jonah's eyes were bloodshot. He was almost pleading as he said, "Please, don't makedo this. He was my savior…"

"But you love him. The so-called savior is just an excuse for you to keep him in your heart."

Alyssa shook her head in disbelief. "If Jasper and | were together because |

resembled his ex, | wouldn't be able to accept it even if he fell in love withlater. | can handle his indifference when he doesn't love me, but | can't tolerate having someone else's shadow loom over our relationship.

"That's not pure love and too unfair for the person being treated as a substitute.

It feels like fake love, and | can't accept it. | only asked you to burn the photo, yet you're in so much pain. But Jonah, have you ever considered how much it would hurt Jul if he knew you were still in pain over your ex?

"He's well and alive in front of you, yet he can't replace someone who's been gone for so many years. How can he, such a proud person, endure such a blow?"

Each of her words was like a dagger, piercing Jonah's already faltering soul.

"Fine… I'll do it." Jonah lowered his eyelids and looked deeply at the man in the photo. "I'll burn it, and | won't think of him again."

Alyssa sighed.

Actually, it was better that the problem was discovered earlier.

There must be more things Jonah had collected about that person besides this photo. Since she could find it, Julien, who was always by Jonah's side, would sooner or later discover them too.

When that happened, it would beca serious matter. She couldn't even begin to imagine the turmoil it would cause.

"Jonah, are you in the study?" Julien's lazy voice cfrom outside, causing the siblings to panic.

"Hide it," Alyssa urged in a low voice. She then rushed to the door and took a deep breath before opening it.

"Jul!" She smiled sweetly while standing in the doorway to block Julien's view.

"Oh… Lyse, it's you."

Julien was wearing matching pajamas with Jonah and rubbing his sleepy eyes.

Narrowing his eyes, Julien eagerly stepped forward to wrag his arms!

around Nonah's waist and seal Jonah's slightly cool lips in a

His open collar revealed a pair of beautiful collarbones, marked with faint traces of hickeys. "I thought it was someone else."

Alyssa quickly averted her gaze from his neck, but her cheeks were already burning. "Uh… Jonah is inside. | cover without notice and didn't know you guys were still asleep. Jonah got up first, so he cto chat with me."

Julien chuckled. "Why are you so nervous, like you've done something wrong?"

Alyssa's cheeks flushed even more, and her heart raced.

"Julien." Jonah walked out at this moment. His voice was incredibly gentle, but his complexion was pale.

passionate kiss without a care in the world.

Julien had fully immersed himself in Mosgravia's uninhibited atmosphere after living there for so long. And with his profound

affection for Jonah, he would seize every moment they had in the m morning ta be passionately entwined, wishing to merge with

Jonah's body.

Jonah's long lashes trembled as he responded to his embrace and kiss.

Alyssa dared not look at them. They were too affectionate, surpassing even her and Jasper.

"What's wrong?" Julien asked, slightly breathless, after parting from Jonah's lips.

"What?" Jonah's gaze seemed distant for a moment.