Ch. 461..470

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 461-As chaos unfolded in Seaview Manor, Alyssa leisurely enjoyed the sun in her family home’s gardens.

She sat on a swing, which was usually reserved for her nowadays-only because Winston had explicitly made it for her mother.

According to her family, her mother would often spend her days in this swing, enjoying the nature around her like a carefree child or taking a nap there in the afternoon.

Whenever her mother was there, Winston would come and gently push the swing from behind or cuddle with her, watching the seasons change.

After her mother passed, Winston would have the servants clean the swing every other day. It was as if the woman had only left for a long trip, ready to come back to her swing at any time.

like to invite you to dinner. She’d also like to apologize once again,” Sean reported, slowly pushing Alyssa on her swing.

He continued, “She’s been calling my phone countless times these past few days as she couldn’t reach yours.

“Good. You can practice your Mosgravian.” Alyssa bit into a crisp apple.

“You jest, miss.” Xavier chuckled, peeking at her soft lips. 2 Her lips were so pink and full. They appeared much more delectable than the apple itself.

He swallowed nervously.

“If I were just Alyssa Taylor to her, CEO of KS World Hotel, I would’ve gladly accepted her invitation.” Alyssa continued chewing on her apple as she spoke, “But right now, I’m not just Alyssa. I’m Alexa, her idol. That means I can’t just give her this so easily.

Miracles are miracles because they’re rare, after all.” the disrespect she displayed. The repercussions of crossing you should not be taken lightly.” “Well, I don’t intend to go that length. I’m just tired of late. I need to recuperate.” Alyssa yawned.

Kingsley to upgrade ourselves anymore,” Alyssa declared.

how it had now come back to haunt her.

Just then, her phone rang.

“Hello, is this Ms. Alice White?” Flashbacks from years ago suddenly surfaced. It had been so long since she had heard that name.

“Yes, this is her.” “This is Crater Mountain Park’s newly appointed head forest ranger. My name is Elias Parker. I was a student of Mr. Elijah Forrest.” This man had no idea he was talking to the Taylor family’s Alyssa Taylor.

Alyssa silently thought about Crater Mountain, recalling it with a sense of familiarity.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 462-Crater Mountain was where Alyssa had first met Jasper 13 years ago. It was where Jasper had saved her life.

“Elijah, you say?” Alyssa asked excitedly upon hearing her friend’s name.

“Yes, Mr. Elijah is retiring next month, so this month is his last. He’ll be going home to his hometown after I take over.” Elias sighed.

He continued, “I saw your name in Mr. Elijah’s books. You must be really important to him. I hope you can visit him sometime this month before he leaves. He has pancreatic cancer, and we don’t know how long he has left…” “What?” Alyssa cried, sitting up straight.

“He was already in the third stage when they found it. You know how cancer can be. It’s nearly unstoppable if untreated…” “I understand,” Alyssa said solemnly. “I’ll visit him soon.” “Please don’t tell him I told you this, Ms. White. He’s always been adamant about having a strong, independent image. He doesn’t want others to see him weak or pity him, so …” “I’ve known him for 13 years. Don’t you worry.” After ending the call, Alyssa sat back in the swing, dazed. She was on the verge of crying.

“Ms. Alyssa? Who is Elijah Forrest? Are-Are you okay?” Xavier crouched before her, handing her a handkerchief to wipe her tears away. 2 “An old friend.” Alyssa’s heart was hurting terribly. “Help me find any local skilled gastroenterologists, Sean. I need to help.

my friend with all my might.” “On it, miss.” Xavier nodded. He always respected her privacy, never probing if she wasn’t ready to reveal to him.

Another phone call soon came. It was Alyssa’s fashion mentee, Rose Emerson.

“Rose.” “You’re a horrible woman, ma’am! How could you? How could you do this to me? You’re Alexa, the jewelry designer Alexa! And you never told me a single thing about that? How could you lie to me? I should call “Did you just find out? What kind of internet are you using? 2G?” Alyssa snorted, then used the handkerchief Sean gave her to wipe her tears away.

She continued, “Why don’t I get a perm or something? That way, I can hide from the police with my new identity.” Sophia was truly in a precarious situation. Jasper had humiliated her.

Meanwhile, Javier had flatly declined to placate her. All her years of hard work and composure had gone to waste in a day’s time.

So she did the only thing she knew to do-drag Betty along with her to see Zoe Harper.

“You’re so useless! If you had half of the intelligence your father had, we wouldn’t be here right now!” Irritated by Betty’s emotional outburst, Sophia succumbed to her frustration and prodded her finger into Betty’s forehead, marking her otherwise flawless skin.

T Sophia continued, “You really thought you could band together with that little bitch Liana back then, huh?

Thought you could have a hold over her?”

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 463-Sophia asserted, “I was the one who saved you when she turned her back on us! Your father and grandfather haven’t stopped losing faith in you since that scandal at your grandfather’s birthday!” “Dad would never! He loves me the most!” Betty whined.

A loud smack was heard as a hard slap landed on Betty’s cheek. “What have I taught you all these years?

Never, ever talk back to me!” Betty’s ear was ringing with the force of the hit. She curled away, cupping her swelling cheek as she ground her teeth angrily.

“Now you’ve been toyed around again by that rotten brat Zoe Harper. Tell me.

What else are you good for at this point? If you were born a man, this family would have crashed and burned in your hands!” Sophia was channeling all the rage she felt suffering at Jasper and Javier’s hands.

She continued, “If you didn’t have what it takes, you should have just listened to what I say like your sister, Lauren, and not continuously give Alyssa Taylor the upper hand!

“If your sister weren’t mentally ill, she would have far excelled you! Do you think I wanted to put all my eggs in one basket? You useless, good-for-nothing piece of work!” Didn’t that mean Betty was no better than her kid sister Lauren?

Betty ground her teeth some more, tears of anguish and hurt falling as she stayed silent under her mother’s verbal assault.

Sophia rushed into the Harper Residence with Betty in tow before any of the servants could stop them.

The servants only shot Betty curious, mocking looks, having heard all about her deeds online.

“Tsk. Why is she crying so pitifully? Mr. Harper didn’t hurt her, did he?” “Hey, she’s not pregnant with his kid, right?” “What? Of course not! He may be a womanizer, but he wouldn’t simply be involved with a woman like that and disrupt Madam and Ms. Harper’s life!” *Plus, Mr. Harper is a man of good taste. He would never set his eyes on someone like Ms Betty. Haven’t you heard the news about her?” Betty was bristling with anger upon hearing all this gossip about her. Yet she couldn’t do anything. They “Where’s Mrs. Harper? Shouldn’t she be greeting her guests?” Sophia roared, as if she were some warlord deserving of such hospitality.

“M-Madam is resting right now, so she’s unavailable to meet her guests. Why don’t you come back another time, Mrs. Beckett?” the butler said courteously.

“Bullshit! Her daughter ruined mine! Don’t think for a second that that girl can hide together with her mother now that my daughter’s reputation has sunken!” Sophia was so angry she didn’t bother composing herself anymore.

She continued, “I demand to see your Madam today, or else I won’t leave!” “This is the Harper Residence, Mrs. Beckett, not a farmer’s market. I don’t believe your behavior is befitting of such an environment, no?” Just then, Penelope called out while walking down the stairs. Holding onto her arm was her daughter, Zoe.

Penelope’s mighty air instantly set her apart from Sophia, who had never been blessed with such an upbringing.

Betty, who had been thinking about how she could take a jab as well, quelled when she saw her dream mother-in-law and how hysterical her own mother was.

“Behavior? Hahahaha! Oh, madam. It’s not like we don’t have a reason for coming here in the first place.” Sophia glared right at Zoe, who ducked behind her mother in response.

Sophia pressed on, “Your daughter had someone make a counterfeit of Alexa’s jewelry and forged my daughter’s name on the receipt, ruining her reputation!

“To this day, she hasn’t offered an apology and continues to act as if nothing has occurred. It’s appalling to see such a behavior from a member of your own family.”

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 464-The servants inhaled sharply, some even covering their mouths in shock.

Did Sophia intend to take advantage of her marital status to turn the household upside down?

All eyes were on Zoe and Penelope, the latter of whom had a look of utter surprise on her face.

“Darling, is what Mrs. Beckett is saying true?” Penelope asked Zoe.

Zoe swiftly put on her act of innocence.

“Of course not! Betty was the one who came up with the idea of getting someone to mimic the jewelry for Betty glared at her like she might slit her throat right now.

“Stop with your filthy lies, Zoe Harper! You were the one who wanted to fall from her pedestal! You were the one who came up with this idea!” “Alyssa… Alyssa Taylor? What does this have to do with her?” Penelope asked, still surprised.

“I…” Now Zoe was stumped. She swallowed nervously, thinking Betty must be determined to end things.

with her now that she had brought up Alyssa.

“Where do you think you are, Mrs. Beckett? Do you think we would tolerate your hysterics?” a cold voice.

suddenly rang through the room, shooting a cold spike through Betty’s heart.

Landon walked in from the front door, a sneer of disdain on his lips. “You can remain as uncouth as you like but keep it away from our home.” “Mr. Harper!” the butler and servants greeted him with a bow.

“Landon!” Zoe cried, eyes wide and hopeful like she was some soap opera victim.

Landon never did like Betty. Besides, he had always doted on her since she was young. Zoe was sure that he would come to her defense.

“Mr. Landon, how could you speak to me so disrespectfully? You’re friends with Jasper and with our family!” Sophia fumed.

“I’m friends with Jasper, but I don’t believe that has anything to do with you, Mrs.

Beckett. You’re not his mother, Landon said, tilting his head.

He added, “You don’t treat him very well either. Do you really think pressuring me with this will work?” Sophia never expected Landon to behave like this. He was always so polite when he was over at Seaview Manor. Right now, he wasn’t hiding his contempt or hatred for her at all!

She couldn’t help but be alarmed. If this was how they treated her while she was still married to Javier, what if she lost Javier’s favor one day? She would never be respected then!

Chills shot up Sophia’s spine. She had been “Mrs. Beckett” for nearly 20 years now. Even though it seemed like she could have and did have everything she wanted, in all actuality, she hadn’t even gotten the most basic respect from those in her circle!

“Betty is bullying me, Landon! She’s trying to frame me after getting into trouble!” Zoe cried, diving into Landon’s arms.

Zoe continued, “I’m really sorry, Landon. I shouldn’t have hung out with Betty. I should have listened to you. I swear I won’t be so obtuse from now on! I’ll do whatever you say!” “Was Betty telling the truth, Zoe? Landon gazed sharply at his sister, voice strung tight as a violin string.” Were you the one who had the jewelry faked so you could stab Alyssa in the back?” “No! It wasn’t me! It was Betty’s idea!” Zoe cried, turning pale with fear.

“Stop lying, Zoe!” Landon growled, anger thrumming through his veins. “That man hired to create the counterfeit jewelry was from Yoarkley. How in the hell would someone have contacted a Yoarklian in such a short time?”

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 465-“You were in Yoarkley for years. Only you would have the connections to find someone to do this dirty. deed for you! If you lie to me again, I will call Tyson right now and have him fly over this instant!” Landon threatened “Fly over?” Zoe retorted through gritted teeth. That means you would have completed your preparations already. That means you might have even bought that man’s favor. He’ll just come and tell lies about me!” Things halted at this stalemate.

“You really are quite cunning, Zoe Harper, Sophia said.

Knowing that there was no way this conversation would progress in her favor with its current direction, she decided to bring up Alyssa again.

“You used my daughter as a pawn to attack Alyssa, taking advantage of our competition with KS World Hotel to fulfill your little plan. If it succeeded, you’d win and never be found out as the culprit.

“You could even push the blame entirely onto Betty! Unfortunately for you, Ms.

Alyssa was Alexa herself.

Otherwise, your evil plot would have played out according to plan!” —- Zoe’s face turned red instantly. “Mrs. Beckett, how could you how could you accuse me of something so vile! I-I respected you!” Penelope asked shakily, “You… You were the one who planned to harm Alyssa, Zoe?” Her body had always been frail. Hearing this jarring news, she could only hold onto the stair railing to keep herself standing upright.

“Mom, Landon, I have nothing against Alyssa whatsoever! Why would I do that to her?” Zoe cried, stomping angrily like she always did as a kid.

They always let her have her way when she behaved like this, no matter how serious a mistake or fault she had made. Landon would always placate her and never pursue the matter further.

But right now, Landon’s gaze contained a harsh steeliness that made her blood run cold.

“Nothing against her? You hold the world against her! Betty yelled angrily, revealing Zoe’s hatred of her family.

Betty continued, “You’re so jealous of Alyssa because of your little crush on my brother-because she was his ex-wife!

“You can’t stand the thought of her treating her well while not bothering to treat you the same. That’s why you’re trying all you can to remove her from the picture!” “Sadly, you seemed to have neglected one important factor,” Sophia added, a sneer on her face.

Sophia pressed on. “Alyssa Taylor is not only important to Jasper. She’s also incredibly important to your brother, Landon. If I remember correctly, your brother tried courting Alyssa, but he failed.

“However, I believe he still holds affection for her, and I’m sure he wouldn’t let anyone harm those he cares about, right?” “Y-You!” Zoe gritted out, shaking with pure upset. “Don’t believe their lies, Landon! I do like Jasper, but they’re divorced now! I have nothing to worry about with Alyssa anymore!” Landon inhaled deeply, as if he were a god preparing to wreak the most dangerous thunderstorm.

He had not a single ounce of belief or patience for his sister’s defense right now.

Just then, his secretary, Angelina, rushed in. “Sir, the police are here.” She then looked at Betty. “They must’ve been searching at the Beckett Residence before getting to know that Ms. Betty is here.” “The p-police…?” Betty whimpered, legs quivering.

Sophia had grown pale, too. She clung to her daughter’s shaking hand.

“Ms. Betty Beckett!” Just then, two policemen dressed in civilian outfits stormed into the room.

They said, “We have a warrant to take you in to assist in the investigation into KS World Hotel’s breach of company information. You have the right to remain silent. Any and all statements you say from here on out can and will be used against you in a law of court!”

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 466-There was a ringing in Betty’s ears that consumed her senses entirely.

“Mom, save me! Mom!” she shrieked as the police dragged her away.

Sophia couldn’t bother to keep herself composed anymore. She dived at the policemen, trying to grab onto her daughter.

“My Betty was framed! She’s framed! How could you arrest her on the basis of a lie? What kind of law enforcement are you?” Landon stared coldly as Sophia and Betty wailed their lungs out. He just wanted the police to take them away as soon as possible so that he could finally have some peace.

“Please let go, Mrs. Beckett, or else we’ll take you in for interfering with police duty!” “But sir, my daughter is innocent! She is the one who framed her-Zoe Harper.

She is standing right there!” Sophia glared at Zoe.

“This has nothing to do with me! Even if I did commission that counterfeit, I could just pay some fines. I have nothing to do with that information stealing whatsoever. Your daughter is the one who bit more than she could chew and put herself in this shithole!” Zoe quickly cupped her mouth upon realizing she had spoken too much.

She panicked and began muttering curses under her breath. She had revealed the counterfeit commission out of accident in the heat of the moment!

Suddenly, Zoe felt two sharp pairs of eyes bore into her back, as if stabbing right into her heart.

When she slowly turned around, all she could see was the conflicting emotions in Landon’s gazeoutrage, shock, moroseness, and last but not least, disappointment.

“Your sister is not the innocent young woman she puts herself out to be! She’s utterly rotten and filled with pus, I tell you! She has lied to all of us!” Betty shrieked, her voice ringing throughout the hall like some banshee.

Betty continued, “How could you use me like this, Zoe? I’ll never forgive younever! Just you wait what I’ll do to you!” “Zoe, come here!” Penelope cried, wanting to defend her daughter.

“Mommy!” Zoe was about to run into her mother’s arms when Landon grabbed her wrist.

“L-Landon…” “Why did you do this, Zoe… Is it all just to get revenge on Alyssa?” Landon asked hoarsely, trembling with rage.

“That’s a lie! Betty’s making that up!” “You’re still lying to me!” Landon roared, his grip tightening around his sister’s wrist. It made Zoe flinch and try to break free from his grasp.

“Ouch! You’re hurting me! Mom! Help me!” “Let go of your sister right now. Are you actually going to hurt her?” Penelope ran over, trying to pull her daughter away from Landon. “Why can’t we just sit down and talk things out?” “Talk things out? I gave her her chance to talk, but what talk has she done?” Landon glared at her sister even as she began to cry. His heart ached so much right now.

Landon continued, “Nothing but filthy, putrid lies come out of her mouth every time she’s given a chance to tell the truth! She’s even colluding with Betty to harm Alyssa.

“What wrong has Alyssa done to deserve this? All because she was Jasper’s ex-wife? Are you some petty little child?” “That’s enough, Landon! You’ve known your sister since she was a child. You know just how kind and sweet she is!” said Penelope.

Penelope loved her daughter more than anything else in the world.

She added, “Even if she made a mistake this time, that’s only because Betty made her do it! You can’t frame your sister like this. Who knows what damage it would do to her reputation?” “I asked Zoe where she was going when she got on a private jet to travel overseas a month or so ago, and she told me she was attending a fashion show in Furancia.

“When I told Angelina to investigate her whereabouts, she had secretly flown to Yoarkley. Why would she lie about her flight plans if she had nothing to hide?” Landon’s voice thundered furiously.

“You heard yourself when Betty was being dragged away. You confessed about making the counterfeit, so why won’t you just tell the truth? Dad would turn in his grave if he knew just what kind of person you’ve become!” “Landon! Don’t talk about your sister like that!” Penelope cried, feeling conflicted at the mention of her late husband.

2/3 “You asshole!” Zoe cried, her voice filled with fear and anger.

Zoe pressed on, “Alyssa ernbarrassed me so many times in public, yet you never once came to my defense! What’s so wrong about getting back at her for that? How could you stand up for her now? Why do you stil! like that used ragdoll? Am I nothing to you?”

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 467-Zoe retorted, “You can be an incel all your want, but Alyssa Taylor will never have eyes for you! You’ll only end up with nothing!” “Zoe Harper!” Landon roared at his sister, making her flinch, frightened. “Even if she doesn’t marry me, that still does not give you an excuse to harm, humiliate, or defame her!

“She is a well-educated, respectable, and honest woman. Even though she’s quick and lethal at times, she would never be the first to intentionally harm another person.

“If, like you said, she tried to harm you, then you must’ve caused her trouble first!” 2 Zoe was so angry she might pass out..

“Need I also remind you to give up on Jasper as soon as possible? The one woman he’s interested in is Alyssa herself. Any person can see that fact clear as day except himself,” Landon sneered.

Even the way Landon mocked his friend was restrained!

“You are coming with me to apologize to Alyssa tomorrow morning, in person,” Landon snapped, then turned to leave.

“Are you out of your mind, Landon? Why do I need to apologize to Alyssa? I won’t do it!” Zoe screamed.

“If you refuse, I’m sending you back to Yoarkley, where you’ll never set foot back in this city ever again!” Penelope was frightened by her son’s determined, harsh order.

When had Landon ever spoken to Zoe like this in all her life?

Was this all because of Jasper Beckett’s ex-wife, Alyssa Taylor?

“Landon … Landon, come back!” Zoe screamed, her voice breaking in the process. Tears clouded her eyes as she watched her brother leave.

But Landon, who had loved and doted on her since she was a baby, never once looked back.

It was past midnight. Landon sipped on his drink in ACE, his heart twinging whenever he remembered what Zoe had yelled at him. He felt like hitting something right now.

The door opened.

“Damn it! Get the girls out of here!” Landon cried instinctively. “I don’t need the fucking company right 1/2 He tossed the glass in the direction of the door, making it shatter on the ground.

“Mr. Harper, Mr. Jasper is here to see you,” said Angelina as she nodded respectfully.

Then, she shot Jasper an embarrassed look. She stepped aside, her figure swaying sensually in the dim light.

“I apologize on behalf of my boss, sir. He’s feeling under the weather tonight.” “It’s fine. I’m used to it.” Jasper was the perfect picture of indifference right now.

“Please enjoy yourself.” Angelina then shut the door behind them, leaving the two men to their privacy.

“What bad luck got you this time?” Jasper quipped, sitting down beside Landon.

“Didn’t you give up on Alyssa already? What’s all this again?” “Fuck! Can you drop the fact that Alyssa dumped me for once, you asshole?” Landon scoffed, drinking straight from the bottle.

“Hmph. Dumped you? You didn’t even come close.” Jasper took out a cigarette and held it between his lips.

He continued, “She never accepted you in the first place, so no ‘dumping’ was involved. All you are is an unwanted spare tire.” “Fuck you, man. If I’m a spare tire, then you’re a damned flat one! Not even a Ferrari could run if they swapped you on it!” Before Landon finished his sentence, he recalled how Zoe had called Alyssa a “used ragdoll”. His heart plunged into icy water as he winced before throwing the bottle across the room.

If any other woman had said that, Landon would have slapped her without hesitation.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 468-Yet those words had to come from his kin-his beloved kid sister. A deep part of him still didn’t want to see her suffer from too harsh a punishment. The conflicting emotions pained Landon to no end.

“Are you having PMS or what?” Jasper flicked away the ash on his cigarette.

“Seriously. What the hell is up with you?” Landon took a deep breath. “Zoe was the one who had someone make the counterfeit jewelry for Betty.” Jasper’s eyes darkened, but he remained silent.

“Did you know this from the start?” Jasper nodded. “I did.” Guilt plagued Landon’s heart. “Jasper, my sister is-” “There’s something else you should know now that it has come to this point.” Jasper huffed out a puff of smoke. “Your sister was also the one who set up the reporters to catch Alyssa unaware.” Landon’s expression fell, as if he was stuck in quicksand that he could not pull himself out of.

A moment later, he murmured weakly, “I’m sorry, Jasper.” Jasper merely said, “The person who should be saying that is your sister, not you. And the person who should be hearing that is my ex-wife, not me.” Even calling Alyssa his ex-wife made his heart ache.

“There’s no point using Zoe’s age as an excuse. She’s 22 now.” Landon swallowed nervously. “But you’ve seen what she was like back then.

“She can be very adamant and temperamental, always wanting to get her way.

She never considers the consequences of her actions.

“But she’s not bad at heart. Betty’s just led her astray. I’m at fault for not disciplining her properly, too.” Jasper pursed his lips briefly before asking, “So, how do you plan to deal with your sister’s mess and make it up to Alyssa?” Landon reflected that Jasper had always been like that. He was always focused on what should and shouldn’t be done.

Jasper was never lenient in moments like this, not even for Zoe, who was Landon’s sister. It only took the 1/2 “I’m bringing Zoe to Belbanks to apologize to Alyssa in person.” “That’s it?” “Jasper, Zoe’s my sister. Can you let her go easy this time around, for my sake?

This is a first for her, after all…” Landon begged.

Jasper murmured, “I’m coming with you tomorrow.” ‘You… What? You don’t think I’m going to defend my sister’s actions, are you? I swear, if I do, I will-” “No, I’m just concerned you might get into trouble.” Jasper slowly got up from his seat.

Landon winced slightly. Jasper must be recalling how Alyssa had threatened him with her blade last time.

“Just in time, too. It’s been a while since I’ve seen her.” Jasper’s eyes softened just the slightest as he walked toward the door.

“Hey! Answer my question first!” Landon yelled, “Can you let Zoe off this time, for our friendship’s sake, please? I’ll make sure Zoe apologizes to Alyssa and pays her all the costs and damages that arose from this mess!” Jasper stopped in his step, asking slowly, “Tell me, Landon: if it was your sister who got schemed and attacked like this today, would you let the perpetrator go that easy?” Landon was left speechless by that question.

“I can let Zoe keep her pride in all of this, for your sake.” Jasper cracked his knuckles lightly, his tone turning dangerous. “But only this once.”

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 469-In the three days Alyssa stayed at home, she did nothing except eat and sleep like a farmed animal.

Her three stepmothers took exceptional care of her. Lyla whipped up delectable dishes, leading to Alyssa gaining over three pounds in three days.

“I’m turning into a pig if I keep eating!” Alyssa groaned.

“Alright, just one last meal, dear,” Lyla and Colene coaxed her toward the dining hall.

With Winston and Jonah away in another state for an important event, Alyssa found herself sharing lunch with her stepmothers.

“Ms. Alyssa, good news!” Sean rushed in with a grin on his refreshing face.

“The police have arrested Betty Beckett for suspected business crime. Sophia Kirkman is worried dead for her daughter, and Javier Beckett is busy bailing his daughter out!” “It took them three whole days to arrest Betty. The Solana City Police Department certainly isn’t as efficient as our Belbanks police,” Alyssa remarked without surprise and gracefully dabbed her mouth with a napkin.

“They would’ve been in hot water if they’d arrested her immediately, given her status as a Beckett,” Mandy chimed in, placing a piece of dessert on Alyssa’s plate.

Mandy continued, “Come now, have one more. You won’t get to enjoy Lyla’s cooking when you’re back in Solana City.” “Mm… I really can’t eat anymore! Burp!” Alyssa shook her head and burped softly with a hand over her mouth. The three stepmothers instantly burst out laughing.

Sean smiled at Alyssa’s adorable demeanor. Then, he leaned over and gently patted her on the back to prevent her from choking on her food. He commented, “Take your time. Don’t choke on your food.” The observant Mandy noticed Sean’s action and noted his affection for Alyssa.

She furrowed her brows but kept her thoughts to herself for the moment.

“That Beckett girl is really something for picking trouble with Lyse a few times.

She should be punished heavily.

“But, honestly, I believe Sophia Kirkman is the one who should be held accountable! She’s just pure evil. I think Sophia is the mastermind behind Betty’s attempts to undermine Lyse. She’s even more wicked than the devil!” Colene let go of her usual table manners when Winston wasn’t around. She slammed her hand on the table and spoke her mind, “What goes around, comes around! When will it be Sophia’s turn to face divine justice? If it weren’t for her, Lyla wouldn’t have-” “Colene, you’ve been talking non-stop. Here, have some dessert.” Lyla’s heart raced as she quickly shoved a piece of shortcake into Colene’s mouth with a forced smile.

Upon hearing that, Alyssa’s eyes dimmed. There seemed to be some history between Lyla and Sophia.

After lunch, Alyssa went to Colene’s bedroom to find out the details instead of confronting Lyla directly.

Colene finally realized that she had blurted out Lyla’s secret and gently slapped herself on the cheek as she exclaimed, “It’s all because of my big mouth! I promised Lyla I’d never bring up the matter, especially not in front of the children!” “Lyla worked with Sophia at TS Network for quite a while before marrying Winston, didn’t she? They were both signed under the network. While Lyla was one of the top actresses on the network, Sophia was only assigned villain roles in Lyla’s TV shows,” remarked Alyssa.

After a moment of reflection, Alyssa continued, “From what I know about Sophia, she’s quite cunning and envious. She might have resorted to underhanded tactics because she was jealous of Lyla’s popularity.” “Ain’t that right! That’s why-” Colene almost blurted out more details. She bit her lips and closed her eyes as she mumbled, “No, no, I promised not to betray Lyla. I won’t say anything more.” Growing increasingly anxious, Alyssa pressed on, “Colene, it’s clear that Sophia has deeply hurt Lyla in the past. You’ve always been known for your righteousness and courage. Don’t you want to help Lyla seek justice?”

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 470-Colene plugged her fingers into her ears and mumbled, “Nope, not listening to you!” Alyssa was speechless at her antics.

“There was indeed some history between Lyla and Sophia. Lyla wouldn’t have retired from the entertainment industry at the peak of her career if not for that woman.” Mandy’s unfeeling voice seemed to materialize out of thin air, causing Colene and Alyssa to yelp in shock.

“Gosh, what are you doing, Mandy? You have a talent for sneaking up on people silently. Are you an apparition?” Colene rested a hand on her chest.

It was funny that she never acted cute in front of Winston, but she was unusually adorable around Mandy.

“Mandy, since when did you show up? I had no idea.” Alyssa sighed with relief, grateful that it wasn’t Lyla who had walked in on them.

“I’ve been here since the beginning of your ‘private conversation,’ which was far too loud to be considered private,” Mandy quipped, briefly glancing outside the door before closing it.

She went up to them and said, “Colene, there’s no point hiding everything now.

Lyse is all grown up anyway. We should tell her.” Alyssa eagerly grasped Mandy’s hand and quietly waited for her to speak.

Mandy began, “Sophia was envious of Lyla’s talent and popularity. So, she played dirty and subjected Lyla to bullying and ostracizing at the network. In the end, Lyla was drugged and lost control of herself at a huge event, which almost cost her reputation.

Mandy had to take a deep breath before she could calmly recall the dark past.

Meanwhile, Colene merely sighed wistfully without a word, unlike her usual boisterous self.

“Drugged?” Alyssa felt her throat clammed up. She croaked, “Was Lyla …” “No, it wasn’t some kind of date rape drug,” Mandy reassured Alyssa.

She felt a lump in her throat and lowered her voice, “It was an illegal drug that would affect one’s nervous system. The drug has since vanished from Cyrris, though it was once popular in the entertainment industry. You could describe it as a soft drug that was harmful to health.” Alyssa and Colene were stunned by the revelation as tears welled up in their eyes.

Mandy was the daughter of the Lovelace family, who was practicing medicine and leading the top 1/2 “What happened after?” Alyssa clutched Mandy’s hand tightly.

“Lyla… She wetted herself during her performance at TS Network’s founding anniversary celebration,” Mandy revealed with difficulty as tears brimmed.

“Fuck … How did that happen?” Colene was outraged and instantly punched through the makeup mirror, shattering it.

Alyssa’s shoulders were quivering as she held her breath. Even though the incident had occurred two decades ago, Alyssa could still feel the excruciating pain of humiliation.

Lyla Nelson had once been the nation’s most beloved beauty. Tragically, that incident on her beloved stage had left her traumatized.

Perhaps she would never find the courage to be her charismatic self again.

“Mandy, how could you be sure that it was Sophia’s doing?” Alyssa questioned after forcing herself to calm down.

“Winston and I looked through a lot of evidence, but there wasn’t anything that could incriminate Sophia,” answered Mandy with a shake of the head.

“Sophia was always sabotaging Lyla, all while having improper relations with the owner of the network.

Lyla suffered a lot at the network but endured it all because she couldn’t afford to terminate her contract.

“During my investigations, I discovered that Sophia had requested her manager to purchase that specific drug from the black market around the time of the anniversary celebration. Even then, we did not have sufficient evidence to prove Sophia guilty, as many celebrities were taking the same drug then.”1 “That’s sufficient evidence.” Alyssa closed her eyes slowly before opening them again.

They were filled with blood lust.

Alyssa announced, “As long as I think Sophia was the mastermind, that would be enough evidence to go after her.