Ch. 581..590

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 581-Landon escorted Lauren into the car, with Angelina at the wheel as they departed from Seaview Manor’s grounds.

Inside the vehicle, he tenderly embraced Lauren and ran his fingers through her hair, his heart heavy with pain.

He had dropped by Seaview Manor to invite Jasper for drinks. He’d never expected to run into the fiasco.

He replayed the memories of Nina’s indignant speech and Lauren’s wounds on her arms with resentment. A searing pain surged through his body, unlike anything he had ever experienced. Although he had endured heartbreak after Alyssa’s rejection, this anguish far surpassed any previous pain.

Inhaling sharply, he rested his jaw on Lauren’s head and shut his eyes. He vowed that he would keep his word to protect Lauren.

“Mr. Harper, where should we go next?” Angelina whispered, looking at him through the rearview mirror.

Landon was caught off-guard by the question. He had told Betty he’d bring Lauren with him, but he couldn’t host Lauren at his place. He’d be in grave trouble if Jasper heard about it.

“Laurie, I’ll drop you off at Jasper’s. Or how about Alyssa’s place? Would you like to spend the night there?

• he asked Lauren gently, lowering his gaze.

She winced and held her left ear, offering no response.

*Lauren? Lauren?” Landon called out to her a few times, but she did not seem to hear him. Instead, she incessantly mumbled, “It hurts…” “Where does it hurt?” Lauren looked up at him, the red marks still visible on her cheek. When their eyes met, the sparkle in her eyes moved his heart.

“Landon, I’m sorry. I know you are speaking to me, but I can’t hear you “Why can’t you hear me? Landon inquired with worry. Slowly, Lauren removed her hand from her left ear, revealing blood on her palm.

Landon took a sharp breath as his mind went blank. Pained, he instructed Angelina, “Angelina, head to the hospital now!” +16 BONUS In a bedroom at Crescent Bay, Jasper found himself surrounded by Newton, Ben, the physician, and Alyssa.

Even Xavier had shown up after his work hours in his pajamas and home slippers, having no time to change after getting the news about Jasper. Standing next to the men in suits, he appeared quite comical. The five of them stood around Jasper, who was speechless at the sight.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 582-Alyssa was the first to break the silence. With a furrowed brow, she addressed Jasper, “What are you staring at? Don’t you realize you’re badly injured? Take off your clothes right now!” “In front of everyone?” Jasper questioned hesitantly.

She scolded him impatiently. “Goodness, are you feeling shy? They’re all men, and your body looks the same as theirs.” Xavier shuddered at the speed of Alyssa’s speech. She had been gentle and obedient to Jasper in the past, but she had changed into a fiery woman.

Jasper lifted his pale face and cast her a tender glance. Smiling wryly, he explained, “No, that’s not what I meant. I just thought gathering everyone here for my treatment was unnecessary. I only need you.” She glared at him and balled her fists. Jasper was one of the most thick-skinned guys she met.

Newton, always observant, cleared his throat and urged the others, “Jasper’s right. We can’t be of much help here. Only Dr. Callaghan and Alice should stay, as she has experience in medicine and can assist Dr.

Callaghan.” Jasper gazed deeply at Alyssa with a grin. “You’re right. Lyse knows medicine.

She’s been taking care of me recently. Dr. Callaghan, leave the medications behind and go off duty. I only need Lyse by my side.” Everyone cast amused looks at Alyssa, who was seething angrily at Jasper.

Finally, everyone exited the room, leaving only Alyssa and Jasper. The ensuing silence was quite unsettling.

She took a deep breath and instructed, ‘Take off your shirt.” “Okay,” replied Jasper. He obediently took off the jacket. Just as he was about to take off the shirt, which had been torn from the lashing, his movements tugged on the wounds on his back. He frowned and let out a groan.

In reality, the pain was nothing for a veteran like him. He merely faked being in pain to elicit Alyssa’s pity and care.

She urgently pressed her hand against his and said, “Stop moving around! I’ll help you.” He felt touched and clasped his hand over hers. She felt the warmth from his hand seep into her heart.

He said, “Okay. I’ll listen to you.” She was slightly fazed as she removed her hand from his grip and retorted, “We’re not related in any way.

You don’t have to listen to me if you don’t want to. Now, lle face down.” He obediently rolled around and lay face down on the bed. Alyssa saw some of his wounds were already forming scabs underneath his blood-stained shirt, and the wounds were stuck to the fabric.

It was a mortifying sight. Anger colored her eyes.

“What’s wrong? Are you horrified by my wounds?” he wondered, concerned by her silence.

“It’s fine. Just stay still,” she replied. She took a deep breath and grabbed a pair of scissors from the headboard. Then, she carefully cut through the fabric of his shirt stuck to the wound and peeled it off.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 583-Jasper’s gaze took on an unexpected, intense warmth shadowed by darkness.

There was something oddly familiar about how Alyssa was tending to him right now. She took out some antiseptic cream and the medicine Omar Callaghan had given him and began cleaning out his injuries.

“Lyse,” Jasper murmured.

Alyssa said nothing, though the sudden increase in pressure in her application seemed to serve as a warning.

Jasper winced at the pain but remained adamant. “You remind me of someone, Lyse. Someone I met a long time ago.

Alyssa was focused on tending to his wounds and merely responded with, “Who?” “I don’t know either.” “What do you mean you don’t know?” “I mean, I really don’t know who they were,” Jasper said as he recalled those memories from years ago- that person’s lithe but strong figure appearing in mind. “I was still in the Peacekeeping Forces when I met.

her on the battlefield.” Alyssa’s hold on the cotton she was using faltered. Her heart fell into her stomach, pounding heavily. All she could hear was its panicked beating. If she didn’t calm herself now, she would expose herself.

It was o good that Jasper had his back facing her; otherwise, he would have seen right through her.

“We’d receive a nearly impossible mission at the time-to rescue the hostages held by Luminara’s terrorist forces and ferry them to a safehouse before handing them over to the embassy.

“We were barely a hundred men total on our way into a den of fully armed terrorists. It was basically a suicide mission, I had nothing to lose at the time, so I just went with it.” A bitter smile appeared on Jasper’s face as he continued, “If it weren’t for the White Dove, I would never have made it home alive.

“She dragged my injured ass back to the camp, urging me to stay alive throughout the trip. I don’t know where I’d be today without her.” “White … Dove?” Alyssa’s voice trembled just the slightest.

“Mhm. I don’t know her name. All I remembered was that she wore a white coat and a mask. She was on 1/7 White Dove.

Alyssa quite liked that.

“When i woke up from my rest afterward, she’d already left the camp. I never even got to thank her or ask for her name. It was something I still regret.” Jasper sighed and continued, “I’ve not stopped looking for her all these years.

But no matter how many sources I use to search for her, nothing ever turns up.

It’s as if she’s just disappeared from the face of the Earth.” Alyssa gently clasped her chest to calm herself. Her palms were moist with sweat.

So Jasper hadn’t forgotten about her even after all these years.

“When you were cleaning my wound just now, you suddenly reminded me of her, so….

Alyssa swallowed her panic and teased, “Looks like you’ve had your fair share of women for years, huh? You were still dating Liana during your time with the military, no?” Jasper pursed his lips. Why did Alyssa involve Liana in every little thing he mentioned to her?

“Still, it makes sense. Being away from the love of your life while you’re in the military, I’m sure finding another woman to focus on helped tide you through the pain,” Alyssa drawled.

“Lyse,” Jasper said warningly.

“If you you managed to find your White Dove, I’m sure you could recreate your military fantasy with her,” Alyssa didn’t seem to plan to stop her mocking.

“Don’t insult the woman who saved my life, Lyse.” Jasper suddenly grew immensely serious. “Though we’ve only met one another once, she holds an important place in my heart that can never be replaced. You can get angry or try to tear me down. So be it. But please, show some respect to White Dove.”

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 584-Alyssa’s heart thudded in her chest, nearly coming to a stop as she was left stunned.

She’d thought she was the only one who kept that memory from the battlefield so sacred. Who knew per treated it with just as much importance, even trying his best to track her down all these years. If it had been any other woman, he would have easily found her.

Unfortunately for Jasper, he didn’t know White Dove had been right beside him all this time, even married to him once upon a time under the name of “Alice White”.

After parting ways with him in Luminara, Alyssa erased all traces of her in that war.

She’d used a false identity to help as a medic in that war to avoid her father’s fury. So how could Jasper have uncovered her true identity when she’d been so careful to leave no clue behind?

“Are you okay? Was I too harsh, Lyse?” Jasper asked worriedly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get upset at you. I just wanted to make my stand clear. White Dove saved my life. The only thing I feel for her is gratitude, nothing more!” Alyssa sneered. “Of course you didn’t. You were getting hot and heavy with Liana at the time, even upsetting Grandpa several times in the process. There was no way you would’ve set your eyes on another woman, not even this White Dove who saved your life.” Her words stabbed into Jasper’s heart like so many knives. Unable to stand her anymore, he sat up from the bed, making Alyssa gasp quietly. The cotton she held slipped from her hand as Jasper clutched her wrist.

“What are you doing? That hurts! Ouch!” Alyssa hissed.

“I know I’ve wronged you terribly in the past, Alyssa. I regret it all and have been trying my best to make it up to you.

“I know you won’t forgive me so easily and accept me back into your life, but I’m prepared to devote the rest of my life to pursuing you until my heart stops beating.” Jasper’s voice was hoarse as he spoke earnestly.

He continued, “You spent 13 years loving me, so let me reciprocate with all the time I have in this world. You have my word, Alyssa. Whether you take me back or not, I’m yours for the rest of my life!” Alyssa’s heart pounded frantically, her eyes widening in shock.

Why did she never realize how clingy and persistent this man could be?

Hers for the rest of his life?

Alyssa still had a bone to pick with him about their age gap and his stupidity!

“The rest of your life? I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’ve promised a woman that.” Alyssa pried his fingers away one by one. “Liana must have heard tons of promises like this.

“I thought you told me the only woman you’ll ever marry to be your wife was her? How could you go back in her on your word now? And you expect me to believe you still?” she sneered, a liquid warmth welling up eyes.

Jasper had hurt her too deeply.

Despite him having saved her life and possibly developing feelings for her, and even though he was determined to make amends, Alyssa still couldn’t erase the memory of how devoted he had once been to that dreadful, repugnant woman, Liana Gardner.

Pain and agony filled her being. It was as if she was in a neverending nightmare.

Jasper’s heart clenched upon seeing Alyssa’s steely gaze.

“We were married once. You were my husband, yet you were never mine. So, do you really think I’d care now that it’s over?

“I won’t interrupt your little pity party here, and you can waste the rest of your life pursuing however you like. I don’t want to hear about it anymore,” Alyssa fumed, her throat slowly closing up.

“Okay, okay. I won’t say it anymore.” Jasper quickly knelt before her on one knee, a tenderness in his eyes blooming only for Alyssa.

  

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 585-Jasper then gently held her hand and kissed the back of her palm.

Alyssa blushed furiously, flinching just the slightest in response. Yet she forgot to pull her hand away.

“I’m sorry, Alyssa. I’m sorry for making you listen to all that. Could you please forgive me this once?” Jasper asked earnestly, gazing into her eyes.

Was this still Solana City’s revered bachelor, Jasper Beckett? The man whom corporations feared to cross? Or had someone taken over his body?

Alyssa cleared her throat lightly, saying nothing else as she watched Jasper kneel before her.

A sense of glee welled up in her chest, “What is wrong with you tonight?” she asked. “How could you just stand there and let your father beat you up?

She wrinkled her nose, poking at his forehead as she snapped, “You’re a 30- year-old man. Couldn’t you have retaliated even a little bit? Do you two have a father-son relationship or a slave-master one?” ‘Did you worry about me?’ Jasper asked, tilting his head.

“You saved my life and are like a patient to me right now. It’s only natural that I worry about your health as your doctor.” Alyssa refused to answer his question directly.

“So you are.” Jasper beamed at her. “I don’t mind being beaten up. I got to see just how much you cared about me, after all.” Alyssa scowled, rolling her eyes. Jasper should really get his brain checked.

Meanwhile, Landon was driving Lauren to the hospital at the fastest speed possible. He never once let her go from his arms, even after arriving.

When had a powerful, feared man such as Landon ever been so worried and anxious over a woman?

Angelina followed briskly behind him, a faint smile appearing on her face.

Lauren really was an angel to have blessed her boss with tenderness and love.

“Mr. H-Harper, none of our elite doctors are present tonight. If you want to send her to the emergency ward, we can find someone for you ASAP!” The nurse cried, shivering with fear after recognizing Landon +15 BONUS “If you don’t send me your hospital’s best doctor within the next ten minutes, I’m demolishing this place from the ground up!” Landon roared. “Well? What are you waiting for?” The nurse quickly ran off to find the doctor. Most of the other staff and patients also stayed out of his way.

“Does it still hurt, Laurie?” Landon asked softly, the sweat on his skin soaking through Lauren’s clothes.

Lauren winced lightly, tears still falling down her face. The sight only made Landon’s anger burn more furiously.

“Mr. Harper, Ms. Lauren’s hearing might be affected right now by Betty’s slap.

I’m sure she can’t hear you quite well,” Angelina suggested.

The desire to rip Betty apart limb by limb rose in Landon’s chest. “If something happens to Lauren’s hearing, I’m cutting that bitch’s eyes out and shoving it down her throat!” Spikes of pain and anxiety cut into Landon’s heart as he watched Lauren tremble. He leaned down to kiss her forehead, praying for it to go away.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 586-Ten minutes later, Landon brought Lauren to the ENT department. The doctor quickly did a series of checkups on Lauren while Landon and Angeline waited anxiously to the side.

“Will she be okay, doctor?” Landon finally asked.

“Some external trauma appears to have caused her eardrum to rupture,” the doctor replied truthfully.

Most of the cases I encounter result from severe slaps or punches. Some term tinnitus.” Landon and Angelica’s expressions fell as they feared for Lauren’s health.

“Is full recovery possible, doctor?” Angelica asked worriedly, as if she was Lauren’s sister.

“Yes. The perforation isn’t too big, and you sent her here without a moment’s delay, so it seems full recovery should….” “Should?” Landon gritted out.

“It will! Full recovery will occur! All that’s needed is surgery and proper care afterward.” The doctor quickly corrected himself, frightened by Landon’s threatening glare.

“That had better be the case.” Landon held Lauren in his arms protectively, warning the doctor, “Or this will be the last case you ever take on in your life.” The ENT doctor nodded frantically.

Landon gently stroked Lauren’s back to calm her down, murmuring close to her right ear, “Don’t be afraid.

I’m here. I’ll make sure you’re okay.” Angelica blushed just the slightest upon seeing this.

“I heard something about surgery, Landon?” Lauren whispered. She was shivering with fear as shel hugged Landon’s waist.

Landon’s tone softened. “Yes. Just a tiny one. It won’t hurt.” “But I don’t want to have surgery! I don’t want to stay in the hospital! I don’t want to!” Lauren cried, shaking her head.

Landon swallowed tensely, her movements causing a warm sensation to pool down south.

Landon cursed himself. This was not the time for him to dwell on those thoughts!

+15 BONUS “Don’t be scared. It really is just a minor surgery. I’ll be there with you from start to end-until you recover fully,” Landon promised.

“I still don’t want to… I’d rather become deaf than stay here!” Lauren whined through her sobs.

Angelica suddenly noticed that Lauren seemed to have a strange aversion toward the hospital, as if it triggered some deep, painful trauma of hers.

‘Are you sure, Laurie? Are you sure you want to become a deaf person? You won’t be able to hear my voice anymore,” Landon responded.

Lauren pursed her lips but said nothing.

Landon slowly knelt before her, holding her hands and saying, “Can you do this surgery, please? For my sake? If not, your brother’s going to skin me alive.

Please, Laurie?” Sure enough, his pleas worked.

Lauren rubbed her eyes, which were swollen from tears and nodded.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 587-Alyssa had just finished tending to Jasper’s wound when Ben walked in. “How are you doing, Mr. Jasper?” “Very we!!, thanks to Alyssa.” Jasper shot her a fond look as he spoke.

Alyssa instinctively looked away.

Jasper used to be so stoic. What was with all this passion and emotion now?

“You have our sincere thanks, Ms. Alyssa. Ben bowed, but Alyssa quickly helped him up.

“You don’t need to do this, Ben. It was my duty, after all.” Ben wasn’t one to be nosy, but he still wanted to see Jasper be together with Alyssa again. “You’re still as kind to Mr. Jasper as always.

“Please don’t misunderstand. I’m only doing this because Jasper is important to Grandpa.” Alyssa smiled lightly. “I do what I do only for Grandpa’s sake.

Ben met her smile. Jasper, on the other hand, grinned warmly at her. He was used to her indignance by now. He just had to read her body language or pay attention to what she said. One of them was bound to tell him the truth.

“Mr. Jasper, if you’re able to walk, please head to the study. Mr. Newton would like to speak to you.” Jasper nodded, “Alright.” He turned and said gently to Alyssa, “Wait for me here. I’ll be right back.” “Like hell! I’m leaving. Goodbye!” Alyssa snorted and marched out of the room.

Jasper wanted to reach out to stop her but didn’t in the end. He watched as she left, leaving only him and Ben in the room.

Ben could see just how tender and emotional Jasper’s gaze was as he watched Alyssa leave.

Jasper chuckled, shaking his head “Don’t you think I’m pathetic, Ben?” Since he was young, he’d treated Ben as a family, so there was no need to hide anything from the older man.

“Of course not, Mr. Jasper. Ben shook his head. “I’d like to congratulate you, actually, for finally realizingwhat your heart really wants.

“Now that both you and Ms. Alyssa are unattached, you have a chance with her.

I pray you can learn to 1/2 +15 BONUS Please, don’t disappoint her again.” Ben then looked at Jasper, who felt like there was a lump in his throat. He had to hold back a tear from falling down his cheek.

“Do you think… I still have a chance, Ben?” All of a sudden, Ben was reminded of an image of Alyssa being sent to the ER, blood soaking both her legs as she lay weakly in the hospital bed, begging him to keep that night a secret from Jasper.

Ben blinked rapidly before saying, “It may be difficult, sir, but it is my sincere hope that you do not give up no matter what.” Jasper entered Newton’s study, shutting the door behind him.

Out in the corridor, Alyssa tip-toed back into the hallway and crept up to the door of the study. She carefully looked around, ensuring no one else was around, before pressing her ear against the door.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 588-Newton poured a glass of warm water for Jasper, handing it to his grandson, who sat across from him.

“Thank you, Grandpa.” Jasper gratefully took the glass, sitting up straight. He cupped the glass with a hand around the body and another at the base.

“How’s your injuries, Jasper?” Newton asked gently.

“They’re mostly surface wounds but have healed a lot,” Jasper replied, masking most of his weakness and pain. “Don’t worry about me, Grandpa. I’m stronger than you think. I was in the army once, after all.” “Then why didn’t you fight back when your father hit you?” Newton scowled.

“That vixen, Sophia, clearly influenced him to hurt you for no good reason. Why didn’t you just snatch the whip away and hit her back?!

He’d called Jasper over just to question him about this.

Jasper looked down at his glass of water. To Newton’s surprise, he stayed silent.

After a moment, Newton asked in a softer tone, “You’re my grandson, Jasper, and blood of blood. You don’t still feel like you owe it to our family, do you?” Jasper’s lips pressed into a thin line.

When he was five years old, he once had to survive in a filthy, narrow little slumhouse with his sick and frail mother. It was a stormy night when those cars arrived outside the house.

Rainwater had drenched the building, and the biting cold wind numbed their fingers.

Jasper had been sitting by the bed, trying to feed her mother some water.

Javier had been younger then, clad in a smart suit and tie as he walked into the room. Not even his leather shoes had a drop of rainwater on them.

All Jasper had in mind at that time when he saw this man was- “Please. Please save my mom, sir!” Javier had marched over to the bedside. Tears welled up in his eyes as he hugged Jasper’s thin and sickly mother. He cried out, “Oh, Anne! My sweet Anne! I’m so sorry it took me so long.

I’m so sorry! I’m finally here for you and our son.” Jasper still vividly remembered his father’s devotion to his mother, insisting on marrying her no matter the pressure from his family and the public. Thus, Jasper, a child born out of wedlock, was legitimized.

+15 BONUS He never understood, though. Did Javier really love his mother? If he did, why would he turn his affections elsewhere, causing his mother to commit suicide when she crumbled under her depression?

Jasper often wondered whether it would have been better for his mother to die on that cold, stormy night sick in bed or from the torturous existence the love of her life had caused her.

“You don’t owe a single thing to us, child. We’re the ones who owe you.” Newton placed a hand on Jasper’s shoulder, unshed tears in his eyes. “I’m the one who’s to blame for what happened all those years ago.

“I knew just how much your father loved your mother, but the economic crisis had just hit us. We would have faced bankruptcy, what with the projects we took on being halted and our assets worth diminished. That’s why I had your father marry the Dutton girl from Minestrom-your brother’s mother.

“It’s all my fault, dear child. The suffering that you had to go through when you were a kid “No, Grandpa. You were only doing what was best for the family and the company. I can empathize with your reasons. It’s okay.” Jasper didn’t blame Newton at all.

Newton didn’t have to hear him say it out loud to hear it. He sighed long and hard in response.

“I didn’t fight back earlier because of Justin,” Jasper said. ‘Before he left the city for Mosgravia, that I don’t get on Javier’s bad side too much, for his sake.” he asked

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 589-Jasper slowly met Newton’s gaze. “I’ve held back as much as I can. But there will not be a next time. Next time, I’m not holding back.” Sorrow filled Newton’s heart, reflecting on his face.

“I’m sorry, Grandpa. I shouldn’t have brought this up. Jasper held his grandfather’s hands. “I know you! would have wanted Justin to lead this family if that hadn’t happened to him. I know you’ve had the highest hopes for him since he was young.” “Jasper…” “I owe everything to you, Grandpa, and to Justin, too.” Jasper smiled lightly, forcing his tears back. “I never dared hope to have a grand father who truly loved me, so now that I’m blessed with one, I daren’t pray for more.” “No, listen to me, Jasper!” Newton cried, placing both hands on Jasper’s shoulders. “You and Justin are both my grandsons. I love you two just as equally! Even if your brother fully heals one day, or even if what happened to him never did, I would still choose you to take over the family business!” Jasper was stunned, “Grandpa…” “It doesn’t matter if the rest of the family disagrees with my choice. You’ll always have my support!” Alyssa was nearly flat against the door, trying to eavesdrop on the two’s conversation. The door noise. insulation was surprisingly good, making it difficult to hear. She couldn’t make out what Jasper said but could thankfully hear Newton’s, given how loud he was.

“Jasper’s brother? What happened to him? Sounds like something serious…” Alyssa murmured to herself.

Alyssa hadn’t once met the Beckett family’s eldest grandson in her three years of marriage to Jasper. However, she’d heard from Rosie that Justin Beckett lived overseas in Mosgravia due to his condition. Because of said condition, the family had to pass on Justin’s inheritance rights as first-born grandson to Jasper.

Why did it sound like Justin’s condition had something to do with Jasper?

The door suddenly opened, making Alyssa slamn into Jasper’s chest.

Jasper stared down at her in surprise.

Alyssa yelped, coming back to her senses.

Newton called from inside the study just then, “Is that Alice, Jasper?” “No, Grandpa. it was nothing. Why don’t you get some rest now?’ Jasper pressed a hand on Alyssa’s back, swiftly shutting the study door. He gazed at Alyssa, eyes bright and hopeful. “Were you eavesdropping?” “Goodbye!” Alyssa hurriedly turned away, panic making her heart flutter.

But Jasper pulled her back by the waist until she was tucked in his arms.

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 590-The Their bodies pressed close to one another, heartbeats loud and clear in the still air.

Alyssa’s face was flushed, knowing she’d been caught red-handed. She struggled to get out of Jasper’s grip, the man responding by curling his fingers around her waist.

“The cat got your tongue?” “I-I was just here to say goodbye to Grandpa, I’m not interested in whatever family secrets you two were discussing! Now let me go!” Alyssa cried, wriggling out of his grip.

Something delicate fluttered against Jasper’s heart. Alyssa was quite the adorable sight, blushing and trying to hide herself, “No secrets.” Jasper grinned.

“Huh?” “I won’t keep any secrets from you,” Jasper murmured, leaning in until their lips were inches apart. He resisted the urge to kiss her. “Ask me whatever you want, and I’ll tell you what you want to know, in full honesty.” “Alright. What happened between you and your brother, Justin?” Alyssa asked curiously.

Jasper’s lips thinned for a moment as he shied away.

“Tsk. Liars, all of you.” Alyssa rolled her eyes. “You know you’re just wasting my time, right?” ‘Give me some time. We’ll find a suitable time to sit down, and I’ll tell you all about it. You’ve done a lot today. Why don’t you go back and rest?” Jasper said kindly, then planted a kiss on her forehead.

has!

It made Alyssa’s breathing catch as something warm sank into her heart.

“Goodnight, Lyse.” Sean was waiting outside the villa with a swan-down coat for Alyssa. The temperature had lowered considerably tonight. He didn’t want her to catch a cold.

Sean waited until his feet grew numb before Alyssa finally appeared at the entrance.

“Ms. Alyssal” Sean exclaimed cheerfully.

Alyssa didn’t answer him, however. Her cheeks were flushed as she walked toward the gate, dazed. It “Ms. Alyssa!” Sean cried again, tugging her sleeve. “Are you alright?” Alyssa quickly returned to her senses. “Oh. Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks for coming all the way here. Let’s go.” The two slipped into the car, where the AC blasted warm air. There was even a thermos flask of hot tea feady for Alyssa.

She leaned in her seat and took a sip.

Then, she gently touched her forehead where Jasper had kissed her, as if the warmth of his lips were still there.

“Look into something for me, Sean.” “Yes, Ms. Alyssa.” “Investigate Jasper’s relationship with his brother Justin and what happened before Justin left for Mosgravia.” Alyssa had no faith in Jasper’s honesty whatsoever, so she chose to resort to more familiar ways of getting what she wanted.