Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

After coming out from Sage Manor, Alyssa and Jasper sat in silence in the car for quite a while.

Finally, Alyssa broke the silence.

"Jasper, I... | will make a trip htonight. Aren't you leaving for a long-distance trip tomorrow morning? You can just go back to Seaview Manor. Or you can cto my place for the night, too." Jasper was still worried about Landon. So, he frowned and agreed, "Alright. I'll drop you off at Heightsnew Villa then. I'll see you again tomorrow night." Upon returning to Heightsnew Villa, they exchanged a farewell kiss that conveyed their reluctance to part ways.

After watching Alyssa go into the house, Jasper's gaze becglum. He took out his phone and dialed Xavier's number.

"What are the updates from the hospital?" "That man died from excessive bleeding. His parents are also prominent figures in Solana City. They are insisting on taking this to court.

"The problem is that the police are also now involved. It would get tricky if their investigation shows that the perpetrator is related to Harper Group." Xavier was not his usual, cheery self. He was unusually serious. "But | have followed your instructions to get the details from Ms. Brands in private.

"She shared that Mr. Landon really wasn't intending to take the man's life. It was his subordinate who wasn't professional and acted rashly. They may have tried to avoid any critical points, but who in the world would be able to withstand ten stabs? "Though, he was also someone who deserved to die. Didn't we look into him before? He is a walking bastard who's just like David! Since the cops have becinvolved, they will surely get to the bottom of things." Jasper stayed silent for a few seconds as he concentrated on his thoughts. Then, he started coldly, "Keep in close contact with Angelina. Money isn't a problem.

"The important thing is to make sure that the culprit from Harper Group keeps his mouth shut. Wipe off any traces of his connection with Harper Group and have him turn himself in immediately.

"All in all, this matter cannot be linked back to Landon, no matter what it costs. Do you understand me?" Xavier inhaled deeply. "Understood! When Alyssa got home, her face still showed that she was preoccupied.

Right at this time, Mandy happened to walk past the living room with a hot bowl of soup. She was on her way to bring the soup to Winston.

"Welchome, Lyse." "Is Cyrus at htonight, Mandy? | heard that he chome. Is he in?" Mandy nodded. "He is. | think he went to the cellar by himself. Did you need to speak with him?" Alyssa smiled and replied, "Nah, | was just missing Cyrus and wanted to have a drink with him." It was peaceful and quiet in the cellar.

When Alyssa pushed the door to enter, she saw Cyrus sitting under the dazzling glass lamp, enjoying a glass of wine. The stream of light highlighted the edges of his charming face.

In fact, since a long tago, Alyssa had felt like Cyrus was the son who resembled Winston the most.

He was never like Jonah and Silas who dressed smartly and scrupulously in suits. Instead, he was someone who still exuded his classiness even if he only had a gunny sack on. He would still shine even if he were covered in dirt.

All of Winston's sons were people who brought calamity and suffering to the people around them once they were allowed to roam free.

"Hey, Cyrus," Alyssa called out to him softly.

Cyrus looked as if he had just been awakened from a dream. In a flash, his eyes becclear, and his eyelids fluttered. "Lyse, you're back. Want to have a drink with me?" Alyssa caught a glimpse of a familiar-looking teddy bear cake on the table. She gave him an intrigued smile. "As far as | remember, you don't really have a sweet tooth," she remarked.

Cyrus froze, then smiled slightly. "I do crave this occasionally. The teddy bear is quite a treat." "Do you actually like the taste of the teddy bear cake, or is it because it reminds you of someone, Cyrus?" asked Alyssa as she sat down across him.

It was obvious what she was hinting at.

Cyrus looked deep into her eyes. After a while, he smiled brightly. "We're siblings, Lyse. You can be direct with — "| saw Lauren today, Cyrus." Just the sound of that nmade Cyrus' heart skip a beat. But he maintained a calm expression on his face.

"How is she? Is she alright? What happened the last tmust have scared her. Has she calmed down?" He might look composed, but every word of his was filled with concern.

"Cyrus, since you've askedto be direct with you, | won't beat around the bush then." Alyssa took a deep breath. In a serious manner, she asked, "You have feelings for Lauren, don't you?" Cyrus tightened his grip on his wine glass until his knuckles turned white. His eyes turned slightly red.

"Yes, | do. That said, | am a rational person. | know when | should or should not have feelings for someone.

Lauren and Landon have feelings for one another, and they're already at the stage of discussing marriage. So, | know that | shouldn't be having feelings for her." "Cyrus..." "However, | still like her. | can't lie to you or myself about that." Cyrus forced a relatively relaxed smile on his face. He scooped up a piece of the cake and put it in front of Alyssa.

All of a sudden, Alyssa's heart was pained.

If she had known about this earlier, she would have done all she could to match-make Cyrus and Lauren. She would be more than happy to be Lauren's sister-in-law.

It was a pity that the order of arrival had too important a role to play when it cto love.

Being one step late could mean that one's feelings had to be concealed.

"Did you chere this late to seeso that you can askabout Lauren specifically? Also, you look so serious. Did something happen?" Cyrus was always a bold yet attentive person. Instantly, he becalarmed. "Did my presence make things difficult for Lauren? Did she have a fight with Landon?" "Lauren toldthat she hopes that you and Landon could be friends," Alyssa said in a low voice.

Cyrus chuckled awkwardly. "Do you think that's possible, Lyse?" Alyssa let out a dispirited sigh.

"From the moment | had feelings for Lauren, it becimpossible for Landon and I to befriend one another. In the future, | don't think I will meet with her unless it's unplanned or a coincidence. | cannot put her in a difficult spot and have Landon overthink things.

"But, | will give them a wedding gift when they get married. | think that's about it." Upon saying that, Cyrus downed the rest of the alcohol in his glass raffishly.

Tears welled up in Alyssa's eyes as she poured a glass for herself.

Mandy had raised her three children exceptionally well. They were selfless, generous, righteous, and kind.

"Lyse, I've heard you share many things about Lauren. | know it hasn't been easy for her to get to where she is with her partner." Although Cyrus' heart ached, he still maintained a smile on his face. "Rather than dating her, | just want her to live well. It doesn't matter who she's with as long as she is happy." "You'll definitely be able to find your own happiness in the future too, Cyrus." Cyrus laughed, "My happiness is to be of service to the people." Upon saying that, Cyrus and Alyssa clinked glasses. After unraveling the troubles in their hearts, they drank to their heart's content.