Landon's eyes widened at the perfect "couple" in front of his eyes. Jasper's remark was meaningless, but paired with his longing gaze and his deep, hoarse voice, he sounded like a man in love.After some contemplation, Landon's perspective shifted. He believed, to be precise, that Jasper was, at most, a man tormented by unrequited love.It was a pity Landon didn't have a phone with him. If not, he would have taken a photo of Jasper's cheesy expression and showed it to the latter."And it seems you never learn," Jasper frowned, his eyes simmering with anger as he chastised Landon. He continued, "We asked you not to make a move on Lauren, but you kept crossing our lines. Do you think it's unfair to be slapped thrice?"I, on the other hand, think that it's not enough. You should be slapped every time we run into you."We?Alyssa felt uneasy at the way Jasper had lumped them together. After all, he had once been a heartless man who wanted nothing to do with her."Mr. Beckett, pl
Was he the same man who had never performed an act of service as simple as pouring a glass of water?How could he have helped dry her hair? At that moment, it felt more like a horror story."Get your hands off me!" she hissed through clenched teeth, but the soft noises had stirred Lauren. Lauren curled up under the blanket but thankfully did not wake up."Go louder if you want to wake her up." Jasper curled his lips into a grin and went on drying her hair, happy that he had figured out her weakness."Well, at least be gentle! I've been dealing with hair loss, you know. Your rough handling might just make me go bald!" She scowled, her cheeks flushed with anger."Sorry. This is my first time drying someone's hair. I'm inexperienced …" Jasper apologized. As he worked the towel through her hair, he could feel a warm, fuzzy sensation inside.He promised, "I'll do it better the next time."Alyssa had goosebumps on her skin and retorted, "I'm only letting you do this because of Lauren.
After settling Lauren's matter, Alyssa returned to the villa with Sean. She replayed the scene where Jasper dried her hair, and she felt her throat drying.He had said to her, "Sorry. This is my first time drying someone's hair. I'm inexperienced …"That was bullshit. He had dated Liana for years. Even if they didn't score a home run, they must have done everything possible with each other. What was the point of acting all innocent?To her, Jasper and Landon seemed equally terrible. They were a bad influence on each other.Back home, Alyssa kicked off her heels and sat on the couch glumly instead of retiring to her bedroom. Sean handed her a glass of hot milk with concern. He advised, "It's way past midnight. Take some rest after you've had the milk.""How did Lauren and Landon run into each other? She has always been kept at home under the tight supervision of her family. So, what happened?" Alyssa wondered aloud.Alyssa did not feel sleepy at all as she couldn't shake off her
"Zoe, Lauren is not an idiot! You can't call her that!" Landon chastised Zoe, deeply disturbed by her hurtful description of Lauren.In his eyes, Zoe had always been an angel. Sure, she could be a bit petulant at times, but she was inherently kind and soft-hearted.However, in this particular moment, Zoe seemed contorted by rage and hatred, as if she had a personal vendetta against Lauren and wanted nothing more than to tear her apart.Was it all because he had spent the night with Lauren?Throughout his years of casual encounters, Landon had never witnessed Zoe reacting so strongly against any of his romantic partners. Why was she agitated just because he was being good to Lauren?"Y-You yelled at me for calling her an idiot. How could you …" Zoe's flushed face had now paled, and the icy, piercing look in Landon's eyes caused beads of sweat to form on her forehead."Lauren is not an idiot, Zoe. I never want to hear you say that again. If it happens one more time, I'll be genuine
With such a straightforward question, all eyes turned to Bryan.A chill went down his spine as he met Alyssa's sharp gaze. However, he kept his composure and calmed down. He said, "This was already a public secret within our circle. The Beckett Group competed with us previously, and Ada was wavering between you and Mr. Beckett. "But in the end, you were one step ahead of his game, so you took over the right to host the wedding. "Since we're on the losing end now, given Ada's wedding is just around the corner, it's only natural that she'd switch to the Beckett Group, isn't it?"Bryan made it sound like it made perfect sense. Alyssa smiled, her captivating eyes narrowed slightly. She leaned back comfortably and smirked. "Good point, Bryan. But you've overlooked one thing—until now, the Beckett Group and Ada have not signed any official contract," stated Alyssa. Everyone was appalled. "What? It's been a week, and the contract hasn't been signed?"Bryan remained calm, but hi
Javier asked, "At this hour?"Javier lifted his wrist and looked at his watch. He furrowed his brows slightly. "He should know Jasper isn't home right now. Besides, it's almost dinner time. And for him to come now …""Oh, Javier, why are you overthinking it? It's rare for Mr. Harper to pay us a visit. Maybe he's here for Betty," said Sophia in a honeyed voice as she linked her arms with Javier."Sophia, what do you mean? Don't tell me Landon and Betty …" Javier was taken aback."You're always so busy, and you don't pay much attention to Betty. You don't even know what's going on in her mind.""Betty has had her eye on Mr. Harper for quite some time," said Sophia reproachfully as her slender fingers gently poked Javier's chest. Javier stared in astonishment. "Betty likes Landon? Why haven't I noticed at all?""Oh, you know how girls are easily embarrassed. How can they just put it straight like that?" replied Sophia. Sophia also had an embarrassed look on her face. It was as i
Landon was in no rush to go back after leaving the room. Instead, he wandered around aimlessly in the Beckett family's mansion. In truth, he was strolling aimlessly, hoping to run into someone special. His heart yearned for that petite lady who always appeared downtrodden, her head hanging low.He wasn't exactly a saint, but his heart always had a soft spot for that delicate and seemingly forlorn young lady."Mr. Harper? Why are you here?" Rosie asked in astonishment as she unexpectedly ran into him."Uh … Uh … I …" Landon looked sheepish and couldn't find the right words to say after stammering for a while. Finally, he gathered his courage and mumbled, "Mrs. Rosie, where's Lauren?"Rosie looked at him in bewilderment. She couldn't associate Landon with Lauren in any possible way. There was no way that this could be happening. "What are you trying to do? Mr. Harper, don't you dare to scare her! She's still young and doesn't get to meet people often."Landon arched his brow. "M
Lauren extended her hand toward Landon, her face partially buried between her knees. "Give it back to me …""I saved your teddy bear last night. Can't you give me this painting in return?"Landon leaned against the desk, his well-built arms supporting him. "I really like this painting. Will you give it to me, please?""I've already prepared your pre-present," Lauren uttered timidly, her toes curling inward."Where is it?" Landon's eyes lit up in excitement.After around ten minutes, Landon was back in his Ferrari.He couldn't stop smiling from the immense, unprecedented satisfaction. He held a cake box in his left hand and the neatly rolled portrait from earlier in his right hand.He had been secretly hoping he could get a painting from Lauren when he saw the painting she gifted to Newton on his birthday.A one-of-a-kind painting created just for him. He couldn't believe that his dream came true. And that joy and satisfaction he felt was indescribable. Pleased, Landon kept th