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
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 grandfather 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.
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. L
Usually, surgeries for the eardrums had to be scheduled way in advance. However, because the hospital was concerned Landon might actually demolish it, they arranged for Lauren's surgery to be done immediately the morning after.Landon hadn't slept a wink or had a bite since the night before, and Angelina followed suit.Angelina had stayed loyal to Landon for ten years, the only woman in his life for so long that had never been swapped or replaced. Angelina would always be by his side when a female companion was needed for whatever events he attended. Some people would come and compliment her for her looks and how well they looked together, but Landon would only chuckle and say, "I see you're a man of culture as well."Angelina knew very well that nothing beyond their current relationship would ever be possible and never hoped for such. She was privy to his habits by now and knew his boundaries when it came to other women. They could fool around and sleep together, but there
"Is it because she's Sophia Kirkman's daughter?" Angelina asked.Landon's voice was hoarse when he answered, "Yes." "But if you truly like her, then you should try and work things out together." Angelina really wanted her boss to be with Lauren. She was such an endearing girl. Angelina continued, "If you were in a relationship with Ms. Lauren, you'd literally save her from a life of suffering. Betty Beckett wouldn't dare do anything to her sister anymore.""As if she dares to now." Landon's eyes darkened."But wouldn't you feel much more secure with Ms. Lauren by your side all the time? Think about it—if Ms. Lauren became your wife, that'd be the greatest slap in Betty's face. "She wouldn't even dare come near Ms. Lauren anymore. Because if she did, she'd be waging war against all of us. You wouldn't even need to tell me before I cut her tongue out!" Angelina explained.She was this close to calling Lauren "Madam".He cursed, pondering when they would finally have the chan
"Lyse, I grew up with Landon. I know him in and out. He may be fond of women, but he doesn't just sleep with anyone." Jasper tried his best to console Alyssa while defending his friend. Landon continued, "He wouldn't dare do anything to Lauren. She's my sister, after all.""Like hell! Landon would sleep with anyone who isn't related to him!" Alyssa yelled. "You'd better get on your knees and pray Landon didn't so much as touch Lauren, or I'm cutting his fingers off one by one!""Alright," came the calm reply.Alyssa was taken aback. "What?" "I said, alright. I agree with your decision. If something did happen, you can get to work on his left hand. I'll go for the right one."Alyssa was truly left speechless now.Hoes before bros, indeed.…Lauren was transferred to a general ward after her surgery. She lay weakly in bed, face as pale as the hospital gown she wore."How do you feel? Does it still hurt?" Landon asked tenderly, gazing into her doe-like eyes.Lauren shook her
From beside them came Angelica's sudden snort of laughter.Landon was really trying his hardest to take care of Lauren. None of his techniques applicable to other women worked for Lauren, so he had no choice but to try something new.It was fun to watch.Meanwhile, Lauren eagerly savored the soup Landon served her. Her motivation wasn't to boast about the experience but to ease Landon's burden. She just didn't want him to strain his arm by repeatedly lifting the spoon to her lips.Landon's eyes narrowed happily the more Lauren ate. "Slow down now. Don't choke yourself." He gently patted her back.When he noticed a drop of white at the corner of Lauren's lips, his breathing hitched inexplicably as a surge of heat washed through him. It was a drop of soup, nothing more.Landon cursed at himself as he pondered the last time he had taken someone to bed. How could soup make his mind go south that quickly?"This is tasty. I want more, Landon," Lauren exclaimed happily."Okay," La
Landon, especially, stared fixedly at the young woman in his arms as a sudden thought surfaced in his mind.He wanted to bring Lauren home with him.So, so much.Alyssa was unbelievably shocked. "Lauren, you … want to … ""Landon … '' Lauren mumbled, nuzzling into Landon's chest and making his heart skip. "I want to go home with you."…Alyssa and Jasper had no choice but to respect Lauren's choice under her insistence.Jasper then had Landon follow him to the smoking area to speak to him."What happened to Lauren's ear, Landon?" Jasper asked, placing a cigarette between his lips and offering his friend another."What happened?" Hatred and cold fury flared in Landon's gaze. "Your spoiled bitch of a sister, Betty, happened!""She's not my sister. I only have one sister and her name is Lauren." Jasper bristled at the mention of Betty. "So, Betty hurt Lauren?"Landon nearly ground his teeth into dust. The cigarette in his hand almost broke in two under his furious pinching. "If