Big Novel

Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

At that moment, Sophia received another push notification from Twitter—Jasper and Alyssa had topped the trending topics. The
discussion showed no signs of cooling down anytime soon.
Every time Jasper and Alyssa showed up, they would effortlessly capture all media attention and be the talk of the town. The
duo's synergy could potentially make them a formidable force if they decided to join forces in business.
Javier did not look at all pleased by the attention. Sophia, staring at the trending topics on Twitter, taunted, "How lucky is Winston
Taylor to have a daughter like Alyssa? Anywhere she goes, she becomes the center of attention. Everyone else fades into the
background.
"Jasper did not even bother to cover up his relationship with her. Javier, let's take the chance to propose a marriage to Winston.
Alyssa made us look like bad guys when she concealed her identity to marry Jasper. Since we owe Winston one, why don't we
make it up to him?"
Just then, the Harpers settled into their seats. Penelope, situated just an aisle away from Sophia, frowned when she overheard
Sophia's suggestion to Javier.
Each word from Sophia was sickening. With Sophia in the role of the family matriarch, the Becketts ought to consider themselves
fortunate not to witness a decline in their standing.
The prospect of Zoe marrying Jasper was a headache for Penelope, for it meant dealing with Sophia in the future.
Having witnessed Jasper growing into a man, Penelope acknowledged that he was a fine young man, but she couldn't overlook
the complexities of the Beckett family. Jasper was nothing more than an illegitimate child who happened to be helming the
Beckett Group for the time being. However, he was clearly not Javier's favorite.
More importantly, he had a half-sibling, Justin, who loomed as a potential successor. Time was running out for Newton to protect
Jasper's position in the family.
Due to all the reasons above, Penelope wasn't a fan of Zoe marrying Jasper. On top of that, Jasper was a divorcee much older
than Zoe, making him a less ideal candidate.
"Dad, Mom is right," Betty chimed in. "Look at Jasper and Alyssa, acting all love-dovey. I think Ms. Alyssa is interested in
remarrying him, and Jasper is more than willing to do so. They're definitely in love. Dad, you should just approve of their
relationship."

After years of dealing with Javier, Betty knew her father very well. Speaking up for Jasper and Alyssa would only irk Javier.
Javier repeatedly watched the photos, where Jasper appeared cautious before Alyssa. His anger simmered as he declared, "I
don't care. My son will never remarry a woman he ditched—I will not approve of the relationship!
"Who cares if Alyssa is Winston's daughter? My son is not a doormat!"
After Javier vocalized his disapproval, Sophia and Betty exchanged silent, smug glances.
The Schmidts finally joined the other families in the VIP seat area. As the president of Schmidt Group, Josh was busy greeting
friends and guests in the indoor hall with his wife, Clarissa Sparks, leaving Jameson and Daisy to escort Victor to his seat.
Victor merely waved a hand nonchalantly at Cornelius, saying, "Hey, Mr. Cornelius! It's been a while." Although Victor was the
family patriarch, he should have initiated a handshake out of courtesy, as he was considerably younger than Cornelius.
Seeing that, Cornelius refused to rise from his seat and replied in an equally dismissive tone, "That's right. It's been a while."
The silent rivalry between the two magnates unfurled from that moment.

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