Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Jasper gently caressed Alyssa's waist with his strong arm, smiling at her tenderly.
Silas and Cyrus were both busy men, rarely appearing at the same time. The fact that they were together now hinted at
something unusual.
Cyrus burped before putting on a serious expression. "Sophia's urine test this afternoon confirmed drug use. It's important to
note that drug use and drug abuse are two different things.
"However, she denied it and claimed she thought her jabs were for cosmetic purposes. Tristan McAlister, her cosmetic doctor,
prescribed them to her. She insists she had no clue and is being framed."
Alyssa was stunned.
Tristan was the one who prescribed the medication to Sophia. He was well-versed in pharmacology, so she had never asked him
about it and let him handle it.
Alyssa never fathomed he would supply Sophia with illegal drugs in such large doses. He was practically aiming to take her life
away.
"Cyrus, this has nothing to do with Tristan. Sophia must be panicking and trying to shift blame onto him as her scapegoat."
Alyssa ardently defended Tristan.
"Lyse, I know Tristan. Dad sponsored him before, and he has a good relationship with you."
Cyrus, deep in thought, observed the absence of the usual sibling banter in Alyssa's eyes. "But I'm a cop. I have to follow the
procedures fairly. I can't abuse my power for personal gain.

"Sophia insisted Tristan framed her. Even if she was lying, we have to adhere to the procedures and bring Tristan in for
questioning."
Alyssa lowered her gaze, her silence speaking of her sadness.
Jasper lifted his gaze. He didn't want to see the siblings fight. He gently caressed Alyssa's hand to comfort her as he spoke,
"This is standard procedure. We understand, Chief Cyrus. You do what you need to do."
Cyrus was flattered at being addressed as "Chief Cyrus".
However, Alyssa couldn't shake off the discomfort. Although she knew Cyrus was right, guilt weighed heavily on her regarding
Tristan. She didn't want anyone around her to suffer because of her actions.
The atmosphere was rarely this tense when the siblings gathered.
Cyrus' heart tightened. He didn't want to bother his sister any longer by overstaying his welcome. So, he said, "I have some
things to handle at the station. I will take my leave. Silas, you keep Alyssa company. You are hardly here."
As he turned to leave, Alyssa suddenly rushed forward, gripping his waist forcefully. "Don't go, Cyrus. I didn't say you had to go."
Cyrus quickly extended his arms to return her hug. His eyes were moist.
As her half-brother sharing the same father, Alyssa treated him well, though not as intimately as she treated Jonah and Silas.
Hugging Alyssa was a rare opportunity for him as he was often too shy to make the first move.
"I thought you were angry," Cyrus said, lowering his gaze. His voice softened as he caressed the top of her head.

Alyssa raised her head to gaze at him and shook it vehemently. "Why would I be angry at you, Cyrus? I know it hasn't been easy
getting into the police academy, becoming a detective, and now leading your team.
"I shouldn't have been so stubborn and biased. You do what you need to do. Whatever happens, I will support your decision."
Xavier observed the intimate interaction between Alyssa and Cyrus, stealing a glance at Jasper's face. Not surprisingly, Jasper's
expression was as dark as a black hole.
Jasper took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, but jealousy overcame him. His eyes reddened.
"Haha, you're jealous," Silas remarked as he pulled a chair and sat beside Jasper.
Taking a bite of dessert, he continued, "You can't even handle something this small. I think you've become a crybaby after getting
together with Lyse."