Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"Throughout the execution of our plans, we were vigilant, and no information slipped out." Jasper's eyes darkened.
He continued, "Looks like the Schmidt family has set up spies near the witnesses' homes to watch their every move. When they
found out we'd sought Maggie out, they feared she might participate in the case as a witness. That was why they wanted to end
her life so quickly."
"Damn them!" Alyssa and Xavier said at the same time.
"David is still in police custody, so there's no way he could have had any external contact. Who helped him then? Jamebitch?"
Xavier exclaimed hatefully.
Alyssa shook her head lightly. "No way it was Jamiper. He's the one person in the entire Schmidt family who wants to see
everyone crash and burn. He would never help David. It must've been either Victor or Josh."
"Josh. It must be Josh," Jasper deduced, eyes sharp.
Alyssa's eyes glinted. She held Jasper's hand. "Why do you think it's him, Jasper?"
"Victor isn't from the underworld. He's not the kind to get rid of someone just because he doesn't like them. He's a pretty
successful businessman, and businessmen like him know to steer clear of committing criminal acts at all times. He wouldn't have
done something so drastic unless held at gunpoint," Jasper explained.
"Even if David were convicted, he'd be released as early as in a decade if his family pulled some strings. If David got sentenced
to death, Victor still wouldn't go to the extent of killing someone to save his son. He's the chairman of his company's board, after
all. Plus, he's not lacking in sons."

Jasper then continued, "David isn't his only child. With Josh and Jameson still in the picture, Victor can't afford to dirty his hands.
But Josh's situation is different. You understand just how complex the relations amongst the Schmidt family members are, Lyse."
All of a sudden, Alyssa gained clarity. "Josh must be furious with how much Jamiper is being doted on by Victor. That's why Josh
is doing all he can to regain his father's affection, even going to such lengths.
"I'm sure Josh is trying to prove himself to his father by freeing David of this situation. And I know Jameson went through a lot of
bullying from his siblings when he was a kid.
"David and Daisy never really stopped abusing him, even in adulthood. If Josh helped exonarate David from this crime, he'd
secure support for himself. After all, David still has shares in Schmidt Group."
Jasper swallowed, feeling irritated all of a sudden. "Do you pity Jameson, Lyse?"
"Yes, I do."
Jasper's breathing caught as his grip around Alyssa's waist tightened.
"I pity the Jameson from 15 years ago, not the cunning and cruel demon he's become today," Alyssa said.
Complex emotions flooded her as she recalled her friendship with Jameson when they were children. Her gaze stayed firm,
however. "I thought those who've been hurt before would grow to care for others more.
"Who knew Jameson would end up hurting others even more? I don't know what happened in Kontina to have made him
become like this. But none of it can justify him stooping to such lows."
Based on their pasts alone, Jameson's experiences didn't come close to the hardships and suffering Jasper had endured. Yet,
time and change did nothing to corrode Jasper's kindness and righteous soul.

That was why Alyssa loved Jasper.
Who wouldn't love someone righteous and kind?
Jasper smiled upon hearing this. He then kissed Alyssa's cheek.
"I'll have someone look into Josh's actions right away, sir, ma'am!" Xavier exclaimed, eyes burning with hatred.
"You don't have to do anything for the time being except to let your injuries heal, Xavier," Jasper said seriously. "Alyssa and I will
figure out a way to deal with Josh. My seventh brother-in-law will deal with the man who hurt Maggie."
Alyssa cocked an eyebrow upon hearing Jasper's words.
Seventh brother-in-law, eh?
"B-But I still can't let this go!" Xavier panted harshly, heart aching. "Whenever I think about how that man had his hands on
Maggie's neck, how she pleaded desperately for help, I... I want to rip him to shreds!"
"If you can't let this go, then stay by Maggie's side," Alyssa said gently, seeing through Xavier's feelings right away. "Take good
care of her and make sure she gains healthy weight. That's your main priority right now."
"Madam." Grateful tears filled Xavier's eyes. He was about to say something when someone knocked on the ward door.
"Are you in there, Ms. Alyssa?" Sean called out, having rushed over after hearing what happened.
"Sean!"
Alyssa and Jasper went over to open the door.
Sean was standing outside, sweating. He said anxiously, "Ms. Alyssa, I happened to run into Maggie's mother and another
victim's parents on my way here. They want to see you in person!"