Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

The David Schmidt case had come to a close.
Despite Alyssa and Jasper's considerable wealth and influence, It had not been smooth and easy for them to get rid of David
and Daisy, as they were up against the equally established Schmidt Group. Life, it seemed, was not all smooth sailing.
Fortunately, the outcome was worth all their time and effort. In high spirits, they granted Mrs. Rosie a day off and organized a
celebratory dinner at home.
"Mr. Beckett, Madam Alyssa, I can't help but feel undeserving of my monthly pay when you keep giving me days off. It's like
being paid without working," Mrs. Rosie remarked joyfully as she observed Jasper diligently preparing ingredients in the kitchen.
With a wide smile, she commended, "Your knife skills are impressive! It's hard to believe you were once clumsy and lacked
coordination. Now, you're a cooking expert."
"It's all thanks to Lyse," Jasper replied.
He was busy in the kitchen but glibly flirted with Alyssa. His eyes shone with affection.
"Chef Beckett, didn't I tell you repeatedly to focus when you're using the knife?" Alyssa worked in the kitchen like a seasoned
president's chef. She was utterly focused on searing the steak. "You don't want to end up slicing your fingers."
Jasper pursed his lips and hurriedly shifted his focus from her stern face to his task.
Mrs. Rosie covered her mouth and chuckled. Alyssa seemed like the only one who could rein in Jasper.
"Mrs. Rosie, we wanted to invite you for dinner, but we wouldn't want to deprive you of the chance to dine with your best friend,"
Alyssa beamed, adding, "Have fun!"

"Will do, Madam!" Mrs. Rosie happily left the house.
Alyssa plated the steak and wondered puzzledly, "Hm? Where is Xavier all day? I thought we invited him to dinner."
"It's not just today. He's been missing for four nights in a row," Jasper replied helplessly.
Helping Alyssa to serve the food, he complained, "Ever since Maggie spoke up for you at the police station, he's been repeatedly
bringing it up at least three times a day.
"Look, I'm thankful to Maggie for what she did for you, but Xavier was insufferable. My headache will return if this goes on."
"Ah. Is that so?" Alyssa flashed him an amused smile and said no more.
Jasper offered, "I'll call him and get him to join us." He reached out for the phone, but she stopped him.
She said, "It's fine. I know what he's up to. Let him be."
The clueless Jasper questioned, "What is he up to?"
"Heh heh, you fool. Looks like you don't know Xavier at all." She cut a slice of steak and sent it into his mouth. "Spring has come
for Xavier."
The moon hung high in the night sky. Under the moonlight, Xavier stood alone in Maggie's neighborhood, clad in a suit. He held
a bouquet in one hand and an exquisite gift box in another as he gazed up at the small but brightly lit window of an apartment.
In his hesitation, he glanced at the lovely bunch of purple hyacinths in his hand and let out a long sigh.

Meanwhile, Maggie and Gina had just finished their tasty home-cooked dinner. There was a cute cake on the table for Maggie's
birthday. David Schmidt's arrest was the greatest gift she could wish for.
They were interrupted by a knock on the door when they were about to cut the cake. Rising to answer the door, Maggie found
her neighbor, Miriam Hert, standing there.
"Miriam! You're out of the hospital! How are you feeling? Better?" Maggie asked with a smile.
"Maggie, I need to tell you something." Miriam, appearing concerned and serious, reported, "I saw a suspicious man in a suit
under the apartment when I came home just now. Men in suits scare me now."