Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"Cyrus..." Lauren stared at Cyrus. His surprise appearance instantly soothed her nervousness.
The woman who showed up with Cyrus was no stranger to Lauren-she was Cyrus' mom, Mandy Lovelace.
The next moment, Lauren's heart leaped into her throat. Orlander was a diplomatic and shrewd politician, according to Sophia's description of him.
Orlander wouldn't have invited the Taylors if he had already invited the Becketts, as he was smart enough not to make the two archenemies meet.
As expected, the Hodgsons looked shocked. Javier's expression clouded as well.
Orlander explained in awkwardness, "Mr. Javier, this is certainly surprising. We did not invite the Taylors. What do you-"
Javier waved at Orlander with a faint smile. "It's fine. You're the host, anyway. You don't have to explain every minor detail of your event to me."
Despite Javier's assurance, Orlander and Minnie felt fearful. Anyone could tell that Javier was upset at the Taylors' arrival.
At the same time, the guests started gossiping among themselves.
"Gosh! Who's that young man standing beside Mandy Lovelace? He's so handsome."
"What a lively and proud young man. I would have offered him my daughter's hand in marriage-if only I had one!"
"Don't be delusional. I know that guy, even if you don't. He's Cyrus Taylor, but he rarely shows up in the public eye. He's Mandy Lovelace's only living son after Damien Taylor lost his life in a plane crash. I bet she would be very discerning when it comes to his marriage because she dotes on him a lot."
"Cyrus Taylor?" The guests gasped.
The knowledge of his family background made him appear more attractive than before.
"Comparison is really the thief of joy. I thought Freddy Hodgson was great until I saw Cyrus Taylor. He beat Freddy in every aspect!"
"Of course! He's the son of Winston Taylor and Mandy Lovelace. The Hodgsons are a family of local politicians. They are no match for the family of a business tycoon."
Freddy's smile froze when he overheard parts of the gossip. He silently clenched his fist.
On the other hand, Cyrus felt restricted because he had put on a formal suit- which he rarely wore- upon Mandy's request. Feeling uncomfortable, he couldn't stop himself from adjusting his tie occasionally.
"Can you please stop wriggling around like a monkey?" Mandy, while maintaining her composure, quietly pinched Cyrus in the waist. "Is there a bug in your collar or what?"
Cyrus furrowed his brows from the pain. At the same time, he casually directed a glance in Lauren's direction.
When their eyes met, Lauren happily beamed and waved at him as a greeting. His world immediately lit up as his heart fluttered.
"Mandy, what brings you here?" Joseph walked over to Mandy and Cyrus.
Cyrus, instead of greeting his Uncle Joseph, merely glared at the latter. Knowing that the Lovelaces had denied any support to Mandy after disowning her, he refused to acknowledge Joseph as his uncle.
Mandy maintained a calm and gracious smile. "And how is that your business? I show up because I feel like it."
Joseph's expression immediately froze. Meanwhile, the other guests were secretly speculating on the Lovelace siblings' relationship.
Aidan wandered over to Joseph. As usual, he couldn't keep his mouth shut. "Mayor Hodgson invited Dad and I to the event. As far as I know, the mayor and his wife did not invite you."