Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Jordan was initially taken aback. Then, he answered, "Alright. I'll look into it tomorrow."
Landon was about to hang up when Penelope continued with her tirade on the phone.
"Landon Harper! I am your mother! I can't believe that you want to keep me
locked up in an asylum. You're a madman! Let me tell you this... Even if the entire Harper Group ends up in your hands... even if you are now the head of the family, I am not afraid! I will give my all and use all of my connections to rescue Zoe!
"Come and take my life if you're that capable! You're disowning me anyway. Well, I will not have such an ungrateful and ruthless man as my son! You are no longer my son!"
"Okay."
Without any hesitation, Landon hung up the call.
His world was now quiet.
Jordan stared at Landon in shock. After a while, he queried, "M-Mr. Landon, are you really cutting off ties with Madam Penelope? You have just taken over the entire Harper Group. I'm worried that the media will come up with nonsense if they hear a word about this. It will affect your reputation."
"That's not important."
There was a slight smile on Landon's face. His eyes were filled with tenderness. "All I need is Lauren."
Jordan nodded. All of a sudden, he had the urge to cry again.
Landon had indeed sacrificed way too much, all for the sake of getting his happiness.
"Dear God, let them be together. Please," Jordan pleaded in his heart.
"Oh, right. Mr. Harper, Madam Penelope said that she wanted to rescue Zoe. The best way to do this is to get her on medical parole. Her current condition also meets the criteria. Do we want to stop-"
"There is no need for that. She wants to try giving her all for her daughter. Just let her be."
The look in Landon's eyes was calm. In a sharp and icy voice, he continued, "It's her responsibility as her mother."
It was in the wee hours of the morning. Landon hadn't gone home to rest. Instead, he rushed to the hospital to visit Lauren.
In the quiet corridor, Jasper and Julien were discussing Lauren's condition. Jasper pulled Landon aside the moment he spotted him.
"I heard the news from Cyrus. Preston was murdered in the hospital. Was it your doing?"
"Yes," Landon answered bluntly in the face of his best friend.
"That was too risky. This is murder. Although Preston deserves to die, you would only become embroiled in bigger troubles by doing this!"
Jasper placed his hands down on Landon's shoulders and gave them a squeeze. "What use would it be if the revenge would cost you your own life? Even if you're not putting yourself into consideration, you should also keep Lauren in mind.
"Angelina has lost her life. How is Lauren going to live on if something bad happens to you too?"
Landon's throat felt dry. Tears welled up in his eyes.
"Preston is now dead. The authorities will surely see you as the primary suspect because you have enough motive."
Jasper took a deep breath. Decisively, he said, "I will come up with a way for you to resolve it with the police. All you need to do is to deny it all the way. I will handle the rest."
"I'm sorry, Jasper. It was me. I was the one who hurt Lauren..."
Landon slumped forward and rested his forehead on Jasper's shoulder. He had been putting up a strong front. He was finally taking off his armor in front of Jasper and revealing the fragile side of himself.
Landon bawled his eyes out like a young child. Drops of his tears made Jasper's suit wet.
Jasper's heart was pained. He gently patted Landon. "I don't blame you, Landon. I have never blamed you. Stay strong. You have Lyse and me. There's also Jonah and Julien. We are all standing by you."
"I. I want to visit Lauren."
In the hospital ward, Lauren's frail body lay on the white hospital bed, an oxygen mask covering her face. She was hooked up to a heart monitor, which displayed her weak heartbeat.