Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Jasper gazed out the window with a gloomy expression, pondering Newton's earnest teachings. The more he thought about it, the more stifled he felt.
Somehow, he couldn't shake the feeling that Newton was afraid of Justin.
Newton's advice and determination to protect him at all costs made Jasper wonder if Justin was more than just a person in Newton's eyes. He seemed more like a bloodthirsty beast lurking in the shadows.
"Ahem... It was such a close call tonight, Mr. Beckett." Noticing that Jasper was down, Xavier tried to ease the mood.
"What?"
"You almost lost your innocence!"
"Lost what?" Jasper frowned.
"Earlier in the garden, Ms. Gillis almost threw herself at you. Luckily, my swift reflexes kicked in, and I arrived just in time to protect your virtue," Xavier boasted, sporting a self-satisfied grin.
Virtue?
Upon seeing his smug look, Jasper wanted to knock some sense into him.
"Even if you hadn't appeared, I wouldn't have any contact with any woman other than Lyse," Jasper stated with closed eyes. "Am I that unreliable?"
"That may be so, but even a whoremaster can't stop a shameless bitch."
Jasper's face darkened at those words.
"No matter how vigilant you are, those annoying bugs will seize any opportunity to land on you."
Without noticing the invisible wrath enveloping him, Xavier continued to ramble on, "Seaview Manor isn't like your private residence with Madam. It's crowded with people of all sorts.
"If there were any physical contact between you and Ms. Gillis, and someone with ill intentions spread rumors, Madam might not allow you into bed if she hears about it."
Anger flashed in Jasper's eyes as he kicked the back of Xavier's seat. "Tell me. Who's the whoremaster?"
Xavier's throat went dry, and he didn't know what to reply.
"If you can't explain, say goodbye to your bonus for this month."
Xavier immediately surrendered for the money. "I was wrong, Mr. Beckett! My brain short-circuited, and I used the wrong metaphor. I won't do that again!"
Jasper smirked, but the emotions in his eyes remained inscrutable. "Your task for the next few days is to find out Ms. Gillis' background. Focus on her work history. I want to know whether she really worked as a doctor without borders in Luminara."
It was late at night, and Alyssa still hadn't fallen asleep; she was thinking about Jasper.
While on the living room couch, she took out several pieces of her high-priced jewelry, carefully wiping and cleaning them under the light.
Some were her own designs, priceless and unattainable regardless of one's willingness to pay. There were also items she had acquired at auctions-from emerald bracelets to top-quality rubies, each piece was an envy-inducing
treasure.
Alyssa carefully placed her treasures back in their boxes with a contented smile.
Those were all for Lauren. She had been saving them up, eagerly anticipating Lauren's wedding day, so she could personally give her the wedding gift.
Recalling the moment when Lauren woke up holding hands with Landon and sharing a deep gaze, Alyssa couldn't contain her emotions. Her eyes instantly welled up with tears, and a lump formed in her throat.
Everything was finally settled this time, right? No one would torment this loving couple anymore, would they?
As she finished tidying up, the door to the room was gently pushed open.
"Jasper!" The melancholy in Alyssa's eyes dissipated and was replaced by a bright gleam as she saw the tall figure of the man entering.
"Lyse, why are you still awake at this hour?"
Jasper was somewhat surprised. He had entered quietly to avoid waking her up, but he hadn't expected her to still be awake.
"You have to attend Mr. Cornelius' funeral early tomorrow morning. Are you sure you can wake up in time, you sleepyhead?"