Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Winston's voice boomed through the hall. "Even if you lack business acumen, Mr. Schmidt, a little observation goes a long way at your age. Can't you tell my
daughter and Mr. Jasper are ride-or-die with Landon?"
Jameson was caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events. He remained silent, his face pale with embarrassment.
Winston's recovery and return from overseas to stand by the Harper family spoke volumes. No one would dare to look down on Landon anymore.
"Let's go, Jimmy," Victor said tersely, realizing it wasn't wise to prolong the confrontation with his former ally. With a darkened expression, he strode out of the hall.
Jameson adjusted his glasses and trailed after Victor.
As they departed, Winston called out without looking back, his voice carrying a tone of admonishment. "Even if you wished to appear sincere, you should have ensured you did it properly and spared yourself the embarrassment. Instead, you chose to create a scene at someone else's funeral, deceiving everyone with your falsehoods. Who will want to befriend you or do business with you after this?"
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
Victor gritted his teeth in silent fury before exiting with an indignant huff.
Victor and Jameson returned to the car in silence, their efforts at the funeral having come to naught. Once inside, Victor unleashed his frustration on Jameson.
"You're so ill-tempered! Cornelius is dead, for heaven's sake. What was the point of saying those things? Look at what you've done. You've invited trouble and embarrassed us!"
"Hmm, have you conveniently forgotten, Dad?" Jameson's tone was icy as he suppressed his anger. "You were the one who insisted on attending the funeral. If you had listened to me and stayed away, we wouldn't have faced humiliation at Winston's hands. From where I'm standing, you're the one who brought this upon us. If I hadn't intervened, Landon could have easily bested you."
"Jameson! How could you be so reckless?"
Victor trembled with anger, meeting Jameson's cold gaze with his own. He managed to quell his outburst, only gnashing his teeth in rage.
"No matter how many times we have this conversation," Victor spat, "you remain a disappointment! You can't even handle a woman! If you'd secured Alyssa, none of this would be happening! The Schmidt Group has now outshined the Beckett Group. If you had become Winston's son-in-law, we might have even acquired the Harper Group. Landon would have been left with nowhere to stand!"
Like father, like son. Victor and Jameson, though having different personalities, shared a talent for inflicting emotional wounds.
"I couldn't care less about a small outfit like the Harper Group. Even without Alyssa, I've managed to elevate the Schmidt Group to one of the Big Four," Jameson retorted, a sharp glint flickering in his eyes, hinting at a boundless ambition and greed. "But I've never been one to settle. I want it all-power, status, and the most beautiful woman in the world."
Victor snorted. "Haven't you noticed, son? The Taylor girl loathes you. Her revulsion is practically painted on her face. Your desires are nothing but a childish fantasy."
"When there's a will, there's a way," Jameson countered, closing his eyes. A twisted smile played across his lips, a hint of something monstrous lurking beneath the surface.
He no longer harbored any illusions about winning Alyssa's heart. As long as he could possess her physically one day, he would consider it a victory.