Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Alyssa knitted her brows together tightly as she took that bag of pills from Cyrus and examined it.

"This stuff is extremely addictive. Not only will its user become addicted just after a one-time consumption, but it also has few adverse reactions for its users. It can cause its users to become greatly excited; they wouldn't feel tired even if they stay up for a few nights." Cyrus glared at the criminals in the car with a fierce glare. He burst out in anger, "Damn it! After so much effort getting rid of that drug completely last year, we now have this Crystal Ice? It's freaking never-ending!"

Alyssa asked, "Cyrus, was this Crystal Ice first distributed from Solana City? Is it available in other cities?"

"We haven't heard of it being available in other places as of now. It only appeared within Solana City this month. We're investigating the source of this drug. But we've only managed to arrest a few underlings to date. We haven't had any breakthroughs yet." Alyssa pondered for a moment. Then she lowered her voice and said, "Cyrus, could you give me a pill? I'd like to use it for something."

Cyrus was staggered. So, she quickly added, "Don't worry. I won't harm others, much less myself. I was just thinking of taking it back to get its components tested."

"The Forensics Department in the force has tested it. This is a drug. There's no doubt about that."

"I have another use for it. Please make an exception, Cyrus."

Cyrus pressed his lips together. In the end, he tipped one blue pill onto Sean's palm while his colleagues weren't looking.

...

After bumping into Alyssa, Ben's original plan was disrupted. So, he could only leave silently after Cyrus left.

Through the dirtied glass window, Alyssa and Sean could see Mildred's mother, Esther, kneeling on the bed. Looking unkempt, she was facing a wall while raising a cleaver and cursing at it.

That deranged and unreasonable behavior of hers was heart-wrenching to watch.

"Ms. Alyssa, are we still going to enter?" Sean looked at Alyssa with a worried look in his eyes.

Alyssa shook her head. With a dim gaze, she answered, "Let's not bother her for now."

"Didn't you want to hear her side of the story?"

"She's not in the right mental state. Whatever she says cannot be presented as evidence in court. Let's take some time to come up with another approach for now."

Alyssa turned around and said, "Sean, get some people to protect Ms. Rollins secretly. Then, support her life financially through some subtle means."

"Got it, Ms. Alyssa."

Then, in a concerned voice, Sean continued, "Will Ms. Rollins accuse Justin? Will she go all out and expose the darkness within the Beckett family?"

"It doesn't matter whether she does

all that. We just have to keep here

safe." Alyssa welled up. "It has nothing to do with schemes of

anybody's interests. It's just a little kind gesture of mine."

Just then, her phone buzzed. As she glanced at the screen, a deep sadness welled up inside her. It was a calendar reminder-Jasper's birthday was in a week.

Though she'd never forgotten his birthday, Alyssa always set a reminder, just in case. Now, however... What meaning did it hold? Even if she wanted to celebrate, would he even welcome it?

...

In the blink of an eye, it was a day before Jasper's birthday. This year, he would turn 33.

Newton originally planned to throw an extravagant celebration for Jasper. Given the Beckett Group's shaky state and Justin's sudden return, it felt like a timely gesture.

Even though Justin hadn't interfered with the corporation's businesses, his health condition had improved, and he was adept at making Javier happy.

If this went on, he might just become an essential part of the corporation.

Newton's goal was to support

Jasper in every way possible while he was still present, ensuring Jasper's secure position as the

corporation's future leader. Henet

hoped Jasper would take the

opportunity to build his reputation in front of others.

But, regrettably, Jasper wasn't inclined to simply go along with it.

all

No matter how Newton tried to convince him, he wasn't excited about having a birthday party at all In the end, all he agreed to was to have a dinner party at Berenike Hotel in the name of the Beckett family.

Swn&

That night, the banquet hall was bustling with attendees from the elite circles.

Quite a number of wealthy scionesses heard that Jasper would show up tonight. Despite hearing that he was already attached, they dressed gorgeously and came over excitedly to look at him. Even though they couldn't have him, there was nothing wrong with admiring his looks, was there?

Nonetheless, outsiders were unaware that this beautifully-matched couple, Jasper and Alyssa, had already broken up.

"Jasper, there are many scionesses from reputable families here tonight. They have all come out of their admiration for you."

Javier and Jasper stood by a railing on the second floor as they looked down upon the glamorous banquet hall.

With a smile on his face, Javier patted Jasper's shoulder. "Let me know if anyone catches your fancy. I can help bring you together, no matter which family she's from."