Feeling bitter, Mandy nonetheless smiled with understanding. "You wouldn't have talked back to me otherwise."I will not stop you from pursuing the woman you love, but with one condition—Lauren and Landon must have a clean break. If they remained entangled with each other, I do not want you involved in it." Mandy's tone grew serious. "I do not mind your partner's background or life experience as long as she's a decent young lady. However, I will not accept a daughter-in-law whom you stole from another man."Jasper had a newfound respect for Mandy. It was no surprise she had raised three wonderful children."Lauren will have the final say." Cyrus' eyes shone with determination. "If she chooses me, I will not disappoint her. But if she chooses to be with Landon, I will help them to overcome the challenges, no matter what it takes."An idea came to Alyssa. Eyes twinkling, she asked, "Cyrus, are you really willing to help?""Have I ever walked back on my word?" Cyrus seemed to have ma
After making the arrangements, Jasper and Alyssa traveled home to Solana City. During the journey, he pulled her into a hug, kissing her on the ear. "Lyse, thank you. How can I ever thank you enough?""Why so formal?" Alyssa wrapped her arm behind his neck while tapping the tip of his nose, sending his heart fluttering. "In return, how about you take Mrs. Rosie's place and cook for me for a month?""A month? You're underestimating me." He squinted at her with an affectionate look. "I can cook for you forever."She shook her head. "Oh, never mind then. I appreciate the thought. Eating your cooking forever will only be torture."She rendered Jasper speechless with that remark. Pouting, she added, "To be honest, I feel sorry for putting this burden on Cyrus, but it's the only way to pressure the Hodgsons into calling off the marriage."Only when the Hodgsons give up on Lauren will Landon have the luxury of time to focus on his family matters. He'll stand a chance to get back with Lau
"Are you Betty Beckett?" The man spoke in Cyrrisian. When Betty heard her mother tongue, she slowly stopped crying and lifted her face.A stranger in a suit stood in front of her. "How… How did you know me?" Betty immediately put aside her ego and begged him in tears and snot, "Y-You must be sent by my dad, right? Please, bring me home to Solana City. I do not wish to stay a day longer in this godforsaken place!"I am really sick right now. It's a serious illness. I might die if I don't receive treatment. Dad won't leave his daughter to die."The man replied flatly, "I'm sorry, Ms. Betty. Your dad did not send me."Betty collapsed onto the ground again with a look of disappointment and despair.The man added, "However, someone would like to meet with you."Betty had no capacity to think. Hopeless and embattled, she scrambled up from the ground and followed him to a luxury car.When the car door opened, the first thing that came into her vision was a pair of luxury silver satin
The woman grinned when Betty turned into a bull in the ring."But how do I take my revenge? My family has abandoned me. I can't even afford a plane ticket back to Solana City. Even if I get home… I bet Jasper will find out about it by the time I step foot in the airport. I can't imagine the horrible measure he'd take against me.""Ms. Betty, I sympathize with your situation. Hence, I wish to help." The woman grasped Betty's hand and gently caressed it. "Don't worry about the plane ticket. I can sponsor that. As for your return to Solana City, as long as you follow my orders, I can guarantee that your brother won't get hold of you.""I-Is that true?" Betty's eyes widened in excitement. In fact, she was skeptical about the entire deal. However, she couldn't afford to consider the offer, given that she was alone, helpless, and sick with AIDS. She did not mind using any method to get home."Ms. Gardner, thank you so much! How can I ever repay your kindness?"The woman shook her head
Orlander's act of leaking the news about Freddy and Lauren's marriage had sent shockwaves through the high society of Solana City. Everyone congratulated the Hodgsons, but they were secretly taunting the family, who had settled for a mentally ill future daughter-in-law just to social climb.Newton caught wind of the gossip, which added to his opposition to the marriage. When he voiced out his disapproval, Javier would counter him with the way the Harpers had bullied Lauren."I vehemently opposed Lauren dating that brat, but you insisted on blessing the wrong match. You sent my beloved daughter to that loser and made her the laughingstock of the city!"On top of that, you scolded me in front of Jasper and Landon, ignoring my concerns and humiliating me. Look where your love for your granddaughter led to. You made her suffer."Newton frowned deeply and let out a frustrated sigh. "Do you think that, as your father, I can't read your mind? You never really cared for Lauren. All you car
Lauren remembered being aroused by the bumpy ride on Landon's erection. She scratched Landon on his back in the heat of the moment, leaving behind red marks."Which dress should we pick?" Landon, carrying Lauren in his arms, stood in front of the massive wardrobe. He planted moist kisses on her flushed cheeks."Mm… Anything is fine…" Lauren leaned against his sweaty chest and panted. She struggled to keep her eyes open."Is it difficult to make a pick?"Soon, she gasped from the dizziness as she was plunged into the wardrobe filled with expensive evening dresses. Landon quipped, "I'll help you out."Surrounded by soft fabric, they continued making love and inching toward the climax."Ms. Lauren, here's your teddy bear," said the maid, who jolted Lauren out of her daze.Face burning in embarrassment, Lauren turned her back to the maid and covered her cheeks. She replied, "I won't carry it with me tonight."The maid looked worried, knowing that the bear was Lauren's emotional sup
"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 start
Just as Cyrus was about to speak with an icy gaze in his eyes, Mandy went ahead with a smile. "Really? I shall ask Mayor Hodgson about this. Does he not see me as a Lovelace, or do you not take me as a Lovelace?"Orlander, who was mentioned without warning, coughed after choking on his wine. "Anyway, it doesn't matter whether or not I'm a Lovelace." Mandy cast an unreadable look at Orlander. "After all, I'm here with my son, representing the Taylor family. Mayor Hodgson, Minnie, you'll welcome us, won't you?""Ah! It's our mistake." Minnie hurriedly approached them with an apologetic smile to break the tension. "We thought you'd attend the event with Joseph since you are family. We did not think it through. We'll be more careful next time!"Mandy replied coldly, "I'm no longer a Lovelace after I married Winston Taylor. If you are sending out invitations, please address them to the Taylor family of Belbanks.""Mandy, that's enough." Joseph took a step toward her. He lowered his vo