“What do I need to do for you to let me go free, Jasper Beckelt?‘ Alyssa growled over the phone. “Do

you know how imitating it w

“You keep getting involved in my private aftalts again and again. I’ve said I’d make it up to you for being

attacked. Sean has gone to you already. So, what is this now?”

“Didn’t you want a divorce? This is your chance,” Jasper’s voice quivered slightly. “Come outside to see

me, and I’ll fet that right go won’t go after your brother,”

“You–Alyssa Inhaled sharply.

Was this really Jasper Beckett? What the hell had happened to him? He was usually soposed and

collected!

“Fine, I’lle outside. But you better keep your word tonight. The divorce is final after this! Alyssa

retorted, then angrily hung up the call As Alyssa was about to head outside, rk hurried over to

Mandy and said urgently, “Madam, there’s a Maybach parked outside the premises for nearly an hour

now. Its license te is A7777. Two men in suits are with it. They’ve been surveilling the manor since

their arrival. Should I alert the security?”

Mandy gave it a thought. “Not yet. Don’t tell Winston first. I’ll take care of it.”

“Yes, madam.” The butler nodded.

Mandy swiltly went to get Colene and L. “Emergency meeting, girls,”

“What?” L blinked, clueless.

Colene sald, “What Is II, Mandy? Spill the beans.”

“That asshole Jasper Beckett is here, right outside the grounds. My guess is he’s here for Alyssa

again,” Mandy revealed, gaze turning steely.

Colene turned furious in a split second. “What? That heartless bastard is right outside our home? That

fuck–I’m going out right now!” She was able to march out the front door when L grabbed her by the

sleeves, stopping her. “Calm down, Colene! We can’t cause a scene lest Winston finds out. We can’t

Jeopardize Alyssa’s secret!”

“What else can I do? He’s outside right now!” Colene lumed. “Our Alyssa has suffered so much while

being married to him. Look at what he’s done now. She has be a divorcee for no reason at all! We

can’t just sit back and let him do that to her. You may be able to, but I can’ll”

“We can’t either, Colene. But Alyssa has begged us not to interfere with this. What if you only cause

more trouble for the kid after this? All she wants is an end with the man and this whole affair, not drag

things out,” Mandy exined, holding onto her friend.

L frowned. “But Mandy, It doesn’t seem like Jasper wants to give up on Alyssa. I’ve heard of the

man’s temper. He’s always distant and cold to everyone, save that Gardner girl. He has never had a

girlfriend either.

“I really don’t think he’s here with bad intentions. He drove all the way from Sna City to Belbank just

for Alyssa, after all. I wonder if he’s regretting his decision to divorce Alyssa.”

“That man’s nothing but a good–for–nothing scumbag!” Colene cried, hands balling up. “Someone like

him would never feel regret for his actions. Even if he did, it’s toote! What’s done can’t be undonel”

“I did see Alyssa leaving earlier. She might be going to meet Jasper outside.”

Hearing this, Mandy pressed a hand to her chin as if in thought. A faint smile appeared on her lips.

“Stay here, L. Make sure Winston doesn’t find out about Alyssa’s affairs. Let’s go, Colene. You

wanted to do justice for Alyssa, didn’t you? Now’s your chance.”

It was fall, so the temperature had been decreasing to ufortable levels of chill. Even the winds

were bitingly cold.

Xavier shivered, wanting to get back into the car. But Jasper was still standing stock straight beside the

car, seeming entirely unbothered