Can't Win Me Back

Could that be the case? Could Justin really have harbored such sinister plans at such a young age?

Alyssa wasn't keen to believe in a conspiracy, but she had begun to suspect something two years ago. How could a 15-year-old manage to rescue Jasper from the kidnappers' hideout? Even an adult would have struggled to pull that off. It would have been impossible for a teenager like him.

Moreover, the kidnapper-Gustav Holm, infamously known as "Crazy Gustav" among gangs was a vicious criminal with numerous kills to his name. And yet, Justin freed a captive right under his nose. Forget Gustav; if Alyssa herself had been in his place, Justin's return to the Beckett family would have been out of the question.

Snapping back to reality, Alyssa quickly pulled out her phone and called Silas.

As soon as he picked up, she said, "Silas, can you help me retrieve a case file? I need to look at something."

Silas sighed. It was either radio silence from Alyssa or a shocking request like this. "Lyse, case files aren't something we can just hand out. There are rules."

"In that case, you can explain it to me. This wouldn't be against the rule, would it?"

Silas was rendered speechless. "What case are you interested in?"

"It's the case from 20 years ago when Gustav Holm kidnapped the Beckett brothers."

Silas was perplexed. "Lyse, why are you suddenly looking into that?"

"You don't need to know why. Just look it up for me."

After a pause, Alyssa asked, "How many years was Gustav sentenced to? Do you remember the case details?"

"I recall he was initially sentenced to death. Later, due to good behavior and assisting the police in a burglary case, he was deemed to have atoned for his crimes. And so, his sentence was reduced to life imprisonment. "However, his accomplice got 25 years. Considering time off for good behavior, he might be released soon."

Alyssa narrowed her eyes, deep in thought.

Late that night, Newton lay connected to an IV drip. Jasper sat by his bedside in the ward, keeping watch.

"Jasper, you must secure Project A5

in Solana City this time. If you do no one will be able to threaten your

position in the Beckett Group even if

I'm no longer around." even ifNôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

With a firm and hopeful look in his eyes, Newton gazed at the grim expression on Jasper's face.

Jasper clasped Newton's weathered

hands tightly and, in a low voice, reassured him, "Don't say that,

Grandpa. You'll live a long, blessed

life.

"I'm old. I've lived for long enough. I only have two wishes-for you to fully succeed in Beckett Group and for you and Alyssa to reconcile."

A lump rose in Jasper's throat. He curled his fingers inward slightly.

"Jasper, I'm sure you remembered how you cried in front of me back then, saying you wanted Alyssa back."

Jasper's pupils constricted slightly as a mix of inexplicable emotions brewed within.

"I refuse to believe you no longer love Alyssa. You were so deeply in love with her before. Just because you took a couple of pills... you lost your love for her? Fucking bullshit!"

Newton's burst of agitation made his chest hurt. A pained expression came across his face.

Jasper quickly comforted him. "Grandpa, please take care of yourself. The doctor warned that stress and anger won't help." Newton insisted, "In that case... Promise me you'll win Alyssa back."

Jasper looked uncomfortable, his voice low. "Grandpa, she and I have "

Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Justin's warm voice came from the other side. "Grandpa, I'm here. May I come in?"