Jasperâs public act of chivalry proved to the guests that Alyssa was the only love of his life. Zoe Harper meant nothing to him at all.
Jameson clenched his fists, his body tensing. Why was he always a step slower than Jasper Beckett?
Why did that scoundrel always manage to be in the place beside Alyssa?
Zeke looked visibly upset, but he maintained a smile. âItâs the Cyrrisian culture to protect the ladies. Mr.
Beckett, youâre indeed a gentleman for taking care of Ms. Alyssa. Compared to you, I appear a little too rash. I was wrong to disregard Ms. Alyssaâs feelings. For that, Iâll drink as a penalty.â
After that, Zeke downed a glass of champagne. Jasper studied him with a knowing gaze as he confidently downed his drink as well. The timely applause from the audience alleviated the tension, but Javier wore a discontented expression.
Betty couldnât help but scoff. âDad, whatâs Jasper thinking? Zeke Jesselton clearly has an interest in Alyssa, so why is he coming between them? Heâs only going to upset Zeke. How can he prioritize a woman over business relationships? This shows heâs unfit to be the group president. And that Alyssa Taylor is nothing but trouble.â
âCanât you learn from Lauren for once and keep your mouth shut? Women from your social standing donât blabber as much as you do!â Javier glared at Betty, silencing her.
Meanwhile, Alyssa raised her glass with a smile and announced,â Ladies and gentlemen, letâs all toast to the Jesseltons today! Cheers!â
âCheers!â
The atmosphere lightened under Alyssaâs lead and her bright smile.
She hid in a corner, clutching her glass but refusing to drink.
âHm? Madam Sophia, why arenât you drinking?â Alyssa cast a dooming glance at the pale Sophia.
Then, she smiled. âDonât you want to celebrate the merry occasion with our VIP guests? Or does the Schmidtsâ luxurious Grunslandish Dom Pérignon not suit your taste?â
Sophiaâs heart sank. Flashing an awkward smile, she glowered at Alyssa as all eyes turned to her.
Indeed, she hadnât taken a sip of the champagne.
The Schmidts did not conceal their displeasure at all. Josh hinted at Daisy, who was always obedient to him. She immediately jeered, âI bet Madam Sophia, as the matriarch of the Beckett Group, has enjoyed better luxuries. Itâs fine if she does not like the peasantâs drink weâre serving today.â
Sophia sensed the sarcasm, especially after Daisy Schmidt had caused her trouble at previous social events. Of course, Daisy wouldnât miss the chance to take a jab at her.
Sophia was forced to clarify, âThatâs not what I mean! Please donât misunderstand. Iâm just a lightweight.â
However, Jasper promptly called her out, âOh, Madam Sophia, youâre too humble. Arenât you the one who drinks the most at our familyâs cocktail parties? Just unleash your true self at this merry event.â
Madam Sophia? Jasper sounded like he was addressing one of the many maids at home. The guests exchanged complicated looks, wondering if Jasper still refused to acknowledge Sophia even after Sophia worked her way up tirelessly to be Javierâs wife.
It would be really amusing if Jasper addressed Sophia as such in private.
Sophia trembled violently. Even her heavy makeup couldnât conceal the resentment on her face.