Ezzo blinked in surprise. âGosh, thatâs some wonderful news! Congratulations to the both of you, Javier and Jasper.â
âAre you kidding me?â Jasper addressed Javier with clenched fists.
Consumed by rage and panic, Jasperâs eyes looked bloodshot. He acted like a beast who wanted to break free. âEveryone knows that Iâm in love with Alyssa Taylor. Are you seriously asking me to marry Zoe Harper?
âI have no idea what deal you struck with the Harpers under the table, but Iâll make it clear now. Even if you threaten me with your life, I will never marry Zoe Harper!â
The guests were astonished by Jasperâs outburst. Even the Jesseltons, who had seen their fair share of conflicts, were taken aback by Jasperâs overt confrontation.
Zeke, who had never taken Jasper seriously, admired Jaspe courage in speaking up against his father in front of the high guests. He muttered under his breath, âThatâs some cool shit.â
âOh, my God! What did Jasper just say? Did I mishear? Thatâs son breaking news!â
âThe battle between father and son is about to unfold!â
âIf I were Javier Beckett, I would be having a stroke right now. His son just made it clear that he doesnât care if Javier dies. Nothing will stop him from dating Alyssa Taylor! It seems Alyssa means more to him than his dad.â
Alyssa glanced at Jasper through tears, feeling touched by the man. No one else could attract her other than Jasper.
The guests began to pass judgment on the Harpers.
âWhatâs going on? Jasper Beckett seems to be out of it. It feels like his dad is selling him out.â
âI agree. Forcing the breakup of a loving couple is just not right.â
âThe Harpers are even more wretched. How could they force Zoe Harper upon Jasper Beckett when they knew he was dating Alyssa Taylor? Theyâre only making things difficult for both families. I wouldnât have agreed to it if I were Zoe Harper. Itâs so sickening.â
âZoe Harper has no shame. Why else would she have slapped herself to frame Alyssa? I bet sheâs over the moon now.â
Zoeâs face reddened when she overheard the discussions about her. Cornelius was equally embarrassed, his face a shade of beetroot red.
Before this, he was aware of the risks that would come with an arranged marriage. Even if Javier agreed to it, Jasper might openly protest against it.
However, he took the gamble, thinking Jasper wouldnât protes front of all the guests out of consideration for Javierâs reputatio Even if Jasper opposed the marriage, heâd wait until the eventâs el confront his father.
By then, it would be too late for Jasper to retract his words after the engagement news broke, or heâd risk his reputation. If Jasper insisted, the Harpers would bribe the media to tarnish Jasperâs image.
No one from the Beckett family-not even Newton-would protest against the marriage, as theyâd have to protect Jasperâs reputation. Alas, the Harpers underestimated the depths of Jasperâs love. He was determined and courageous in defending his right to happiness.
âA marriage is no childâs play!â Javier took a step forward, looking up weaken Javierâs authority. He barked. âYou have no say in this matter!â
Lowering his voice, he glared at Jasper âEven if you refuse to marry Zoe Harper, Iâll never agree to you marrying Alyssa Taylor â
âI will marry her and only her,â Jasper declared, raising his voice for all to hear A tear rolled down Alyssaâs cheek. Unable to hold back, she approached Jasper. At that moment. Winston reached out to pull her back