Jonah recovered from his shock and got up from his seat. âDad, what are you doing here?â
He shot a worried look at the stage, where Alyssa was.
âWhat? Why canât I be here? Hey, you never even let me know you were coming. We wouldâve made such the entrance earlier,â Winston scowled, then shot Newton a hearty smile. âLong time no see, old man. Your youth has not left you, I see!â
âMy goodness, what an honor to have you here!â Newton hurriedly stood up to shake hands with Winston.
Javier and the rest of Newtonâs family hurriedly stood up to greet Winston.
Jasper, on the other hand, had narrowed his eyes. He didnât recall seeing Winston and Jonah Taylorâs names on the guest list earlier tonight.
It didnât seem like Newton had known they were coming over either.
That could only mean Javier had personally invited the man.
But why?
âI apologize for being late. We just got off the plane. Come, let me drink to your health!â Winston raised a glass of wine.
Jasper couldnât help but be reminded of Jonah and Alyssa for some reason. He took a deep breath, feeling like he might be losing his mind.
Then, Jasper silently asked himself, âWhat else are you capable of, Alice White?â
Newton and Winston began chatting up a storm. They were so enthusiastic that you couldnât tell their families had a history of being at one anotherâs necks.
On the other hand, these two men had a different relationship altogether, though it wasnât easily discernible.
Jasper and Landon then got out of their seats to give Newton and Winston the main table to themselves. Jasper nodded his head respectfully, saying, âLandon and I will leave for now.â
Winston said, âOh? Is this young Jasper and Landon Harper? I havenât seen you two in ages. Look at how fine youâve become!â
Winston eyed the two men, then asked, âI heard your grandsonâs getting married, Newton?â
Newtonâs expression changed just the slightest upon hearing that question.
âYes, Mr. Taylor. My son is engaged to the Gardner familyâs daughter, Liana Gardner. We hope you might care to attend the wedding next month,â Javier added eagerly.
âGardner Group? Never heard of it,â Winston murmured flatly, making Javier and Sophia tense up.
âLianaâs my niece. Sheâs childhood friends with Jasper,â Sophia said skittishly, then kept quiet.
She didnât want to say anything else further, as it would only remind them of the furniture issue from before, which caused a rift between the Taylor and Gardner family.
But she really didnât like this feeling Winston made her feel, as if she was being looked down upon.
Liana was her family, after all. She couldnât let such mockery stand.
âOkay then. Come, Newton, another drink to your health!â
Just like that, Winston had tossed anything to do with the Gardners into a trashcan in his mind. He didnât give a damn who Jasper was going to marry.
His beloved daughter, Alyssa, would always be number one to him. No way in hell would Jasper Beckett be of the same standing with her.
either!
Meanwhile, Alyssa had finished her singing. She was giving her thanks when she noticed Winston had spotted her in the distance.
Only God knew how terrified her poor little heart was. It felt ready to burst from her chest.