Alyssa pursed her lips coldly, looking unbothered and even a little impatient. In contrast, Zoe was furious, almost ready to explode right then and there.
For Zoe, Jasper openly taking his ex-wifeâs side felt like the harshest blow he could deliver.
Why on earth would Jasper choose his former flame over her-an attractive, well-bred single lady?
What made him go back to a woman he had once let go?
Besides, Alyssa always had many men around her.
She had been close to Landon before, and lately, she had been seen with someone named Jameson Schmidt, who wasnât particularly well-known. Who knew how many-men she had been involved with?
Zoe couldnât help but wonder why Jasper didnât find Alyssa repulsive.
âI heard that you brought Ms. Harper here to apologize. That was why I took the time to meet with you.
You should know that Iâm not just Alyssa Taylor but also the renowned designer, Alexa.
âMany are lining up to meet with me, spamming my secretary with calls. I donât have the time for nonsense.â
With a casual toss of her hair, Alyssa crossed her arms and settled lazily but gracefully on the couch.
She added, âI wouldnât have bothered showing up if I knew Mr. Beckett was here as well.â
Jasperâs chest tightened, and he couldnât help but ask, âWhy? Would you really prefer to meet with Landon than me?â
Landon felt his eyes twitching as he silently grumbled, âCome on, man! Watch what you say!â
He believed that Alyssa liked him more than Jasper did, so he didnât appreciate Jasper trying to belittle him.
âI meet my guests for either work or personal matters,â Alyssa explained, wagging two fingers before Jasper. âI donât have any work or personal matters to discuss with you. So, why should I meet with you-
a stranger?â
That stung. He was just a stranger to her.
His face darkened as his throat clammed up. A burning sensation shot through him.
Landon smirked. He thought Alyssa was being pretty polite not to compare Jasper to an animal.
âMr. Harper, spit it out. I have a meeting later. I have no time to dilly-dally,â urged Alyssa in a haughty tone.
Alyssaâs eyes were hypnotizing, and her long legs folded as the red heels exuded charm, like an elegant villain from a comic book.
Jasperâs eyes couldnât help but travel to her ankles underneath her pants. He clenched his jaw as thirst grew in him. He felt the urge to swallow.
That was the woman he once decided to give up on in a moment of stupidity. Now, she seemed like a goddess that sparkled in his eyes.
Zoe pulled the victim card again. Her face was pale, and her lips trembled as though Alyssa had done something horrible to her.
âAhem, Lyse⦠I mean, Ms. Alyssa,â Landon corrected himself, noticing the subtle change in Alyssaâs expression.
He continued, âIâm here with my sister to apologize. The necklace that Betty gave Ada Kingsley at the auction turned out to be a counterfeit piece commissioned by Zoe in Yoarkley â¦â
His voice trailed off as he closely watched Alyssaâs reaction.
âOh, I knew that long ago,â Alyssa replied casually, surprising both Landon and Zoe.
A faint frown appeared on Jasperâs face. He didnât seem surprised, knowing that Zoeâs little tricks were no challenge for his resourceful and clever ex-wife.
âWhen did you find out?â Zoe blurted anxiously. Alyssa flashed her a knowing smile and replied, âI learned about it the day you met with Tyler and spent a fortune having him recreate my jewelry design.â
âWhat?â Zoeâs composure crumbled as she shouted in disbelief.
âMs. Harper, you assumed Tyler and I had a falling out, after which he set up his own business, which is why you sought his help,â Alyssa explained calmly.
âThatâs pretty narrow-minded thinking. A divorced couple might not stay friends, but mentors and mentees who go their separate ways can certainly remain on good terms,â Alyssa lifted her chin as she spoke.