Jasper inhaled sharply. That hit Zoe where it hurt.
âTyler might be from Yoarkley, but he understood the importance of respecting oneâs mentor. Heâs my mentee, and heâll never betray our trust for short-term gains,â Alyssa said with a smirk.
She then added, âSo, Ms. Harper, you made a mistake from the beginning. One shouldnât have underestimated the noble character of a gentleman with oneâs questionable values.â
It was a clear insult directed at Zoe.
Jasper wore a grin on his lips despite looking calm. Landonâs lips drooped as his face looked clouded, losing his composure.
He had braced himself for Alyssaâs straightforwardness but hadnât expected it to sting so deeply.
âAlyssa Taylor! Youâre a sly, devious bitch!â Zoe was seeing red. She pointed a finger at Alyssa, which only highlighted her farcical behavior.
âY-You acted like you didnât know I met with Tyler. You knew Betty would give Ada Kingsley that necklace, but you said nothing until the charity auction. Was that to humiliate her?
âAlyssa, how could you be so wicked? Must you ruin every person who was in your way?â As Zoe spoke, she started weeping as if she was the victim.
âWhat else should I do? I canât be keeping them around.â Alyssa rolled her eyes in annoyance.
âYou-â Zoe was too angry to speak. Alyssa was impudent. How dare she speak recklessly in Landon and Jasperâs presence? She did not seem to mind what men think about her. 1 âMs. Harper, youâre here to apologize, not to point fingers. Is it difficult to admit youâre wrong?â
After a pause, Jasper looked squarely at Alyssa while addressing Zoe, âEven if Javier did not teach Betty a lesson, I would have done so. Even if Landon did not force you to come here, I would have done so. The result is the same. Do you have anything else to say?â
Alyssa looked up with a complicated expression. Jasper did not go easy on Zoe. Anyway, it was none of her business.
âJasper â¦â Zoe was heartbroken and furious as tears streamed down her face. Jasper was no longer the gentle guy with a smile whoâd stroll in the park with her, hand-in-hand.
He had completely lost himself after being bewitched by Alyssa!
âHey, are you going to apologize or not?â Alyssa lost her patience and was ready to leave.
âZoe, apologize to Ms. Alyssa!â Landon urged.
âIâm sorryâ¦â Zoe hissed through gritted teeth in an almost inaudible voice.
âLouder. I canât hear you,â demanded Alyssa with a frown.
âSorry!â Just as Zoe spoke, Landon approached her and forced her to bend over and bow to Alyssa.
She couldnât fight Landon and was forced to nod to Alyssa. She was torn by the grave humiliation, and she vowed to take her revenge.
âSean,â Alyssa called out to Sean as she rose.
âYes, Ms. Alyssa,â he answered.
âI heard Mr. Harper said heâd compensate me for the damages caused by Ms. Harperâs actions on behalf of the Harper Group. Please itemize the compensation for infringement and psychological distress and present them to Mr. Harper.â