Alyssa felt the warmth from Jasperâs hand against her skin.
She kept her complaints to herself, deeming Jasper a âcrazy piece of garbage.â She couldnât fathom his actions and wished he would withdraw his dirty hands.
Sensing her urge to free herself, he gripped her tighter, almost crushing her body. Everyone was surprised by the intimate display between the ex-couple.
Only Newton looked pleasantly surprised and glad, his earlier moodiness giving way to joy.
Was Alice back together with Jasper? She looked reluctant, though.
He didnât care how Jasper went around it. He was just glad that Jasper finally got it straight. The progress in his romantic relationship was worth celebrating.
Alyssa couldnât stand Jasperâs advances anymore. When no one was looking, she slowly raised her foot and stomped on his toes with her high heels.
âUgh-â Jasper grimaced, letting out a muffled groan audible only to her. She couldnât help but grin wickedly as she continued to press her heel down on his foot.
Alyssa privately expressed a sigh of relief and thought that it had been cathartic.
Jasper was left trembling in the stabbing pain that almost killed him.
Gritting his teeth, he cast his glance on Alyssa, who was gloating at him. His frown vanished when he noticed the happiness in her eyes.
He wondered if she felt happy bullying him. If so, he wouldnât mind letting her get her way.
âGrandpa! Iâve been framed!â 1 Betty was anxious that Jasper and Alyssa might accuse her in front of Newton, so she swiftly involved Simon to clear her name.
âMr. Lynch wouldnât have secured my release if I were guilty! The police arenât dumb. The real suspect will leave behind evidence. I was framed by this wicked woman, Alyssa Taylor, right from the start!â
âMr. Beckett Senior, the police follow a standard operating procedure,â Simon defended Betty. âAs Ms.
Bettyâs attorney, the best I could do was to protect her rights. I have no power to absolve her of any crimes.â
Then, he turned to Alyssa with an accusatory look and remarked, âMs. Alyssa, I do not understand your Considering Mr. Taylorâs good reputation, I expected more from his daughter.â
She squinted at Simon and snorted. The absurdity of Simon Lynch and his caustic remarks was beyond belief.
Simon seemed to have forgotten Spencer Lynchâs humbled behavior when the latter brought his sons to greet Winston and ask for help.
Simon had essentially accused Alyssa of playing dirty in Bettyâs case.
Jasper suddenly let out a cold, humorless laugh, a sound that sent shivers down Alyssaâs spine.
He began, âWeâre too nice to you, making you think too highly of yourself.â
Jasper then shot a piercing gaze in Simonâs direction and hissed, âHave you forgotten what I said to you before we came in? Is there something wrong in your head? You forgot about it in a blink of an eye.â
Alyssaâs eyes flickered with confusion. Had Jasper met with Simon before this? What had happened during their conversation?
Sophia and Betty were taken aback, stepping back to distance themselves from Jasperâs hostility.
Meanwhile, Simonâs carefully crafted smile began to crumble. His face contorted with fear and rage.
âJasper, how could you speak to Mr. Lynch in that manner? Heâs our guest!â Javier chided his son. He had plans to appoint Simon to a key role and make Simon serve him. Jasperâs actions were now jeopardizing those plans.
âHeâs your guest, not mine,â Jasper retorted, his icy gaze sweeping past Javierâs flushed face before settling once more on Alyssaâs enchanting eyes.
His look suddenly softened, as though the entire world had disappeared, leaving only her in his gaze.
âI told you that I will not go easy on anyone who caused trouble for Ms. Alyssa,â Jasper reiterated.
Alyssa inhaled sharply, trembling in her place. She couldnât tear her eyes away from his.
Simon swallowed hard, his fists clenched.
Jasper issued a warning, âMr. Lynch, take my words seriously this time.â