Chapter 457

Chapter 457

“I'm perfectly fine, Lyla,” Alyssa said as she hugged her third stepmother affectionately.

“Well, alright then. I'll prepare some snacks for you two.” Lyla then left the study, but not before

making a bullhorn gesture with her hands to show Alyssa that Winston was currently furious.

Alyssa responded with a reassuring “okay” sign and a playful wink.

Neil also left the study, giving them some privacy.

“I heard everything you said to Lyla earlier, Dad.”

Alyssa sat down beside her father, hand wrapping around his shoulders.

She continued, "You're underestimating me. I wouldn't be charging my way through the city if I

didn't have the guts or ability for it. Most players there are like fledglings compared to someone as

resilient as a

phoenix, like me.”

“Even so, I hate to see those featherless pigeons pecking at you so relentlessly.”

Winston shook his head and added, “Why did you have to get on their bad side? I've been so

worried

about you all this while. I'm old, Alyssa. I shouldn't have to worry this much already.”

“Featherless pigeons? Are you talking about Betty and her mother?”

Alyssa snorted out a laugh and said, “You're meaner than I thought!”

“I just don't want to see you being pushed around!”

Winston hugged his daughter fondly. He then frowned, recalling something. He asked, “Say, Jasper

didn’t do anything to you for messing with his family, did he?”

Alyssa’s heart stuttered. “Nah. He actually facilitated this, too.”

“Oh? How so?"

“Remember the reporter in the wheelchair who unveiled Betty as the culprit? Based on the news

after her

accident, I initially thought she was in a coma. Who knew Jasper had saved her and made her come

to

the event to push Betty down her tower.”

“Talk about two birds with one stone. He's a cunning one, I'll say. No wonder he’s been able to keep

his

position for so long,” Winston scoffed, then teased Alyssa, saying, “You're lucky you didn't lose your

mind

after three years with him.”

“Dad, the people capable of messing with me are either dead or haven't been born yet.” Alyssa

grinned,

snapping her teeth playfully.

Just then, Winston's phone buzzed.

Alyssa picked it up for him and read the caller ID. A look of displeasure surfaced on her face.

“Who is it?” Winston asked

“Javier Beckett.”

"Oh, your ex-father-in-law.”

“Dad!” Alyssa huffed angrily, crossing her arms together.

Winston cleared his throat and answered the call. “If it isn't Mr. Javier Beckett.”

“I'd like to speak with you about last night's incident, Mr. Taylor.” Javier was unnaturally humble-

sounding.

“I'll be making a trip to Belbanks in a while. Why don’t we have lunch together later?”

“But I don't believe we have much to talk about right now.”

Winston leaned back on the couch, caressing his daughter's hair.

“My dear Lyse is back home, so I intend to spend my time with her as much as I can. If you have

anything

urgent to mention, please do so here over the call.”

Javier paused slightly before saying, “I'm sure there has been a misunderstanding about the incident

last.

night at the public auction, Mr. Taylor. My daughter didn't sign that purchase receipt personally, so

it

couldn't be her.”

“There's no point discussing this matter over the call, Mr. Javier. Why don’t you send your lawyers

over

instead?” Winston said stiffly.

“Are you really resorting to this means just because of such a trivial matter, Mr. Taylor?” Javier

asked,

now clearly worried.

“Trivial?” Winston's expression darkened. “Nothing is trivial when it comes to my Alyssa.”

Alyssa sat obediently beside her father, warmth and affection filling her chest.

Now she understood a bit more why her mother had chosen to marry this man in the first place. He

really

knew just what to say.

Javier pressed on angrily, “Does this mean there's no possibility for mediation between us?”

Winston said lightly, “The older I get, the more I find myself wanting to do everything in my power

to keep

those I care about safe.

“You can do whatever vile thing you wish when it comes to business, but not to my family and loved

ones.

If you target my daughter, I'll come for your neck.”