Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"Mr. Javier had hired a classical opera singer for sir, as something special for his birthday, but her student came to me just now reporting that the singer suddenly caught a terrible bug. She's still in the bathroom, unable to perform," Ben said worriedly.

He continued, "What can be done? The singer was hired just to perform for Mr. Beckett Senior. He's going to be disappointed. The guests will make a fool of us."

"Not on my watch." Alyssa assumed a confident stance. "Don't worry, Mr. Gorham. By the time the night is over, the guests will be leaving in awe."

Jasper's heart skipped a beat at that.

They weren't technically husband and wife anymore, yet she was still standing up for his family in their times of need to ensure his grandfather had a memorable birthday.

"Do you have a plan, Ms. White?" Ben smiled.

"Could you show me the way to the stage, Mr. Gorham?" Alyssa said, then left with Ben while Jasper stood there, still in awe.

He blinked slowly, clenching his hands into fists. The memory of tears welling up in her eyes made it hard for him to breathe.

The stage was an elaborate display set in the gardens behind the mansion. The guests surrounded the front of the platform, akin to a scene straight out of The Great Gatsby.

Newton loved being surrounded by members of his family. He even invited Jonah and Landon to his table, along with many others except Becky. His table was soon filled.

On the other hand, Liana was alone at a distant table. It was as if it was an implicit sign that she would never become family. It infuriated her, but she could only sit there by herself, grinding her teeth in frustration.

Just then, her phone rang with a notification. It was from Sophia.

"There is no such thing as luck. You have to create your own opportunities. That, or sit around looking like an idiot."

Liana refused to be treated as an idiot. She clenched her hands into fists, deciding to take action. She was going to make Alyssa pay for humiliating her tonight.

"Where's Jasper? And Alice?" Newton asked curiously, looking around the garden.

Just then, Jasper walked over to their table, his face dark. He sat beside Landon, who shivered at how cold and prickly the ma was.

"Jasper, where's Alice?" Newton asked curiously.

Jasper scowled. "How should I know?"

His mind was too flooded with thoughts right now to think straight.

"Mr. Beckett Senior, I think Alice might have lost her way around here. I'll go look for her," Jonah offered, about to stand up when Jasper spoke up.

"I don't think that will be necessary. Since this is both of your first time in this place, you might also find yourself getting lost. Also, I know where she is. She's safe. Don't worry."

Landon was taken aback upon hearing this. His grip on his wine glass nearly slipped. Did he miss out on something juicy between these two?

Jonah and Jasper shot one another a look, their gazes icy.

Jonah's eyes narrowed just the slightest, but before anything else could happen, music blared out from hidden speakers around the stage.

Large, red curtains were drawn to the sides of the stage, which attracted the guests' attention very quickly.

Someone was on stage, wearing a turquoise blue gown and a beautiful jeweled headdress.

Jasper found the performer surprisingly familiar.

Just then, Ben sneaked back beside Newton, looking as if he had never left.

"Oh, dear. The performance is about to start. Where is Alice?" Newton asked, not wanting Alyssa to miss out. He wanted to enjoy the performance with her.

"Sir, Ms. Alice is right here with us." Ben grinned, then pointed at the stage. "See? There she is."

Newton was surprised to hear that.

Jasper stood in utter shock from his seat, eyes wide open. His chest rose and fell unevenly as sheer awe hit him like a ton of bricks.