Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Winston's gaze drifted into the distance. "His life took this turn because of you. He ended up confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his days, enduring years of solitude abroad.
"Now that he has returned, he saw firsthand how you've captivated the Beckett Group, achieving remarkable success. He's watched as you've claimed what rightfully belongs to him as the eldest son of the Beckett family.
"Can he truly find peace, surrender everything to you, and live a life of luxury and leisure?"
"Justin has been undergoing treatment in Mosgravia all this time. We've kept in touch through emails and calls. He used to go out of his way to support me whenever I needed it.
"Your words make sense, but I just can't imagine my brother holding any animosity toward me." Jasper laid out everything he knew for Winston, fully aware of the implications.
Winston clicked his tongue in disapproval. "You're a divorced CEO. How can you be so naive?"
Jasper couldn't help but feel chastised, though a part of him felt a strange exhilaration. It was no wonder Landon hinted that Jasper had a streak of masochism.
"He's a grown man in his 30s. Unless there's something wrong with his brain, why would he wear his heart on his sleeve like that?"
Winston spoke bluntly, "Don't let your guard down. In wealthy families, even siblings from the same mother fight for power and personal gain, let alone a half- brother from a different mother."
"Mr. Winston, there's no need to put so much pressure on Mr. Jasper. Not all wealthy families are like that," Carl interjected from the passenger seat. "Look at your family, for example. Your wives and children, even though they're not all blood-related, get along well and live in harmony."
"That's because they lack any semblance of intelligence. They either pretend to be virtuous or strive to be the golden child in public," Winston retorted angrily, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Lyse is the only one who's shown any ambition. The rest are utterly worthless. Most families would fight tooth and nail for their inheritance, but ours is a rare exception. Even if you handed them the inheritance on a silver platter, they'd likely turn their noses up and walk away."
Neil didn't know how to respond to Winston.
Jasper's smile faltered, a mix of envy and admiration flickering in his eyes. They were truly exceptional- intelligent and talented. They hadn't shied away from the family's responsibilities; rather, they had chosen to pursue other paths, indulging Alyssa's desires. They had collectively decided to let their most beloved sister, Alyssa, take center stage.
After absorbing Winston's words of wisdom, Jasper stepped out of the car and watched as the Taylor family vehicle drove away.
"Jasper."
Jasper turned and noticed Alyssa hastily walking toward him. They naturally laced their fingers together.
"Why are you here?" he whispered into her ear, his warm breath brushing against her face as he kissed her cheek.
"Your brother, Justin, is here to make his presence known," Alyssa replied, her eyes shimmering as she leaned into his embrace. "I didn't want to face him alone, so I came to find you. But I think he's already left."
A subtle pang of hurt flickered in Jasper's heart as he recalled the gift Justin had given Alyssa-the hairpin. It wasn't a grand gesture, but its significance wasn't lost on him. It felt more like an insult.
"I saw the buzz on Twitter earlier," Alyssa remarked with a cold curl of her lips. "As expected, your brother's return has set tongues wagging. He's made quite the splash; we should tread carefully."
Jasper remained nonchalant. "Let him come. I'm not afraid."
"But I do," Alyssa countered, her gaze piercing into his somber eyes. "His public reappearance after years of silence will have repercussions for you. How do you think people will perceive you? What consequences will this bring?
"Back then, you withdrew after the kidnapping while he almost died protecting you. Now, he's confined to a wheelchair. How will the public perceive you? Won't they whisper that your success came at the cost of your brother's sacrifice?"