Chapter 757
Preston was halfway through his speech when Zoe burst into tears. She moaned, "Grandpa, Uncle Preston, I am so ashamed and done for! I should just end my life!"
"Dear child, don't cry. I will take care of this for you," Cornelius soothed her. As a retired businessman who had once dominated the playing field, he was aghast at the treatment his family received.
He shattered the teapot and seethed, "So, is Jasper Beckett thinking of shirking his responsibility? He's going to regret it.
"Landon, didn't your mom get hurt after hearing about the scandal? She's in the hospital, right?"
Landon gulped and sank into silence.
"When she's out of the hospital, meet with the Becketts to discuss marriage. If you don't, I will!" Cornelius threatened.
"Grandpa, can we calm down for a bit?" Landon growled. He was at his limits when he learned that his family planned to cause a ruckus at the Becketts'.
"Landon, if I recall correctly, you're like brothers with Jasper Beckett, " said Preston, who crossed his legs and nonchalantly watched the drama unfold. "Isn't it good news that your sister married your good friend? I don't understand why you'd protest against the marriage."
"I know Jasper well exactly because I'm close to him," Landon blurted out.
He had no choice but to admit, "Jasper has someone in his heart- Alyssa Taylor, the only daughter of Winston and Jennifer Taylor!"
The others froze upon hearing Alyssa's name. A hint of deference flashed across Cornelius' eyes, which was rare for the usually ruthless old man.
"Zoe, you have professed a few times to Jasper, didn't you? You've pulled many tricks on him. Do you think they worked? Has Jasper paid you any attention?" Landon hissed at Zoe.
Zoe quivered and replied, "L-Landon, what are you talking about?"
"After all your efforts, he did not even take a look at you. So, tell me, how could he have possibly met you at the hotel for a night together?
"Zoe, are you forcing me to be blunt with you? When will you ever learn?" Landon grew furious, his veins throbbing.
He could tolerate Zoe's brazenness but was not okay with her deceptions.
"Grandpa, did you hear him?" Zoe lamented. She had decided to play the victim. "He just painted me as a slut!
"Yes, I'm in love with Jasper, but it takes two to tango. If he didn't have any feelings for me, we wouldn't have..." Blushing, she sobbed quietly. The unspoken felt louder, leaving space for all sorts of imagination.
"Just like what you said, Jasper Beckett is in love with Alyssa Taylor, but I bet things are over between them," Cornelius said through clenched teeth as he caressed Zoe's hair.
He vowed, "Since Zoe loves Jasper, I have nothing more to say on the matter. Whatever my only granddaughter wants, I'll make sure she gets it."
Zoe, despite her teary eyes, felt elated within. Landon curled his fists and burned in anger. He protested, "Grandpa!"
Preston slowly rose and winked at Zoe. "Haha! It's good news if we become in-laws with the Becketts. Zoe, I'll congratulate you in advance. I'll buy you a nice gift when you get married!"