Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Everyone in the conference room exchanged shocked glances. Even so, none of this was entirely unexpected.

Justin was the only son Javier had with his late first wife. Beckett Group and the Beckett family were originally meant for Justin to inherit as the eldest son. However, due to Justin's health issues, Javier's second son, Jasper, had been the one to benefit from Justin's health issues and take charge.

Now that Justin had returned with a clean bill of health, it was clear he intended to reclaim what he had lost. And joining Beckett Group was the first step in his quest for power.

The power dynamics within Beckett Group were poised for a major shift. A leadership change seemed inevitable.

At that moment, Rory stepped forward. In a stern voice, he announced, "We will now conduct a vote by a show of hands to decide on Mr. Justin Beckett joining Beckett Group's board as a managing director." As soon as Rory finished, three board members enthusiastically raised their hands.

Justin remained expressionless, but Javier's eyes gleamed with approval as he glanced at the three supporters.

Noticing this, the other board members began to follow suit.

After all, Justin was Javier's eldest and legitimate son, favored by him and likely to beca significant figure in the future- especially in any battle against Jasper. For the board members, approving Justin's entry was a simple decision. Resisting Javier's wishes would only invite trouble.

Moreover, sboard members harbored grievances against Jasper. While he had led the company to impressive growth and profits, his upright and rigid nature alienated others. Jasper's refusal to curry favor or compromise made him a target of envy. Before long, nearly every board member had raised their hand. The only exception was Jasper, who sat straight-backed, his eyes lowered, offering no response.

With a faint smile that didn't reach his eyes, Justin observed Jasper's impassive expression.

Jasper's deep, frigid eyes revealed no emotion, appearing as enigmatic and dark as a shadowed sea.

Javier's expression darkened when he noticed Jasper's lack of response. He demanded, "Jasper, do you have objections to Justin joining the board of directors?" Jasper replied coolly, "The motion passes as long as the majority is in favor. My vote makes no difference. Your goal has been achieved, Mr. Javier. Why insist on formalities?" The room fell silent. Sexchanged glances, while others relished the spectacle of tension between the Becketts. Only Jasper alone had the audacity to speak so bluntly to the chairman.

Javier's face turned pale as a surge of fury rose within him. But he suppressed his anger, unwilling to lash out publicly.

Justin broke the tension with a polished smile. "Thank you all for your support. Many of you are experienced veterans who have worked alongside my father. I regard you as my elders and look forward to your guidance moving forward." His flattering words pleased the board members, leaving them elated and proud.

Would Jasper ever have spoken this way? Of course not. He couldn't compare to Justin in this regard.

Applause filled the room as Justin was officially welcomed as a board member. He strode forward and took a seat across from Jasper. Their locked gazes created an almost palpable tension, like an invisible tsunami threatening to engulf the room.

"Next, Mr. Jasper will provide an overview of Project A5," Javier announced as he took his seat. Yet, he couldn't hide the resentment in his eyes.

"Project A5 is a major initiative supported by Solana City's government for the next five years. The initial investment for this project is projected to be approximately-" Suddenly, Jasper's vision blurred, and a loud buzz filled his ears. He staggered.

The board members, including Javier, watched him with growing concern.

Jasper's voice faltered. "The investment..." Sweat broke out on his forehead as the room began to spin. His body grew cold, wracked with chills and nausea.

Rory stepped forward quickly. "Mr. Jasper, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" he asked in a low voice.

"I'm not " Before Jasper could finish, his tightly clenched fists began to tremble uncontrollably. Blood surged to his head, his vision went dark, and he collapsed to the floor with a heavy thud.

"Mr. Jasper!" Rory turned pale with fright. He tried to catch him but was a second too late.

The room erupted into chaos as everyone rose to their feet. Javier shouted in panic, "Call an ambulance now!" Jasper lay on the floor, his body convulsing slightly. Just before his eyes closed, he caught a fleeting but unmistakable sight- Justin's face twisted in a subtle, dark, and triumphant smile.

A sharp pain pierced Jasper's heart before he lost consciousness entirely.

Meanwhile, Alyssa worked tirelessly with Axel remotely and had even enlisted Cyrus' help. After hours of effort, they finally tracked down the black van.

Over the phone, Cyrus' voice was thick with worry. "Lyse, what are you up to this time? Don't you dare put yourself in danger! If you do, I swear I'll tell Dad and have him give you a good scolding when I get back." Content belongs to en.kikistoriesswn Alyssa chuckled, her tone playful. "Relax, Cyrus. I have Sean with me. He'll handle any danger." Sean looked baffled but said nothing.

"Oh, alright. Wait a minute... Sean shouldn't be in danger either! He's engaged to Taty, and they're expecting their first child. Do you really want my nephew to lose his father?" Cyrus exclaimed. Content belongs to en.kikistoriesSean was flustered. Cyrus' reasoning made sense, yet somehow, it felt like a subtle curse.

"Fine, fine. I was just kidding." Her playful tone vanished as she turned her gaze to a rundown private hospital across the deserted street. Her lips curved into a determined smile. "Don't worry. I'll be careful this QUMS UMS time." Content belongs to, en.kikistoriesAfter reassuring Cyrus, she ended the call. Sean stepped forward. "Ms. Alyssa, letgo in and check things out first." She fixed him with a firm glare. "No, I'm going in." "Ms. Alyssa!" Sean cried out frantically in a protest.

"It might be dangerous in there. While I admit you're an outstanding secretary, you lacked sleuthing skills. It's best if I go instead." "You're still recovering..." "I'm fine. It won't be a problem. Now, follow my orders and prepare sthings for me. I'm moving in tonight!"