Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Alyssa excused herself from Colene and Nathan to continue her phone call with Jasper under a tree.

"Every criminal leaves a trace. Cyrus is adept at cracking cases. Once the task force starts digging into Nicholas, I'm sure they'll find clues that lead to Jameson," Alyssa explained.

"It's not that easy, Lyse," Jasper said, his voice dull. "Cyrus checked Chief Novak's accounts and phone records. No unusual profits in years, not even offshore.

"As for his phone records, there were a few highly-suspicious unknown number. But those numbers were unregistered burner phones. There's no way to trace them. Chief Novak is essentially a cop. He'd be more professional than most criminals, and his countersurveillance skills would be top- notch." "It complicates things without financial motives," Alyssa admitted, pacing thoughtfully. "Chief Novak clearly isn't driven by money. Everything he's done has been to develop a new drug to save his wife. That's why he's given his all for Jameson. His conviction is undeniably strong." Jasper clenched his teeth. "In that case, getting him to turn on Jameson would be incredibly difficult." Alyssa's eyes narrowed in contemplation. "That might not be the case." "Have you got a plan, Lyse?" "Not really. I'll just have to take another gamble." "A gamble on...?" There was a twinkle in Alyssa's eyes. "On humanity." Jasper fell silent, processing her strategy. "You're banking on Jameson being exposed as the villain, shattering Chief Novak's trust," Jasper concluded after a moment.

"Yes." A warmth spread through Alyssa. She enjoyed this feeling of being telepathic with Jasper. "Their partnership is strong, and his desire for the drug is unwavering. He wouldn't betray Jameson even if it cost him his life.

"The only way this unravels is if Chief Novak's trust in Jameson shatters completely. He needs to witness the truth firsthand, to open his eyes and see the man he entrusted with his wife's life for what he truly is a self-serving monster at his core.

"On top of that, he's been arrested. No one is looking after his wife. It's highly likely Jameson will use her as leverage to keep Chief Novak silent." "You're perceptive, Lyse, always ahead of the game," Jasper complimented generously. "But realistically, Jameson has a good chance of getting away with it if he does nothing." Alyssa scoffed, a cold glint in her eyesl. "Hah! Pigs will fly if Jamiper isn't up to anything nasty. He's a despicable excuse for a human and doesn't deserve someone as capable as Chief Novak working for him.

"Jameson's been able to get away with so much for so long because he holds dirt on countless people. He preys on the weak. He thinks the world revolves around him, but he's overlooking something crucial." "His own arrogance will be his downfall," Jasper chimed in.

"Spoken like a true sage," Alyssa said playfully, making a kissing sound into the phone.

"Where are you, darling?" Jasper's voice was husky with restrained desire. "It's been a while. Can I expect sreward tonight?" Alyssa's eyelashes fluttered. "Just once?" "No, thrice." Jasper breathed heavily, longing to hold her close.

"Alright, alright," Alyssa said, putting a hand on her flushed cheeks. "Back to business, Jasper. We need a solid plan to rescue Amber as soon as possible.

"With Chief Novak arrested, even if Jameson doesn't know the video cfrom Amber, she'll be the first person he looks at if he suspects an de job. She'll be in grave danger. I won't let Axel lose her, and I certainly won't let another innocent person die!" "Don't worry, Lyse," Jasper reassured her. "Axel and I will figure something out for Amber." The meeting with Schmidt Group's executives was canceled. Jameson, needing rest for his recovery, retreated hfor the night.

The city shimmered with its usual opulence as life at The Millennium continued.

In her room, Amber sat before her vanity, brushing her long waves with a relieved smile. News of Nicholas' arrest had spread, and when it finally reached her, sleep had eluded her for days.

The house of cards Jameson built was collapsing with the loss of its most crucial piece. How long before his kingdom crumbled entirely? Suddenly, the door burst open. Amber jumped to her feet, startled, to see Carl approaching with a fixed stare and flushed face.

She could tell that he had sdrinks in a single glance. Though, he was only tipsy, not completely intoxicated.

As Jameson's secretary and trusted aide, Cark prided himself on his unwavering vigilance. He had always maintained a clear head and avoided alcohol. But tonight, he was O drinking? This was unusual "You drank?" Amber asked, surprised.

"I'm really glad, Amber." Carl smiled, though his eyes betrayed a hint of weariness. In a sudden motion, he seized Amber by her waist and drew her close, the woman he had long desired.

Amber's body was pressed flush against his. She could sense a rising excitement in him, a vibe that sent a wave of unease crashing through her. Nausea churned in her stomach.

"What... What are you doing? Let go of me!" She tried her best to free herself, but her struggles seemed to fuel his excitement. He cupped her chin roughly, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"I have news, Amber. Wonderful news." Fear prickled at Amber's skin. Her voice trembled. "What is it?" el "We're getting married," Carl declared, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. He leaned in close, the reek of alcohol overwhelming His lips hovered dangerously close to hers. "Mr. Schmidt has gifted you to me. From now on, you'll be my wife... my woman!"