Can’t Win Me Back novel (Alyssa and Jasper) novel Chapter 2487

A vicious gleam flickered in Justin's eyes. He cast a brief glance at Alyssa, who had her back turned to him and Rafe, before lowering his voice.

"Let's talk about this another time."

"Why wait? Alyssa spun around suddenly, her tone sharp. "Is it because I'm in the way, Mr. Beckett? You can't talk freely with me here?"

A faint smile curved her lips. "It seems Mr. Beckett and I are merely collaborators, not true partners. I suppose you and Mr. Gentry have plenty of secrets between you—ones you'd rather keep from me."

Rafe let out a dry laugh, darting a cautious glance at Justin. "That's quite an exaggeration, Ms. Alyssa."

But Alyssa had already pieced things together. Outwardly, Rafe was the government official and should've been the one with higher standing. Yet in reality, Justin was the one in control.

Justin's evasiveness about the research center confirmed it for her—there was something hidden beneath the surface, something murky, perhaps even illicit. Otherwise, why couldn't he talk about it?

When Justin stayed silent, Alyssa decided to push harder. She gave a cold, mocking smile. "Since you're so wary of me, Mr. Beckett, you shouldn't have invited me in the first place. You've made me feel like an unwelcome guest. I'll leave you both to your private conversation."

Without another word, she turned on her heel and strode away.

"Wait, Ms. Alyssa!" Justin called after her, his voice tight with urgency.

But she pretended not to hear, storming off as though furious.

Justin's lips pressed into a hard line, turning pale. Usually calm and composed, he finally lost his cool. He shot up from his seat and went after her in long strides.

The sight of that dumbfounded Rafe. Was this frantic man chasing after a woman really the same dignified Justin Beckett he knew?

Truly, since the dawn of time, a woman's charm had always been a man's weakness, and even Justin was no exception.

When Alyssa heard his footsteps closing in, she quickened her pace.

By the time she reached the living room, Justin caught up and seized her wrist. "Lyse, don't go!"

Alyssa froze, her pupils dilating slightly.

Lyse.

Jasper's gentle voice echoed in her mind. Memories of their tender moments flashed before her eyes, and tears welled silently.

That same name, spoken with that same tone—yet it wasn't Jasper standing behind her anymore.

"Do you have something else to say, Mr. Beckett?" she asked coolly, still facing away from him.

She needed to tread carefully; getting too close too quickly would look fake. And she had to convince him that her ties to Jasper were truly broken beyond repair. Only then would he finally lower his guard.

"Mr. Beckett, there's something I should make clear," she said, steadying her breath before meeting his gaze. "I've already offended my entire family by choosing to work with you. My father and I had a terrible fight over it—he collapsed that day and has been in a coma ever since.

"I severed ties with Jasper because of you. I can't even face Grandpa Newton anymore.

"I've burned every bridge behind me for this partnership. So yes, I panic, I get emotional. I got scared. But I hope you can understand where I'm coming from."

"That was my oversight, Lyse." He tugged her gently toward him. "It won't happen again."

Alyssa tensed up, hiding her fierce resistance in her eyes.

Just then, she heard cold, measured footsteps halt right behind her. She whipped around, and the sight immediately froze the blood in her veins.

The air in the room thickened instantly.

Jasper stood a few paces away, tall and rigid, fixedly staring at the suggestive scene. His frosty, grim gaze finally locked onto Justin's hand clamped around Alyssa's wrist.

A silent storm gathered between the two men.