Can’t Win Me Back novel (Alyssa and Jasper) novel Chapter 2573

"I'll accompany you to the police station tomorrow so you can turn yourself in." Javier drew a deep breath, his voice heavy with finality. "It is a father's failure when his child goes astray. As your father, I fell short.

"When you were young, I was too focused on advancing my career. Work consumed me, and I neglected to give you the love and care you needed. I indulged you, and that indulgence led to this mistake. I must bear responsibility too.

"So I'll face this with you. You were only a teenager when the crime was committed—a minor. I'll hire the best attorney in the country and do everything I can to secure leniency for you."

Eden was the first to erupt. "Mr. Javier, don't you think this is incredibly unfair to Mr. Justin? Do you know how much he's been through to get where he is today? He lived alone in a foreign country. No one cared about him, and his health was never good.

"Now that he's finally built something for himself, how can you be so cruel as to take it all away? You know about his condition—sending him to prison is practically a death sentence!

"And besides, the authorities have no evidence. If they did, they would've arrested him already. There hasn't even been a conclusion to the investigation. So why force him to hand himself over like this?

"Or are you just that eager to get rid of him so you can promote Mr. Jasper—the drug addict—to take his place?"

"How dare you speak of my son like that!" Javier roared. He couldn't tolerate hearing Jasper being insulted. His eyes burned red as he stormed toward Eden. With a furious swing, he slapped him hard across the face, leaving Eden's cheek swollen.

"Eden, you've gone too far." Justin curled his lips into a cold smirk, a vicious glint flashing in his eyes. "Don't you know my father has always favored his youngest son, Jasper?

"Otherwise, why would I have gone to such lengths back then—planning an abduction, trying to get rid of that annoying brother of mine once and for all?"

"What… did you just say?" Javier's vision blurred as dizziness washed over him. "Say that again! I dare you!"

Seeing Javier on the verge of collapse, the gleam in Justin's eyes turned wild, almost manic. "You're not even 60 yet. Your hearing shouldn't be failing you. What part didn't you catch?"

"You bastard!" Javier lunged forward, his hand trembling as he raised it high and struck Justin across his face with all the strength he could muster. "Jasper respects you as his elder brother. He's always treated you well. How could you do something so vile?"

It was the first time in his life that Javier had ever struck Justin. A red handprint bloomed across Justin's pale cheek. But instead of anger, he let out a soft chuckle.

"Why did you have to bring two children into this family? If you had been faithful to my mother, Jasper—that illegitimate child—would never have been born. He stole the attention and affection that should have been mine alone.

"If you had kept your desires in check instead of betraying my mother, none of this would have happened. Having a father like you is a misfortune—for both Jasper and me."

Jasper was kind, upright, and responsible. Since being with Alyssa, he had done countless good deeds, saving many lives. Together, they were more than lovers; they were partners who fought side by side.

Justin, however, was different. Behind his refined, gentle exterior—and the frailty he used as a shield—lurked a ruthless, cold-blooded man. Even his twisted Uncle Zachary paled in comparison.

Regret, fury, hatred, and grief surged within Javier. He had given Justin more attention than Jasper growing up. And yet, the son he had nurtured so carefully was a monster. A devourer of others. He had to stop him before it was too late.

"Dad, must you be so heartless?" Justin asked, lowering his gaze, his expression unreadable.

"You have sinned," Javier cried. "You must take responsibility. You must atone!"

Amused, Justin replied, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it? I'm like this only because your blood runs through my veins. You made me what I am."

Javier faltered. "What are you talking about…"

"Uncle Chester. You remember how he died in prison, don't you? It's etched into your memory." Justin lifted his eyes, his icy gaze piercing straight into Javier's pale face. "Did you really think no one knew about the blood on your hands?"