Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"You clueless thing!" Newton bellowed at Jasper.

Alyssa's chest tightened when she witnessed Newton's outburst. She was about to speak up for Jasper when Newton added, "You should have run it through me before carrying it out. How could you act alone? Are you addicted to angering your dad?"

"Grandpa, I—"

"If your dad pulled the same thing on me, I would have been pissed as well. Anyway, I was about to teach him a lesson for not discussing the press conference with me." Sighing furiously, Newton remarked, "You should have given me a heads up so I could fight with him over hosting the press conference.

"I could have stopped him so you didn't have to get into an argument with him, killing two birds with one stone. See, you have angered him again. You know he's petty, and he'll keep score. Why would you do that?"

"Grandpa, I know you wanted to protect me, but I'm no five-year-old. I'm an adult who could protect you, Lyse, and the company." Touched by Newton's sentiments, Jasper helped him to put on the left slipper. "Please do not worry about me. I can resolve all my problems by myself.

"Now that you're retired, you should enjoy your retirement. Stop losing sleep over my problems."

"Sigh. That's right. I'm a useless old thing now." Newton let out a long sigh and teared up.

"Grandpa, don't say

was saying, "I'd love to protect you, but I know my time is running out. I cannot protect

choked back

asked, "Sophia's case will be brought to

and Jasper exchanged

me the gifts I bought for Alyssa and Jasper!" Newton raised

seemed

"Coming, Mr. Newton!"

wrapped gift boxes—one for Alyssa and the other for

your gifts out," Newton urged with a

greeted by a velvety, sleeveless mermaid dress

two butterflies on a flower.

of Angelo Costa of Vittorino, isn't it?" She ran her fingers through the meticulous embroidery

You certainly know your stuff." Newton gave her a thumbs up and