Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Feeling bitter, Mandy nonetheless smiled with understanding. "You wouldn't have talked back to me otherwise.

"I will not stop you from pursuing the woman you love, but with one condition—Lauren and Landon must have a clean break. If they remained entangled with each other, I do not want you involved in it." Mandy's tone grew serious. "I do not mind your partner's background or life experience as long as she's a decent young lady. However, I will not accept a daughter-in-law whom you stole from another man."

Jasper had a newfound respect for Mandy. It was no surprise she had raised three wonderful children.

"Lauren will have the final say." Cyrus' eyes shone with determination. "If she chooses me, I will not disappoint her. But if she chooses to be with Landon, I will help them to overcome the challenges, no matter what it takes."

An idea came to Alyssa. Eyes twinkling, she asked, "Cyrus, are you really willing to help?"

"Have I ever walked back on my word?" Cyrus seemed to have made up his mind.

"Since Mandy is here as well, I will openly state my idea." After a pause, Alyssa inquired firmly, "Cyrus, may I make use of you?"

on Alyssa. "Lyse, what is

flashed a clever smile at him. "I want you

speechless. Smiling wryly, he commented, "Lyse, my mom has just warned me not

no. By wrecking their marriage, what I mean is I'd like you to ruin the upcoming marriage between Lauren and Freddy, so he won't get to lay

arm around her waist. Last night, he made love to her in an attempt to distract her and make her fall

Landon and Lauren and made preparations for the future. To his surprise, Alyssa was more

sons could escape their fates of

love rival and fight with Freddy over Lauren?" Cyrus rested his chin on his fingers. Deep in thought, he said, "Well, it's no different than stealing, but I don't mind competing against

"Lyse, Javier has agreed to the marriage. He's very happy with the Hodgsons. Even if we make Cyrus openly compete against Freddy, it'll be hard for Cyrus to win Javier's approval." "Indeed. Lyse, Javier Beckett holds a deep grudge against our family because of your actions at the horseracing competition. That old bastard can't possibly approve of Cyrus,"

laugh at Mandy's antics. Colene was a bad influence on Mandy, teaching

it?" Smiling confidently, she explained, "If the Hodgsons refuse to take Lauren