Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"Cyrus..." Lauren stared at Cyrus. His surprise appearance instantly soothed her nervousness.

The woman who showed up with Cyrus was no stranger to Lauren—she was Cyrus' mom, Mandy Lovelace.

The next moment, Lauren's heart leaped into her throat. Orlander was a diplomatic and shrewd politician, according to Sophia's description of him.

Orlander wouldn't have invited the Taylors if he had already invited the Becketts, as he was smart enough not to make the two archenemies meet.

As expected, the Hodgsons looked shocked. Javier's expression clouded as well.

Orlander explained in awkwardness, "Mr. Javier, this is certainly surprising. We did not invite the Taylors. What do you—"

Javier waved at Orlander with a faint smile. "It's fine. You're the host, anyway. You don't have to explain every minor detail of your event to me."

fearful. Anyone could

same time, the

that young man standing beside Mandy

I would have offered him my daughter's hand in marriage—if only I

in the public eye. He's Mandy Lovelace's only living son after Damien Taylor lost his life in a plane crash. I bet she would be very discerning when it comes to his marriage because she dotes on him a

The

of his family background made him appear

the thief of joy. I thought Freddy Hodgson was great

He's the son of Winston Taylor and Mandy Lovelace. The Hodgsons are a family of local politicians. They are no

of the gossip. He silently clenched his

had put on a formal suit—which he rarely wore— upon Mandy's request. Feeling uncomfortable, he

wriggling around like a monkey?" Mandy, while maintaining her composure, quietly pinched Cyrus in the