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."

Minnie felt fearful. Anyone could tell that Javier was upset at the Taylors'

time, the guests started gossiping

standing beside Mandy Lovelace? He's

would have offered him my daughter's hand in

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

Taylor?" The

his family background made him appear more attractive

I thought Freddy Hodgson was great until I saw Cyrus Taylor. He

Hodgsons are a family of local

overheard parts of

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

a monkey?" Mandy, while maintaining her composure, quietly pinched Cyrus in the waist.