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."

Anyone could tell that Javier was

time, the guests

standing beside

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

I know that guy, even if you don't. He's Cyrus Taylor, but he rarely shows up 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

The

background made him appear more attractive than

thief of joy. I thought Freddy Hodgson was great until I saw Cyrus Taylor.

of Winston Taylor and Mandy Lovelace. The Hodgsons are a family of local

when he overheard parts of the

a formal suit—which he rarely wore— upon Mandy's request. Feeling uncomfortable, he couldn't

her composure, quietly pinched Cyrus in