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

same time, the guests started gossiping among

standing beside Mandy Lovelace? He's

a lively and proud young man. I would have offered him my

eye. He's Mandy Lovelace's only living son after Damien Taylor lost his life in a plane crash. I bet she

Taylor?" The

of his family background made him appear

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

Lovelace. The Hodgsons are a family of local politicians. They are no match for the family

of the gossip.

he had put on a formal suit—which he rarely wore— upon Mandy's request. Feeling uncomfortable, he couldn't stop himself from adjusting

quietly pinched Cyrus in the waist. "Is