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 tell that Javier was upset at the

the same time, the guests started gossiping

standing beside

man. I would have offered him my daughter's hand in

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

The

of his family background made him appear more attractive

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

when he overheard parts of the gossip. He silently

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

while maintaining her composure, quietly