Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Just as Cyrus was about to speak with an icy gaze in his eyes, Mandy went ahead with a smile. "Really? I shall ask Mayor Hodgson about this. Does he not see me as a Lovelace, or do you not take me as a Lovelace?"

Orlander, who was mentioned without warning, coughed after choking on his wine.

"Anyway, it doesn't matter whether or not I'm a Lovelace." Mandy cast an unreadable look at Orlander. "After all, I'm here with my son, representing the Taylor family. Mayor Hodgson, Minnie, you'll welcome us, won't you?"

"Ah! It's our mistake." Minnie hurriedly approached them with an apologetic smile to break the tension. "We thought you'd attend the event with Joseph since you are family. We did not think it through. We'll be more careful next time!"

Mandy replied coldly, "I'm no longer a Lovelace after I married Winston Taylor. If you are sending out invitations, please address them to the Taylor family of Belbanks."

"Mandy, that's enough." Joseph took a step toward her. He lowered his voice. "Are you trying to argue with me in front of everyone here?"

have wasted time talking to you or

do you understand that the person I hate the most in the family isn't Dad, who kicked me out? I hate you the

catch a breath. His face seemed to sting in pain from the memory of being slapped by

Mandy refused to take one more look at

off in the Hodgson's living room. The dance was an opportunity Orlander and Minnie had created for Freddy and Lauren

their dance partners and started waltzing in the middle of the spacious

chatted away, Mandy approached them in steady footsteps. She smiled and asked, "Mayor Hodgson, sorry to interrupt. I need to have a

his grasp on the wine glass after Mandy

rose from his seat as he couldn't afford to snub her. "Sure. Mrs. Taylor, please come with me to the