Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Carl's blood ran cold at Jameson's words. He couldn't bring himself to speak.

"I told you to keep Nicholas under close watch, and as I expected, he's been communicating with someone." A cruel, mocking laugh escaped Jameson's lips. "Didn't I tell you? In this world, only the dead can be truly trusted." "You're a genius, Mr. Schmidt!" Admiration and shock warred on Carl's face. "But, how did you realize something was off with Chief Novak?" "He askedabout the drug development progress the other day, completely out of the blue. Never before has he bothered himself with such minor details." Jameson circled the table, picking up a photo from a stack. He studied it with chilling coldness. The picture captured Jasper placing a lighter in Nicholas' hand during their meeting at a café.

A long moment passed before Jameson crumpled the photo into a tight ball, his eyes hardening with repressed fury.

"Are you planning to..." Carl ventured cautiously. "Forgive my bluntness, but Chief Novak has been invaluable. He has handled much of your dirty work flawlessly, yet the police have never managed to pin anything on him. They were like headless chickens, hitting walls at every turn.

"Despite his average position in Solana City, he wields considerable power-manipulating police investigations and ridding you of problems. "We have no idea what transpired during his meeting with Mr. Beckett. For all we know, it could be a setup to sow discord between you and Chief Novak.

don't think he is bold enough to betray you. He has blood on his hands that we can use against him. Besides, his wife's life hangs by a thread. I don't think he would act this recklessly." "I don't need him anymore,"

from Sir last night." A smile played on Jameson's pale lips, a glint of triumph in

cleaner, Nicholas. Honestly, I never intended to keep him around from the

I will never keep him around."Jameson paused, turning to Carl with an unexpected tenderness. "However, you are the exception. You're not just my subordinate; you're family 1"I owe my success not just to Sir's guidance but your support as well. Once things settle, I'll make you a shareholder and put you on the Schmidt Group board of directors. You have proven your loyalty to me. I wifftreat you well." Gratitude washed over Carl's face. His lips trembled as he said, "Don't worry, Mr. Schmidt! I swear that I'll never betray you. Otherwise, letdie a tragic

Group responsible for human drug testing.

Lovelace Group's stock price plummeted

reputation was dragged through the mud, tarnished by public scorn. Graffiti plastered the company entrance