Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Chapter 2487

A vicious gleam flickered in Justin's eyes. He cast a brief glance at Alyssa, who had her back turned to him and Rafe, before lowering his voice.

"Let's talk about this another time."

"Why wait? Alyssa spun around suddenly, her tone sharp. "Is it because I'm in the way, Mr. Beckett? You can't talk freely with me here?"

A faint smile curved her lips. "It seems Mr. Beckett and I are merely collaborators, not true partners. I suppose you and Mr. Gentry have plenty of secrets between you-ones you'd rather keep from me."

Rafe let out a dry laugh, darting a cautious glance at Justin. "That's quite an exaggeration, Ms. Alyssa."

But Alyssa had already pieced things together. Outwardly, Rafe was the government official and should've been the one with higher standing. Yet in reality, Justin was the one in control.

Justin's evasiveness about the research center confirmed it for her-there was something hidden beneath the surface, something murky, perhaps even illicit. Otherwise, why couldn't he talk about it?

When Justin stayed silent, Alyssa decided to push harder. She gave a cold, mocking smile. "Since you're so wary of me, Mr. Beckett, you shouldn't have invited me in the first place. You've made me feel like an unwelcome guest. I'll leave you both to your private conversation."

Without another word, she turned on her heel and strode away.

"Wait, Ms. Alyssa!" Justin called after her, his voice tight with urgency.

But she pretended not to hear, storming off as though furious.

composed, he finally lost his cool. He shot up from his

Was this frantic man chasing after a

charm had always been a man's weakness, and even Justin was no

Alyssa heard his footsteps closing in, she

reached the living room, Justin caught up and seized her wrist.

froze, her pupils

Lyse.

voice echoed in her mind. Memories of their tender moments

name, spoken with that same tone-yet it wasn't Jasper

Mr. Beckett?" she asked

hers. The intensity made her blink rapidly,

are your eyes

"Are you that angry because

hide her feelings. "Why shouldn't I be? You keep talking about forming a strong partnership, about how much you value mine, yet

Justin frowned slightly.

rivals. Considering my past with him, it's only natural you'd feel cautious, maybe even

"That never once crossed my

on her wrist tightened just enough to betray his growing

bothered me, Lyse, I wouldn't have chosen to work with you in the first place. I don't care how you treat me but don't misunderstand

Alyssa's stomach twisted.

so-called sincerity was just another mask-a