Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"By the looks of it, Lyse left because of that phone call," Cyrus deduced, his investigative instincts kicking in. He frowned thoughtfully. "But it's unusual for Lyse to act so impulsively. Even if she had to leave the presidential office, she would at least consult with Miley before making such a decision." "So, the person on the other end must have had significant influence over her. They must have said something so compelling that she felt she had no choice but to comply," he reasoned.

"That's odd." The more Jonah thought about it, the more astonished and flustered he felt. "Jameson and his team are all in Kontina, and all the major threats are here. We were at the church, Miley was at the presidential office, and Jeremy returned safely from his event. Besides ensuring the safety of a loved one, what else could have driven Lyse to risk so much and accept that person's invitation?" "It was... Jameson!" Jasper exclaimed, his face ashen. "With Carl dead and Amber saved by Axel, Jameson has no more cards to play. His only option was to approach Lyse, trying to control her.

"He wants her desperately. Even if he had to abandon everything else, he would go to great lengths to take her with him." Jasper closed his eyes in agony, his pain evident as he took deep breaths, unable to suppress it.

The group exchanged anxious glances, finding Jasper's explanation troublingly plausible. They held their breaths, hoping his worst fears wouldn't ctrue.

Just then, Jeremy's secretary burst in, drenched in sweat. "Mr. President, I have terrible news!" Jeremy tightened his grip around Miley's trembling waist. In a deep voice, he asked, "What is it?" The secretary swallowed hard and stammered, "Four hidden bombs detonated at the museum you visited earlier today. The place is in ruins. The estimated damage is in the billions." Everyone was astonished. "What? A bombing?" Not only that, four bombs were detonated? Miley, who had already becweak at the knees, slumped in Jeremy's arms. She grabbed onto the hem of his shirt tightly, shaking like a leaf.

"Jeremy, you were attending an event there. You were so close... so close to getting hurt. I almost lost you forever!" "That's absolutely terrifying..." Cyrus pressed his hands against his chest. "You are really blessed, Jeremy. The museum was bombed shortly after you left. God was really on your side!" Jeremy wasn't in the mood to consider whether he was lucky or not. He immediately asked his secretary, "Were there any casualties at the scene?" "Yes. Five security guards died in the explosion. Thankfully, you're safe. Also, the bombs only detonated after the museum was closed. So, there were not as many casualties as there could've been.

"I suspect that the terrorists were only aiming to destroy a landmark at Kontina. It doesn't seem like they were targeting you..." "Nope, they were actually targeting Mr. President!" Jasper jumped to his feet from the couch. The veins on his temples throbbed. "I get it now... I know how Jameson lured Lyse away.

"He planted the bombs where Jeremy was supposed to be, then forced Lyse to leave with him by threatening to kill Jeremy and others, and subsequently causing Miley to live in pain for the rest of her life." Everyone's hearts dropped.

Miley cried her eyes out. "Lyse... My Lyse. I have wronged you!" "East side of West City district." Jasper's eyes reddened. He clenched his hands into fists as he imprinted this location deep in his heart. "Let's begin a thorough search from that location.

"I will find Lyse and bring her heven if it means I must sacrifice my meals and sleep!" Kontina's coastal waters included tens of islands of all sizes.

One was an island nicknamed "The Wizard of Oz, located farthest from the mainland. This island looked like a piece of deep emerald lying on the surface of a glittery, blue sea. I looked phantasmal, mysterious, and romantic at the stime. Content belongs to en.swJameson purchased this island anonymously last year. It was one of his personal assets, and he changed its nto "Rose Island". Initially, this was a gift for Alyssa. Yet, this had beca "rose enclosure" where he was keeping his beloved woman confined. Even so, he still felt satisfied. In his eyes, he had simply presented the gift to his most beloved woman through a different and more passionate means.

Nighttbefell. Reflections of the twinkling stars could be seen on the surface of the endless sea.

In a spacious and luxurious room with a retro design, light and shadows interweaved on the et silk-bedded bed. Alyssa's body was slightly curled on the bed, and Ker dark hair was strewn over a pillow as she slept soundly. Content belongs to en.swJameson sat on the side of the bed, watching her glowy cheeks with eyes that were filled with affection and tenderness. He couldn't help but run his trembling fingers through her soft hair, stroking it longingly.

His heart raced. At last, he leaned forward and planted a kiss on her forehead.

The moment his cold and trembling lips touched her, tears started streaming down both sides of his paled cheeks.

He could taste the moistness and bitterness from the tip of his tongue. Nonetheless, he felt that this was the taste of happiness. He had lost everything, but he managed to acquire her in return.

At this moment, being able to watch over his most beloved Alyssa made everything feel extremely worth it. It no longer mattered, even if he'd burned the entire world to the ground.

Jameson stared at Alyssa's sleeping face in silence for a really, really long time. Then he picked up his phone and dialed that familiar number.

After just a few rings, the receiver answered his call.

Although vaguely, Jameson could hear the melodious sound of someone playing a gittern. However, the person on the other end of the call didn't seem to have any intention of speaking up.

"Mr. Justin..." Ultimately, Jameson ran out of patience and greeted the other person first.