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Chapter_31
The storm outside matched the turmoil inside the manor as Jasper returned, soaked and agitated, clutching the box with trembling hands. Rosie, still concerned, had followed him out with an umbrella, but he hardly noticed the effort to shield him from the rain. His gaze was fixed on the damaged box in his hands, his mind a whirl of confusion and frustration.
Liana’s voice echoed in the corridor, her words sharp with accusation. “Why do you care about a gift from Alice? You’re divorced! I’m your fiancée now. Have you ever considered my feelings?”
Jasper’s icy response cut through her acting. “Where is it?”
Liana’s composure faltered. With a shaky voice, she admitted, “It’s in the trash bin in the backyard.”
Jasper didn’t wait for another word. He dashed out, determined to find the box, to salvage the last piece of the life that had been torn apart. The rain soaked through him as he rummaged through the trash, uncaring of the filth. His hands were swift and precise, guided by memories of a childhood spent surviving in conditions far harsher than this.
Finally, his fingers brushed the box. He exhaled in relief, the weight of the moment almost too much to bear. Rosie appeared with an umbrella, trying to shelter him from the downpour, but he paid her no mind. His fingers trembled as he opened the box, only for his heart to sink at the sight before him.
The suit, once pristine, was now in tatters, destroyed with ruthless intent. His eyes reddened, and his chest tightened as a dark storm brewed within him. He didn’t need to look at Liana to know she was the one responsible. Her fear was palpable, but she didn’t move.
Without a word, Jasper walked past her, the torn suit in hand. She hesitated, but then threw herself at him, desperate for his attention. “Jasper, have you fallen for Alice? Do you regret divorcing her?”
He shook his head, his voice cold. “No.”
Her tears flowed freely as she clung to him. “But you’re angry at me. Are you angry because I destroyed her gift? It reminds you of the three years you spent with her. Have you ever considered my feelings, how much it hurts me?”
Jasper’s face hardened as he pushed her away, his voice firm. “I’ve divorced her and agreed to marry you, even when Grandpa doesn’t approve. But you’ve gone too far. Destroying her things, cutting up the clothes she made—spreading lies about her being a homewrecker. Everyone is criticizing her, and I can’t stand it.”
He paused, his expression conflicted. “She’s no longer part of my life. But it seems like you can’t let go of her. Enough, Liana. Stop.”
The words hit Liana harder than she expected. A cold realization washed over her as Jasper’s final statement sank in—he had figured everything out. He knew the truth.
“Jasper…” Her voice trembled, but she steadied herself. “Do you think I did it because I want to? I did it because I love you.”
His frown softened for a moment, but his distance remained. “If you ever need help, you can come to me, but only if it doesn’t hurt anyone. I understand why you announced our wedding—you’re trying to save your family’s business. But I hope this is the last time you do something like this.”
With that, he turned and left, leaving Liana seething with humiliation and anger. Her mind raced, plotting how she could rid herself of Alice for good.
Elsewhere, Alyssa sat in a more relaxed atmosphere. Sean, ever the attentive ally, placed his wine glass aside and knelt down to massage her feet after a long day in heels. Alyssa smiled, her eyes narrowing in contentment as the pressure melted away. She didn’t seem bothered by the events unfolding.
“Jasper found out quickly,” Sean remarked, his tone thoughtful. “Mia contacted me—she said he caught her red-handed when she was coming home tonight. He knows she’s a substitute.”
Alyssa smirked, a glint of amusement in her eyes. “That’s expected. But I didn’t think he’d find out so quickly.”
She stretched out, enjoying the moment of calm before the next wave of conflict. “After dealing with Gardner Group, our next target is Beckett Group. Since Mr. Jasper has given the word, I suppose I should join the game.”
The tension was far from over, and Alyssa seemed ready to take on the next challenge in this intricate game of power, manipulation, and revenge.