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Novel Catalog
Chapter_89
Jasper clenched his fists, trying to mask his rising irritation. Alyssa’s comment stung, and he couldn’t ignore the bitterness in her words. “At least I’m living like an actual human being now.”
Was she truly mocking him? He had treated her like she didn’t matter, and now, it seemed like she had finally broken free from his grasp and was finding her own path—one that clearly didn’t include him. His chest tightened at the thought, a knot forming deep inside.
Betty, on the other hand, was fuming with frustration. “You’re really pushing my buttons, Alyssa. You’re not even pretending to care about the situation, are you?”
Alyssa’s eyes narrowed slightly as she turned her gaze toward Betty, a small smile playing on her lips. “I’m not sure why you think I should care about your baseless accusations, Betty. It’s clear to anyone with half a brain that you’re just causing trouble. But go ahead—play your little games.”
Betty opened her mouth to retort, but Alyssa raised a hand, cutting her off smoothly. “You’ve caused enough of a scene already. And as for you,” she turned her attention to the housekeeper, who was still standing nervously behind the manager, “I suggest you stop crying and focus on what’s important—your dignity. If you’ve done nothing wrong, stand tall. I won’t let anyone tarnish the reputation of my hotel on a whim.”
The housekeeper wiped her tears, taking a deep breath as she straightened her posture, looking more confident now that Alyssa had come to her defense.
Betty’s friends, who had been whispering among themselves, started murmuring in disbelief at Alyssa’s boldness. They hadn’t expected her to speak so confidently, especially since Betty was known for getting her way in any situation.
Betty, on the other hand, looked livid, her face turning a bright shade of red. She had not expected this turn of events, and her ego had taken a massive hit. “You think you can get away with this?” she hissed, her voice dripping with venom.
Alyssa didn’t flinch. “I don’t need to get away with anything. The truth is on my side.”
Just then, the crowd in the lobby parted slightly as Jasper stepped forward, his presence undeniable. He was dressed impeccably, but Alyssa didn’t even spare him a glance. She already knew he was there, and the sight of him only made her feel more detached, more resolute in her decision to move on.
“Jasper,” she said coolly, her voice sharp. “I’m surprised to see you here. Are you looking for your ex-wife, or are you simply enjoying the chaos Betty’s created?”
Jasper opened his mouth to respond but hesitated, unsure how to approach her. His mind raced, thoughts colliding. He had missed her. He had been worried about her. He hadn’t expected to find her here, standing so confidently and looking so…different.
“What’s going on?” he asked, his tone more guarded than he intended.
Alyssa met his gaze briefly before looking away, her expression unreadable. “Your precious Betty is throwing a tantrum because her necklace went missing. I suggest you get her under control before she embarrasses herself any further.”
Betty’s face twisted with anger, but she remained silent, realizing that any more outbursts would make her look even worse in front of the growing crowd.
Jasper watched the exchange, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. He couldn’t deny the jealousy he felt as Alyssa stood so composed, so powerful in a situation where he was usually in control. Was she enjoying this? Did she know how much this stung him?
But what was even worse was the realization that he didn’t have the right to make any demands of her. Not anymore.
“I’ll handle it,” he said to Betty, but his voice lacked conviction. He was distracted, still caught in the undercurrent of his emotions that seemed to pull him toward Alyssa, even as she stood there, indifferent to him.
Alyssa turned away, her focus now back on the situation at hand. “Good luck,” she muttered under her breath. It was clear she wasn’t interested in making things easy for Jasper.
As she walked away, the crowd slowly dispersed, and the tension in the lobby began to ease. The manager sighed in relief, and the housekeeper shot Alyssa a grateful smile.
Jasper stood there, frozen for a moment, his thoughts racing. No matter how much he wanted to approach her, he couldn’t ignore the wall she had built between them. His ex-wife, the woman he had taken for granted, was now someone he could no longer control, and that realization hit him like a wave.