Can't Win Me Back

A gunshot echoed in the pool area. However, it was Preston who fell lifelessly onto the ground after being shot.

The special forces flooded the pool area, firing two shots from their laser guns at the bulletproof glass. The tank instantly shattered into pieces as water gushed out.

Two members of the police sacrificed their lives in the rescue operation.

It turned out that Preston had been colluding with underground forces to smuggle military artillery using his power as the executive director of Harper Group. Since he possessed heavy artillery, it made the rescue operation more challenging.

Thankfully, the micro camera that Landon carried with him recorded the gory and ruthless battle.

Thanks to him, Cyrus managed to equip his men with advanced weapons to break the tank and save the hostage.

However, Lauren was on the brink of death when she was sent to the ICU. Her pulse was weak, and she was in critical condition after drowning and suffering organ injuries from the beatings. All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Nearly everyone from the Taylor and Beckett families showed up at the hospital, crowding the corridor outside the ER.

Newton, deep in grief, wept at the hospital. He would have collapsed if not for Javier's and Ben's support.

Mandy, Lyla, Silas, Tatiana, and Sean were present too. Only Colene, who had been keeping Winston company abroad all year, was absent. Mandy sobbed uncontrollably as though it was her daughter who got shot.

Landon should have been recuperating at the hospital due to the severe injuries he had sustained. However, instead of doing so, he went to the police station with Cyrus to cooperate with the investigation and to identify the bodies.

Lauren's abduction and Cornelius' and Angelina's deaths rocked the Harper Group. He did not have the luxury to take a breather because the company would fall apart for real.

Alyssa and Jasper did not go to the hospital. Instead, they waited at the police station the entire day without eating or drinking.

During the wait, Jasper helped Landon deal with the aftermath of the abduction. He helped to share the burden of warding off external attacks and controlling the public discourse. Thanks to his help, the situation soon stabilized.

Meanwhile, Alyssa was busy calling up Jonah, Silas, and Cyrus to take action against the scoundrel, Freddy Hodgson, and those who backed him.

"Lyse, Dad heard about Lauren," Jonah revealed with pain in his voice. "Dad wanted Landon to ask for help whenever he needed it. Dad will provide support if the Harper Group is struggling in any way.

"By the way, Dad is concerned about his future daughter-in-law. How's Lauren? Is she awake?"

"Pfft. Winston is as hilarious as usual." Rubbing her eyes that were red from crying, Alyssa replied, "Tell him not to worry. Lauren isn't his daughter-in-law; she's Landon's wife. It's time he looked for another candidate.

"Lauren is unconscious, but I'm sure she'll pull through."

Jonah remarked, "Julien and I have bought the flight tickets to Solana City. We'll be boarding in two hours. According to Julien, a drowning event might increase the risk of anoxic brain damage. As a

neurosurgeon, he would like to check on Lauren."

"Say thanks to Julien for me."

"Lyse, cheer up. Everything will be alright."

After Jasper was done with his work, he returned to Alyssa's side and pulled her into a comforting hug. "Did you talk to Jonah?" he inquired softly, his sleeve dampened by her tears.

"Yeah," she replied weakly.

"It's all over now. It's all over." He sounded emotional but forced himself not to think about the heartbreaking details.

Just then, they heard heavy footsteps approaching them. When they looked up, their hearts nearly stopped from the shock.

Landon showed up, looking broken and forlorn. His healthy hair had grayed considerably.

"Landon..." Jasper teared up as his chest filled with pain. It really seemed that stress could age someone overnight.