"Mr. Beckett," Xavier said, walking to Jasper''s side, concern etched across his face.


    Jasper quickly hid the emotions flickering in his eyes and forced himself to appearposed. "The contract-signing ceremony went very smoothly," he remarked.


    Xavier''s gaze stayed on the screen. Alyssa looked stunning and elegant as she shook hands with Justin, captivating the entire audience. Countless emotions swirled within him. "It''s just a shame that you aren''t the one standing across from Madam Alyssa," he said.


    Jasper''s eyshes trembled slightly as he parted his dry lips. "It doesn''t really matter who signs the contract with Ms. Alyssa, as long as the signing is sessful and benefits Beckett Group."


    "Are you sure it doesn''t matter?"


    "Yes." Jasper''s Adam''s apple bobbed. In a hoarse voice, he added, "It really doesn''t matter that much."


    Xavier sighed helplessly. Jasper was hopelessly stubborn. He would probably deny it until his death.


    "Mr. Beckett, didn''t you say you weren''ting today? Why the sudden change of heart?"


    Jasper looked away and turned around, expression nk. "No special reason. I was bored, so I felt like joining in on the fun."


    Through clenched teeth, Xavier muttered, "That''s right, that''s right. Juste whenever you feel like it. Even though you''re no longer the one in charge, you should still show up in front of Justin just to annoy him!"


    Jasper shot him a cold look. "Are you saying I''m repulsive?" Xavier fell silent.


    The truth was, Jasper hade today because he was worried about Alyssa. This contract signing was crucial. It was her first major aplishment since leaving him.


    Moments like this reminded him of the past, when he would always stay by her side, solving her problems and shielding her from anything harmful.


    Even though their rtionship was no longer what it used to be, the habit had sunk deep into his bones. It resurfaced whenever it mattered most, as if nothing had changed.


    There was a short break after the short


    contract was sessfully signed. Later that evening Alyssa was invited to the celebration banquet hosted by Justin. It would be held in the Berenike Hotel''s most


    prestigious banquet hall.


    To be honest, Alyssa was exhausted


    and had no desire to attend.


    Qu


    However, she and Justin were the central figures of the signing Moreover VIPS from Sna City''s political and business circles were expected to attend. Skipping the event would be inappropriate.


    Besides, she and Justin were currently on "very friendly" terms. If she suddenly failed to show up, all her previous efforts would be for naught.


    "Are you okay, Ms. Alyssa?"


    In the hotel room, Sean handed Alyssa a cup of warm coffee. Studying her pale face with concern, he said, "You still have two hours. Maybe you should take a nap."


    "It''s fine. I''m not sleepy." Alyssa massaged her throbbing temples and let out a bitterugh. "To be honest, I never fully understood my father until now.


    "I finally understand the hard work he put into the corporation all these years and how he navigated between political and business interests. Many times he was forced Into helpless situations where he wasn''t his own man."


    Sean nodded seriously. "Yes, it hasn''t been easy for Mr. Winston. He ounts for


    half of Belbank''s GDP. Most people only see his sess and glory,pletely unaware of the difficulties behind them."


    Alyssa couldn''t help teasing, "They also noticed his many wives."


    "Your tongue is still as sharp as ever, Ms. Alyssa."


    Sean was at a loss for words. Suddenly, something came to mind, and he delightedly eximed, "Oh, by the way, I think I saw Mr. Beckett-Jasper-when I brought you upstairs earlier!"


    Alyssa''s eyes widened. Her heart skipped, but her expression remained calm. "He had nothing to do with the contract signing today. Why would he be here?"


    "Why else? He must have been worried about you." Sean crouched beside her on one knee, looking up with unrestrained excitement. "Ms. Alyssa, I''m certain that you''ve slowly made your way back into his heart."