Alyssa massaged her slightly sore temples and let out a bitterugh. "Sean, you''re quite the sweet-talker, aren''t you? I bet you make your wife very happy at home."


    "Of course. I make Taty so happy every day that she has this silly grin on her face all the time. From the moment she got pregnant to the day she gave birth, the doctor said she was perfectly healthy, both physically and emotionally. There wasn''t even the slightest sign of postpartum depression!" Sean boasted, eyes warm with affection and pride.


    He did his very best to be the perfect husband and father.


    A relieved smile softened Alyssa''s face. "That''s wonderful. You''re truly blessings to each other. Make sure you hold on to Taty tightly. Never let her go, alright?"


    "Don''t worry, Ms. Alyssa. I swear on my life that I, Sean Lynch, will love Taty with everything I have for the rest of my days."


    He gazed deeply at Alyssa, his voice trembling slightly. "And I''m sure you and Mr. Beckett will get back together. How could a love so passionate end just like that? I don''t believe it."


    Alyssa forced a pained smile. "It''s exactly because we loved each other too fiercely that we gave everything for one another and nearly lost ourselves in the process. Maybe that''s why he feels exhausted now and why he can''t go back to how things were."


    "Ms. Alyssa..." Sean''s voice cracked.


    Alyssa slowly rose to her feet, unable to hide the weariness on her face. "It''s gettingte. I need to get ready for the banquet."


    The banquet was held in the grandest, mostvish hall of the Berenike Hotel. Dazzling beauty and refined elegance filled the hall as the guests mingled, their conversations marked by the delicate chime of ss.


    Justin was chatting casually with Rafe when thetter chuckled and asked, "Mr. Beckett, why isn''t your partner with you tonight?"


    Justin narrowed his eyes. "Are you referring to Ms. Alyssa?"


    "Who else if not her? Anyone can see she''s the apple of your eye."


    At that, Justin''s grin widened, though a flicker of intimidation sharpened his gaze. "Mr. Gentry, since you''re aware of what Ms. Alyssa means to me hope you''ll Keep an eye out for her.


    "Venturing into business as a sole woman, she faces an immense challenge fear she''ll find herself lost or taken advantage of, considering the industry''s unpredictability and the unreliable intentions of others."


    Rafe nodded immediately. "Of course, Mr. Beckett. That goes without saying. If I needed to be told to notice something that critical, I wouldn''t deserve this partnership."


    Their exchange made it unmistakably clear that Justin held the real power. Even as a mayor, Rafe was reduced to a subordinate in Justin''s presence.


    Suddenly, Justin froze. His heart lurched at Alyssa''s arrival.


    She wore a sky-blue, off-shoulder silk dress, her every step graceful Her waist formed a delicate curve, and the hem of her gown drifted like mist-soft fluid, ethereal


    Guests gasped under their breath. "She looks like an angel. She''s stunning."


    Alyssa stood alone in the center of the hall, scanning the crowd with a faintly lost gaze.


    "Ms. Alyssa."


    She turned toward the voice and saw Justin approaching, impably dressed, his eyes locked onto her. Her heart stilled. Her expression remained cold, devoid of warmth.


    But when Justin stopped in front of her, she forced a smile-so fake she felt repulsed by it herself. "Hello, Mr. Beckett."


    "You look really beautiful today," Justin said with a smile, offering thepliment without hesitation.


    Alyssa smiled slightly. "Thank you."


    As they held each other''s gaze, neither noticed Jasper standing in the doorway in


    a ck suit, his deep gaze fixed on Alyssa.