Jasper did not appear doubtful. Instead, he was riddled with guilt. "I'm not the best brother toLauren, and I feel sorry about it. I've never fulfilled my responsibility as a brother. I was oblivious toher suffering at home and realized it many years later after Lyse informed me about it. I am adisappointment.”

"Don't think of yourself that way. You're a good brother, and I can attest to it." Alyssa gently leanedinto Jasper's arms and kissed him on the neck. "Let's not forget that Lauren wouldn't have gottentogether with a doting boyfriend without your help. That alone makes you a good brother to her.”Jasper was tempted by her. He looked at her affectionately as he held her by the waist and kissedher on the lips.

A dejected look flashed across Cyrus’ eyes. Before he entered the car, he said to them, "I'll send theinformation to you later. You can do anything you want with the bullies as long as it's notsomething illegal.”

As Jasper and Alyssa were concerned about Lauren, they hurried to Sage Manor but failed to replaceLauren there. They didn't even get to step foot in the manor because Landon stopped them at thedoor.

Looking fazed, he said to them with bloodshot eyes, “Jasper, Lyse, don't worry. Lauren is fine,though she’s in quite some shock. Angie has coaxed her to sleep.”

Putting aside Lauren's condition, Landon did not look that well himself. They assumed that thehostage situation gave him a good scare.

Jasper had wanted to enter the manor, but Alyssa grabbed his arm and shot him a look. Taking herhint, he had no choice but to ask Landon, "Is Lauren... really okay?"

"She's fine." Landon forced a smile and pretended to look relaxed. "I wouldn't have been herechatting with you if she weren't okay. I would have flattened the earth.”

Landon's words made sense. Alyssa agreed, "Fine. Let Lauren rest. We'll drop by in two days whenshe's calmed down.” Then, she took Jasper's arm, ready to say goodbye when Landon suddenlycalled out to her, "Lyse.”

"Hm? What's wrong?"

Landon pressed his parched and pale lips. After some hesitation, he decided to sweep Cyrus' matterunder the rug. Instead, he asked, "How's Mr. Winston doing? Is he better?”

"Yes, he's doing better. Thanks for your concern, Mr. Landon.” Grinning, Alyssa left the manor withJasper.

The couple looked like a match made in heaven. Staring at them, Landon struggled against his innerpain as he drowned in self-doubt. He envied Alyssa and Jasper's loyal love.

As for him, he certainly loved Lauren to the bone, and he thought Lauren felt the same way abouthim. However, he couldn't help but wonder if Lauren had fallen in love with him as a person or if shehad only agreed to date him merely because he was smitten with her.

What if she had met Cyrus before him?

He felt his world plunging into darkness. He gripped the doorframe harder, the veins on the back ofhis hands bulging. He dared not think about the hypothetical scenario.

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