Can't Win Me Back

Chapter 192Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

Newton's suggestion had Javier's and Sophia's faces falling flat on the table. Betty, on the other hand, nearly spat out her drink.

"Don't joke about these things, Grandpa!" Jasper said sternly.

Winston was just as stunned as everyone else.

"You have three daughters, if I remember correctly?" Newton asked, to which Winston nodded.

"Yes, three. I have a total of nine children. They're enough for me for a lifetime now."

"Ah, and are those three married yet?"

Winston replied awkwardly, "My sixth child, Miley, has already married. She's currently overseas. My youngest, Tatiana, is still in school. I don't want her to marry just yet. Let her enjoy her youth and whatnot."

"What about your third girl, the one you dote on? What was her name again? Al-something?"

Winston's gaze turned gentle at the thought of his favorite daughter. "That's my eighth child, Alyssa."

Jasper felt something like thunder hit him. His grip on his wineglass nearly slipped.

"Right! Alyssa! I remember seeing her years ago. She was such a sweet, happy child." Newton grinned. "She should be around twenty-four now, right? Any marriage prospects yet?"

"No ..."

"What would you say if she marries my grandson, Jasper?"

Winston blinked rapidly, silently cursing out the old man for being so dense as to not be able to tell he didn't want his beloved daughter anywhere close to Javier's son.

How could he dare to presume Alyssa was good enough for them?

"I'm already engaged, Grandpa," Jasper spoke up, gritting his teeth at the thought of Alyssa Taylor. "Even if I were single, Ms. Alyssa and I would never work out."

Newton was about to reply when Winston cut in, "I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean, Jasper. Is Alyssa not good enough for you? She's my most beloved child. I wouldn't even let a prince near her if he didn't get my approval. Where do you get the courage to deny her outright? It's a bit prudish, no?"

Winston would've used far worse language if Newton hadn't been here.

How could this boy dare to insult his daughter?

"I agree that Ms. Alyssa is an incredibly skilled and competent businesswoman. We've crossed paths before, and I have witnessed firsthand the incredible feats she has done, the strategies she has implemented," Jasper explained, meeting Winston's gaze.

He continued, "We just have clashing personalities. Being together would create more conflict than necessary. But I do look forward to the day we finally meet, where I hope to work together with her, business-wise."

Not bad, Winston thought. The kid knew just what to say.

"What do you mean 'finally meet'? Let's arrange a time right now for you two to meet. Who knows, you might find it easier to get along than previously thought!" Newton cried, happily clapping the table.

Jasper's expression had turned stormy. His grandfather was really doing everything he could to stop his marriage with Liana from coming to fruition.

Just as he was about to state his refusal, Sophia cried out, "Dad, isn't this too outrageous a suggestion? Jasper is about to marry Liana!"

"'About to,' so they're not married yet." Newton met her eyes with a firm grin. "Marriage is akin to a contractual agreement most of the time. Before this agreement is signed and witnessed, it is still subject to variables, including termination!"

"But news of their engagement has already gone out, Dad. What would the public think of Ms. Alyssa if you were to play matchmaker now?" Sophia retorted.

Then, while sporting the most polite grin, said, "Ms. Alyssa is Mr. Taylor's favorite child. We can't humiliate her like that!"

"Be quiet!" Javier yelled, tugging Sophia's arm so she would shut up. He didn't want her to upset his father.

"How—You—!" Newton was successfully angered. He coughed violently, a hand pressed against his chest.

Meanwhile, Winston silently watched everything unfold, taking a sip of his drink now and then.

Who in their right mind would let their child marry into such a chaotic bunch? It definitely wouldn't be him.

When Newton's coughing did not subside, Jasper and Ben rushed to calm him down.

"Get your hands off of me!" Newton forced out while coughing, his face blood red. "Where's—Where's Alice? Have her come here!"

Alice was like a cooling salve on a burn to Newton. She was always able to calm his spirits in a moment.

"Yeah, where is Alice, by the way? I haven't seen her in ages!" Betty asked innocently, secretly grinning with glee.

Just then, Liana walked over casually, as if on cue.

"Lia, have you seen Alice anywhere? Grandpa's looking for her," Betty asked.

"I ... have." Liana appeared to be having a dilemma, tugging at her fingers. "But I ... I'm not sure if I should say where."