Can't Win Me Back

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Newton's eyes widened as he clenched his fists. "Alyssa... you'

"I saw and heard everything that happened at the cemetery today."

Alyssa took a deep breath, her voice steady, "Grandpa Newton, was what Ms. Rollins said true? Did Justin really cause her daughter's death?"

Newton's pupils constricted. He closed his eyes, as if trying to avoid Alyssa's questions.

Alyssa's gaze sharpened. 'Grandpa Newton, your reaction has already answered my question."

Newton remained silent.

"I know what's on your mind. Justin is Mr. Javier's eldest son, and he grew up right alongside you. Even though you might favor Jasper, you wouldn't want something from the past to tarnish Justin's reputation. After all, he was still a minor back then. No matter what he's done, as a Beckett, you'll do anything to protect him."

Alyssa's words hit the mark, each one piercing with precision. She continued, "But you also believe his actions were unforgivable. You've been angry but too afraid to expose him. Keeping this secret for so many years must have been agonizing.

"Yet, I know you still have a kind heart. You can't bear to hurt anyone. Otherwise, you wouldn't have braved the cold and snow to visit that woman's grave if you didn't care, even though you weren't feeling well.

Suddenly, it all clicked for Alyssa. No wonder Newton had always been so cautious around Justin. With such a terrible secret weighing on him, how could he not be tense and guarded?

Newton gritted his teeth, struggling for words.

Seeing his distress, Alyssa pressed on. "If you won't tell me the truth, the only option I have is to approach the victim's family for answers."

"No! Alyssa, please... don't upset that poor woman again," Newton pleaded, grasping her arms with trembling hands. His eyes filled with tears as he confessed, "Her name was Mildred Hayes. She worked for me as a helper when I lived at Seaview Manor. She looked after my daily needs.

"Her death... it was connected to Justin, but it was unintentional. It was an accident... Justin was crying and panicking when he came to me, begging me to save her."

Alyssa furrowed her brows. Even though she loved and respected Newton, doubts crept into her mind about his story.

"Justin was only 14. His mother's death had already devastated him. If he had been sent to jail for that incident, his life would have been ruined. I watched him grow up. He's my eldest grandson... I couldn't bear to see him imprisoned!"

"So you chose to dispose of Mildred's body on his behalf and make it look like an accident?' Alyssa's voice grew cold.

A chill ran through her as the realization sank in. 'Grandpa Newton, how could you think only of your grandson's life? Someone should have been held accountable for Mildred's life. Did you ever consider that? You erased the incident, but how was her family supposed to heal from it?

"Justin may be Mr. Javier's son, someone you care for deeply, but Mildred was also someone's precious daughter. Are you saying that in your eyes, some lives matter more than others?'

Newton's voice trembled with pain. "Alyssa..."

"Grandpa Newton, don't you realize what you've done? By covering for a criminal, you've become an accomplice!"

With tears in her eyes, Alyssa's voice flared with intensity. "If you won't stand up for that mother, then I will. I'll get justice for Mildred."

"No... No, you can't!" Newton struggled to sit up. "Alyssa, I'll do everything I can to make amends to Millie's family. But please, don't provoke Justin. I beg you, stay out of this!"

Alyssa had a feeling that there was more to the story. She pushed, "Why?"

Newton hesitated, his pale lips trembling as if he was about to reveal something, when suddenly, the door to his hospital room swung open. And in strode Jasper, his posture stiff, carrying an air of coldness with him.