Sophia sald, âLla, youâre his uranddaughter in law Go and give your grandpa a band,â
âGrandpa, Iâll help. Llana smiled demurely and walked up to Newton, but the faller Hasher a smile at Jasper and Alyssa instead.
Jasperl Alicel Come over and help me out.â Not only that, Newton rolled his eyes al Javier. âGet out of my way. Iâm tired of you. I prefer the company of youngsters. Their splits cheer me upl Javier smiled bitterly and let go of his dad. Lana had stopped in her tracks, Red In embarrassment, the debated if she should stay put or walk up.
Forcing a smile, she silently cursed at Newton, âOld fall Why are you still hanging around?â
Alyssa glared at Jasper, who happened to look in her direction. She quickly looked away after they exchanged glances, leaving him with the view of her cold side profile.
A little fazed, he pursed his lips and removed his daze from her. They walked side to side to Newton, Everyone exchanged looks, feeling amused by Newtonâs treatment of Llana, Sophia was filled with rage, as Newtonâs action was a slap to her face apart from a humillation to Llana.
Despite that, she had to keep a smile on her face. After all, the dying old man remained the most powerful figure in the Beckett Group. Newton was a shareholder, and his words carried weight in the company. She dared not act out in front of him.
âGrandpa, youâre looking better. Your health bas Improved. This is great.â Alyssa held Newton affectionately with a genuine smile on her lace.
âThatâs because Iâm happy to see you. If Iâm in a good mood, my health gets better!â Newton checked her out with kind eyes and nodded in Satisfaction. âLovely! I have great taste Indeed. You look wonderful in this Vittorino dress I bought you. Better than those that show too much skin, donât you think?â
Jasper was shocked to learn that it was Newton who bought the dress for Alice. The guests finally saw the situation for what it was, and they regarded Llana differently. It turned out that Newton had been favoring Alice and dismissing Liana.
Despite the divorce between Alice and Jasper, Newlon only showed interest in Alice, not Liana.
Liana lelt pressured under the scrutiny. Shame was eating away at her.
âDad, since everyoneâs here, letâs take a family photo.â Knowing that Newton loved photoâtaking, Sophia dragged the stiff Liana along and politely requested Alyssa, âAlice, do you mind taking the photo for us?â 1 âOf course, I donât mind.â Alyssa smiled graciously.
âMore than a guest, sheâs family! You donât leave family out of family photos! Alice, here! Stand beside me.â Newton threw Sophia a scornful gaze. âI will take offense at anyone who makes Alice uncomfortable today.â
Sophia bit her lips and sent a look of help to Javier. Javier felt sorry to see his beloved wife being rebuked publicly, and so advised Newton in a hushed voice, âDad, I know you like Allice, but she and Jasper are divorced. Itâs not right to include her in our family photo.â
âSheâs divorced. So what?â Newton furrowed his brows angrily. âIâll adopt her as my granddaughter if need be! She is forever a Beckett!â
Alyssa was strongly touched by Newton defending her. Tears welled up in her eyes. Newton was the reason she couldnât bring herself to cut all ties with the Beckettsâsheâd miss him sorely.
Liana was consumed by rage and almost passed out from the Intensity of her emotions. Everyone else was surprised by Alice who displayed such a charm apart from her beauty that Newton Beckett doted on her.
âGrandpa.â Jasper felt uneasy at the idea that Newton wanted to adopt Alice as his granddaughter.
âStop making it awkward for Alice. She might not be on board with your good intentions.â
âHmph! From the looks of it, youâre the one whoâs against the Idea, not her.â Newton gave Jasper a sideâeye. âLook at that frustration on your face after I brought it up! Itâs a mood dampener!â
Alyssa was dumbfounded by the exchange. Jasperâs face hardenedâas Newtonâs grandson, he had been sidelined in favor of Alice.