Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Betty covered her mouth, utterly shaken. Despite being promiscuous herself, she would at least make sure to maintain her modesty in public.

Meanwhile, Zoe displayed no shwhatsoever. Not only was she openly enjoying herself with a man before her, but the sheer ecstasy on her face bordered on smugness! How could a bitch like Zoe even dare to entertain thoughts of marrying Jasper and becoming the wife of Beckett Group's president? She was far from qualified! Freddy was someone from a notable family. As such, he retained a sense of decorum despite his burning lust.

The realization that they were being observed dampened his ardor.

"Zoe, | can't." Zoe harrumphed. "Useless piece of shit!" In disdain, Zoe shoved Freddy into the water. She emerged from the water completely naked and retrieved a towel from a nearby chair. Then, she wrapped it around herself, covering only the essential parts, leaving little to the imagination.

Freddy was panicking in the water. As Zoe's ultimate lapdog, his first instinct was to immediately appease her.

However, Betty's presence made him reluctant to get out of the water.

"What's with all the screaming? Everyone in Solana City knows you're the most promiscuous, Ms. Betty. No need to act innocent and pure in front of me," Zoe remarked casually, retrieving a cigarette from her box and placing it between her lips. She lit it, taking a deep drag.

Despite her anger, Betty couldn't help but admire Zoe.

Back in their school days, Freddy had been Zoe's loyal follower. Betty couldn't believe he was still fixated on her even after nearly a decade had passed. [x | Although Harper Group was wealthy, it didn't have a clean background. Hence, officials weren't too keen on associating with them.

If Zoe could establish a connection with the Hodgsons, the Harpers would gain a powerful political ally. This could open doors for them to expand into new sectors, and who knew how far their business empire could reach then? Betty clicked her tongue. "Don't tellyou summonedhere in the dead of the night just to watch you two go at it." She couldn't be bothered to put on a courteous front. She walked over angrily and sat down.

Zoe blew a cloud of smoke in her direction, causing Betty to cough. "Has that idiotic sister of yours returned to Seaview Manor?" "Nope. Grandpa took her back with him." "What's Mr. Beckett Senior's take on this?" "I heard that he's pissed off. I'm guessing that Landon marrying Lauren will be a tall order," Betty remarked with a cold laugh, finding amusement in their predicament.

"Lauren's condition has been exposed, and her actions are being widely mocked online. None of the prominent families in Solana City would want such a woman in their midst.

"Lauren's a lost cause, and my father can't bear the shof having his daughter marry beneath her station and beca laughingstock. Since she doesn't meet the expectations of the rich, he will be stuck looking after that useless daughter of his for the rest of his life!" Betty laughed so hard that she teared up. She couldn't help but be reminded of how Sophia had placed all her hopes on Lauren when she was alive.

Would Sophia rest in peace if she knew Lauren could never have a happy marriage? Or perhaps enraged enough to beca vengeful spirit to haunt them? Betty dismissed the idea with a scoff. Sophia was never fit to be a mother; Betty and Lauren were just tools in the Beckett family.

"Who says no one wants her? I've arranged a marriage for her," Zoe declared, shooting a pointed look at Freddy.

"Be quick with it and make that wedding happen, Freddy." Betty's eyes widened in astonishment. What did that mean? Freddy was going to marry Lauren? Freddy was a man with a sturdy family background. He even fancied Zoe that much. Even so, Zoe was willing to give him up to Lauren instead. It seemed like Zoe had lost her mind.

"Zoe... | can't bear to leave you," Freddy whined, approaching Zoe by the pool.

Annoyed, Zoe kicked him on the shoulder. "Didn't | tell you to discuss this with your parents? What did they say?" "They didn't like that Lauren is a dumbo. They're not keen about the marriage." "In that case, you need to convince them even more that she's the one you must marry. Show them that a marriage alliance with the Becketts has more advantages than disadvantages." Regardless, Zoe was from a plutocrat family. Ever the strategist, she continued, "If you were to becJavier's son-in-law, things like securing campaign funds would be a breeze for Mr. Orlander when he wants to advance his career.

"And accepting Lauren, despite her shortcomings, will demonstrate your family's charity and open- mindedness, which will enhance both your and Mr. Orlander's image in the political world." "You're truly brilliant, Zoe," Freddy said, completely enamored with her. But then, he added reluctantly, "But... it's you whom | truly love." "She's just an idiot. You can leave her at has a showpiece after you marry her. How could she ever get in your way?" Zoe then stooped to his level, pinching his chin playfully as she jeered, "In the future, you and | can do whatever we want and be together whenever we like." Freddy was completely mesmerized by her. He no longer cared that he was still naked. He got to his feet and got out of the pool. He caught Zoe in an embrace, planting a wet kiss on her lips.

Betty felt uneasy as she watched the scene unfold before her.

Nonetheless, understanding finally dawned on Betty—marrying Lauren off was the key to breaking Landon's spirit. But not just any marriage—it had to be a prestigious one, a family like the Hodgsons that even the Harpers treated with deference.

The cruelty of it all! No wonder Sophia always warned her about Zoe. She was nothing short of diabolical! Zoe, nestled comfortably in Freddy's arms, cast a knowing glance at Betty's stricken face. "Betty, you also need to put in seffort with Mr. Javier when you get back. Remember, we're in this together. Here's to a fruitful partnership." The veiled threat hung heavy in the air. Betty bristled. "I don't need you to remind me. | know what to do!" By orchestrating Lauren's marriage to Freddy, she could exact revenge on Landon and thwart the Harper Group's ambitions simultaneously. And she could prevent Zoe from becoming even more insufferably smug.

It was an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. So, why not take it?