"I-I''m sorry..." Maggie''s face was as red as a tomato.


    "Ms. Madison," Xavier''s breath sank as he spoke softly, just enough for her to hear, "you look beautiful


    today."


    Maggie''s face burned with embarrassment. Panicking, she hastily withdrew herself from his arms.


    Jasper struggled to contain the overwhelming emotions within him. He hugged Alyssa tightly and


    whispered, "Thank you for doing this, Lyse."


    Alyssa leaned into Jasper''s arms with a smile, reveling in her luck to have found Jasper as her other


    half. "It''s no big deal. I just asked everyone toe over for a meal.


    "Oh, yeah. Lauren caught a chill from leaving the window open while she slept the past two days.


    Landon is home caring for her. They won''t being. He asked me to tell you to enjoy your meal and


    eat their share."


    "Okay." Jasper looked down at her face, his heart beating wildly as his eyes turned misty.


    "Thank you, Madam Alyssa."


    Xavier was incredibly excited to see Maggie. He was so touched that he found himself at a loss for


    words, unable to stop thanking Alyssa.


    "What is there to thank me for? Maggie is my lifesaver. I''ve been wanting to treat her to a meal but


    have yet to find a good time to do so. This gathering had fulfilled my wishes."


    As she spoke, Alyssa turned to look at Maggie warmly. "On the contrary, I should thank Maggie for


    showing up."


    "M-Ms. Alyssa, don''t say that. I''m so honored to be here. enjoying a meal!" Maggie''s face blushed from


    panic as she rambled.


    She could never have dreamt of attending Alyssa''s gathering at her home. Wearing such a beautiful


    dress and surrounded by such an astounding group of people, everything felt surreal to her.


    "Jasper!" Tatiana waved at Jasper happily.


    Rose, whom he had not seen for a long time, said as she sipped her tea, "You''rete, Mr. Jasper. I


    think you owe us a few drinks."


    Despite Jasper winning back Alyssa''s heart after all that transpired, Rose couldn''t resist teasing him


    whenever the chance arose.


    Jasper said, "Okay."


    "A few drinks aren''t enough. Jasper, don''t be so conservative. Let''s do a few rounds." Julien wanted to


    pull Jasper''s leg.


    Alyssa frowned, ready to retort, but was taken aback when Jasper agreed effortlessly. "Sure, let''s do it.


    We won''t stop until we''re both drunk."


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Amidst the joyful banter, Axel came downstairs with ash on his face. He yelled at everyone at the top of


    his lungs, "Hey! Cough! Cough! Is the grill cursed? Why won''t it light up?"


    "Axel, did you go out scavenging? Why do you look like this? Don''t scare thedies," Ss couldn''t help


    but tease him.


    "Youe and get the job done for me then. Don''t just sit there and point fingers!" Axel retorted in


    frustration, running his hand over his face and revealing a ck smudge on his otherwise handsome


    Jonah said lightly, "Ss, Sean, go and help. I''m sure both of you can get it started."


    Ss and Sean were rendered speechless.


    "Let me do it, Jonah. I''m more familiar with the equipment at home," Jasper said. Without another word,


    he took off his coat, rolled his white sleeves up, and headed upstairs.


    He walked past Axel and patted him on the back. "Thank you for trying, Axel."


    Staring in astonishment, Axel couldn''t fathom how Alyssa had managed to tame Jasper, the unruly


    beast!


    Before long, the barbecue grill was aze. Alyssa and the group carried over the alcohol and food.


    They joyfully indulged in the moment, relishing the food and drink.