Chapter 1952

Jasper's heart raced, his lips quivering slightly as he continued to gaze at her, unable to find his voice. Who was he, for the likes of extraordinary figures such as Winston and Alyssa, to worry about?

"Your brother's reappearance will elicit sympathy from the public, including your father," Alyssa said, her eyes filled with concern. "If he has any intentions of seizing your position, public opinion will be his most potent weapon. Jasper, you need to understand this. A person's words can be as lethal as any weapon..."

Without a word, Jasper cupped her face and drew her into a passionate kiss. It began with a tenderness that quickly deepened, both fueled by a potent mix of desire and unspoken anxieties. Alyssa clung to him, her breath catching in her throat.

When they finally broke apart, Jasper's eyes held a new tenderness. He wrapped her in a protective embrace, as if afraid to lose her.

"I promised to be your guardian angel," he murmured. "Why has it turned out the other way aro