"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 to come 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 be coming. 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're late, 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."

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 the ladies," Silas couldn't help but tease him.

"You come 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 black smudge on his otherwise handsome

complexion.

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

Silas and Sean were rendered speechless. novelbin

"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 ablaze. Alyssa and the group carried over the alcohol and food. They joyfully indulged in the moment, relishing the food and drink.