Can’t Win Me Back novel (Alyssa and Jasper) novel Chapter 2013

Amber felt like she was struck by lightning. Each breath she took weighed heavily on her chest as she gazed out the window. The flames outside reflected in her eyes.

She knew it was only a matter of time before Jameson disposed of her. After all, he had already harbored suspicion toward her. Yet, she refused to let that beast use her against Axel, the man she loved.

"Amber, will you be scared if I invite you to jump down with me from here?" Axel grabbed her firmly on the waist with a smile.

Staring into his eyes with a look of determination, she answered, "I'm not scared."

"Tsk. Can't you make me feel like a man, just once?" He playfully glared at her and pinched her on the waist. "You could at least pretend to huddle in my arms and tremble like the typical damsel in distress."

"I'm scared, to be honest." She gazed at him longingly. "But I'm fearless when I'm with you."

Axel's heart of steel melted from her sweet words. Giving her another kiss, he urged, "Let's go!"

Next, he wrapped her body under his black windbreaker before firing a few shots at the windows.

They held their breath as smoke filled the room. Then, they sprinted toward the window with all their might. Axel rammed his body into the glass, shattering it, and he jumped off the fifth floor while holding Amber tightly.

The flames licked the sky while glass shards and sparks rained on them.

Amber's heart nearly came to a stop. She shut her eyes in fear.

In the frenzy, she overheard Axel's labored breathing, which only added to her anxiety.

A swishing sound was heard when an extremely thin metal rope whizzed out from his sleeve and attached itself to the wall.

Holding Amber in one arm, Axel scaled down the wall using the metal rope. They landed safely within 10 seconds—a short but memorable time for her.

Having no time to take a breather, they held onto each other as they escaped into the woods. Suddenly, Amber came to a pause and tremblingly shook off his hands.

Axel spun around with a look of shock. "Amber—"

"I'm sorry, but I can only make it up to here with you." Tears brimming in her eyes, she took a resolute step away from him. "I will only be a burden to you if we stick together. Leave while they haven't reached us.

"Also, please do not look for me again. This thing between us shall end here."

"Are you asking me to give up on you? At this dangerous time? Amber Altman, what do you take me as?" Gripped by worry, he gritted his teeth and approached her, but she stumbled backward.

He argued, "Even if you refuse to leave with me, you cannot possibly return to Jameson's side. He wanted you dead alongside me. Don't you get it?"

"That's true. Jameson Schmidt wanted us dead, but you're still alive. Isn't that right?" She flashed an impassive, heartless smile, yet her heart was torn apart. "I can only live knowing that you're alive. If we stick together, Jameson will never let you go, and we'll never enjoy a day of peace.

"Axel, I have important business here. I don't have the luxury to be in love. That's not what I want. But I will always remember the romance we once shared."

"Amber, this is a final warning. Got it?" Carl grasped her shoulders firmly and panted heavily. "The next time you run into Axel Whitaker, you must kill him!"

She flashed him a fearless smile. "What if I don't?"

"We're longtime colleagues. I don't want you dead!" Carl was ten years older than Amber. Indeed, she had grown up in front of his eyes. He had formed a bond with her because he'd been by her side ever since she enrolled in special training in her teens.

"Amber, just be patient! Let's all be patient. Once Mr. Schmidt completes the drug experiment for Sir, he'll gain power over the Schmidt Group and monopolize the country's pharmaceutical industry! He'll crush the likes of KS Group and Beckett Group!

"When the time comes, you'll reap your rewards. We'll live a good life. Serving Mr. Schmidt is your only way out!" A greedy look flashed across her eyes. He did not mind sharing the secret plan with Amber in his desperate attempt to convince her.

Her eyes wavered. Carl's words matched Axel's speculation. However, she was more surprised by the new clue. The enigmatic "sir" appeared to be the mastermind of Jameson's scheme.

Carl, getting emotional from his heartfelt speech, suddenly pulled Amber into a hug. Despite feeling disgusted by him, she did not shove him away.

She needed to coax Carl, Jameson's right-hand man and a key to Jameson's secrets. Only then would she get closer to the crux of Jameson's evil business operations.

"Amber, listen to me. You must kill Axel Whitaker the next time!" Inhaling deeply, Carl promised her in a tender tone, "I'll talk to Mr. Schmidt about this. Just listen to me. Stay alive, no matter what it takes!"

"Got it," she replied softly with disgust and indifference in her eyes.