Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

The station captain was under pressure from his superiors because the police officers still couldn't get Nicholas to talk.

When he learned that Alyssa wanted to try negotiating with Nicholas, he decided solving the case was more important than following protocol. Although Alyssa wasn't a professional negotiator, he made an exception and allowed her to meet with Nicholas for a chat.

Jasper and Cyrus watched Alyssa's confrontation with Nicholas through a one-way mirror in the observation room next to the interrogation room. Their faces were grim and filled with concern.

In the interrogation room, Nicholas stared emotionlessly at Alyssa. "Ms. Alyssa, I've confessed everything I need to confess. I don't think we have anything left to discuss." "Chief Novak," Alyssa began.

"Please don't callthat. Here, I'm just a cold-blooded murder suspect," Nicholas mocked.

Even as a prisoner, he retained his elegance-decades as an official had imbued him with an air of calmness that wouldn't disappear overnight.

"Alright, Mr. Novak, then," Alyssa conceded. Her gaze held warmth and respect. "I know you didn't end up here because you're evil. It was because you had no other choice." "You're wrong. All my decisions were my own," Nicholas insisted. A corner of his lip twitched. "Ms. Alyssa, I only agreed to this meeting because you once saved my wife. I've confessed to my crimes and won't elaborate further. Please leave." On the other side of the mirror, Jasper gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.

Sensing Jasper's nervousness, Cyrus patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, Jasper. I'm sure Lyse knows what she's doing." Alyssa took a deep breath to compose herself. She placed a report in front of Nicholas.

"What's this?" Nicholas asked, lowering his eyes.

"This is an analysis report from a reputable institution on the new medication you consider your lifesaver," Alyssa explained coldly. Nicholas' eyes flickered, and his cold façade wavered slightly.

"You were so protective of the mastermind, even committing crimes for him. You did it all to save your wife, who has Alzheimer's. "But you never stopped to think that this so-called 'research' for a new medication was a sham from the start," Alyssa continued, her voice calm yet her eyes sharp. Her words pierced through Nicholas' defenses.

"What do you mean? What scam?" Nicholas demanded, his jaws clenching.

"The report clearly states that the new medication is nothing more than a sedative," Alyssa continued in a low voice. "Not only is it entirely ineffective for Alzheimer's, but it also has dangerous side effects. An overdose could even be fatal.

"Since the medication entered the market, many people who took it have suffered seizures and even died. Compared to other sedatives, it's more complex. It even contains banned components and is highly addictive. This is essentially a new type of drug, not a medication!" "Impossible! You're lying!" Nicholas roared. "This report is fake! You're trying to trickto talk! It's a bluff!" In the observation room, Cyrus frowned. "He's falling for it. He's close to revealing the murders are connected to the medication research." Jasper nodded grimly. "Nicholas is a pawn, clearing obstacles for the mastermind so the 'experiment' can proceed smoothly." "It's a sha decorated police commissioner like him would join forces with the enemy," Cyrus said.

Jasper fixed his gaze on Alyssa. "That wasn't his intention. He was just desperate to save his wife." Cyrus sighed in frustration. "While that's pitiful, it remains utterly disgusting and infuriating!" "I have no reason to deceive you. You're already deeply implicated with this mastermind. Surely, you've had your doubts. All those who took the medication suffered immensely. Haven't you ever questioned it?" Alyssa pressed, seizing the moment. Her words struck a chord with Nicholas. He leaned back abruptly, his eyes reddening.

Deep down, he had always doubted. Yet, he had never found the courage to question Jameson. Besides, his ignorance offered a fragile hope that Natalie could be cured.

After Jameson took his medication, he continued approving documents in the chairman's office at Schmidt Group.

Despite his eccentricities, he exhibited a strong work ethic and dedication. Among Solana City's workaholics, he ranked second only to Jasper.

His phone on the table buzzed, pulling his attention. A glance at the screen drained the color from Jameson's face. "Hello, Ms. Gillis," he answered, his voice barely a whisper.

"Mr. Schmidt," Sheryl's voice dripped with sarcasm, "your trusted underling is now in police custody, a considerable thorn in your side. Mr. Justin is understandably concerned about your situation." Jameson's grip on his pen tightened until his knuckles turned white. "Please assure him I'll handle everything appropriately." "Such confidence," Sheryl chuckled, a hint of coldness in her amusement. "But Mr. Justin's patience is wearing thin." "Mosgravia's climate simply doesn't compare to Solana City, or even lCyrris," she said. "It hinders Mr. Justin's recovery. He's grown increasingly homesick these past two years. He yearns to return to Solana City soon." Her voice lowered. "However, your current situation makes his safe return difficult. Mr. Schmidt, you've deeply disappointed us."