?"Yeah, and he neverments on the rumors about him and my mom, but he''s rified every other scandal. Being single and childless at his age, it''s either he''s got issues, or he''s waiting for someone to open up to."


    Gregory pinched my cheek, "You know, I didn''t realize you were such an expert."


    All this gossip came from Christine.


    Back then, we had no idea my mom was actually my biological mom.


    Christine was all about celebrity crushes and gossip, always filling me in.


    When we talked about my mom and Mr. Shaw, we never imagined they''d actually be a part of our lives.


    "I think it''s worth a shot."


    Gregory hummed in agreement, "Alright, you go n with Christine. I''m sitting this one out. If you hit a real snag, then tell me."


    I hugged him, "Thanks, Gregory."


    I knew he just wanted me to not box myself in.


    Gregory wrapped his arms around me as wey down, a smirk on his lips, "Show me some real gratitude."


    The next day, I arranged to meet Christine.


    Of course, I didn''t roll out of bed until noon.


    After telling my mom I wouldn''t be home for lunch, I rushed out the door.


    Christine was leaning against her car when I came downstairs.


    She saw me and opened the passenger door.


    "What''s up?" I asked, confused.


    She nudged me into the car, and that''s when I noticed someone else in the driver''s seat.


    The guy greeted me warmly, "Hey there."


    "..."


    I turned to Christine, confused.


    Christine flipped her hair, introducing him, "Meet Merritt."


    I smiled and nodded as a greeting, then whispered to Christine, "New friend?"


    Christine''s smile was radiant, "Mytest cute catch."


    At the end of the birthday party, I had asked Christine about it.


    She said if it wasn''t for helping


    Gregory with his proposal n fore me, she wouldn''t even nce at Dailey.


    But Christine and I have been friends for years; I could tell she wasn''t over it yet.


    Still, I wasn''t nning to clear up their misunderstanding.


    After all, Dailey hadn''t exactly endeared himself to anyone.


    "As long as you''re happy."N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Christine winked at me, "Funny coincidence, you mentioned setting up Be with Mr. Shaw, and guesswhat? He''s in the same production as Mr. Shaw."


    I was surprised, "He''s an actor?"


    "Still in school."


    Christine exined, "Just got a chance to join the production, kindof like an internship."


    It''s a small world, indeed.


    I chuckled, "That is quite the coincidence."


    On our way, we stopped by a boutique.


    Indeed, the world is terrifyingly small.


    That was my silent thought as I saw Dailey at the store''s entrance.


    Coincidentally, Merritt was getting Christine her favorite iced coffee.


    Christine was busy texting, thumbs flying over her screen.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Merritt opened the coffee for her and held it up for her to drink.


    Christine took a sip and smiled at him, "Good boy."


    Christine might ignore Dailey, but seeing him, I still had to greet him.


    Disliking what he had done was one thing, but acknowledging the help he offered was another.


    "Mr. rkson."


    Dailey shifted his gaze from Christine to me, responding politely.


    Though his voice was subdued, it carried a note of courtesy.


    "Yeah, just out shopping with a friend?"


    I kept up a polite smile, "Just checking out the shop, doing a bit of shopping."


    As I finished speaking, a gentle female voice chimed in.