?<strong>Chapter 1159:</strong>


    Fear crept through Laney’s veins, her limbs heavy as she changed clothes. After much deliberation, she selected an outfit that concealed her neck.


    Though Cliff wasn’t one to rush people, the ten-minute wait had chipped away at his patience.


    Laney jogged to the front gate, catching sight of Cliff’s silhouette in the distance. She paused to catch her breath before approaching him with tentative steps.


    Today, Cliff wore a long-sleeved shirt. The dark fabric amplified his mature presence, his sharp featuresmanding respect. He embodied both an elder brother and a stern father figure.


    Unease kept Laney from meeting his eyes directly, but his deception still stung. “Weren’t you out of town? Why did you suddenlye back?” she asked, aiming for nonchnce.


    Cliff’s eyes traced over her tightly covered neck. “I didn’t go out of town,” he replied with cool detachment. His brief words exined everything. Laney yearned to ask why but couldn’t summon the courage. He would undoubtedly tell the truth, “I just didn’t want to see you. You annoy me.” She couldn’t bear to hear those words. They would surely bring tears to her eyes.


    Laney lowered her head, her lips forming a small pout.


    “You drank on an empty stomachst night. Drinking something warm now will soothe your stomach,” Cliff said, stifling a sigh.


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    A subtle change flickered across Laney’s expression. She reached for the soup, feigningposure.


    “The box is heavy. I’ll take it up for you and check on your foot, by the way,” Cliff said, dodging her hand.


    Laney hesitated, not wanting to prolong their time together. She made an excuse. “But my roommate is there. It’s inconvenient.”


    The theater had assigned individual apartments, but Laney’s fear of sleeping alone at night led her to stay with Kailyn.


    “How many roommates are there?” Cliff asked.


    “One.”


    “The one who dragged you back when you were drunkst night?” Laney nodded.


    “She said goodbye to me just now when she left. So, which roommate is upstairs now?” Cliff exposed her lie without mercy. Laney frowned, trailing behind Cliff as they climbed the stairs.


    Steam wafted from the still-hot soup. Cliffdled a bowl and set it aside to cool.


    Laney nced at it, which looked delicious. Her empty stomach rumbled at the mouthwatering aroma.


    “Wait a bit before eating. It’s hot,” Cliff instructed as he knelt to remove her socks.


    “Is it freshly made?” Laney blinked.


    “Yeah.”


    “It must have taken a long time to make the soup. The housekeeper got up so early.”


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