?<strong>Chapter 1177:</strong>


    Cliff answered, “Yes, I drank a lot today because her father was apologizing for your injuriesst time. It was difficult to turn them down given the circumstances.”


    Laney silently scolded him for being so ignorant. That wasn’t what she was talking about.


    “Was it really an apology or a subtle setup for a blind date?” Laney asked.


    Cliff’s breath paused for a moment. Previously, when he went on blind dates, he would eagerly share the details with Laney. Whether she cried or not, it didn’t affect him. Yet now, for some reason, he paused for a moment before replying, “A blind date.”


    Laney felt a stab of sadness. “Did you like her?”


    Tears gathered in her eyes and dropped onto Cliff’s hand, which pained him deeply.


    Cliff gazed at her intently. “No, I had another reason for bringing her tonight.”


    Laney calmed down and stopped crying, eventually falling asleep as she leaned against Cliff. She hadn’t slept well in a long time due to today’spetition.


    now she slept soundly for around six hours, waking up in the early morning. Everyone else in the house was asleep.


    Your imagination thrives at galnovels punt


    Laney showered and, though exhausted and wishing to sleep more, memories from the dinner kept her awake.


    Cliff was also awake. He usually needed very little sleep, finding the pre-dawn hours the time when his mind was clearest. He often used this time to do important tasks.


    At that moment, he had been talking to Juliet on the phone for about ten minutes.


    There wasn’t a romantic spark between them, but their professionalpatibility was strong. After her university graduation, Juliet jumped straight into the family business, quickly making a mark with her achievements.


    She discussed the tunnel reconstruction project with Cliff. She had secured the project herself and led the design, sessfully expanding herwork while continuing to advance her business interests. Cliff genuinelyplimented her. “Miss Foster, you’re even more impressive than I had imagined.”


    Juliet valued thepliment, especiallying from Cliff, who was not only handsome but also intelligent, eager to learn, and ambitious. Curious about him, she asked, “You had a bright future in the military, so why return to a secondary role in the Hopkins family business? It seems like Gerry is better suited to be the heir.”


    Cliff responded, “He’s impulsive and struggles tomit.”


    As the youngest, Gerry was spoiled from an early age, and he found the demands of leadership overwhelming.


    Juliet grew more impressed. “It’s umon for siblings to avoid inheritance disputes. Yourmitment to preserving family unity is truly admirable.”


    Cliff exined, “Gerry and I grew up with everything we needed. There’s nothing to dispute.”


    Julietughed lightly. “After all our conversation, are you considering me as a partner, Cliff?”


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