?<strong>Chapter 1179:</strong>


    Cliff paused, ncing at her meaningfully. “If you’re thinking about intimacy, it seems you’re not angry anymore.” Laney wasn’t bothered by his remark and chuckled softly. “What am I thinking about?”


    “It’s written all over your face.”


    Laney touched her cheek with a smile. “No, that’s just my beauty.”


    As Cliff guided her upstairs, Laney asked, “Do you think I’m pretty, Cliff?” Her tone was yful.


    “Yes,” he replied automatically, cautious of her teasing. But Laney remained doubtful. “You didn’t even look at me before you answered. You’re lying.”


    Cliff shrugged. “I see you every day.”


    “So, why aren’t you looking now?” Laney drew closer, wrapping her arm around his and peering up at him.


    Finding himself cornered, Cliff took a moment to really look at her before saying, “Yes, you’re pretty.”


    Laney’sughter was soft as she dropped her yful demeanor and snuggled against his arm. “I was really hurt that you missed mypetition today.”


    Cliff replied, “Let’s get you another gift tomorrow.”


    “Just stay with me tonight,” she said. “Could you tell me a bedtime story?”


    Cliff knew better than to take her words at face value. Yet, remembering how bold she had been during theirst car ride, he found himself following her into her bedroom.


    Her room was filled with a sweet, weing fragrance that enveloped him as soon as he stepped inside. Laney pulled the nket aside and settled into bed, lying down quietly.


    Cliff picked up a storybook, a hint of amusement in his voice. “It’s unusual to see you in pants at home.”


    Laney turned to face him, her gaze steady. “Since you prefer me not wearing skirts, I figured I should stop wearing them.”


    Cliff smiled, skeptical of her statement. He caressed the cover of the book and nced at her. “Do you really read fairy tales before sleep?”


    Laney blinked and feigned innocence. “What’s wrong with that?”


    “Nothing, but this book seems like a knock-off.”


    “What do you think it is, Cliff?” Laney asked, catching onto his insinuation. She chuckled mischievously. “Why not open it and find out?”


    Unfazed, Cliff yed along. He was no stranger to her games and wasn’t about to be outwitted by her yful challenge.


    Just as he was about to check the contents of the book, Laney gently stopped his hand. “How about a little bet?”


    Cliff raised an eyebrow. “And what’s the stake?”


    “If it’s a proper book, I win, and you owe me a kiss.”


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