?<strong>Chapter 1243:</strong>


    Merrick stepped closer, pulling out his phone to open the notes app.


    “Please let me know where you’ll be dining.”


    Laney extended her hand to type it in, but Cliff quickly intervened, turning off Merrick’s phone screen.


    Laney and Merrick stared at Cliff.


    With a neutral expression, Cliff stated, “You can call me directlyter.”


    Merrick was speechless. Frustrated by Cliff’s interference, he watched them leave.


    As they exited, Laney attempted to withdraw her hand.


    Cliff looked back.


    “What’s wrong?”


    Laney murmured, “It’s inappropriate to hold hands like this. People might see.”


    Cliff reassured her, “No one here knows us. It’s just family today. The Fosters aren’ting.”


    Laney persisted, pulling her hand away forcefully.


    “It’s improper for anyone to see. We’re adults and should keep things proper.”


    Cliff fumbled for a retort. For some inexplicable reason, the anger inside him seemed to intensify. He took the flowers from Laney.


    “They’re heavy. Let me carry them.”


    “Thank you,” Laney responded gratefully.


    To Cliff, the roses carried an almost offensive odor. He grimaced.


    “Don’t ept any flowers in the future.”


    Laney, misunderstanding his irritation as impatience from her making him wait, felt a slight pushback.


    g?lnσν????s is your escape to fiction


    “It’s rude to refuse a gift from the audience.”


    “Do you really think he’s merely an audience member?” Cliff challenged.


    “That’s what he told me.”


    “And you just believe everything he says? Have you forgotten all the safety tips I’ve taught you?”


    Laney’s annoyance grew.


    “Why shouldn’t I believe him? He doesn’t seem like a bad person.”


    “Do viins ever confess they’re viins?”


    “How dangerous can a handsome man be, really?”


    A spark of fury lit in Cliff’s eyes.


    “Is that supposed to be some sort of logic?”


    In a defiant tone, Laney said, “All viins are ugly!”


    By the time they reached the car, Cliff’s expression was stormy. Even the roses appeared droopy.


    Gerry leaned out.


    “Cliff, why the flowers? Are they for Juliet? She’s already left.”


    With a strained smile, Laney corrected him.


    “No, Gerry, they were given to me by someone else.”


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