?<strong>Chapter 1246:</strong>


    Merrick smiled, his tone softening.


    “If I’d sent someone, I wouldn’t have gotten to see you.”


    His candid remark caught Laney off guard, making her blush. Merrick immediately regretted it. He was so used to flirting that he forgot it might scare her off.


    “You should finish your dinner. But when you’re free, how about you treat me to a meal as thanks?”


    Laney, trying topose herself, nodded.


    Before leaving, Merrick saved his number in her phone, leaning closer to catch her faint, familiar scent.


    Cliff, who had been observing the exchange, felt his jaw tighten. As Merrick leaned in, it almost looked like they might kiss, sending a wave of fury through him.


    But Laney turned away just in time, saying goodbye and walking back to the table. Her gaze instinctively found Cliff, who sat motionless, his emotions carefully masked.


    Once seated, Laney’s phone buzzed with new messages.


    Out of the corner of his eye, Cliff noticed she had added Merrick as a contact.


    Their conversation seemed light but lively, judging by the faint smile on Laney’s lips.


    For the first time, Cliff found his sharp eyesight annoying. He clearly made out Merrick’s yful nickname for her—Little Swan, followed by a swan emoji.


    As the buzzing continued, Laney sensed the shift in Cliff’s mood. She nced up to see his expression dark and unreadable. Feeling self-conscious, she muted her phone and shifted slightly away from Cliff, hoping not to disturb his meal.


    Cliff broke the silence, his voice sharp.


    Your story source galnov??????c?m


    “Not eating anymore? Is your phone that entertaining?”


    Laney blinked.


    “I’m full, Cliff.”


    “You’ve barely eaten,” Cliff shot back, taking her phone and cing it face down on the table.


    “Finish your meal first. Only after that can you check your messages.”


    On the way back, Madison couldn’t resist probing.


    “Laney, are you seeing Merrick Acosta?”


    Caught off guard, Laney stammered, “No, we just met today.”


    “Just met, and he’s already smitten,” Madison teased with a knowing smile.


    “That boy likes you, Laney.”


    Laney’s cheeks turned crimson.


    “That’s impossible. We’ve only spoken briefly.”


    Cliff watched her ears flush—a telltale sign of her embarrassment. He knew just how sensitive she was. Her ears would always redden when he touched or kissed her, something he cherished privately. But now, they were red because of Merrick.


    Irritated, Cliff interjected, “Mom, don’t start matchmaking. Merrick’s a yboy. Laney can’t handle him.”


    Madison raised an eyebrow.


    “What do you know, Cliff? I held Merrick as a baby. I know what kind of person he is.”


    .


    .


    .