?<strong>Chapter 1265:</strong>


    Cliff finally released a sigh of relief. Laney’s awkward fumbling with the new lock earlier betrayed that this was a recently acquired residence. The fact that she hadn’t invited Merrick inside at this hour suggested she lived alone. They weren’t living together after all—her previous words had been nothing more than bait to provoke him.


    Relief washed over Cliff, followed immediately by self-derision. Here he was, approaching thirty, skulking in darkened hallways like a lovesick teenager, tracking Laney’s every movement. He couldn’t even rationalize his own behavior. The irony wasn’t lost on him—when she had harbored feelings for him, he’d pushed her away. Now that he’d wounded her deeply and she’d turned to another, jealousy gnawed at his heart.


    After lingering in the shadows a moment longer, Cliff descended silently to his car. Recalling her pallidplexion from earlier, he suspected she hadn’t eaten. He ced an order at her favorite restaurant and contacted Gerry for the delivery.


    Gerryined over the phone, “I asked for the address, but Laney won’t share it.”


    Cliff responded by sending a money transfer.


    “Find a way.”


    Gerry replied resolutely, “Food will be at her doorstep within thirty minutes.”


    Persistence was Gerry’s forte, and it served him well.


    Without much effort, Gerry managed to secure Laney’s address and deliver the meal she hadn’t asked for. The moment Laney opened the door, familiar aromas wafted through the air, stirring memories of her time with Cliff. Her eyes clouded with emotion.


    “Thank you, Gerry. Would you like toe in for a moment?” she offered.


    Gerry shook his head, knowing he needed to report back to Cliff promptly. As Cliff’s brother, his loyalties were clear.


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    “Laney, please eat well. It tears Cliff apart to see you like this.”


    His words caught her off guard, but she managed a slight nod. Something in her demeanor made Gerry reconsider.


    “On second thought, I’ll stay until you’ve eaten something.”


    She looked as delicate as morning frost, and he doubted she’d touch the food once he left. Perhaps his presence would encourage her to take a few bites.


    Not wanting to fuel anyone’s concerns, Laney forced herself to eat.


    When half the bowl was empty, Gerry discreetly captured the moment with his phone. He then revealed, “Actually, Cliff bought this meal. He asked me to deliver it, worried you might reject iting from him while you’re still upset.”


    Laney wasn’t surprised. It was quintessentially Cliff—never letting their disputes interfere with his protective nature.


    “Please convey my thanks,” she murmured, her voice somehow distant.


    An ufortable weight settled in Gerry’s chest.


    “Is there any hope for reconciliation between you two?”


    “He will always be my cousin,” Laney replied, her tone final as a closing door.


    Back at Cliff’s car, Gerry disyed the photo and ryed Laney’s message.


    “Well, there you have it,” Gerry remarked, giving Cliff’s shoulder a knowing pat.


    “You’ve sessfully untangled yourself from what you imed was such a burden.”


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