?<strong>Chapter 1287:</strong>


    When Laney entered, Merrick looked up and greeted her cheerfully, “Laney,e here. I have something to tell you.”


    Laney smiled politely and poured him a ss of water. Merrick leaned forward and said, “Bring it closer.”


    As Merrick continued focusing on the game, Laney extended the ss toward him. Just as it was about to reach his lips, the ss was suddenly yanked away. Merrick looked up in surprise at Cliff, who had appeared without warning.


    Cliff stepped in, taking Laney’s ce and offering the ss to Merrick.


    “Here, open up,” he said.


    Merrick paused, momentarily taken aback.


    “Thanks, but I just lost my thirst.”


    It was clear that Cliff wasn’t too keen on Merrick’s presence. He found him increasingly annoying.


    “Did youe with an urgent matter?” Cliff asked, his tone sharp.


    “If not, I’ll have the driver take you home. We’re about to sit down for dinner.”


    Merrick’s lips curled into a slight smile.


    “Actually, it is somewhat urgent. My mother sent me to ask Laney if we should set the wedding date for next year.”


    The atmosphere in the dining room was unusually quiet. After a long silence, Madison finally spoke up.


    “Merrick, have you two talked about it?” she asked.


    Merrick’s visit today, gifts in hand, had mostly been for the purpose of meeting with Madison and Phillip. The wedding required a formal discussion between the families, but he had nned to speak with Laney first.


    Merrick replied, “Madison, there’s no rush. My mother just worries that someone might snatch Laney away because she’s so wonderful.”


    Madison chuckled inwardly, thinking to herself, It would take a miracle worker to snatch her from my son.


    Turning to Laney, Madison asked, “Laney, what are your thoughts?”


    Laney felt no real pressure. She knew that her rtionship with Merrick wouldn’tst—she could end things whenever she wanted. Her mind was more upied with Cliff.


    “I have no objections,” she replied, giving a neutral smile.


    “Merrick is wonderful. I’m sure I’d be happy if I married him.”


    Madison’s face shed with a hint of annoyance. She quickly nced at Cliff, who remained calm, deliberately avoiding eye contact.


    Cliff continued eating in silence, his expression unreadable.


    After dinner, Laney left with Merrick. As the car window rolled up, she could feel Cliff’s intense gaze on her—powerful,manding, and prating. She wasn’t sure what frightened her, but she couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes.


    Once the car pulled away, Merrick couldn’t hide his surprise.


    “You actually agreed? Do you really n to marry me?”


    Laney felt a weight in her chest and answered, her voice t, “No, we’re not getting married. I just said yes to keep the peace.”


    “Then I’ll let my mom know to drop the idea.”


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