Dailey gently propped a pillow behind her back and asked in a soothing voice, "What would you like to eat? I can have someone prepare it for you."
Christine glared at him, "Get out!"
Dailey took her hand in his, "There's a party tomorrow. Come with me."
"…"
Christine pulled her hand back and replied coldly, "You're out of your mind."
"Yes, I'm love-sick."
"…"
Christine raised her hand, ready to slap him. "Leave!"
Dailey easily caught her wrist, smiling all the while.
Christine thought he was completely insane and decided she'd better make a run for it. But as soon as she lifted the covers, a cold breeze hit her, and she quickly snuggled back under.
"Turn around!" she demanded.
Dailey's eyes roved over her, "What are you hiding?"
"I…"
Christine slapped her hand over his mouth, "Stop being such a creep."
Dailey held her hand gently, "The party tomorrow is related to why you're here on business. Are you sure you won't go?"
"How do you know why I'm here?"
Dailey didn't answer, just gave her a knowing look.
Christine realized her question was foolish. Even if Cliffside Town wasn't his territory, finding out her purpose here would be easy for him.
"What have you done with Duke Northwood?"
Dailey's smile faded, and his voice turned cold. "You don't need to see him again. I'll handle the heritage business for you."
"I don't need your help. I can manage my own affairs."
Dailey simply replied, "Let's eat first. We can argue once you're full."
"…"
Christine felt like she was back to square one with him—when he was as stubborn as a mule.
Her stomach growled, betraying her.
Dailey pulled her to a sitting position, pretending to check on her.
Christine panicked, realizing she wasn't wearing anything.
"You—you—you, get away!"
Dailey calmly covered her with the blanket, "I'll go buy some medicine. If you don’t tell me what you want to eat, I’ll just pick something. But if you don’t eat it, I’ll make sure you do."
Christine was known for her laid-back attitude and was usually quite open about things, but given that she and Dailey were exes, the situation was incredibly awkward.
Yet she knew Dailey meant what he said.
"Pasta."
Satisfied, Dailey left.
Christine seized the opportunity to get dressed, grabbed her suitcase, and tried to make a quick escape.
But Finn blocked her at the door.
Christine leaned against the doorframe, her voice heavy with irony, "Where were you when Dailey was drugged just now?"
Finn, half-jokingly, explained, "After the Serena incident, Dailey's biggest rival, The Warrens, took advantage of the situation. Now, Dailey's walking a dangerous path. It's not just The Warrens; many have their eyes on him, and Cliffside Town isn't his turf—it's hard to prevent being ambushed."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)