A deep crease formed between Clifford’s brows. Before he could say a word, Tiffany suddenly spun around and bolted up the stairs. She looked as if she were about to jump.
“Tiffany Sinclair!” he barked.
She stood at the edge of the second–floor landing, tears streaming down her face. “Tell me the truth, Cliff! Have you fallen for Lilibeth? If you have, I swear I’ll jump!”
And with that, she looked ready to leap.
Clifford’s pupils constricted, and his voice sharpened as he yelled, “Stop making a scene, Tiffany!”
“Then promise me! Say you’ll be with me! If you don’t, I’ll jump!” she cried out.
A dull ache throbbed in Clifford’s temples. Ultimately, he shut his eyes and gave in. “Fine. I’ll do whatever you want.
Instantly, Tiffany’s face broke into a grin. She rushed down the stairs, then threw herself into his arms. “You’re finally mine, Cliff!” she squealed.
Clifford wrapped his arms around her, yet he didn’t feel the slightest hint of joy.
Joel, standing nearby, hesitated before speaking. Mr. Sinclair, should I still… contact Ms. Quimby?”
Tiffany’s head snapped up at that question. She glared at him and spat, “What for? You heard him. She was just a tool. Whatever happens to her isn’t his concern anymore. If you call her, I’ll make sure he fires you!”
Joel’s gaze shifted to Clifford, his expression complicated.
Yet, Clifford simply closed his eyes. After a beat, he motioned for Joel to leave.
With a sigh, Joel stepped out of the villa. He wanted to say something, but he didn’t have the nerve to do it. All he could do was silently hope Clifford wouldn’t regret this.
Over the next few days, Tiffany followed Clifford everywhere, sticking to him like a shadow.
She dragged him shopping, pointing out the most expensive bag on display. The moment she pouted and said she wanted it, he bought it for her.
She also insisted on trying every trendy new restaurant in town. Even when there was a two- hour wait, he stood in line with her without complaint.
One afternoon, Tiffany suddenly declared that she wanted to go to the amusement park. So,
Clifford canceled his meetings and rode the carousel with her.
She wanted him to treat her like a lovestruck boyfriend, willing to give her anything.
And that was what he did. He gave in to every demand and spoiled her rotten.
If Tiffany had asked for the stars, Clifford would have reached for the sky. If she had wanted. the moon, he would have bought her the entire planetarium.
But through it all, his eyes remained devoid of warmth.
That day, they were dining at a romantic restaurant. Halfway through the meal, Clifford stepped outside to take a call.
Meanwhile, Tiffany had just finished her dessert. She was about to leave when she bumped into a classmate, Grace Kerr.
“Tiff! What a coincidence!” Grace squealed.
She couldn’t help peeking past Tiffany and asking, “Who’s that guy? He’s hot!”
“That’s my brother,” Tiffany replied, lifting her chin proudly.
Grace gasped and dramatically covered her mouth. “He’s your brother? He’s so sweet to you! I was watching you two earlier. He did everything for you–even peeling your shrimp.”
Tiffany bearned at the praise, her smile widening with each compliment.
are like he
Grace kept gushing. “And the way he looked at you wasn’t brotherly at all. It’s more was looking at a girlfriend. You two aren’t…”
In an instant, Tiffany’s smile faltered. Her voice grew stiff as she interjected, “Don’t be ridiculous. He’s my biological brother.”
Grace froze momentarily, then let out an awkward laugh. “I see. Sorry about that.”
As she walked away, Tiffany turned back, only to see Clifford a few steps away. Right then, he was staring at her with an indifferent expression
A wave of panic hit Tiffany. Even so, she forced a smile and hurried over. “Done with your call?
Clifford glanced down at her and gave a soft hum in response.
“Did you hear anything just now?” she asked tentatively.
“Was there something I should’ve heard?”
A faint smile tugged at Clifford’s lips as he spoke, while his gaze was tender and doting.
Tiffany let out a breath of relief and slipped back into her flirtatious tone. “It’s nothing.
Chapter 12
Anyway, we’re done here. Let’s go.”
With that, Clifford reached for her hand. However, she instinctively pulled back.
“wait until we’re in the car. There are too many people around,” she said with a
nervous chuckle.
Clifford said nothing. Instead, he simply withdrew his hand and walked ahead. Just before getting into the car, he turned to glance back at the restaurant.
Tiffany followed his gaze and asked in confusion, “What are you looking at, Cliff?”
He was silent for a beat, then replied flatly, “Nothing.”
In truth, Clifford was thinking about the day this place had first opened. Lilibeth had begged him to come, but he had shown up two hours late
ven worn the
By the time he had arrived, she had already ordered a table full of food. She had even dress he had once told her she looked beautiful in.
When he had walked in, Lilibeth’s face had lit up with excitement. It was like he was her entire
world.
“Cliff?”
Tiffany’s voice broke through Clifford’s thoughts. He withdrew his gaze and got into the car.
That evening, Clifford and Tiffany went to the Sinclair residence for dinner.
Their parents, Albert Sinclair and Daphne Watson, were still unaware of Clifford’s divorce. When they noticed Lilibeth wasn’t there, Albert asked casually, “Where’s Beth? Why didn’t she
come?”
Before Clifford could get a word in, Tiffany answered for him. “She had something to take care of, so she couldn’t make it today.
Albert nodded, then turned to her, saying, “Tiff, you’re not getting any younger. It’s time to settle down. I’ve picked out a few suitors for you. You should meet them sometime.”
“Sure, Dad. I’ll do whatever you say,” Tiffany obediently agreed.
Under the table, she gently squeezed Clifford’s hand. It was as if she were offering a quiet reassurance. Clifford glanced down but stayed silent.
On the way back to the villa, Tiffany cooed, “Don’t be mad about what Dad said, okay? I only agreed to ease his mind.”
Clifford merely let out a quiet hum, his expression calm.
Chap 12
Later that night, fresh out of the shower, Clifford pulled back the covers to get in bed. To his surprise, Tiffany was lying there, clad in nothing but a silk nightgown.
Chapter 13
Chapter 13
