Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 687 Under the silver glow of the moon, the chill of the night air was pierced by howling winds.

Yet inside the bar, it was as warm as a midsummer night-

Cliff had organized a poker night, and the atmosphere was electric with excitement.

"Pair of twos, I win! Ha, your Ferrari is now mine!"

"No fair, you're cheating! Let's go another round!"

"Come on, don't be a sore loser! Alright, I'll give you another chance. But if I win again, your house in Cedar Grove Estates is mine too."

"You're on!"

It was just a car and a house, not like they couldn't afford to lose them!

Cliff wasn't betting; he was just enjoying the show. As one round ended, he glanced back and noticed Murray sitting alone on the couch, nursing a drink.

"Hey, why the long face? They're betting big tonight. Don't you want to join in?"

Murray looked disinterested: "You guys go ahead."

he reached for the bottle again, he treated a fine vintage of Lafite like it was nothing

but decided to leave him be and

face, Murray continued to pour himself another drink when suddenly his phone

It was Grace.

remembering the times she had gone out of her way to help, he

paused for a moment, likely guessing he was at a bar. She didn't pry, only wanting to

lethargic, as if nothing could catch his interest: "Sorry, I've got a client meeting

she was unfazed, which is exactly what Murray expected from

couldn't help wanting to say something

"Didn't you say you

was quite a

so?" he asked,

the botanical garden and the exam

to stay overnight at the base.

collect

her tone remained steady: "Yes, all ten basic plant specimens

of interest and didn't

quickly said "goodbye" before he could hang up,