Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 849

"So, what about you?"

"Heh... I've got my eye on the younger Rodriguez daughter! Word is, she's gorgeous, amazing figure, and-most importantly-her grandparents adore her. If I could catch her attention, I'd save myself at least ten years of hard work!"

"Dream on, man. That's the Rodriguez family we're talking about! You? You don't even have an invitation. Stop daydreaming."

"If I'm not worthy, are you?"

"As a matter of fact, I am."

...

Cliff drained the last of his wine, set the glass down, and let his gaze linger on the gold-embossed invitation lying on the coffee table.

"The Rodriguez family sure knows how to put on a show... Let's see what fireworks they have in store."

This time, the Cliffords, the Sherwoods, and the Gibsons were all invited.

Cliff, Murray, and York hadn't been all that interested at first. But lately, rumors about the Rodriguez family had been spreading like wildfire each more outrageous than the last.

Some said Ms. Aberdeen had gone missing and was sold off to some remote village, married off against her will, only to be cast out later for giving birth to a daughter. Others swore Ms. Aberdeen was as beautiful as an angel, and that her daughter was just as stunning-though, apparently, a little slow in the head.

swirling, but not a

more mysterious things became, the

curious. "If I'm right, the birthday gala's tomorrow. You

Murray said, "Depends."

York shrugged. “Not sure."

guys? Did you turn into monks or something? No fun,

leave you two bachelors to make

cards? Are you in or not?"

reason he'd even show up at Neely's birthday tomorrow was out of obligation-a

up. "Deal me in. What are we

"You tell us."

Cliff could answer,

with a sly

to go ask the

aver:

for her number at the gala tomorrow. How

and Murray

"I'm game. Up to you,

couldn't have cared

gala was in full swing, drawing the