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.

not a single photo

course, the more mysterious things became, the more

get curious. "If I'm

Murray said, "Depends."

York shrugged. “Not sure."

with you guys? Did you turn into

hands and grinned. "Hey, I've got a girlfriend now. I'll leave you two bachelors to make fools

we supposed to be playing cards? Are you in or not?"

only reason he'd even show up at Neely's birthday tomorrow was

me in. What are we

"You tell us."

Cliff could

a

to go ask

aver:

at the gala tomorrow. How about

Murray

"I'm game.

couldn't have cared

the birthday gala was in full swing,