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.

kept swirling, but not a single photo ever

more mysterious things became, the more

help but get curious. "If I'm right,

Murray said, "Depends."

York shrugged. “Not sure."

up with you guys? Did you turn into monks or something? No

hands and grinned. "Hey, I've got a girlfriend now. I'll leave you two bachelors to make fools of yourselves-especially you, Cliff. Try not to get

supposed to be playing cards? Are you in or not?" Murray cut in,

nothing interested Murray these days except Roseanne. The only reason he'd even show

"Deal me in. What are

"You tell us."

Cliff could

in with a

go ask the

aver:

her number at the gala tomorrow.

and Murray

an eyebrow. "I'm game. Up to you,

have cared less. "Fine by

was in full swing, drawing