Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 268

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Technically, Julie had done a smart thing. So, when Julie and Kieran presented the cup to Payne Hernandez, even Payne couldn’t help but praise Julie, “I apologize, dear sister-in-law I swear, we common folks could never match your cleverness.”

Julie gave him a crooked smile, “Better not apologize, it would make it awkward for me to tease you in the future,”

Payne was speechless.

For Payne, fingerprint comparison was a simple task, so Kieran and Julie sat nearby waiting for the results.

Payne’s study was grand and technologically advanced, filled with high-tech equipment and a large collection of gaming devices. The only outliers in the room were… the claw machine and whack-a-mole game near the corner.

Julie’s gaze had landed on those two machines, seemingly very interested.

Kieran moved closer, whispering in her ear, “He had the happiest childhood.”

Payne’s parents were loving, and he was the only child. After his birth, his mother was diagnosed with ovarian cysts, and both of her fallopian tubes were removed. Yet, Payne’s father didn’t love his wife any less for it.

His family was harmonious, and according to Payne himself, his mother was the most cherished person in his family, while he was the least favored. His home was unlike those of the aristocrats, free of conflicts and disputes.

Julie pointed at the claw machine, asking Kieran, “Is Payne still interested in this?”

“Huh!” Payne looked at Julie, “Do I look like the kind of guy who would play with a claw machine?”

Julie couldn’t help but chuckle at Payne’s self-description. She asked, “Then how did this machine end up here?”

“My mom always wanted a little princess. When she was pregnant with me, she thought I was a girl because I was so quiet in her womb. She spotted a claw machine on the street and tried to win a Hellokitty for me, but she failed. My father couldn’t bear to see her disappointed, so he bought the machine for her to play at home. I grew up watching my parents’ sweet moments, believe it or not.”

Julie believed him, given his pitiful expression.

Kieran moved closer to Julie again, whispering, “After his birth, his mother wished she could shove him right back in her womb. During his middle school years, his mother asked him why he was so quiet in her womb despite being a boy. Do you know what he said?”

“What did he say?” Julie was curious about others’ stories.

Payne turned his head and proudly said, “Guess.”

but directly said, “He said it was because he didn’t know his mother had bought a box of Hello Kitty for

Julie burst into laughter. No wonder Payne always claimed to be a man’s man – he must have

Payne’s displeasure. He turned his head and glared at Julie. Julie surrendered and gave Payne a smile

have a coin?” she

tray next to them, filled with coins. Julie excitedly put a coin into the machine and grabbed the joystick, but she failed

know how to play?” she asked him.

reply was straightforward,

who could shoot. No, they’re even cooler because they’re

moved behind her

blushed a little and nodded.

turned

Julie was speechless.

more romantic?” Julie gave him a wry smit

asked, “Isn’t it romantic to unlock the machine and let you pick any-toy

pitiful look and said, “No,

you’re calling my dad rich.” Payne’s

Payne, who

covered hers. She turned to look at Kieran in surprise, only to find him bending down to kiss her forehead. She stared at

this romantic enough for you?” His voice was low

claw machine,

Julie hadn’t pressed the release button, so it automatically descended and came

:

Kieran’s arm, indicating that she was ready to give up, but he said to her, “If you set your mind on

put another

hand, guiding her movements. But after

just hand

it’s not really

one you want?” The man asked confidently, his gaze steady on

box, filled with identical toys. And Mr. Hernandez was asking her to choose one? It seemed that Mr. Hernandez might be a little too enthusiastic about the claw

one

face close to her lips, saying, “A kiss for

to Kieran, “You’re luckier. It’d be more effective if you kissed

kiss.” He leaned