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.”

said, “He said it was because he didn’t know his mother had bought a

in the machine, and Julie burst into laughter. No wonder Payne always claimed to be a man’s man – he

had already provoked Payne’s displeasure. He turned his head and glared at Julie. Julie surrendered

have a coin?” she asked.

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

to play?”

reply was straightforward,

think that men who could win at this game were as cool as those who could shoot. No, they’re even cooler because they’re more thoughtful.” She put another coin

Kieran moved behind her and asked softly in

little

key?” Kieran turned to

Julie was speechless.

Hernandez, can’t you be a bit more

it romantic to unlock the machine

a pitiful look and said, “No, Mr.

dad rich.” Payne’s voice came from the

and glared at Payne, who promptly

joystick, a warm hand suddenly covered hers. She turned to look at Kieran

for you?” His voice was low and deep, like a cello’s resonance.

turned back to the claw machine, her face feeling

pressed the release

:

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

he put another

hand, guiding her movements. But after several attempts, they still hadn’t won.

Payne, trying to suppress her laughter, “Payne, just hand over the

“Honey, it’s not really a necessity, you

you want?” The man asked confidently, his gaze

filled with identical toys. And Mr. Hernandez was asking her to choose one? It seemed that Mr.

pointed at one and said, “This

man suddenly leaned in, his face close to her lips, saying, “A kiss for luck.”

said to Kieran, “You’re luckier. It’d be

a kiss.” He leaned in closer.