Chapter 1139:

The clock neared midnight, yet the lights at the Hopkins residence still shone brightly.

Laney Collins sat apart, deep in thought, her gaze fixed on the untouched feast. Today marked Cliff’s birthday. She had left work early to hurry home and assist the private chef in preparing a celebratory meal. However, Laney ended up waiting eight hours in vain.

Holding onto a sliver of hope, Laney gave it another half hour before finally standing up to clear away the now-cold food. Cliff, with his extensive social circle and countless friends, was probably enjoying himself elsewhere. Why would he think of her?

Just as Laney reached for the cake, a sound at the entrance caught her attention. Her heart clenched as she turned around.

Cliff entered, his attire simple but sharp—a white shirt and trousers that highlighted his affluent aura.

At first, he mistook her for Madison, but recognizing Laney, his expression slightly hardened. “Why aren’t you asleep

her heart despite the chill of his

birthday today. I wanted to share a meal

tell you I was

the Hopkins’ elders abroad, her

never ate leftovers, a fact he accepted without a second thought. Observing her delicate hands, unused to labor, he said, “I’ll have the housekeeper clean

his presence. What else could she do? She was drawn to him. She tentatively pushed the cake box toward him. “Cliff, I made this.

at the cake, frowning. “Why did you put a

Laney inspected the cake closely. The cream, overly lemony, had begun to melt, and the fruit pieces inside resembled potatoes, causing

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