Chapter: 1694

Cliff leaned casually against the staircase railing, his voice calm yet pointed. "If you leave now, how am I supposed to explain it to my parents?"

Laney didn't hesitate. "I'll let them know I'm fine once I get to the theater."

He tilted his head, his expression unreadable. "They told me to take good care of you. If I let you leave, they‘re going to think I failed. Do you really want my relationship with them to sour over this?”

Laney blinked, confused. "The consequences couldn't be that serious..."

Cliff gave her a measured look, his tone turning slightly playful.