Chapter: 1709

And there was nothing friendly about that stare.

The mysterious man melted into the crowd the instant he locked eyes with Laney.

Before Laney could process what she'd witnessed, a ripple of excitement coursed through the spectators. Her attention snapped to its source-a sleek black sports car, with Cliff at the wheel. Through the lowered windows, his sculpted features stood in sharp relief against the overcast sky. Her heart thundered against her ribcage, threatening to burst.

Cliff's mere presence transformed the atmosphere. His magnetic appeal and aristocratic bearing drew all eyes, yet he remained perfectly composed, his intense gaze seeking out only Laney in the crowd.

“Since when does Cliff race?" Merrick's jaw dropped. “This is news to me,"