51: IT’S NOT MY HABIT TO TOY ANYONE

IT’S NOT MY HABIT TO TOY ANYONE

"Ahh, yes... I told you, they look good together than with Mr. McNaught! And yet you did not believe me. Hmmp!" nanny Tess responded proudly.0

"But I like Mr. McNaught better because he is so gentle and nice and he always smiles." Teri's eyes appeared like that of a puppy. "But what am I curios about is the resemblance between the child–"

"Yeah, yeah! If I haven't known Madam Ingrid, I would not hesitate to think that Mr. Briggs is Clark's father! Their resemblance is insanely - " driver Joe was interrupted by a clearing of the throat from behind them.

"Ahem!" they looked behind, only to be startled when they saw Mr. John Howard standing. "...who are you looking at?"

"Ahh.. nothing, sir." Driver Joe answered instantly. He sweated on his forehead and feared that they might be scolded for snooping around their employer.

Then one by one, they excused themselves, dispersed, then went to their respective chores. John Howard glanced at where the servant was looking at. That he heaved a sigh for what he saw. He could not understand what he feels, but Clifford and Ingrid had something more profound to discover.

As Ingrid's father, he knew his daughter very well. She is not the kind of daughter who is easily distracted but focused on what she is doing despite the unfavorable circumstances. But now? He could only shake his head. He was even so shocked when he saw his grandson and the man's features. How come that Ingrid could not make sense of their resemblance? But how can anyone explain everything when none of them knew about the child's father?

With this thought in mind, he went back to the table and acted as if nothing happened. They waited still for the three to arrive. On the contrary, Lance could no longer hold back his worry, so he stood up and went inside the house. He saw that Ingrid was leaning on the couch, closing her eyes, while Cliff was still sitting on the floor putting a bandage on her foot, and a faint smile could be seen on his lips as if he is so happy with what he is performing. Clark, at the same time, looked admiringly at what Cliff is doing.

"Ingrid, how do you feel now?" in a flash, Lance was already at her side, and Ingrid tried to smile.

"Somehow, okay."

"I know you still can't walk so I'll volunteer to carry you back outside so that you can eat your dinner. We did not eat yet, because we decided to wait for you."

He spoke with full of concern.

"Excuse me, uncle Lance, I think uncle Cliff is the one who will carry my mom back, right uncle Cliff?" the child spoke as if he is in charge of who has the right to carry his mom.

Lance was caught off guard by what the child said.

'Hmm.. how could I get closer to this child?' he mused.

"Clark, let uncle Lance assist me back, because uncle Cliff is already tired and he is our visitor, it isn't nice to bother your visitor, right Clifford?" she said, glaring at Cliff. Silently communicating to him that he should not consent to the child's suggestion.

"I'm not tired and I don't mind to carry you back." Clifford did not heed to what she silently hinted. "...besides, I skipped going to gym lately because of work, so I'll take this as my exercise." He responded without smiling.

"Do you really find it irresistible to toy me, Clifford Briggs?" she retorted.

"Toying? No, I don't think so." Seriousness is seen on his face. "... It's not my habit to toy anyone, Ingrid Howard." He looked straight into her eyes, and both of them sizing up each other.

Ingrid conceded her gaze because she knew she will be defeated...

Again!

Lance was somewhat disappointed with the outcome, but he knew that he has still days to spend his time with before he went back to Vienna together with Ingrid's parents. He resolved that he will be intentional and be more transparent in pursuing Ingrid one of these days. He will no longer hold back, and he will eventually confess his love for her no matter what.

"Alright, alright! I'll let you carry me, but this will be the last time, is it a deal?"

"Hmmm...." Clifford never agreed nor disagreed with her.

Not to let Lance have his chance, he abruptly scooped her up from the couch and carried her back to the gardens where their parents are waiting for them. When they came into view, all of them, Howards and Briggs, stood up and was in awe at what they see in their minds' eyes, and their jaw dropped.

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