Seeing Ynda''s hesitation, Remington gave her an encouraging nod.


    As soon as Ynda heard that Ste and Margaret Miller were going, she quickly grabbed the invitation from his hand.


    "Well, I suppose I can make an exception this time."


    She felt a little cheeky saying that, but nheless, she waved the invitation in the


    air and added, “Thanks for this. And for today, too. I really appreciate Mr. Dashiell''s help."


    Remington nodded slightly, not saying much more, just adding, "If Cassius gives you any more trouble, just have Liz give me a shout."


    Ynda bit her tongue gently, trying to keep her wits about her.


    Ynda, how can you let yourself be swayed by small gestures like this?


    But why did Badass Remington seem so genuine?


    Oh boy, she must still be tipsy.


    Feeling she was on the brink of losingposure, Ynda closed her eyes, opting out of further conversation.


    After dropping Ynda off at her house, Remington drove Lizetta back to Maple Cottage. The evening sky of Zion City darkened early this time of year, and with the weather shifting, clouds gathered ominously overhead.


    By the time the car pulled up to Maple Cottage, the garden lights were already casting their warm glow. Lizetta stepped out of the car, and Remington, who had gotten out first, opened arge ck umbre to shield them from the light drizzle that began to fall.


    Under the shadow of the umbre, he looked down at her with soft eyes and said, “It''s starting to rain. Why don''t I keep Vivi in my car for now? I''ll bring her back to you another day so she doesn''t get wet."


    Vivi, of course, was the teddy bear lounging in the backseat.


    Lizetta found his excuse amusing-did he really think he was being subtle about wanting to see her again?


    Yet, perhaps because of the way his eyes seemed to draw her in under the dim light, she yed along and nodded. "Alright, I''ll see youter then."


    She reached out to take the umbre from him.


    Remington hesitated, reluctant to let go, and they stood there, both holding the umbre, when footsteps approached from the house.


    "Liz, you''re back! Don''t stand out here and catch a cold."


    The warm, pleasant voice belonged to Jerome, who hade out with his own umbre upon hearing themotion. Tall andposed, he reached them quickly and raised his umbre Higher, nodding politely to Remington.


    "Thank you, Mr. Dashiell, for taking the time to bring Liz back."


    Remington''s good mood soured slightly upon seeing Jerome step out of the house. The thought of Lizetta now living under the same roof with Jerome, much like they once did, felt like a thorn in his side.


    Especially with Jerome speaking in that house-master tone.


    It was too much of a challenge.


    Remington tightened his grip on the umbre handle, subtly covering Lizetta''s hand with his own, and responded to Jerome, “Mr. Madden, if you''re truly grateful, perhaps you could invite me in for dinner ''ve been running around with Liz alluday and haven''t had a bite to eat. I''m starving."


    Seeing Jerome''s smile fade slightly, Remington couldn''t resist adding, "You wouldn''t just offer empty words of thanks, would you? Surely, you could spare a meal?"


    Jerome was momentarily at a loss, unable to refuse such a well-justified request in front of Lizetta.