As Dailey reached the last two steps, Linden let go of him.
He flexed his wrist, which had been twisted earlier, and turned to head upstairs.
Linden blocked the staircase, his smile unwavering. "Sir, your date is already here. If I drag you there, youâll lose face."
"..."
Dailey paused for a moment, then turned back down the last two steps and into the living room.
His father was absent, but his grandparents sat on the loveseat, while his mother occupied the long couch, flanked by three people whom Dailey didnât bother to look at closely.
He didnât feel like sitting on the single chair, so he leaned against the staircase instead.
Jayne, with an apologetic smile, got up and pulled Dailey over, seating him beside a young woman.
"This is Serena Sinclair, your grandfatherâs old friendâs granddaughter. You two used to set off fireworks together as kids."
Dailey didnât spare her a glance. "We set off fireworks with all the neighborhood kids."
"And you all wore the same school uniform. What, were you all paired up?"
Jayne lightly slapped Daileyâs shoulder. "Serena has been abroad for a while and just got back. After lunch, why donât you take her around the neighborhood and reminisce a bit?"
Daileyâs face remained impassive. "Mom, if you let me out that door, Iâm not coming back."
He had a history with Christine that Jayne preferred not to discuss, especially in front of the Sinclairs. Even potential in-laws required maintaining appearances.
"Where would you go if not home? Donât joke around."
Dailey said nothing more and stood up to head upstairs.
"Lunch first," Jayne insisted, grabbing his arm.
Dailey shook her off. "Not hungry."
Jayne gritted her teeth. He hadnât eaten since last night, and now skipping lunch was a clear protest.
"Even if youâre not hungry, sit at the table."
Dailey ignored her, continuing upstairs.
Jayne wanted to say more, but Serena stood up. "Aunt Jayne, Iâll take something up to him. We can have a private chat."
Serena chose two. "Iâm quite conscious of my figure, so I avoid overeating."
"You should eat more."
"Being too skinny isnât healthy."
Serena smiled politely but didnât take more, carrying the tray upstairs.
Dailey had locked his door.
He ignored the persistent knocking.
Eventually, Linden picked the lock.
After letting Serena in, he quickly replaced the lock and closed the door.
Dailey disliked strangers invading his personal space.
Serenaâs heavy perfume was another thing he didnât like.
Irritated, he lit a cigarette.
Serena spoke up, "Sorry, I never inhale secondhand smoke."
Dailey ignored her, continuing to smoke.
Serena tried to open a window but found it stuck.
She then attempted to open the door, but it wouldnât budge either.
"I think, even if you oppose this date, you shouldnât be so rude."
Dailey finally spoke, "Who asked you up here?"
Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)
ï¤Chapter 859 His Charming Wife ï¤Chapter 10 Dominant Boss: Call Me Hubby, My Dear ï¤Chapter 250 Finn Shows up Amidst Many Obstructions Serena was unfazed by his coldness.
"I can save you from all these arranged dates. Isnât that reason enough to show me a bit of courtesy?"