"Great! I love that. Gary, cancel my appointments this afternoon. And please call someone to get the carts from Ingrid and deliver it to her house." Ingrid was pleased and gave no sign of protest except that she was puzzled why he should do that.

But she needed to put a good show in front of Vanessa.

"But Cliff why do you have to deliver it home? I was about to go home, it just happened that I saw you that's why I'm here..." she pleasantly objects which makes Vanessa roll her eyes and her urging to pull Ingrid's hair boosts and she clenched her fist.

"Well, since you're here I am asking you to accompany me as we show Vanessa around here in Veanco." Clifford pleaded.

"I am not connected with Veanco..."

"You will be..." his voice seems so firm and sure, "...and besides, I don't want you to misinterpret us..." he said in a whisper and then he sighed. "Someone stole pictures of us and I think it will be a malicious article."

"Oh really?" Ingrid looked at Vanessa with a scheming smile and a naughty idea struck, "I've got an idea and you just have to play along." She said in a low voice.

Ingrid knew that many people will see it what she will about to do, but then she feels like she needed to do something in front of Vanessa and somehow to show Clifford that he also matters to her. She doesn't care anymore what people may say, because for the past few days that she evaded Clifford, she came into realization that she needed to look forward and forget the past. She doesn't know who the real Clifford Briggs inside and out but she said to herself,

'I choose to love once again...'

This will be the beginning and she knew that this will be a rough start, winding in the middle but worth it in the end. The fear in her heart still lingered but she needed to decide.

Ingrid slid her hands to Clifford's hand and clasps it and she smiled sweetly. Clifford was stunned and could not move.

'Is this happening?' Clifford's thoughts are running wild.

"What are you waiting for, Mr. Cliff? Let's start showing Miss Reiley around." She grinned.

Clifford choked and gulped and her gaze transferred from Ingrid and then to their intertwined hands.

'IS SHE FOR REAL? IS THIS FOR REAL?' the woman looked serious and did not bats her eyes, as if it is the most natural thing for her to do.

Clifford cleared his throat trying to get Ingrid's attention and Ingrid looked at him innocently. Seeing that Clifford seemed caught off guard with her actions, she nodded and whispered.

"I told you to play along." She reminded him

He feels strange to be held by a woman like this, while he was itching to fling away Vanessa's hands earlier.

Clifford stared at his woman and wanted to say... 'Can we hold hands like this.... forever?' as if Ingrid understands his stare, she smiled and blushed.

Vanessa is fuming mad that it makes her feel like crying. She's helpless and could not counter attack. She really needs Paul Keller now but Paul could not be reached.

'Grrr! This woman really makes me mad! But I won't let her eat me.' She straighten up her back and walked as if she doesn't care, showing a stern face.

"Mr. Briggs, I think it's not good idea to continue this meeting since there is another party around which I believe you said that you did not hire for this. I demand that you consider some things such as bringing uninvolved party here. This should be an exclusive meeting, right?"

"No, she is no longer 'another party', Miss Reiley, because right now, I already hired her as part of this collaboration, Miss Howard here is the best in her field and we need her here." In that instant he made up his mind that he needed to hire Ingrid in this collaboration, though he has fears that Ingrid and Paul will meet and their progressing relations.h.i.+p will be tested but he knew that sooner or later they will eventually meet.