"She's the EVP and a trusted person of Mr. Clint Briggs. She's also best in her field as a financial a.n.a.lyst. If Mr. Clifford did not appear, she is already the CEO by now."

"Oh, she must be really good." She remarked.

"Yes, she is the best." Gary then look at them, he admired Ingrid as she was able to handle the character of his boss, without even feel intimidated.

Her strong personality partnered by her brilliance makes her more worthy of his boss admiration.

'Wait, what? My boss is attracted to the EVP?' Gary was now questioning his thoughts.

Vanessa felt uneasy looking at them; she could not contain her feelings anymore upon looking and so not to make her envy obvious, she composed herself before she decided to go.

"I have to go, Gary." She hurriedly stood up and Gary was startled on her abrupt action

"But you didn't eat your lunch yet, Miss Reiley." Gary said with concern.

"Uhh, it's okay. I have another appointment after this. Need to go now."

"I'll accompany you outside." They both went outside, but as they near the door, Vanessa took a glimpse of them and she frowned and clenched her fist. Gary took notice of her appearance.

'Oh! Miss Ingrid, please be aware of this woman.' Gary was in dilemma.

…

When the three of them reached her parents' table, Clark is enjoying his position in Clifford's forearm.

"Clifford!" John Howard exclaimed. "What a surprise…" he could not understand the situation they are in and again, he is wide eyed with Clifford and Clark's resemblance.

His daughter has a lot of explaining to do, later. Subsequently, he stared at Lance apologetically.

"Nice to see you again, Mr. Briggs." Lance spoke at last, this time he lack enthusiasm in saying it moreover Clifford just nodded.

"Join us, Cliff," Rose Howard invited him.

"Mom, I think Mr. Briggs is busy as he is in the middle of closing a deal. Am I right, Mr. Briggs? I-I mean, Cliff?"

The moment he heard his name uttered by Ingrid, it sounds so s.e.xy to him. He smirked and a mischievous idea hit him.

"Oh well, it's a pleasure to eat with you, right Clark?" he smiled at the child and as if the child understand his idea, his head moves up and down. Without second thoughts, he took a seat beside Ingrid whereas Clark is now sitting at his lap.

"Clark, I think you are too much. Move down from Mr. Briggs' lap, right now." Ingrid commanded. But the boy found refuge in the man's chest and tried to hide on it and is unwilling to budge.

"Clark!" she called him again.

"Just let him be, Ingrid." Lance spoke and touched her hands as if he sends signal that she should be considerate of the child. Clifford narrowed his eyes upon seeing Lance gestures.

"What do you want to eat, Cliff?" Rose asks when she felt strange in the atmosphere so she alleviate it by focusing on Clifford.

"I've already ordered, Aunt Rose, it will be served soon." He said politely.

Lance on the other hand purposely touched and held Ingrid's hands to decipher Cliff's action which she observed last night at the party and up till now. He must know to whom he must put a guard on. Lance will not allow anyone to capture Ingrid's attention, so he will do everything in his power to make her his.

...

A moment later, Liane arrived.

"Aunt Rose, Uncle John!" she ran to them and she kissed them both "…I really miss you both."

"We miss you, too, Liane. How are you darling?" Ingrid's mother treated her bestfriend as her own too.

"I am doing fine and I just got married."

"Really? Lucky for you. I wish I was there on your wedding. Also, how I wish you could encourage your bestfriend likewise." Liane grinned.

"I bet she'll get married soon, aunt Rose." She said with a mysterious smile.

"Oh, you mean she has a boyfriend now?" John Howard asks.

"Not yet, uncle, but sooner, they will be in a relations.h.i.+p if my bestfriend here won't be so dense." She then took a glance to her bestfriend and Clifford.