âIâm sorry, Mr. Kelly. Your father specifically instructed us not to accommodate you.â
Bobby scoffed, his face hardening.
âIâm already here. Youâre more afraid of him than you are of me?â
The manager reluctantly began processing the renewal of Bobbyâs presidential suite. But when Bobby handed him a card, the manager frowned apologetically.
âThis card has been frozen.â
âWhat?â Bobby pulled out another card and thrust it at the manager.
âTry this one.â
âThis card is frozen too.â
Check gⱯlnÏvðâsâ¤cøm for more chapters Bobby didnât need to hear more; it was clear his father was pulling all the stops to force him back home for yet another matchmaking attempt.
Standing in the lobby, Bobby weighed his options when he noticed a familiar figure trying to slip past him.
âFannie, get over here!â
Fannie winced, hoping sheâd make it out unnoticed. But her hopes faded when he called her name. She walked over reluctantly, eyeing him with mild annoyance.
âIf youâre thinking of borrowing money, donât.â
A flash of embarrassment crossed Bobbyâs face.
âWho said anything about borrowing money? I just need a place to stay for the night.â
âWhat?â Fannie was startled. Sheâd just recently moved out of her parentsâ place, but bringing a man homeâeven for one nightâwas not exactly part of her plan. What if her parents found out? But then again, this was Bobby. Maybe it wasnât such a big deal, considering their past.
Fannie asked, âDonât you have any place to stay?â
Bobby scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.
âMy dad sold them all.â
âWhat about your friends?â
âTheyâre all married. Do you really think itâs appropriate for me to stay with them?â
Shawn watched him like a hawk. Staying at his place would practically be a death sentence.
Fannie still looked hesitant, glancing at him as if sizing him up. Bobby noticed her doubtful gaze and raised an eyebrow.
âHey, youâre not seriously thinking Iâd try something, are you?â
Fannie swallowed, wondering if she should install a chain lock on her bedroom door for the night.
âHonestly, youâre such a tightwad,â Bobby grumbled, already resigning himself to a night on the streets.
But Fannieâs instinct to help kicked in, overriding her doubts.
âFine! Come with me.â
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