Chapter 1671

Avery wanted to avoid suspicion, so Mason slowed the car and glanced at her. "Am I really that embarrassing? Do I need to be hidden like some dirty little secret?" He sounded calm, almost amused, without a hint of annoyance. Avery couldn't help but laugh at his words. Turning to look at him, she realized Mason had quite the talent for cracking jokes. His remarks always seemed to catch her off guard. "Mr. Stone, are you mocking me right now?" she asked, grinning. If anyone was "embarrassing," it wasn't him—it was her. Mason was practically flawless. Yet here he was, teasing her with that playful smirk. As Avery finished speaking, Mason pulled the car to the curb and parked. His amusement was clear as he leaned over, lightly brushing his hand across her cheek. "I wouldn't dare," he said, his voice soft. Then, with a gentle chuckle, he reached out and ruffled her hair. "Sometimes you don't think far enough ahead. You should start looking at the bigger picture." Avery didn't