At his words, Bettie shot Lance a glare out of embarrassment.

“If you want to know, just speak up. No need to hide," Lance said, glancing her way, adjusting his glasses. “I'm just trying to satisfy your curiosity."

“Nah, like I'd care about that little thing of yours." Bettie snorted, shifting gears. “Hey, did you pick up Taekwondo when you were overseas? You handled those goons real quick the other day."

Back in high school, Lance was kinda skinny. Now, he was lean but the way he gripped the wheel, and his shirt folded showing his muscles, it was clear he had buffed up a bit.

"Yeah." Lance nodded. "You're dodging the topic clumsily. You're obviously curious. What? Afraid to take a peek?"

Reverse psychology. Bettie snorted. No way she would fall for it.

"Who said I was afraid? I'm just not interested," Bettie fired back.

“I doubt your words. Didn't think you'd turn so timid. Remember back then, you were the one dragging me to watch those videos. And you'd chat about them like it was nothing," Lance replied.

Thinking about those times, Bettie blurted out, her ears turning red, “Fine! Show me you're ready. It won't do me any harm, anyway.”

She glanced out the window. “No biggie, right? If you aren't worried about being called small and short, why should I be hesitant?"

"Small and short?" Lance raised an eyebrow. "After all this time, seems like your standards changed. Who was it again that used to praise me endlessly?"

"I was young and clueless then."

"Really? Because I recall you sending me a bunch of links of those videos back then..."

"Zip it."

At Bettie's parents’ place.

Corless got wind of Lance splurging on a villa for Bettie. Impressed by Lance's capabilities and how he saved up so quick while being a good man, Corless warmed up even more to him.

But when Lance proposed holding the wedding next month, Corless was taken aback, "Next month? That seems hasty."

"We're just letting you know, not asking for your opinion," Bettie said with a detached tone.

"Bettie." Lance took the softer approach, shooting Bettie a look before turning to Corless with a smile. "Mr. Ramirez, don't be upset. Let me explain..."

Lance laid out a well-thought-out explanation to Corless.