Chapter 19
Steven stepped in with a friendly smile to lighten the mood.
“Miss Sanders, sorry for showing up unannounced,” the tall, refined man greeted Sarah with a polite nod, a flash of mischief
glinting in his eyes. (1
“Hello, Miss Sanders,” Mia added, her gaze bright as she looked at the graceful woman before her. “I’m Mia Reynolds. ”
Sarah took in the sight of the sweet, lively young girl and immediately understood.
“Hello, please come in,” Sarah said, stepping aside to let them enter.
“You guys chat! I’ll get started on dinner.” Steven, carrying several bags of groceries, headed straight for the kitchen as if he
owned the place.
Sarah moved to stop him, but Scarlett blocked her path.
“Hey, Chef, we know you’re talented, but Sarah’s hosting today! No need for you to cook–we’re having hotpot. I already bought
everything we need.”
Scarlett was quite the foodie, and her compliment about Steven’s cooking was genuine–she still remembered the taste of his
barbecue game bird from last time.
Hearing they were having hot pot, Steven cast a hesitant look at Zachary. Hot pot wasn’t exactly ideal for someone with a severe aversion to strong smells, especially since the scent tended to cling to clothes. D
But to his surprise, Zachary smiled, his attention fixed on Sarah. “Perfect. I’m happy to try something new.”
Steven blinked in disbelief. This was definitely a first.
Soon, the hot pot was bubbling, filling the room with a cozy, homely warmth. The group gathered around the table, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
“Oh, by the way,” Scarlett said, raising her juice glass with a playful look at both Zachary and Sarah, “I didn’t get a chance to thank you properly for taking Sarah to the hospital that day. What a coincidence, running into you here! I know Steven, but I didn’t catch your name.”
Zachary offered her a polite smile. “Zachary Reynolds.”
Scarlett nearly choked on her juice. “Zachary Reynolds?” Wasn’t he the infamous real estate mogul of the Reynolds family,
known for his ruthless decisiveness?
She stared at the composed, gentlemanly man before her, struggling to reconcile this image with the domineering figure she’d
heard about. And how on earth did he and Sarah know each other?
She threw a questioning glance at Sarah.
1/2
So did Mia, the young girl at Zachary’s side, her eyes wide and curious. Her gaze sparkled with interest–her “Third Brother” never had female friends, and yet he’d brought her here to meet one. She couldn’t help but wonder.
Sarah, not missing a beat, took a bite and met Mia’s gaze with a calm smile. But she wasn’t about to reveal that Zachary had come
to her for Mia’s treatment. T
After swallowing her food, she replied, “We met by chance.”
“Well, Miss Sanders must be a very special person, then,” Mia said, her voice as sweet as her smile. “My brother never has female
friends–really, you might be his first.” 10
Friends?
Sarah hesitated briefly. She hadn’t considered Zachary a friend. In fact, this was only their third meeting, so “friends” seemed a
stretch.
“Miss Sanders truly is a wonderful person,” Zachary said with subtle emphasis, placing a slice of cooked beef tripe into Mia’s bowl and then adding another piece to Sarah’s. “You’re too thin, Miss Sanders. You should eat more.”
The three others at the table exchanged knowing glances.
Sarah wasn’t oblivious; she felt a bit embarrassed, unsure what to make of the man in front of her. His attitude toward her seemed warmer than simple business, but she doubted her charm alone could sway the most eligible bachelor in East Coast on
just a few encounters.
And yet, she couldn’t quite understand–surely he wouldn’t go to such lengths just for his sister’s sake, especially not with her
modest reputation as a psychologist.
