Chapter 71
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Everyone knew that the Reynolds family hosted this grand party- they were naturally the center of attention.
Near the floor–to–ceiling windows on the west side of the hall, golden candlesticks cast a gentle glow. Sarah stood there with a champagne glass, Zachary beside her.
He took a glass from a passing server and offered it to Sarah. “Try this instead I think you’ll like it.”
Sarah set her glass aside and accepted his offer. A faint scent of violets wafted up. “Is this Nebbiolo wine?”
“Good guess. Can you tell which region it’s from?”
Sarah
a sip, tasting rich violet and subtle cherry notes. “Is it from the Barbaresco vineyard?”
Zachary nodded. Nebbiolo was only produced in two regions – Barbaresco and Barolo. They were easy to distinguish: Barolo was known for its powerful, full–bodied taste, while Barbaresco was more like an elegant seductress.
Sarah took another sip. She wasn’t a wine expert; she just remembered tastes, though she couldn’t recall where she’d had this
one before.
“Letting her off so easily?” Zachary raised an eyebrow.
“illegally recorded videos can’t be used as evidence, neither can those secretly taken photos,” Sarah replied, taking another sip,
“leaving a lipstick mark on the glass rim.
Zachary gazed at her with warm eyes, touching his glass to hers. “I apologize for my oversight.”
om
“You saved me again, Mr. Reynolds. I seem to keep owing you favors,” Sarah smiled.
“It was nothing. You’re too formal,” Zachary’s magnetic voice carried a hint of affection.
“How did you find me in the garden?” Sarah asked curiously. He should have been discussing business with his father then, and she’d only been in the garden briefly.
Zachary’s finger tapped lightly on his glass, his lips curving upward. “Before leaving, I told Mia we’d wait for her there. But when I couldn’t find either of you, I knew something was wrong. Every woman at the party wore either glamorous gowns or elegant dresses, but none had your subtle grace. One glance at the hall told me you weren’t there.”
He paused, exhaling softly. “Or to put it simply – call it intuition.”
“Are you this flirty with all women, Mr. Reynolds?”
“No, just you.” He smiled, his eyes reflecting the candlelight yet somehow brighter, warmth dancing in their depths.
Sarah’s fingers trembled, her heart fluttering. It felt like a thin veil hung between them. Her cheeks burning, she quickly said, “I
should check on Mia.”
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Zachary’s eyes narrowed slightly as he finished his wine, savoring its lingering taste. His gaze followed the woman in the white qipao, even more tender than before.
After the party, Mia insisted Sarah come with them.
“Brother, you have to drive me home,” Mia clung to Zachary’s arm, pulling him towards Sarah while giving him encouraging
winks.
Since Zachary had been drinking, Steven had to drive.
Just as Sarah reached for the passenger door, Mia stopped her. “Sarah, my chest feels tight- I need to sit in front. You can sit in back with my brother.” She quickly claimed the front seat.
Sarah and Zachary sat in the back, with the windows open. The cool breeze helped clear away the effects of the wine.
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Chapter 12
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Chapter 72
