"Growing up, Reid was always the golden child."
"Honestly, if the age gap wasn't so big, I would have rather been engaged to him."
Zara spoke of Preston with blatant disdain.
But when it came to Reid, she had nothing but praise.
“I think he's an alumnus of our university. He started his own company and is doing incredibly well.”
"He's definitely far more capable than Preston, and he's only five or six years older than us. Honestly, if you're interested, you should consider it."
Claire was genuinely looking out for Zara.
"Funny enough, I've actually heard of him, even though we've never met."
Zara wasn't surprised. “Reid is a legend at our school. It's not shocking that you've heard of him."
"I didn't hear about him at school. I heard his grandfather trying to play matchmaker for him."
Zara paused, stunned. "You mean Mr. Dalton is actively trying to set Reid up?"
"Is he seriously worried that Reid won't be able to find a girlfriend?”
In Zara's eyes, Reid wasn't just handsome; he was incredibly charismatic.
If she hadn't firmly cemented him in the 'older brother' category in her head long ago, she might have actually made a move on him by now.
"His grandfather does have that concern."
"After all, Reid looks like the type who is entirely consumed by his career."
"But there are perks to being with a man like that. At least he'd be busy with his own empire and wouldn't micromanage you. You'd have plenty of time to go out and have fun."
Those words struck a chord perfectly with Zara.
She completely missed the knowing look in Claire's eyes.
She just asked, "Do you think if I went to the Daltons now and demanded they give
me Reid as compensation for my ruined engagement, they'd agree?”
Even though Zara felt Reid was too exceptional for her, why let a perfectly good catch slip away?
"Absolutely. Preston was a disaster who ruined your reputation. Giving you Reid as an upgrade is entirely reasonable."
Claire looked fully supportive.
Zara blinked.
She sounded so serious.
"Claire, do you really think that could work?"
"Is that what happened with you? Your mom broke off the
elay Daneras
engagement with the Green family, so they gave
compensation?"
Claire facepalmed. "You know what? You're absolutely right. I was given to Dane as
compensation!"
Zara's
lit up with hope. "Okay,
bét
I'm going to bring it up with my mom and
e her demand him from
Dalton's . FindNovel.net
“It's a solid plan, just don't tell anyone it was my idea."
Claire warned her, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire.
Zara immediately promised. "Don't worry! I'll just say your situation inspired me.”
Claire was speechless. That really wasn't necessary.
Whatever.
Either way, Claire had a strong feeling that Zara and Reid had a real shot.
That gift box had clearly been prepared with care. There was no way it was just a random corporate freebie.
A corporate gift just happened to be
sitting in his trunk, and he just
happ
el.nee
to give it to the younger
sister of a family friend
belongs to
wnovels
Claire suspected Reid definitely had some hidden motives when it came to Zara.
He was probably thrilled when Preston broke off the engagement.
As for whether this older cousin had subtly orchestrated the breakup behind the scenes... well, that was hard to say.
But a man that brilliant in the business world certainly wasn't going to be clueless when it came to romance.
Claire actually felt a little bad for Zara.
Being targeted by a man that formidable meant she was already locked in.
How could she possibly escape his grasp?
Unless, of course, Zara genuinely had no feelings for him.
Then Reid might back off, but otherwise...
A little lamb falling right into the big bad wolf's trap-how could she possibly climb
out?
"Why are you all hiding out here? The dancing is inside."
A sudden voice sounded from behind them.