"I originally formulated the glaze for myself, and I use it daily."
"The version we are launching now has simply been stabilized for mass production."
Claire clarified smoothly.
Hearing this, Zara's admiration for her skyrocketed.
Claire was easily the most exceptional person Zara had ever encountered.
It made sense. She was Melissa's daughter, after all.
She was more than living up to her mother's legendary reputation.
While most heiresses paled in comparison to their successful parents, Claire had inherited both Melissa's breathtaking beauty and her razor-sharp intellect.
Zara winked. "My parents are going to absolutely adore you."
Claire shot her a sidelong glance. "They will only like me out of morbid curiosity because I am Melissa's kid."
"You are the one they actually love."
Fair enough.
Zara knew she couldn't win an argument with her.
Their casual banter was abruptly cut short as Reid Dalton walked through the doors.
Reid had changed into a tailored, smart-casual outfit, softening his usually
intimidating presence and making him look far more approachable.
Seeing the butler escort him in, Zara immediately sprang to her feet.
"Reid!"
His gaze swept over the sea of glamorous, youthful faces until he locked eyes with her.
A faint smile graced his lips. "Zara."
"Look at all this. My parents brought in a top-tier chef. Grab whatever you'd like," she offered enthusiastically.
Reid nodded and settled onto a plush velvet sofa.
He casually picked up a delicate pastry and took a bite. The flavor was impressive.
But he was never one for sweets.
Noticing his slight hesitation, Zara quickly slid a plate of savory canapes his way.
A steady stream of gourmet dishes kept flowing from the kitchen, keeping the party lively.
"Why aren't you on the dance floor?" Reid asked, leaning back in a surprisingly relaxed posture.
His tone carried a warm, protective edge, completely natural and at ease.
Claire nibbled on a snack, her eyes drifting toward Reid.
He was exactly as his grandfather, Professor Dalton, had described. Stoic, principled, and undeniably intense.
Young, fiercely successful, and the ultimate catch in the eyes of high society.
Yet, somehow, a man like that was entirely single.
He was either entirely consumed by his empire, or his heart already belonged to
someone.
Claire's gaze shifted from him, landing squarely on Zara.
Zara was breathtakingly gorgeous, vibrant, and belonged to a closely tied family. Was Reid truly immune to her?
Then why, after making his first millions, did he deliberately purchase an estate right next to Zara's family home?
If Preston hadn't idiotically blown his
engagement to Zara, he Jikely wouldn't have been able to hold onto her anyway.
A reckless boy like Preston was no match for a formidable man like Reid.
"It is getting boring. Next year, I am keeping my birthday low-key," Zara said, taking
a slow sip of her red wine.
"Do we all just look completely childish to you?"
Reid paused, considering his words carefully.
His gaze locked onto hers, dark and serious. "Not entirely. I was your age once,
too."
"Though I will admit, Preston seems to be operating without a brain."
A man
tear down his own
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Zara couldn't have agreed more. "He has completely lost it."
"He is letting my cousin drag him around by a leash. He is so used to groveling for her attention, I doubt they willeven make it down the aisle." . FindNovel.net
"And if they do, he will end up bankrupting your entire family just to please her."
Zara was blunt. She wasn't trying to manipulate Reid against Preston. She was simply stating facts as she saw them.
To her, the Dalton legacy was already on a downward spiral. They lacked a capable heir and were bleeding influence.
Reid, however, was the glaring exception.