If he stepped in and seized control of the corporation, he could easily salvage the
Dalton empire.
But their grandmother's business had been inherited by the second son, not Reid's
father.
Which meant society blindly assumed Preston was the rightful heir.
Reid likely shared that assumption, which explained why he had forged his own path and built his own company.
Even if the elders begged him to take over now, he would probably flat-out refuse.
Zara thought it was a massive waste of potential.
"It is his own life. I can't babysit his decisions forever," Reid said indifferently.
"Just like you have no control over Zoe's chaotic choices."
Their elders had been heavily invested in cementing the alliance between the Zeller and Dalton families through marriage.
Yet Preston had single-handedly detonated the relationship between the two dynasties.
Zara's parents were undoubtedly furious, to say nothing of the immense disappointment from her grandfather.
"Exactly. But Preston is the one who acted like an absolute jerk."
"I was actually just joking with my friends earlier that your family should offer you up as compensation."
Looking at his devastatingly handsome face, the words slipped past her lips before she could stop them.
Instant regret crashed over her.
He was going to completely reprimand her for being so wildly inappropriate.
When she and Preston had skipped class as kids, Reid had caught them and lectured them for two agonizing hours.
Deep down, she was genuinely intimidated by him.
At the same time, she silently cursed herself. Why was she suddenly fantasizing about a man like him?
He was someone even the scheming Zoe wouldn't dare approach.
Wait, Zoe had the audacity to target Dane, yet she was terrified of Reid. That spoke volumes.
Reid hadn't expected the blunt proposition. A low, raspy chuckle escaped him. "I wouldn't be opposed to that arrangement."
Zara froze, the air leaving her lungs.
Claire's eyes went wide.
Oh my god, was her favorite ship actually sailing?
"Uh, Reid, I was just kidding."
"I would never dare to cross that line with you."
Zara instantly retreated into her shell.
Reid let out a soft sigh. Watching the
tips on
eats turn a furious
Obe decided to spare
her
and let the silence stretch.
Claire and Skye exchanged exasperated looks, mentally groaning. Why couldn't
Zara just take the leap?
Zoe would have capitalized on that moment in a heartbeat.
The two spectators were far more invested in this romance than they had any right to be.
"Why shouldn't you dare? I think you and Reid are a perfect match," Claire interjected smoothly.
"You are both stunning, and your family backgrounds align flawlessly."
"Plus, he is incredibly successful. What is not to love?"
Claire couldn't resist playing matchmaker.
Zara desperately wanted to tug at Claire's dress and beg her to shut up.
Reid's gaze shifted to Claire. "She makes an excellent point."
Claire raised an eyebrow. "You know who I am?" Zara hadn't officially introduced them.
Reid paused briefly. "You are
practically a legend on campus, Even though rarely visit these days, word travels fast.
Claire blinked.
Did he really know her from campus rumors, or had he been keeping tabs because
she was Zara's roommate?
Zara, completely oblivious to the
tension, laughed. "Did you hear.
about the time Claire smashere
tray in the cafeteria?
"People are calling her the campus enforcer."
Reid offered a noncommittal hum.
Claire felt like the facts of that story had been severely exaggerated.
But Zara truly lacked a filter.
No wonder she had constantly lost to her manipulative cousin all these years.
Meanwhile, miles away, Zoe sneezed violently. She was certain Zara was trash- talking her.
It had to be jealousy.
Because Preston had chosen to stay by her side instead of attending that pathetic birthday party.
Zara always paraded around like she owned the world just because she was the legitimate daughter.
But bloodline meant nothing. As long as Zoe played her cards right, every powerful man would drop to his knees for her.