Even though Professor Dalton had abandoned his dream of setting Claire up with his eldest grandson, he still wanted to prove he hadn't been bragging.
Now, that stubborn old Padgett wouldn't need to guard her from him like a hawk anymore.
Claire had no idea Professor Dalton was acting like a competitive child.
He still needed to set the record straight on this.
She could only smile and say, "You're absolutely right, Professor. You didn't exaggerate at all. Reid is incredibly impressive, and he's a perfect match for Zara."
Professor Dalton chuckled sheepishly. "Well, isn't it a small world? To think you and Zara are roommates."
"I never would have guessed Reid and Zara had this kind of destiny together..." Before he even finished explaining, Claire already understood what he meant.
She smiled. "That's exactly what it is-destiny."
Professor Dalton caught her meaning and his smile widened. "Yes, exactly! Destiny!"
His younger grandson had been a complete idiot, practically handing over his older brother in compensation.
But an alliance with a family like the Zellers would undeniably benefit Reid.
Professor Dalton certainly wasn't going to object.
It was just a shame about Claire. He still didn't know which lucky family had snatched her up.
"You two know each other?"
Old Mrs. Dalton had joined the conversation at some point.
"We do. We met at the park."
Professor Dalton explained how they met. Knowing her husband had befriended another old man's granddaughter while bored at the park didn't surprise her at all.
Her husband did that kind of thing all the time; she was used to it.
However, a girl as stunning as Claire was a rare sight.
She was Zara's roommate and a student at The Cabinda University. Young women these days were truly remarkable.
"Beautiful and brilliant. No wonder my husband wanted to steal you away to be our granddaughter-in-law."
Old Mrs. Dalton had silver hair and wore a pair of elegant glasses. She exuded a striking aura—approachable, yet underscored by a sharp, commanding presence.
The phrase 'time never defeats a true beauty' was perfectly embodied by her.
"I think Professor Dalton's greatest achievement was convincing you to marry him," Claire replied smoothly.
Her words made Old Mrs. Dalton beam, and Professor Dalton chuckled proudly.
"You clever girl. Even if you can't be my granddaughter-in-law, I'd still love to adopt you as my god-granddaughter."
Professor Dalton rarely made such offers to anyone.
Old Mrs. Dalton didn't object; she also felt Claire was a remarkably delightful young
woman.
"If I took you on as my god-grandfather, I'm afraid Zara would come after me."
"I wouldn't dare fight her for you."
Claire tactfully declined, but she did it in a way that didn't make things awkward.
In fact, her response was playful and charming.
Old Mrs. Dalton's smile grew even more genuine.
At her age, and holding the reins of a massive company, she dealt with flatterers all day long.
Truly genuine people were increasingly rare.
If it had been anyone else, regardless of whether her husband was joking or not they would have jumped at the chance to climb the social ladder.
Someone like Claire, who could decline so cleanly and gracefully, was a rare gem indeed.
"Claire, what are you chatting about with my grandparents?"
Zara and Reid walked over.
Zara's cheeks were flushed, and she looked radiantly happy.
Especially after publicly putting Zoe in her place, her mood was absolutely stellar.
Zoe had
times in the past, but today
she
finaled to trip her up so many
wine
finally got her revenge and tore Zoe's mask for everyone to see.
By now, everyone surely knew exactly what kind of person Zoe was.
Zara was glowing with triumph, and Reid looked equally content beside her.
Claire quickly offered them her warmest congratulations.
Alright, enough chatting-time to eat!
The dishes were mostly served, and everything tasted incredible.
Claire was never one to waste food, and she ate with enthusiasm.
Skylar also thought the meal was fantastic, and both girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Knowing Zara was too busy to
entertain them privately today, the two girls were perfectly
understanding. After finishing their meal, they sat to the side and chatted for a bit before tracking down Zara to say their goodbyes.