Chapter 11

Selena didn't dare ask or even think too much about Zachary. She just wanted to pretend that night never happened.

But Zachary suddenly reached out to her.

On the phone, his voice was low and magnetic. "Ms. Jones, about the event at my villa before, we still haven't discussed your payment. Are you free tomorrow night?"

The moment Selena heard his voice, her heart skipped a beat. Her fingers tightened around her phone, and her first instinct was to refuse.

"That's not necessary, Mr. Foster. Leona was just helping me out, and I wanted to test the waters. She was happy, and I got to promote myself a bit, so let's just call it even."

There was a short pause on Zachary's end.

Afraid he might bring up that embarrassing night, Selena quickly made up an excuse. "Sorry, Mr. Foster, I've got something to do. I'll have to hang up now."

Before he could reply, she ended the call, tossed her phone aside, and sat there like she couldn't bear to look at it again.

Thankfully, the phone didn't ring again.

Selena let out a quiet sigh of relief, choosing not to think about it any further.

The next day, Jonathan called, saying he wanted to meet up to discuss the party for Juliet.

Selena didn't want to meet him alone. Since Jonathan was busy with work during the day, she agreed to have dinner with him that evening. She would bring Juliet along so they could talk over dinner.

Selena picked up Juliet after school, and they headed to the Grandcrest Hotel. It was one of the most prestigious luxury hotels in Harbor City, owned by Foster Group.

They took the elevator to the rooftop restaurant. Jonathan had already made a reservation. The moment Selena and Juliet stepped inside, they immediately noticed the elegance and grandeur of the place.

Their table by the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning panoramic view of the city lights below. Sitting there, it almost felt as if they could reach out and touch the stars, wrapped in that lofty, effortless confidence that made everything below seem a world away.

Juliet loved the view and took a bunch of photos on her phone.

Selena quietly studied the menu, placed an order, then checked her phone while asking Juliet about school.

From across the restaurant, Zachary noticed her the moment she walked in.

She was wearing a sleeveless black dress—loose, simple, yet graceful against her slender frame. Her hair was tied up casually, with a few loose strands softening her face. She looked effortlessly elegant, with a hint of ease that made her even more captivating.

Her face was gently lit by the restaurant lights, with a touch of makeup that brought warmth to her lips. When she smiled at Juliet, she looked so radiant and graceful that several diners couldn't help but stare.

Jonathan soon arrived and joined them at the table. The three of them, sitting together and smiling, looked like a perfect little family.

Zachary's dark eyes narrowed slightly, a shadow passing through them.

"Mr. Foster?" the person opposite him asked, noticing his distraction.

Zachary blinked once, then replied coolly, "Go on."

Meanwhile, Jonathan apologized as he sat down. "Sorry, I'm late. Traffic was bad. Did you already order?"

"Yes," Selena replied lightly. "If there's something else you'd like, we can add it."

"No need. You know my taste. I trust your choices."

Selena's face stayed calm. She didn't respond.

When the food arrived, Juliet chatted a bit to ease the awkwardness between her parents.

After dinner, Jonathan mentioned that the party would be held at the Campbell Residence, and the menu would be entirely up to Selena.

As the former lady of the house, she was no stranger to hosting events—though this time, she would even be cooking herself.

"As for the guest list," he added, "just Juliet's classmates and their parents. Maybe a few of your old friends, if you'd like to invite them. That should be enough. It's just a small event for Juliet."

Selena nodded. "Alright. I'll coordinate with the maid from the house about the details."

Jonathan chuckled softly. "The Campbell Residence is still your home. No need to be so polite."

Then, he turned to Juliet. "By the way, you said your best friend Leona's parents aren't in town. Should I invite her guardian?"

"Leona said she'll bring her Uncle Zach. You don't have to send an invite—she already told me they'll come."

Jonathan's eyes flickered with a trace of calculation. "Good."

After dinner, the three of them headed out together.

While waiting for the elevator, Selena was holding Juliet and talking to her when Jonathan suddenly greeted someone nearby.

"Mr. Foster, what a coincidence! Just finished dinner, too?"

Selena froze. Her whole body tensed as she caught a glimpse of a tall, familiar figure out of the corner of her eye. Her heart started racing, and she instinctively tightened her grip on Juliet's hand.

Juliet looked up at Selena in confusion.

"Juliet, Lena, come on. Say hello to Mr. Foster."

Jonathan gently pulled Juliet forward.

Juliet smiled politely. "Hi, Mr. Foster."

Zachary gave a slight nod, his gaze falling briefly on Selena, who was obviously nervous.

She finally turned toward him, forcing a faint smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Mr. Foster."

After greeting him, she quickly looked down, avoiding his gaze. Her long lashes trembled slightly, like dewdrops clinging to morning leaves, making her look fragile.

Zachary's dark eyes lingered on her fair face before looking away. "Mr. Campbell, what a lovely family you have."

Jonathan didn't catch the undertone in his voice. He just laughed modestly and slipped an arm around Selena's shoulders, playing along with the image of a happy couple.

Selena didn't like it, but she didn't pull away.

"You're too kind," Jonathan said cheerfully. "Our daughter loves this place, so we brought her here tonight. Oh, and speaking of which, we're planning a small party for her soon. Leona said she'd invite you along. I look forward to seeing you there."

Zachary's brows lifted slightly, his deep gaze sweeping over Selena, who stood gracefully beside Jonathan. They looked perfectly matched.

Ignoring Jonathan's enthusiasm, Zachary stepped into the elevator as the doors opened, followed by the rest of his group.

Jonathan blinked, then ushered Selena and Juliet in after him.

Zachary said nothing the entire ride down. His expression grew colder by the second, the air heavy with tension.

When the elevator reached the lobby, Zachary exited quickly with his team.

Jonathan stepped out a moment later, his face darkening with frustration. The public rejection stung, especially in front of his wife and daughter.

"Juliet," he said sharply, "didn't you say Leona was going to invite her uncle? Why was Mr. Foster acting like that? Next time, don't say stuff you don't mean."

His tone made Juliet flinch.

Selena immediately stepped in, her voice sharp. "Jonathan, don't take your embarrassment out on her. Juliet and Leona are friends. Leave them out of whatever business you're scheming. Whatever you're trying to do, don't drag our daughter into it."

It was obvious to Selena that Jonathan was trying to cozy up to Zachary, and now she was starting to wonder what his real reason was for throwing this party for their daughter.

Selena frowned; she wanted to say more, but she stopped herself in front of Juliet. Instead, she said quietly, "Apologize to her."

Jonathan's face stiffened. After a moment, he softened his tone. "Alright, alright. I'm sorry, Juliet. I was wrong. Forgive me, okay?"

Juliet pouted slightly. "Fine. I forgive you, hmph."

Jonathan chuckled awkwardly. "Thank you, sweetheart. Now, let's go home."

By "home," he meant the house that belonged to the three of them, as if nothing was wrong.