Chapter 4

"Mr. Foster!"

After the car pulled away, Yuvan Quinton, who had been standing beside Zachary earlier, tilted his head, eyes brimming with curiosity. He was mimicking Selena's playful tone from before, clearly teasing.

"Zach, since when did you get so eager to help people?"

Zachary's deep black eyes flicked toward him, and he replied calmly, "She's the mother of Leona's friend."

Yuvan nodded, though a trace of puzzlement lingered. "Beyond that, I know she's Jonathan's wife. That woman is famous in Harbor City for her beauty! Strange, though. She's Jonathan's wife, so why would Ronald treat her like that?"

Zachary's expression remained cool and unreadable.

Yuvan chuckled softly. "I'm dying of curiosity. She's such a stunning woman. If Jonathan can't protect her, who can?"

Zachary didn't respond. Perhaps he didn't hear, or perhaps he simply didn't care. He glanced at his wristwatch. "Let's go."

"Alright, we'll talk another time," Yuvan said.

Soon, they left the Meridian Club as well.

-

Selena returned home and finally allowed her body to collapse in exhaustion. She tugged off her hair tie, letting her long hair spill freely over her shoulders. She massaged her tight scalp and let herself relax.

She didn't dare think about what Ronald might do next, but she trusted that Zachary's presence would keep those men in check for now.

Zachary came from the old, prestigious Foster family of Harbor City. His ancestors had once been influential merchants, and although some relatives had settled in other cities and countries over time, Zachary's line had remained firmly rooted in Harbor City. Foster Group had always stood at the top of the business world.

After graduating from college, Zachary joined the company at the bottom and worked his way up. Within just a few years, he had completely overhauled the board of directors with ruthless efficiency, a feat that left everyone speaking of him in hushed tones. Even Jonathan had once admitted that he both admired and feared Zachary.

Selena suddenly remembered that by leaning on Zachary's influence, she had managed to throw Ronald and his friends off for now.

But what if word got back to Zachary's wife? Would his wife misunderstand the situation?

Selena's thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of her phone. It was Juliet.

"Mom, can I stay at your place tonight? Tomorrow's Saturday, and I want to spend the weekend with you."

"Of course. I'll come pick you up now."

Selena quickly gathered her thoughts and hailed a cab to Juliet's school.

Just as she arrived at the school gate, she spotted Juliet and Leona walking out together. The two young girls were full of energy, their ponytails bouncing as they laughed, completely carefree.

Selena hurried out of the car, smiling warmly at them.

"Juliet, Leona."

"Mom!"

Juliet ran straight into her arms, hugging her tightly. Leona followed, skipping over with bright, sparkling eyes fixed on Selena.

"Ms. Jones, long time no see! You look even more beautiful now."

"Leona, you're getting more beautiful too."

Leona laughed, holding Selena's hand and rubbing it, and she couldn't help blurting out, "Ms. Jones, how are you so pretty? When I grow up, I want to look like you. You're really beautiful."

Selena couldn't help but laugh. Leona was clearly a young girl with a thing for pretty faces. In fact, Leona had only started befriending Juliet after seeing Selena. Over the years, the two girls had grown closer, their personalities perfectly matched.

However, Juliet often told Selena that if she didn't have such a beautiful mother, the mighty Ms. Foster wouldn't have even noticed her.

"Leona, I'm taking Juliet home. Are you by yourself? No one came to pick you up?"

Leona pouted slightly. "They're all busy. The driver or assistant will probably come later. I'll wait a bit longer.

Selena felt a little concerned. She had also just received Zachary's help today, so she said gently, "If you don't mind, do you want to come with Juliet and me? You can have your driver pick you up later tonight."

"I don't mind at all! I want to go. I'll tell my uncle first, and then they can come a bit later tonight."

Soon after, the three of them headed to Selena's apartment.

Once inside, Juliet explained to Leona, "My parents are divorced, and they're going through the process. Mom moved out already, so don't mind that it's a bit small."

"No way!"

Leona looked around, surprised. Selena's apartment was simple but incredibly cozy, filled with warmth.

Even the older furniture had been covered with simple, pretty floral curtains. The walls were decorated with charming, artsy prints. The space was modest, yet thoughtful touches were everywhere. Compared to the cold, expansive luxury of their usual mansions, this little apartment instantly felt inviting.

Leona loved it.

"Ms. Jones, you're beautiful, and your taste is amazing. Juliet also said your cooking is incredible, even better than a five-star chef!"

"Well then, tonight you'll get to taste it and see for yourself."

"I'm so lucky! Thank you, Ms. Jones!"

Leona was practically bouncing with excitement.

Juliet huffed. "Leona, don't just play around. Come help my mother in the kitchen."

"Okay!"

The kitchen wasn't big, and with one adult and two kids bustling around, it soon became crowded. For a while, the two girls tried to help, but Selena quickly shooed them out. They had never cooked before, so naturally, they only made more work.

When Selena finished, Leona's eyes went wide at the beautifully plated dishes. She tasted one bite and was completely stunned.

"Wow! Ahhh! Oh my gosh!"

She hadn't even swallowed yet, but her excitement made it clear that Selena's cooking had completely won her over.

Juliet beamed proudly. "See? I told you! My mother's cooking is amazing. And not just the main dishes. Her desserts and snacks are even better!"

"Ms. Jones, you could totally open your own restaurant. I'd be there every single day," Leona said eagerly.

Selena laughed. "Thanks for the support. Actually, I do plan to focus on cooking. Once I get better and improve my skills, maybe I'll open a restaurant one day."

Lately, Selena had been planning to focus on cooking. Even after all these years as a wealthy housewife, she had learned many cuisines and desserts. At first, it had been out of love for her husband and daughter. Now, those skills had become a way for her to support herself.

She planned to start by filming cooking videos, then take on private orders once she built a following, and eventually grow her work into something bigger.

"Mom, I support you! I'll get everyone I know to help you grow your following," Juliet said proudly.

Leona immediately chimed in, "If my family ever needs catering, can I ask you to cook for us? I can bring you orders, enjoy your delicious food, and help spread the word!"

Selena nodded. "Sure. Thank you in advance. But I'll need to talk to your family first when the time comes."

Speaking of family, Selena couldn't help but ask, "Leona, do you live with your uncle and aunt?"

Leona shook her head. "I don't have an aunt. My uncle isn't married. He's a single old bachelor."