Chapter 5

Selena was a little surprised, but relieved. At least there would be no misunderstanding.

Juliet leaned over and whispered to Leona, mostly about whether there was something wrong with her uncle since he was still single. Her smile was teasingly ambiguous.

At that age, girls already understood everything.

Selena couldn't help but sigh. "Alright, that's enough. Let's eat."

The two girls quickly focused on their meal. Once finished, their excitement returned as they eagerly began brainstorming with Selena about how to shoot videos and make them eye-catching. They were way more experienced with short videos, and their youthful creativity was endless.

Selena listened carefully, taking notes and soaking up every piece of advice.

Time flew by. When Leona's driver arrived, the girl didn't want to leave.

Selena escorted her downstairs, where a car was already waiting. When Selena saw the car, she was slightly surprised.

It was Zachary's car, the same car she had seen earlier today.

Leona's eyes widened. "That's my uncle's car."

The rear car window rolled down, revealing Zachary's figure. In the darkness, the streetlights cast into the car, highlighting the sharp, clean line of his jaw.

He looked up, his deep black eyes cold and piercing.

"Uncle Zach, you're a busy bigshot, but you actually came to pick me up yourself? I feel truly honored!" Leona's tone was sarcastic, and she didn't look particularly pleased.

Still, she introduced the two formally.

"Ms. Jones, this is my uncle, Zachary Foster. Uncle Zach, this is my friend Juliet's mom, Selena Jones. You've met before, right?"

Selena smiled. "Yes, we have. Hello, Mr. Foster. Leona, you should get in the car. Come over again when you have time. You're always welcome."

"Got it, Ms. Jones. See you!"

Leona climbed in, and Zachary gave a slight nod before the window rolled up. Then, the car slowly pulled away.

Inside, Leona couldn't resist complaining to her uncle.

"Did you just get off work now, Uncle Zach? Not that I'm judging, but you're such a workaholic. And you're still single at your age. Doesn't your life get boring?"

"And at your age, don't you think your crushes are so exciting?" Zachary coldly replied.

Leona froze instantly, her face flushing bright red. She couldn't move.

"W-What? I would never! Don't accuse me like that!"

"I'll tell your parents the truth when they get back," Zachary said calmly.

"No, don't! I'm sorry, Uncle Zach. It wasn't a crush or anything. I was just...confused for a bit. I didn't do anything. Really, I'm sorry," she stammered.

Zachary closed his eyes, tilting his head back as if resting. Leona dared not speak another word, though she was still worried that he might tell her parents.

After a while, she said cautiously, "Uncle Zach, it's actually kind of nice that you're single and unmarried. Look at Ms. Jones. She's single too now and seems to be living so freely alone."

Zachary slowly opened his eyes, his gaze deep and unreadable as it landed on Leona.

"She lives alone?"

"Yeah. She's divorced. But Juliet said the paperwork isn't finalized yet, so Ms. Jones moved here to live alone for now."

Zachary remained silent, listening as Leona chattered on, and didn't interrupt her.

"Ms. Jones is so pretty and really talented. That apartment may be small and simple, but she's made it so cozy and unique. I even took a ton of pictures! And her cooking is amazing, Uncle Zach! Better than the fancy chef we have at home.

"Also, she's looking for work, but she wants to start with social media and private catering. I'm definitely going to support her. Uncle Zach, if there's any event at home, you should invite Ms. Jones to cater and give her some business—"

Leona didn't expect an answer from Zachary.

But to her surprise, he suddenly spoke.

"You painted a piece you thought was good, didn't you? You could invite friends to come see it."

"What?"

Leona blinked, clearly surprised.

Wait, really?

"T-That works too, I guess." Leona couldn't think of a better excuse, but it would do. "So next week, I—"

"This weekend will work."

"That soon?"

Zachary's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at his niece, and Leona immediately felt she had said something wrong.

"Actually, that doesn't sound too bad. Ms. Jones does need work now, and she wants to expand her reach. This is kind of urgent, right? I'll tell her tomorrow and invite her over the day after. It's a good chance to test the waters."

Back at home, Leona went to her room. After showering and scrolling on her phone, she told Juliet about what had happened.

Selena was nearby, and she overheard and promised to prepare carefully. It was already late, so they didn't discuss the details much that night.

The next day, Selena got right to work. She planned the menu, checked with Leona about how many friends would be coming, and made note of everyone's likes and dislikes. She finalized the menu and sent it to Leona.

After checking with her friends, Leona confirmed the guest list. As for the ingredients, she had her family buy everything according to Selena's instructions.

Early Sunday morning, Selena would arrive at the Foster family's residence to begin preparations.

On Sunday, Selena brought Juliet to the villa, Zachary's residence.

The villa was located in a luxury neighborhood developed by the Foster Group a few years ago, set amid hills and rivers, with elegant villas quietly nestled into the landscape.

Since Leona's parents were often abroad, she usually lived with her grandparents in Foster Manor. With her grandparents traveling recently, she was staying at Zachary's villa instead.

Selena took a taxi and passed several security checkpoints before entering Isle Haven, Zachary's private villa. She was escorted to the front door, and she stepped inside after knocking.

A butler led her in, and she bumped straight into Zachary.

He looked like he had just finished working out, and the heat radiating off his body brushed against her in the cool morning air.

He wore a gray tracksuit, sweat dripping from his forehead and tracing the contours of his muscles. His damp black hair fell loosely across his face, softening the faintly intimidating presence he usually projected in formal attire.

Now, he moved with the relaxed, effortless ease of someone just coming off a workout.