Chapter 48
In a private dining room of an upscale restaurant in Sylvaria, Jessica and Zachary arrived about ten minutes late. She’d had to change after accidentally staining her pants along the way.
Hazel had been the first to enter the private room. “Sorry to keep you beautiful ladies waiting!
”
“Good to see you again, Ms. Lockman!”
The three women seated in the room giggled, all addressing Hazel the same way.
They shared a good relationship even off the clock. Aside from the occasional club night without her, the ladies brought her along for just about everything.
Tonight, Jessica and Zachary followed right behind them.
A fashionable woman with loose black waves tossed over one shoulder playfully teased, “Look at our baby, bringing her handsome husband along this time!”
Jessica chuckled, clumsily tugging Zachary’s hand and leading him to a seat. “I can’t wait to say the same to you.”
Commitment–phobic as ever, the woman quickly waved off that comment. “I’m good, thanks.
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“My girlfriends love to joke, so don’t take it to heart,” Jessica muttered to Zachary, glancing at him sheepishly. It felt like a subtle apology for what she had said about him on the balcony the night before.
He flashed a rare smile. “It’s fine. I don’t mind.”
For a second, she almost didn’t recognize this version of the ice–cold CEO she thought she
knew.
“That’s great.” She tried to calm herself before breaking the ice. “Here, let me introduce you
to everyone.”
She pointed at the fashionable woman. “Jennifer Kane, a musician.”
Jennifer waved at Zachary, who responded with a polite nod.
“This is Shirley Jamison, a fashion model.”
Shirley had a strikingly delicate face, the kind that carried a unique charm. She wasn’t much of a talker and only offered Zachary a courteous nod as a greeting.
“And this one here…” Jessica exhaled as if prepping for something, before continuing, “Is Elsa
Chapter 48
York, a fashion designer, also known as Elsie.”
The moment the nickname left her mouth, Zachary’s eyes shifted. He first glanced at Elsa before his gaze landed back on Jessica.
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She knew that look all too well. With the way his brain worked, he had probably connected the dots already. He didn’t react much, which surprised both her and Elsa.
Elsa had sleek, dark hair and a sharp, angular face. Though she was slender, she stood tall at
about five feet seven inches and wore her outfit like it was tailored for a runway.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Jones,” she said, nodding at Zachary with the faintest trace of tension
in her features.
“Likewise, Ms. York,” he replied. Then, he paused before adding, “And thanks.”
See? He was a smart guy! Jessica and Elsa knew exactly what he was thanking her for.
Elsa pursed her lips together, her gaze darting from him to Jessica, not daring to say a word.
The latter, on the other hand, held her forehead like she had given up on life.
Luckily, no one else seemed to notice anything weird. The food came quickly, and the
conversation was lively.
Zachary chimed in occasionally, but most of the time, he was busy serving Jessica her favorite
dishes. He even peeled the shrimps cleanly for her.
His chivalry surprised her, and honestly, she was moved.
Just like that, dinner ended on a high note.
Zachary went to get the car, while the rest of the ladies waited outside the restaurant.
“Thanks a lot!” Jennifer said, waving a gift bag before Jessica’s eyes.
Jessica turned to Hazel, confused. “What’s going on?”
Why did everyone have a gift bag except for her?
Hazel simply smiled and said nothing.
Jennifer leaned in, eyes full of intention to gossip. “You seriously don’t know?”
“Wait. Are you kidding me?” The usually quiet Shirley chimed in, saying, “We were told that a certain Mrs. Jones gave these to all of us!”
Wouldn’t that be… Jessica herself?
“Ms. White sent them over,” Elsa explained, looking to Jessica. “Apparently, it’s to make up for your lack of punctuality.”
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The ladies tittered, covering their mouths with mischief. Only Jessica felt her heart pound in
her chest.
How considerate was Zachary, actually?
Elsa teased, “Hey, you seriously hit a jackpot with this one.”
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Chapter 49
