Zoye's family runs some well-known hospitals and a few international retail brands. Being the only child, she's set to inherit a lot of responsibility, so her parents, the Francis couple, wanted her to get a solid grasp on business after high school.
However, it turns out that the pampered daughter of the family is more into computers than anything else. The twist came when Kole decided to back Zoye up at first, despite the pressure from her parents.
As time passed, Zoye got more into her computer antics, which, while helping some people, also led to trouble. If anyone caught wind of her mischief, it would definitely worry both Kole and her parents.
From that day forward, Kole began to side with the Francis couple, taking the time to lecture and care for Zoye, even amidst his busy schedule.
It's not that they couldn't handle their problems or that anyone would harm them. They simply didn't want Zoye to be in constant trouble.
Reflecting on this made Zoye feel both helpless and happy, knowing there were people who genuinely loved and cared for her. However, she still couldn't change her mind about taking over the family business.
"Are you really not going to listen to Uncle and Aunt? Did they tell you to abandon your computer and focus on the business? No, right? So why are you worried? Just go back and heed their advice; don't keep them anxious about you all the time," Zara said, observing her friend's conflicted expression.
"I understand. However, I still want to live like a free spirit and follow my own desires. But don't worry, I do plan to come back after a while. It's important for me to return and learn how to manage a business, but that doesn't mean I'll abandon my beloved computer. If Kole ever asks me to choose between him and my computer, I'll definitely pick the computer, so he should think twice before making that request," Zoye stated with determination.
Noticing the seriousness in her friend's demeanor, Zara realized that Zoye was resolute in her decision, so she replied, "That sounds like a solid plan. Just reach out if you need any assistance." "Absolutely, I'll be in touch with you all. Who else would I turn to?" Zoye replied with a playful wink at Zara.
"Have you heard anything about Jarvis Hatt?" Zara asked, her tone shifting to a more serious note as she looked at Zoye.
When the conversation shifted to a more serious subject, the playful Zoye adopted a serious tone and replied, "He appears to be quite enigmatic. He didn't leave any contact information with the Smith family. It seems he anticipated that someone would try to uncover his ties to them, so he likely erased any evidence. But don't worry, you'll have all the details soon."
"Alright, I'll leave this in your hands. Please handle it," Zara said. In response, Zoye puffed out her chest and confidently assured her that there was no need for concern.
"Anyway, you managed to steer the conversation to different topic and keep me here until now. Miss Luna, you're quite impressive. Since we still have some time, how about we head to a nearby hotel to rest before the auction? Does that sound good?" Zoye glanced at the clock and suggested.
"Sure. I could use a little downtime," Zara said, standing up and heading over to the counter to settle the bill.
As they stepped outside the café, Sirius held the door open for Zara and waited for her to hop into the car. Once she was inside, he closed the door and took his place in the driver's seat, ready for her to give the next move.
Zoye climbed into her car and fired it up, but paused to check her phone and shoot a quick message to Zara.
[Which hotel are we heading to now?]
Zara glanced up from her phone upon seeing the message and asked in a calm tone, "Sirius, do you know of any hotels nearby where I can rest?"
Sirius met her gaze through the rearview mirror and replied in a flat tone, "Yes, Miss Bennet. I'll let them know to get a room ready."
Zara acknowledged him with a nod and sent a quick message to Zoye to follow her car.
Before long, the vehicle came to a halt in front of the Opulent Odyssey Oasis, one of the most renowned hotels in Clover Hill, frequented by the wealthy for significant events and meetings.
The least expensive meal at this hotel costs over five digits, making it a place where only business professionals and affluent young heirs can indulge in its luxury.
As Zara stepped out of the car, Zoye joined her and gazed at the man who had opened the door for Zara.
Sirius, noticing another person next to Zara, remained calm and addressed her politely, saying, "I'll go and retrieve the room card, Miss Bennet. Please wait in the lounge."
Zara acknowledged him with a nod and entered the hotel, taking a seat in the lounge alongside Zoye.
Once settled, Zoye, unable to contain her curiosity, leaned closer to Zara and teased, "Luna, you never mentioned you had formed another team here. How do you think Peter would react if he found out you were doing this behind his back? Would he be heartbroken seeing such a handsome man by your side, worrying that you might abandon him for someone like him?"
Zara glanced at the person beside her, utterly captivated by her own thoughts.
Sure, Sirius was decent-looking, but she hadn't really paid much attention to him until now. However, what would her reaction be if she laid eyes on Ethan? He was the first name that popped into her head when Zoye mentioned attractive men.
That striking gaze, the chiseled features, and those stunning eyes...
Noticing that Zara seemed lost in her own world, Zoye turned to her and asked, "Hey, I'm talking to you! What's on your mind?"
Zara snapped back to reality, realizing where her mind had drifted. She shook her head, grabbed the water bottle in front of her, and took a few sips to cool her racing thoughts.
"I'm heading to the restroom," Zara said as she stood up and set the water bottle down on the coffee table.
"Oh, sure," Zoye replied, not giving it much thought. The Zara she knew wasn't the type to get caught up in thoughts about guys like that, so she had no idea what was going through her friend's mind.
Zoye just waited there while Zara made her way to the restroom on the dining side.