Chapter 183 Refusal
Stella pouted, daring not to respond—her impulsive act had scared her too, and she hesitantly turned to sneak glances at Zachary, each look increasing her happiness.
No one else had dared to go down and save her except for him; it seemed like fate had intervened.
Her palpable adoration didn't escape Winona's notice, who calmly retracted her gaze, continuing to peruse the menu.
Matthew saw Winona’s momentary freeze when she first caught sight of Zachary, but she quickly regained her composure. He didn't suggest changing tables, instead focusing on a different topic "Winona, when are you planning to relocate your grandfather's grave? If you need help, we could move it closer to New York; it'll be easier for you to visit."
Winona didn't mention that someone had already lacked the respect to move her grandfather's grave. "No need to worry, thanks. I'll handle it myself."
She took a sip from her lemon water, and as she reached for the glass, her sleeve slid back to reveal a pale, delicate wrist marked with a visible bruise.
Matthew frowned, gently taking her hand, "When did you get this?"
His serious tone caught Winona off guard, and she took a moment to realize he was still holding her hand. Glancing down at the bruise without much concern, she said, "Just banged it against a bat while playing ball yesterday." It was a mere bruise, nothing serious.
At another table, Zachary's gaze intensely rested on Winona, his lips drawn into a tight line, the angle of his jaw growing sterner.
Boris raised his glass, "Mr. Bailey, she's the only treasure I have. We owe you her life for what happened. If there's ever anything you need, just say the word. Cheers to you."
With a sharp 'snap,' the wine glass Zachary was holding broke in half, shattering on the floor into countless pieces.
The dark red wine mixed with blood dripped down his hand, staining the pristine white tablecloth and spattering his shirt and slacks.
Boris jolted in alarm and hurriedly called for a waiter.
“Stella, quick, grab a towel and dab it off for Mr. Bailey. This glass is such poor quality; it just shattered out of nowhere,” he said with a stern face as he glared at the nearby waitress. “Get your manager to find a doctor right away.”
“No need,” Zachary said, rising to his feet. His complexion had returned to normal, though a deep shadow of secrecy remained in his eyes. “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”
The server swiftly removed the stained tablecloth, revealing the stark stains of blood and red wine against the white fabric.
Boris turned to Stella, “Go across the street and buy a set of clothes.”
Fortunately, this area was dotted with upscale men's fashion stores.
“Winona.”
Startled by Matthew’s call, Winona snapped back to reality, only to find her wrist still in his grasp. She quickly withdrew her hand, saying, “What’s up?”
He'd meant to suggest checking on Zachary if she was worried, but at the last moment, he switched gears: “If you’re hungry, I could order some dessert.”
“That’s alright.”
Glancing out the window, Winona spotted Stella clutching a shopping bag and hurriedly running their way. What a plight: dressed in heels intended for elegance, compelled into a sprint better suited for athletes.
When she arrived at the restaurant, Zachary still hadn’t returned from the restroom. Boris had her take the clothes to him, and seeing her daughter’s dazed appearance; he couldn’t help but advise, “No matter what kind of girl a man might prefer out there, the one he brings home is always the gentle, demure, family-orientated type. Make sure you show your best side.”
Ever since learning that Zachary had saved Stella, he had been keen on setting them up.
After all, she was his only child and the future heir to his fortune. However, Stella showed little interest in business. He feared a suitor without means could squander the family wealth, while those of high status often lacked substantial education and were simply prodigal sons.
A sterling son-in-law like Zachary was a rare find indeed.
There were murmurs about Zachary’s previous divorce, a somewhat regrettable affair. Fortunately, with no children involved, that was a relief; being a stepmother in a wealthy family was no easy feat.
With a pleased expression, Stella responded, “Dad, we’re not even dating, and you’re already talking about marriage.”
She clutched the bag tightly and dashed towards the restroom, leaving Winona to watch her retreat.
Matthew asked, “What’s going on?”
“Women are so fickle.”
“A few days ago, she was criticizing his character, and now she’s thinking of marrying him.”
Matthew, having seen the rescue news and overheard the conversation, quickly pieced everything together.
Minutes later, Zachary and Stella emerged from the restroom area.
He was still clad in his original outfit, now with a cleaned wine stain that had left a faint but noticeable watermark. Stella, holding the bag, followed behind with a look of apparent frustration.
Boris spoke up, "Stella popped over to the store across the street and picked out something new for you. It's freezing out, and wearing those wet clothes isn't wise; you could catch a cold. Maybe you should change, Mr. Bailey. After all, you did save her life. It's the least she could do to buy her savior a set of clothes."
Zachary was swift and firm in his refusal, "No need. I only wear clothes that my wife buys for me."
Winona was mid-sip on her water, nursing a real hunger that she tried to satiate with gulps of water for fullness when Zachary's words nearly made her choke. His wardrobe was all bespoke; seasonal fashion designers would come to measure him and select styles – formal, casual, attire for every occasion, all provided. Three years into their marriage, she never had a chance to buy him clothes. His lie was transparent; he'd seen through Boris's intentions and wasn't interested in his daughter, using her as a shield instead.
Stella was already feeling downtrodden. She had trekked a long distance, her feet raw and sore, eagerly bringing the clothes to Zachary, only to be dismissed without so much as a glance. She'd rather he be wet than don her purchase, and at his words, her eyes reddened instantly. But because they were in public, under the scrutiny of many pairs of eyes, and it was their first official meal together, she bit her lip and held back tears.
Boris attempted to break the awkwardness, "I thought it was said recently that Mr. Bailey had gotten a divorce?"
Zachary's expression was unfazed, "She's just throwing a fit. Give it some time, and she'll want to get back together. She's a bit childish and can't handle being upset. It's not the first time."
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