Chapter 257 Raising a Dog Named Zachary
The person staring at her was Zachary.
It was unknown how long he had been sitting there, still wearing the outfit from Eirondia Avenue. He sat alone, holding a transparent cup with amber-colored liquid that reflected the dim light, casting spots on his fingers.
He was too dazzling.
Whether it was his looks, physique, demeanor, or his expensive attire, it invisibly attracted the attention of those around him.
This bar was replete with nightclub women of varying demeanors—seductive, demure, innocent, and sophisticated. Some gathered for casual chatter while others traversed the room with drinks in hand, scouting potential targets.
Upon encountering someone of mutual interest, they engaged in intimate conversations at their discretion.
Winona had been here for a while and had already seen several pairs leaving hand in hand, some of them sitting at the table behind her. Winona was close to them, and being in a bar, she could hear their conversation clearly.
Without mentioning money, they dived straight into discussing emotions, speaking with particular sincerity. Winona felt like they'd fallen in love at first sight and were already in a romantic relationship. Still, hints in the conversation suggested that money must be given for special services.
When Winona looked towards Zachary, a woman happened to be walking towards him with a drink, and several other women's eyes were on him, waiting for her to fail so they could take her place.
The woman was wearing a white dress, similar to Fiona's cold and innocent style.
However, as she approached Zachary, reaching out to pull a chair, Zachary bluntly stopped her in her tracks. "I have no money."
The woman looked embarrassed, finding his words too direct. She stood still for several seconds before saying. "Sir, you're being modest. With your attire, many people couldn't afford it in their lifetime, and I'm not that kind of woman. I like you and want to get to know you better."
They were all scouting for affluent clients who knew their luxury goods well. After all, the truly rich didn't skimp on attire. It was fair to say this woman had meticulously inspected every thread and stitch of Zachary's clothes.
Zachary's outfit alone, along with the watch on his wrist, was worth a house in a high-end neighborhood in Dreamopolis.
Zachary furrowed his brow in impatience, tilting his head back to drain the contents of his glass, remarking coldly, "You may take your leave."
Matthew, the villain, observed Winona being plied with alcohol by that individual.
Although he maintained a facade of gentleness and courtesy, he revealed his true colors as a deeply flawed character.
Standing beside Zachary, the woman refused to give up. Having finally encountered a wealthy and attractive man, she saw an opportunity to engage him further, even if it meant no tip in return.
With his looks and demeanor, she could boast about this encounter among her friends for a year.
Unwilling to abandon her pursuit, she adopted a pitiful guise as she gazed at him.
Zachary said impatiently, "You can leave on your own, or I'll have the manager escort you out."
They could often be seen in the hotel's exclusive bar, selectively seeking out target men, as they had a profit-sharing arrangement with the hotel. However, the hotel strictly prohibited harassment of its guests.
Not only did Winona notice the situation with Zachary, but Matthew did as well.
He remarked, "Zachary always seems to attract the attention of women despite his aloof demeanor. Whenever the three of us are together, he is the one approached the most."
With a touch of self-deprecation, he continued, "Do you women all fancy men like Zachary, those who present a challenge?"
When the woman approached, Winona turned her head away, stating, "It's not just women; even men are driven by challenge. Yet, few can soberly evaluate themselves. Hence, they often fantasize about grasping that distant flower blooming on the cliff edge, thereby failing to achieve their goals."
People tended to chase after those who didn't reciprocate their affection.
Matthew inquired, "And what about you? Do you still have feelings for Zachary?"
"I prioritize my hard work above all else. I earn my own money and spend it as I please, without the need for supervision. Men only hinder women's careers. Prior to divorcing Zachary, I occasionally undertook some private ventures. Currently, I work diligently, serving as a maid at the Bailey Group. My monthly earnings are less than what you second-generation wealthy individuals lavish on your pets."
She had read news about pet dogs not only flying on private jets but also having dedicated caretakers. After some time, they could even travel all over the country.
"After the divorce, I can earn three times the salary alone. My future dream is to pay off my debts. When I have $300 million in savings, I'll retire to a city with a good climate, listen to jazz in the morning, ride along the coast in the evening, and raise a dog that can guard and please me. It's much better than finding a man who only makes me angry."
Winona evaded his question without providing a direct response.
At this moment, Matthew, feeling utterly defeated, was reduced to a state of profound insignificance.
After an awkward pause, Matthew remarked, "Your arrangements are remarkably meticulous."
"Of course, I've even thought of a name for the dog I'll have in the future." Winona tilted her head slightly.
Matthew smiles wryly, "May I ask the name of your future dog?"
"Let's call it Cheeseburger."
"I thought you might name it Zachary, considering you said he's like a dog."
His words made Winona burst into laughter. "You're overthinking it. I don't really hate him that much."
Winona would never allow herself to be associated with a dog's name and him.
Matthew continued to try to pull her out of this mindset of wanting to retire early. "Given your early retirement plans, you must be reluctant to part with your beloved career."
Perhaps he understood Winona's fee for personal services. Handling a task of greater complexity for 300 million dollars was not a daunting prospect.
"Work is meant to enhance our enjoyment of life. Moreover, even the most beloved career can lose its allure once it transforms into an overly demanding job. If I find it difficult to part with this work in the future, I'll seek employment at a local museum or take on personal projects with more relaxed deadlines."
Matthew fell silent.
Listening to Winona's logical reasoning, he found himself unable to counter her, even though he desperately searched for a reason to convince Winona to stay in Eirondia Avenue, a bustling metropolis entirely unsuitable for retirement.
Winona felt a bit tipsy. Even if Rex's cocktails weren't very intoxicating, she had consumed several glasses.
Standing up, she said, "The party is over. I'll head back to my room now. Enjoy the evening, everyone."
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