Chapter 40
Chapter 40 A Surprise Encounter at the Private Restaurant
“Right this way, Mr. Marlow. Your table is ready p>
As Jensen and Zora stepped off the elevator, a waiter came forward to lead them inside.
Finished
The seventeenth floor housed an exclusive private dining lounge, off-limits to ordinary guests, which kept the place nearly empty.
Jensen had skipped the private room and booked a window-side table instead Every seating nook was divided by soft curtains, each styled in a totally unique theme-vintage classic, oriental charm, sweet girly, bold edgy, luxurious grandeur, modern minimalist luxury, industrial metal, and many more designs.
Each spot even came with its own custom menu. The owner certainly had an eccentric taste.
Staring at the increasingly over-the-top decor, Jensen rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
Jett Nolan really was getting more over-the-top by the day.
He instantly regretted bringing Zora here.
The whole vibe was way too flashy and tacky.
‘Zora, let’s-” Jensen started to suggest taking Zora somewhere else, but he was cut off.
‘Well hey there, Jensen. Where’d you pick up this cute little girl p>
Jensen turned his head.
A man in a loud floral button-down shirt stood a few steps behind them.
Zora glanced over as well.
The man wore a bright yellow-and-white floral shirt with bubblegum-pink hair. He had handsome features, and though his outfit was flashy, it suited him perfectly. A silver hoop earring glinted in his ear. He stood with one hand in his pocket, a lazy smirk on his face, dozing laid-back charm.
Zora looked once, then quickly averted her gaze.
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‘Wow, she’s gorgeous. Pretty young too-you some kind of creep?” Jett teased with a light laugh, eyeing Zora.
“Cut the act. This is my cousin, Zora.” Jensen shot him a sharp glance.
“Zora, this is my friend, Jett Nolan. You can call him Jett.” He spoke to Zora in a gentle, warm tone,
“Jett,” Zora greeted him obediently.
Her voice was naturally soft and sweet. Even with a calm, reserved expression, she came across as utterly endearing.
“Nice to meet you, Zora p>
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Chapter 40 A Surprise Encounter at the Private Restaurant
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The second he heard she was Jensen’s cousin, Jett dropped his playful act and turned serious at once.
“Since we ran into each other, let’s eat together! What would you two kike to eat? Dinner’s on me tonight p>
Jett stepped forward with a grin, ready to clap Jensen on the shoulder-only to pull his hand back at Jensen’s cold warning stare.
“Zora?” Jensen did not agree right away. Instead, he turned to Zora.
“It’s up to you, Jensen,” Zora replied, having no objection.
“Fine, you can join us. But behave yourself and drop your silly tricks,” Jensen said with a side glance.
It had been a while since they’d hung out anyway. Plus, after running into the Knox family not long ago, having Jett around would lighten the mood and keep Zora relaxed.
“Hey, that’s harsh. Don’t go ruining my reputation in front of Zora.” Jett rolled his eyes.
“Zora, don’t listen to him. If you ever need anything, come straight to me. C’mon, let’s add each other on WhatsApp p>
Jett pulled out his phone and held it out toward Zora.
Zora blinked in confusion, suddenly the center of attention. She looked over at Jensen helplessly.
She never expected anyone to notice her at all.
Ever since she’d come to Seacrest and moved into the Knox Villa, she’d been nothing but invisible. All eyes always landed on Jolie.
Now, for the first time, someone was paying attention to her. She couldn’t help feeling confused why anyone would care about her.
“Zora? You gonna leave me hanging? I’ll be heartbroken,” Jett said in a hurt, dramatic tone, still holding out his phone.
“It’s alright, go ahead. You can reach out to Jett if you ever need anything while I’m busy,” Jensen told her.
He wanted Zora to be welcomed into his close circle of friends, people who could look out for her.
Even if Jett hadn’t shown up today, Jensen planned to gather his friends soon and formally introduce Zora to them.
He couldn’t be by her side every second. It was good to have reliable people who could protect her when he wasn’t around.
He’d long since given up counting on the Knox brothers–they were completely untrustworthy. His own friends were far more dependable.
Zora pulled out her smartphone, the latest flagship model.
Before this, she’d only had a basic smartwatch her mentor had given her just for making calls.
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Chapter 40-A Surprise Encounter at the Private Restaurant
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This phone had appeared hanging on her door the day she recovered from her cold and was heading out, shortly after arriving at the Marlow Manor.
Opal had told her it was from Kian.
Thinking of the gentle, handsome Kian, Xora made no refusal.
Inside the phone box was a handwritten instruction manual with neat, tidy handwriting, explaining every basic function step by step.
Zora appreciated Kian’s kindness and followed the notes to download all her apps properly.
Kian had simply noticed Zora had no phone of her own and never asked for one. He figured the Knox family would never bother buying her one. Knowing how coldly the Knoxes treated her, he’d written out the manual just to be safe-and now Zora was genuinely putting it to use.
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The Real Heiress’s New Family Adored by All