Marcus's teasing comment drew simultaneous, unamused glances from both Zara and Ethan. Their expressions—flat, unimpressed—mirrored each other so perfectly that Marcus felt a shiver of realization.
Ah... so that's their chemistry, he thought. Even if she acts like she's not into him, everything about them syncs too well.
Feeling the silent weight of their matching glares, Marcus raised both hands in surrender and made a zipping motion across his mouth. Then, slouching into the couch with a defeated sigh, he muttered, "Message received," and pulled out his phone.
Ethan's eyes didn't linger long on Marcus. Instead, he turned his head back toward Zara. A small, teasing smile played on his lips as he tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his gaze.
Zara noticed it but refused to react. Instead, she looked back at Marcus and said coolly, "Marcus, come on. Let's go out."
That was all he needed. In an instant, Marcus leapt up like a kid given candy. "Finally!" he exclaimed. "It's almost night already. Time to enjoy Clover Hill's nightlife!"
Zara rose from her chair with a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I'll go change."
"Done. I'll wait here." Marcus gave her a thumbs-up and winked playfully.
Zara didn't even spare Ethan a glance as she walked away, her footsteps light against the polished staircase.
Marcus, still wearing a giddy grin, flopped back onto the sofa and lazily scrolled through his phone. Ethan, composed and unfazed, shifted his gaze to David.
"Bring me the files that need immediate signing," he said.
David, caught off guard by the sudden command, stepped forward and sorted a few documents from the stack on the side table. He handed them over with practiced efficiency, and Ethan silently got to work.
While Marcus aimlessly swiped through memes, Ethan focused on documents and signatures—two very different types of scrolling.
Minutes passed.
Then came the soft sounds of Zara's footsteps descending the stairs.
She descended the stairs gracefully, dressed in a sleeveless champagne satin top tucked neatly into high-waisted, straight-leg ivory trousers. A pale-toned blazer hung loosely over her arm, and her dark hair was parted elegantly to one side, cascading freely over her shoulders.
Marcus stood up the moment he saw her. His eyes widened slightly, not out of shock—but pride. "Lia, you've really grown up," he said, his voice laced with admiration. "Look at you—so elegant and stylish, and it's not even flashy. Simple, but it suits you perfectly."
Zara smiled faintly and glanced toward Ethan. "The credit for the outfit goes to Mr. Anderson."
Ethan looked up at the mention of his name, but before he could say a word, Marcus jumped in.
"No, Lia. That doesn't count. If Ethan gave you the wardrobe, it only means David or Carter bought it. He just footed the bill. So technically, the credit should go to them."
Zara nodded in mock thoughtfulness. "True."
Ethan placed his pen down and stood, walking over to them with a calm, confident stride. "Well," he said with a warm smile, "it was still my money. That should earn me some credit, don't you think, Lia?"
Zara raised her brows. "I have no problem returning the money."
Marcus nearly choked trying to hold back his laughter.
But Ethan didn't flinch. He looked at her calmly. "There's no need. My money is yours to spend. Isn't that right, Lia?"
Zara blinked at him, momentarily caught off guard.
Before she could answer, Marcus cut in, clearly enjoying the rising tension. "In that case, why not just transfer everything to Lia's account? That'll make things easier."
Zara narrowed her eyes at him, but he gave her a cheeky grin that said you know I'm right.
She didn't want to dwell on it further. "Let's move. Didn't you say you were going to show me around?"
Marcus smiled brightly. "Absolutely." He motioned toward the exit with exaggerated flair. "After you, my lady."
They had just reached the front door when footsteps approached from behind. Zara turned to see Ethan following them.
She paused, turned around, and asked dryly, "Are you going somewhere, Mr. Anderson?"
"Wherever my girl goes," he murmured.
Then, turning his head toward Carter and David, he added aloud, "You two stay here."
Letting go of her waist, he reached down and took her hand instead—interlocking his fingers with hers. Without waiting, he led her out toward the car.
Marcus, standing by the steps, rolled his eyes and muttered, "Of course."
Ethan opened the passenger door and helped Zara in before circling around to the driver's side.
"Hey!" Marcus called out. "Lia said she was coming with me! Why are you kidnapping her now?"
Ethan slid into his seat and, without even looking at Marcus, replied coolly, "Because she didn't know I was coming."
Marcus threw up his hands in mock frustration and jumped into his black Rolls-Royce Sweptail. The engine roared to life, and the car sped past Ethan's, climbing the winding hill road.
Zara watched Marcus's tail lights fade ahead. Her eyes sparkled faintly, but she stayed silent.
Ethan started the car and followed, one hand resting lazily on the steering wheel.
After a few quiet moments, Zara turned toward him. "Can you call Marcus?"
Ethan raised a brow, amused. "Why? Miss him already?"
"I just need to ask him something."
Without another word, Ethan unlocked his phone and handed it to her. "You'll find him in recent calls."
Zara tapped his name and waited.
The call connected.
"What is it, Ethan?" Marcus's voice came through, still light and teasing. "Don't tell me you miss me already."
"It's me, Marcus," Zara said flatly.
"Oh! Lia! What is it?" His voice instantly softened.
"Do you know any road that's good for a ride?"
"A ride? You're ditching the fun spot?" he asked with mild curiosity.
"I'm not in the mood for crowds tonight," she said quietly, watching the trees pass by outside the window.
There was a long pause on the other end, then a sigh.
"You still haven't changed, Lia," Marcus said, his tone gentle. "But that's okay. I know just the place. It's on the other side of the city. We'll stop for dinner first, then I'll take you there."
"Alright," Zara said and ended the call.
A moment later, as if remembering something, she turned toward Ethan.
"Sorry. I didn't ask about your schedule before changing plans. If you've got work to finish, I can ride with Marcus instead. You can head back."
Ethan glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable. Then, calmly turned his eyes back to the road.
That single glance—steady, assured—was enough of an answer.
Zara didn't press the topic.
She simply looked ahead, a small smile forming on her lips as the car followed Marcus's lead into the night.