Chapter 22
After leaving Kane Pharmaceutical Group, Giselle got into her car and meandered down the road. Recalling her passionate encounter with Donovan earlier, she drifted into thought, her gaze unreadable.
Over the next two days, Giselle immersed herself in work, attempting to rectify the damage to her career. She paid nearly two million dollars in compensation to appease customers, hired a lawyer to handle the ongoing lawsuit, and faced the challenge of reopening her veterinary clinic. With news of the pet deaths spreading rapidly online, her clinic's reputation was irreparably ruined. She had no choice but to change its name and start over.
However, her existing shops remained under forced closure and regulatory inspection. Even with most issues resolved, the scandal had inflicted significant damage, delaying reopening approval considerably.
One afternoon, while exercising on her home treadmill, Giselle’s phone rang. Slowing her pace, she answered, seeing that Zachary was calling. He invited her to dinner.
They hadn’t seen each other since their last mountain biking trip; she had been overwhelmed with problems, and his schedule, demanding given his impending return to Usna for his studies, was packed. Considering his past assistance and recent return from Usna, she accepted his invitation.
Drenched in sweat after her workout, she showered, changed into clean clothes, applied light makeup, and headed out. She opted for a casual look—a white fitted crop top and wide-leg denim jeans—her flawless skin and figure making even this effortless style mesmerizing.
Dinner was at an Agatonian restaurant downtown—a peaceful oasis in the bustling city. Zachary was already waiting. Parking was never an issue at this establishment, where the average meal cost ten thousand dollars per person. The servers welcomed them politely as they entered, the soft, serene lighting enveloping them.
Through the open kitchen, they watched chefs in crisp white uniforms elegantly prepare dishes. The ambiance and service were exceptional. A server led them to a private room on the second floor, reserved in advance.
Zachary's boyish charm made their interaction effortless.
"Didn't you just return from Usna? Why are you back so soon?" Giselle asked, settling into her seat.
"I'm graduating soon," he replied. "My father wants me to gain company experience, so frequent returns to Valanthea will become the norm."
Born into wealth, Zachary had studied abroad since middle school, receiving elite education, skipping grades, and earning a master's degree at a young age.
"Your academic achievements are impressive. You even got into MIT," she remarked, attempting to maintain the conversation.
She herself had grown up overseas, but family issues had hindered her academic focus, leading her to an average university. Elite universities were never an option for her.
Zachary sighed. "Only because my family pressured me so much. I'm the only grandson in my generation, so all eyes are on me. It's exhausting!"
"But your family is incredibly wealthy," Giselle said. "Your parents should have had more children to alleviate the pressure."
"Well…" Zachary's voice trailed off, his expression darkening. "I actually had an older sister."
"But she died in an accident when she was ten. After that, my mother couldn't have any more children…"
"I'm sorry," she said softly, realizing she'd touched a sensitive subject.
"It's alright," Zachary shrugged. "It's been almost twenty years. My family has mostly moved on. Honestly, I just wish my uncle would marry and give my grandmother more grandchildren. Then I'd be off the hook!"
Giselle felt uneasy when he mentioned Donovan, taking a sip of water to conceal her discomfort.
Then, Zachary asked, "By the way, was there something important you needed from my uncle when you asked me for his office passkey the other day?"