Chapter 31 Charlotte noticed James's expression darkening , setting off internal alarms , though she maintained a warm smile on her face . " I never expected Sarah to know Mr. Reynolds . I was worried about how she'd manage after her divorce , but now with Mr. Reynolds looking after her , I'm sure she'll be fine here in East Coast " James gazed at the gentle and kind - hearted Charlotte , the coldness in his eyes gradually fading . His Charlotte was always so kind and generous . She was truly the only one meant to spend a lifetime with him . His earlier irritation , he realized , was merely discomfort at seeing Sarah , who had always been so reserved around him , laughing and chatting freely with another man . It was just his possessiveness surfacing - after all , Sarah had once been his . James placed a gentle kiss on Charlotte's forehead , holding her hand . " Don't worry , you're the only one in my future . " Shortly after Sarah's group of three had settled in their private dining room at the prestigious St. Ritz , a man walked in wearing a pristine black chef's jacket adorned with Michelin badges , carrying his executive chef's hat . " Boss , you're here ? I've been developing some exciting new dishes lately , you have to try- " He paused mid - sentence , then exclaimed delightedly , " Sarah ! What a pleasure to see you here ! " Sarah knew about St. Ritz's reputation and strict hierarchy . Even their junior chefs held Michelin star experience , yet they still had to work their way up through the ranks . The black jacket with the executive chef's hat marked the highest - ranking chefs at St. Ritz , a rare sight even for regular patrons . Each signature dish commanded astronomical prices , starting in the thousands . Despite this , the restaurant maintained a months - long waiting list . Sarah hadn't expected to see Steven here , though it made sense - only top - tier chefs would be in Zachary's inner circle . She nodded warmly , " Chef Miller , lovely to see you again . " Steven shot Zachary a knowing look . He was genuinely surprised that his boss had brought someone to the restaurant so quickly . This was definitely the pace of someone desperate who'd been single far too long . Zachary ignored Steven's suggestive glances and placed the leather - bound menu in front of Sarah , explaining , " Since Sarah is treating us today , she should choose our first course . " 1/3 Steven was even more shocked , staring at Zachary in disbelief : Had he lost his mind ? Who courts someone like this ? Didn't he realize how expensive St. Ritz was ? Didn't he know how much each of his signature dishes cost ? What happened to the man who didn't care about money ? Why was he suddenly so frugal when it came to wooing someone ? Had he lost his mind ? Sarah , oblivious to their silent exchange , was browsing the menu when Zachary's refined voice suggested , " You might enjoy our pepper - crusted filet mignon , crispy sea bass with chili oil , and our signature braised black cod . " " Mr. Reynolds seems to know my tastes quite well . " All three recommendations featured bold , spicy flavors . Zachary smiled warmly , his gaze gentle , " I noticed you favored the spicier dishes at our last dinner . ' Sarah was speechless , surprised he'd been so observant , especially since she'd sampled various dishes that evening . This man was remarkably attentive to detail . Though she wondered , was he this attentive with everyone ? " I'll trust your recommendations then . " She closed the menu without looking further . Sarah didn't realize that as an executive chef , each of Steven's signature dishes started at a thousand dollars . Steven mentally cursed Zachary again for being so inconsiderate . Sarah had been a homemaker for years and probably didn't have much of her own money after the divorce . Whatever James had given her likely wasn't much . Steven usually didn't mind profiting off Zachary , but seeing Sarah pay for this ? No way . He resolved to tell the manager to heavily discount this meal . Sarah noticed Steven's concern and understood immediately . She said frankly , " Please don't make any exceptions . Regular pricing is fine . " She could certainly handle one expensive meal . Impressed by Sarah's integrity , Steven thought even more highly of her , while mentally scoffing at a certain someone's behavior . " We'll leave it at that for now , but next time you visit , Sarah , it's absolutely my treat ! " After Steven left , Zachary had already meticulously arranged Sarah's napkin and silverware . The gleaming china and perfectly arranged cutlery were all placed according to her dining preferences , giving Sarah an unexpected flutter of emotion . Before she could thank him , Zachary spoke in his deep , refined voice with a hint of casual warmth , " Thank you for spending time with my sister today , Sarah . I feel terrible that you're treating us to dinner . " 2/3 apter Mia tilted her head and chimed in , " This place isn't exactly casual dining - Zac , you'll have to treat Sarah to several meals to make it up to her ! " ( D Ever since discovering her brother's feelings during their car ride , Mia had decided to play matchmaker . This resolve only strengthened after getting to know Sarah better . Just then , laughter and conversation drifted in from the hallway . Mia's bright eyes darted toward the door before she stood up . " I just heard my classmate's voice . Zac , Sarah , I'll go say hello - you two chat ! " dhe She hoped that by the time they left the restaurant , Sarah would be one step closer to becoming her sister - in - law ! The private dining room suddenly fell quiet with only Sarah and Zachary remaining , along with a palpable tension in the air .