3/3 Chapter 32 " Mia can be quite mischievous . I hope she hasn't caused you any trouble , " Zachary broke the silence , sensing the tension in the air . Before Sarah could respond , a red velvet box appeared before her . The gold - embossed Cartier logo caught her by surprise . " Mr. Reynolds , what's this ? " Zachary carefully opened the box , revealing a rose gold diamond bracelet that caught the room's lighting , sparkling brilliantly . " Mia rarely opens up to others like this . Since she's taken to you so well , I'd like to consider you a friend too . " Zachary lowered Sasa ? " his gaze briefly before looking up at her , his eyes reflecting her elegant features . " If you don't mind , may I call you Sasa … The nickname floated like a feather , creating ripples in Sarah's heart . She felt as if someone had called her that before , but couldn't quite remember who . " I'm very fond of Mia too , and think of her as a sister , but … " Sarah knew she wasn't in the same league as Zachary , one of the youngest and most successful businessmen on the East Coast . She couldn't presume to be his friend . " I don't have many friends , Sasa . You wouldn't want to disappoint me , would you ? " His voice carried a gentle but unmistakable firmness beneath his subtle smile . Sarah paused , looking up at him . Being friends with someone of Zachary's status certainly wouldn't hurt . Being practical rather than precious about it , she smiled . " Thank you , Mr. Reynolds . " Zachary leaned in to fasten the bracelet , his fresh pine scent enveloping her . Sarah could see his handsome profile up close , even noticing the subtle contours of his neck . ( 2 ) Her heart fluttered unexpectedly . After securing the bracelet , Zachary admired it . " Just a small token . Your wrist makes it look even more exquisite . " Sarah pushed aside her embarrassment , admiring the bracelet with genuine pleasure . She had always loved Cartier's understated yet striking designs , though she knew they mainly focused on watches and rarely released jewelry like bracelets . Seeing her joy , Zachary smiled , discretely turning the Cartier ring on his finger - a matching piece from the same collection , though Sarah hadn't noticed . Sarah steered the conversation toward Mia : " You're too kind , Mr. Reynolds . But regarding Mia's condition , I'm a bit confused . 1/3 - She seems so bright and lively what happened to cause her psychological issues ? " Zachary's expression darkened slightly as he sat back . " I only know she experienced some trauma . I wasn't there at the time and don't know the details . I'm counting on you to help her . " He'd avoided giving her a direct answer . Sarah lowered her gaze , understanding that wealthy familles had their secrets . Given Zachary's position , she decided not to probe further . The dishes arrived promptly . Lost in thought about Mia's condition , Sarah absentmindedly picked up a piece of pepper - crusted filet mignon , immediately choking on the overwhelming heat . " Cough , cough … " A glass of iced water was promptly handed to her . Without looking , she took several big gulps , finally soothing the burn . Embarrassed by the situation , Sarah kept her head down , drinking water to cover up her awkwardness . She wasn't fond of plain water , usually adding lemon for a bit of flavor , but to her surprise , this glass had a subtle hint of lemon . " The citrus helps counter the spice . Feeling better ? " Zachary explained . Sarah dismissed it as coincidence : " Steven really doesn't hold back with the spices for his regulars . " Her throat still burned . T " I should have warned you , " Zachary said , placing some butter - poached lobster . " These aren't spicy . They're best with the garlic aioli sauce . " Sarah stared at the perfectly prepared lobster hesitantly . Garlic aioli was her favorite accompaniment for seafood . This man had supposedly never been part of her life before , yet somehow he seemed to know her preferences perfectly . Coincidence ? Fragments of memory flickered at the edges of her mind as she furrowed her brow . Why did she feel like she'd forgotten something important ? " Sasa ? " Zachary's voice brought her back to the present . His deep , magnetic voice was like aged wine intoxicating even in small doses . Sarah snapped back to reality , trying to maintain her composure despite her unease . With a polite smile , she set down her chopsticks . " Excuse me , Mr. Reynolds . I ate too quickly . I need to visit the restroom . " 2/3 Lost in her thoughts , Sarah pushed open the bathroom door , only to find Charlotte touching up her makeup at the mirror . Charlotte seemed equally surprised to see her , putting away her lipstick . " Sarah , what at coincidence . "