When fate plays its hand
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“I thought I’d be waiting forever, but this rascal surprised me by quickly getting everything sorted. This gift has finally come in handy,” Phoebe said.

As expected, the royal emerald bracelet was of an auction–level quality. It had to be worth at least seven figures, possibly even eight.

“No, Mrs. Graham. I can’t accept this: Winter quickly returned the bracelet.

She would gladly accept any expensive bracelet if she were Zach’s official girlfriend. Unfortunately, she was just a fake date. The thought of receiving a bracelet worth hundreds of thousands or even millions made her feel guilty.

“It’s just a bracelet. It’s not anything extraordinary. Don’t worry. This isn’t pressure or a subtle push for marriage. I just want to give you a gift,” Phoebe said as she took the bracelet out of the box and put it on Winter’s wrist.

She continued, “It fits perfectly and complements your skin tone.”

Winter thought, “It’s a royal emerald bracelet. How could it not look good on me?”

When the two came out of the room, Zach, sitting on the couch, smiled. “What were you two talking about behind closed doors? You were at it for so long.”

“Fine. I know you don’t like me keeping your girlfriend from you. Here, she’s all yours,” Phoebe teased and pushed Winter toward him.

“Mom, don’t make me sound so petty. That’s not what I meant,” he said proudly with a slight lift of his chin.

In the afternoon, Winter enjoyed a relaxing spa treatment that felt even better than the services at the beauty salon.

Afterward, she went downstairs to pour herself a glass of water. Halfway down, her phone rang. She walked to the floor–to–ceiling windows in the living room with the glass of water and answered the phone.

“Hello?”

The other end hesitated before saying, “Ms. Jefferson, do you remember me? It’s Liam Chapman

Winter narrowed her eyes and recalled that night at the hotel. A smile crept onto her lips. “Of course, I remember. What’s up?”

“I thought you’d forgotten about me since you haven’t called since that night.” Liam sounded almost pitiful, and her heart softened.

“You didn’t leave me your number.”

did! I left it on the nightstand,” he said.

Did he? Winter had glanced at the nightstand when she left but hadn’t seen any note.

“That’s not important. But you called me now, right?” she said.

Liam sounded even more aggrieved. “I’ve been staring at my phone and agonizing over whether to call

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you. I finally worked up the courage to make this call.”

Winter beamed. “What should I do? Your words tug at my heartstrings.”

“Really?”

“More real than gold,” she said without hesitation.

“Then…” Liam hesitated. “When can we meet again?”

She thought for a moment. “Maybe tomorrow-”

Suddenly, a loud noise interrupted her. Winter instinctively turned around and saw Zach standing behind her with a gloomy expression. She had no idea when he had arrived or how much he had overheard.

Her gaze flickered, and she felt guilty for the first time. This was different from the hotel.

She was at the Graham Estate and under the elders‘ watchful eyes. She knew she should be more. restrained.

“Zach, I-”

Before she could finish, Zach approached her, wrapped his arm around her waist, and pulled her close. As their eyes locked, their breaths mingled.

Winter frowned and was about to snap at him. “You-”

“Look up,” he said in a low voice.

She raised her eyes and froze. She saw two figures standing on the second floor. It was Phoebe and Maggie talking and watching them from above.

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