Chapter 164: Another meeting with Shay

Words : 1220 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

At Mr. Corby’s question, Zara quickly turned her gaze to Nathaniel, focusing back on their discussion.Nathaniel’s face tightened briefly. Originally, he had planned to launch the project alongside Mr. Gibson, who had already built an advanced AI ecosystem capable of processing unstructured data in real time. Partnering with him would have made the work smoother, but Zachary’s scheming had cost him that deal. Left with no other option, Nathaniel decided to develop it independently, though it meant he needed substantial funding. That was why he had reached out to his former business partner. "Yes, I had considered it, but our terms didn’t align, so the deal fell through," Nathaniel explained without going into detail. "Still, I can guarantee once this technology is fully developed, it will adapt seamlessly across industries with minimal adjustments, generating continuous revenue streams..." Mr. Corby listened intently. When Nathaniel finished explaining, he gave a firm nod. "Alright, Nathaniel. Let’s move forward." Relief washed over Nathaniel, and a grin spread across his face. Even though the project files had been stolen, the core technology remained with him, enough to build the system successfully. "I can’t wait to begin," he said with confidence. ~~~~~~~~~~~ The luncheon concluded on a happy note. Nathaniel returned to his office, while Zara headed out to pick Zane up from school. She waited patiently by the gate. After some time, Zane came running out, his face glowing with excitement. "Mommy! You came to pick me up today," he exclaimed, overjoyed. Zara crouched down, wrapping him in her arms. "I missed dinner with you last night, so I thought I’d make it up by spending extra time together today. How about we go for some ice cream?" At the mention of ice cream, Zane’s eyes sparkled. "Yes! I love it," he said eagerly. "Me too," Zara replied warmly, taking his hand as they strolled toward the familiar ice cream parlor at the corner—a place they often visited after school. "I’m getting my favorite, chocolate ice cream," Zane declared with uncontainable enthusiasm. "Why not try something new this time? Maybe pistachio? Or blueberry?" Zara suggested playfully. Zane quickly shook his head. "No way. Chocolate is the best." Zara chuckled at his determination. "Alright then... one chocolate ice cream for you." Lost in their happiness, neither of them noticed the shadowy figure in a long overcoat trailing behind, silently preparing to make a move. Just then, a sleek black Mercedes pulled up beside Zara and Zane. Jaxon quickly turned away, lifting his phone to his ear as if caught up in a call, trying to look inconspicuous. Zara and Zane both paused, their curiosity piqued as they turned toward the car. The tinted window slid down, revealing a familiar face. "Mr. Walsh!" Zara exclaimed in surprise, her eyes widening. "What a pleasant surprise!" Liam stepped out smoothly, his gaze sweeping the area before settling on her. "Heading home?" he asked casually. "You didn’t bring your car today." Zara gave a small, awkward smile. She had left her car at Nathaniel’s office, and the driver would take it back home later. "Well... it’s a bit of a long story," she replied, choosing not to go into detail. He nodded, lips curving in a knowing smile, before his eyes shifted downward to the little boy by her side. For a moment, he froze. The child was Nathaniel’s mirror image—except for the eyes. Those eyes struck him, reminding him of Nora. "He is..." "Zane," Zara interjected quickly. "My son." "Ah..." Liam swallowed back the rest of his words, mindful that Zara didn’t know yet that his real name was Liam and that he was Nathaniel’s friend. Shay Walsh was just a name he had picked randomly to hide his real identity when he started his career in the field of fashion design. "Hello, Zane," he greeted warmly. "Hello," Zane chirped, grinning brightly. "Do you want to come with us for ice cream? There is a shop nearby. We are heading there now." Zara looked down at her son instantly, hesitation flickering across her face. Nathaniel’s anger from the previous night was still fresh in her mind, his possessive warning echoing in her head. The thought of him finding out she had been with Shay again made her stomach tighten with uneasiness. Yet Zane, in his innocent excitement, had already extended the invitation. She couldn’t bring herself to refuse him, not unless Shay declined on his own. To her dismay, he didn’t. "Ice cream? I love ice cream," Liam said cheerfully. "The treat is on me. Let’s go." Without missing a beat, he lifted Zane into his arms and settled him in the back seat of the car. Left with no choice, Zara followed and slipped in beside her son. Moments later, the car glided smoothly away from the curb. Jaxon stood frozen, fury burning through him. Once again, he had missed his chance to strike Zara. Last night, he had come so close to completing his plan, only for the same man to appear out of nowhere and whisk her away from the hotel. And now also the same man appeared and took Zara away. It was as if he had become her guardian angel, saving her from danger. "Zara," he hissed through clenched teeth. "How long will your luck hold? Whether it’s this man or Nathaniel, no one can protect you forever. One day, you’ll fall into my hands, and that will be the end of you." With that, he turned sharply and vanished down the street. At the ice cream shop... Zane practically bounced in his seat as his chocolate ice cream arrived. He eagerly scooped a bite and savored it, the rich chocolate flavor and sweetness filling his mouth. "Mm...this is delicious," he said, digging in with enthusiasm, one spoonful after another. Watching him so absorbed in his treat, Zara felt a warmth bloom in her chest, a smile spreading across her face involuntarily. "He is adorable," Liam’s voice interrupted her thoughts. Zara looked up at him. "Yes, he really is." Liam’s gaze lingered on her, his mind wandering. This boy was Nora and Nathaniel’s son, yet Zara had raised him as her own, becoming his true mother in every way that mattered. Observing Zane’s behavior, it was clear that to him, Zara was more significant than his biological mother. A wave of admiration and something deeper passed through Liam. He kept his eyes on her longer than usual, though Zara was too absorbed in Zane to notice. "You love children," he remarked, drawing her attention again. "Of course," she replied warmly. When she looked back at him, she suddenly remembered she hadn’t served him coffee last night. "Thanks for last night. I was a bit drunk and couldn’t brew coffee for you." She smiled apologetically. "Another time, I promise. Your coffee is on me." He chuckled. "That means another meeting is in order." Zara laughed awkwardly, returning to her ice cream. "By the way," Liam continued, "I’m launching my new seasonal collection. I’d be delighted if you came. I’ll send you an invitation." Zara nearly choked on her ice cream in surprise. The renowned designer Shay Walsh wanted her at his fashion event. It was a huge opportunity. "Yes, absolutely. I’ll be there," she said, her excitement and anticipation making her heart race.

Chapter 164: Another meeting with Shay

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