Chapter 23

Chapter 23 So , it turned out that the passkey Giselle entered in the elevator that day when she went to see Donovan had actually come from Zachary . " Your uncle is about to get engaged to my half - sister , right ? So technically , that makes him my future brother - in - law . I just wanted to ask him for a small favor , " she replied , coming up with a casual excuse . " What kind of favor ? " " It's about my vet clinic getting shut down .

I figured since he's such a big shot in the medical industry , he's probably close with the regulatory authorities . I was hoping he could pull a few strings . " Even she felt that excuse was a bit flimsy . But to keep Zachary from suspecting anything about her and Donovan's messy situation , this was the best she could come up with for now . " Oh , that , " Zachary said breezily . " If you needed help with that , you should've told me earlier .

I happen to be close with the son of the Health Bureau director . A simple phone call would've fixed it - you didn't have to go to my uncle . " " Yeah , I guess I was just desperate and acted recklessly . Besides , I didn't even get to see him that day . " " Of course you didn't , " Zachary said with a chuckle . " He's the CEO of a massive corporation - his schedule is packed , and he's constantly flying all over the world . He doesn't have time to deal with such trivial matters .

Next time you need help , just come to me . " Giselle took another sip of water and remained silent for a while . Then , she asked , " Zach , your uncle seems to care a lot about you , doesn't he ? " Zachary smiled . " You can say that . He might be my dad's brother , but he's just like my own . We're buddies and do almost everything together . As long as he doesn't force force me to go into pharmaceutical research like him , I'll do anything for him .

" A wave of mixed emotions washed through Giselle . Still , she said nothing and flashed a smile at him . " Let's eat . The food's getting cold . " Just then , Zachary placed the first slice of prime steak he'd just cut on her plate . " This is considered our first date , right ? " he asked tentatively . " I apologize for not treating you to a proper meal last time . " Giselle looked up , only to meet his passionate gaze . Slightly uneasy , she looked away and nibbled at the steak .

" Zach , I brought the mountain bike you gave me last time . It's in my trunk . Remember to take it with you later . " Zachary paused , his fork frozen midair . " What do you mean ? " His expression darkened , his voice tight with anger as he continued , " If this model doesn't suit your taste , just let me know . I'll get you another one . " " It's not about that , " she said . " The bike's too expensive . It's around 15 thousand dollars ! I can't possibly accept it .

" Struggling to keep his composure , Zachary muttered , " Giselle , we've known each other for a while now . There's something I don't want to keep bottled up anymore , so I'll just say it … I really like you . From the very first time I saw you , I fell for you . " His eyes sparkled as he looked at her and continued gently , " But I didn't want to go after you the way I used to with other girls - it felt too shallow . You're just … like an angel .