Chapter 0495

Mindy had said, “If you’re not sure what to eat, go for the most expensive. Price may not mean everything, but it does show a level of sincerity.”

As expected, when Zach heard the name of the restaurant, he raised an eyebrow. But after a moment of thought, it didn’t surprise him. Since they were hosting a dinner to show their appreciation, the choice of restaurant had to be fitting.

On Friday evening, Zach arrived ten minutes early, only to find that Miranda and her family were already waiting in the private room. Originally, Miranda had invited Winter as well, but Winter was swamped with work and had been putting in overtime for the past two days, leaving her with no free time.

Miranda had asked, “Are you sure you can’t make it? Zach will be there too.”

Winter had rolled her eyes and huffed, “So what if he’s there? Does that mean I have to go just because of him?”

“Aren’t you two a couple? After dinner, he could even play the role of a gallant escort and drive you home.”

“Please, who needs him to do that? I’ve got my own car! Besides, we’re a fake couple, remember? Stop teasing me about it…”

Back inside the private room, Zach greeted them with a smile, “You’re too kind, Mr. and Mrs. Sutton. It was just a small favor; there’s really no need to go to all this trouble to treat me to dinner.”

“Of course, it’s necessary,” Lionel said with a laugh while shaking Zach’s hand. “Thanks to you introducing Mr. Stone to Mindy, we have the success of ‘Seven Days.’”

Mindy stood by with a warm smile, nodding in agreement.

To Zach’s surprise, the couple appeared even younger than he had imagined. Lionel was tall and carried himself with a natural grace. His attire and manner of speaking exuded an elegance unique to a scholar.

Mindy was stunning in her ivory-colored dress. Her hair was held up with a delicate hairpin, standing by Lionel’s side with a poised and graceful demeanor. She looked so youthful that people could easily believe she was in her 30s or 40s.

Once everyone was seated, the dishes were quickly served. Lionel had brought a bottle of fine wine with him. After pouring it, he raised his first glass to Zach.

“As the saying goes, ‘A drop of kindness should be repaid with a fountain of gratitude.’ I’ll drink this one down in your honor. Thank you, Mr. Graham, for all you’ve done.”

“Oh, please…” Zach hurriedly raised his own glass, adopting a modest tone. “I’m the younger one here. You don’t need to address me so formally—just call me Zach.”

“Alright, Zach,” Lionel said with a smile. “Then I won’t argue with you. Since you and Mimi are of the same age, you wouldn’t mind giving me a toast, would you?”

“You’re too polite, Mr. Sutton. It should be me toasting you…” Being well-versed in business and social graces, Zach handled himself with grace and respect.

Lionel raised his glass once more and said thoughtfully, “There’s a saying that goes, ‘It’s not just about the person who opens doors for you; it’s also about those who connect you to the right opportunities.’”

“People often credit Warren as the guiding force behind Mindy’s success, but I believe that those who helped bring them together deserve just as much recognition. So, for this second toast, I raise my glass to you as well…”

The dinner went smoothly, with both the food and the company thoroughly enjoyable.

Zach rarely experienced such a relaxed dinner setting. After the initial toasts, Lionel didn’t push for more drinking.

He simply said, “Let’s drink in moderation. While they say a thousand cups aren’t enough when drinking with a friend, health comes first; a taste is just as enjoyable.”

Zach was awestruck by Lionel’s effortless use of poetry and literary references, and he couldn’t hide his admiration. Perhaps because he had always struggled with literature in school, he held people with such eloquence and knowledge in high regard.

After dinner, when they left the restaurant, Zach pulled out his car keys. Guessing what he was about to offer, Miranda shook her phone and said, “No need to drive us. I’ve already called a ride; it’ll be here any minute.”

Zach chuckled and watched as they got into the car and drove off. As he stood there, watching their ride fade into the distance until it disappeared from sight, he let out a sigh.

He then muttered to himself, “I just don’t understand… With in-laws like them, what is there to be picky about?”