The Billionaire's True Heiress From Fake Jewel to Real Crown novel Chapter 1173

"I originally formulated the glaze for myself, and I use it daily."

"The version we are launching now has simply been stabilized for mass production."

Claire clarified smoothly.

Hearing this, Zara's admiration for her skyrocketed.

Claire was easily the most exceptional person Zara had ever encountered.

It made sense. She was Melissa's daughter, after all.

She was more than living up to her mother's legendary reputation.

While most heiresses paled in comparison to their successful parents, Claire had inherited both Melissa's breathtaking beauty and her razor-sharp intellect.

Zara winked. "My parents are going to absolutely adore you."

Claire shot her a sidelong glance. "They will only like me out of morbid curiosity because I am Melissa's kid."

"You are the one they actually love."

Fair enough.

Zara knew she couldn't win an argument with her.

Their casual banter was abruptly cut short as Reid Dalton walked through the doors.

Reid had changed into a tailored, smart-casual outfit, softening his usually intimidating presence and making him look far more approachable.

Seeing the butler escort him in, Zara immediately sprang to her feet.

"Reid!"

His gaze swept over the sea of glamorous, youthful faces until he locked eyes with her.

A faint smile graced his lips. "Zara."

"Look at all this. My parents brought in a top-tier chef. Grab whatever you'd like," she offered enthusiastically.

Reid nodded and settled onto a plush velvet sofa.

He casually picked up a delicate pastry and took a bite. The flavor was impressive.

But he was never one for sweets.

Noticing his slight hesitation, Zara quickly slid a plate of savory canapes his way.

"It is getting boring. Next year, I am keeping my birthday low-key," Zara said, taking a slow sip of her red wine.

"Do we all just look completely childish to you?"

Reid paused, considering his words carefully.

His gaze locked onto hers, dark and serious. "Not entirely. I was your age once, too."

"Though I will admit, Preston seems to be operating without a brain."

A man didn't tear down his own cousin in public unless the person he was talking to meant significantly more to him.

Zara couldn't have agreed more. "He has completely lost it."

"He is letting my cousin drag him around by a leash. He is so used to groveling for her attention, I doubt they will even make it down the aisle."

"And if they do, he will end up bankrupting your entire family just to please her."

Zara was blunt. She wasn't trying to manipulate Reid against Preston. She was simply stating facts as she saw them.

To her, the Dalton legacy was already on a downward spiral. They lacked a capable heir and were bleeding influence.

Reid, however, was the glaring exception.