The Real Heiress's New Family Adored By All novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43 Smoky Barbecue.

Finished

Her eyes were clear and cam free of greed or hidden longing. The way she looked at him was plain and peaceful, not the slightest bit off-putting.

The two men beside them wore confused expressions.

“Have you two met before?” Jensen asked, glancing toward Zora.

She had never mentioned knowing Leighton to him.

‘No, not really. I just ran into him once at the mall a while back.” Zora shook her head; she truly had no real acquaintance with him.

We bumped into each other by chance last time,” Leighton explained. “I never realized she was your cousin. I thought your family didn’t have one.”

He was caught off guard by the coincidence. He’d always known the Marlow family had no younger daughter.

Zora’s part of our family now.” Jensen shot him a sharp look.

Leighton looked utterly innocent. He’d only asked a simple question, yet it felt as if he’d said something

wrong.

He had only recently come back to Seacrest, still overseas when Zora was brought home. No one had told him the Knox family’s long-lost biological daughter had returned.

Excuse me, here’s your order.”

Before anyone could say more, a server arrived with their meal.

ensen went silent the moment the server set down the massive platter of smoky barbecue.

He glanced around at the soft blush-pink booths and dainty decor all around them.

The whole spot looked soft and adorable-yet the food laid out before them was bold, hearty, and ruggedly indulgent.

He shot a sideways look at Jett across the table, silently questioning his taste.

He had chosen this spot because he knew Jett could be unreliable, thinking this was a safe, steady choice. And now, this?

He’d expected elegant, refined fare-scared honey-glazed scallops, glazed pork medallions, herb-roasted sea bass, and delicate little dessert bites. Instead, what arrived was a hearty, rugged smoked barbecue feast.

The rich, smoky aroma and deep, spiced sauce alone were enough to make Jensen’s throat feel heavy just looking at it.

“Ahem… It’s all about style contrast.” Jett’s gaze drifted awkwardly under his stare.

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Chapter 43-Smoky Barbecue

Zora, meanwhile, fixed her eyes on the smoky grilled meats, her gaze lighting up instantly.

It smelled incredibly savery.

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She could already imagine tender slices of smoked beef dipped in thick house sauce, melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Jensen was about to suggest switching to another table, but caught the bright, eager glint in his cousin’s eyes and bit back the words at once.

The server set down the giant barbecue platter along with side dishes and house sauces before stepping

away.

The smoky, savory scent filled the whole booth, warm and rich with every whiff

“Zora, tell me what you want to try. I’ll fix a plate for you,” Jensen said.

The table was piled high with ribs, smoked brisket, sausage links, roasted corn, and all kinds of classic BBQ sides.

He slipped off his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves, revealing his lean, defined wrists.

‘I can serve myself, Jensen.”

Zora had never had a proper barbecue feast before, but she’d tasted something similar back in Maplewood -big grilled meat cuts cooked over an open flame, juicy and full of flavor.

Alright then, help yourself. Let’s tuck our napkins in to keep our clothes clean.

Jensen fetched a cloth napkin and tucked it gently into Zora’s collar.

“Thank you,” Zora murmured softly, lowering her head.

‘Tsk, Jensen, you spoil her like she’s a little kid,” Jett teased, piling brisket onto his own plate. “Someday when you have children, you’d make one heck of a devoted dad.”

‘No argument here,” Leighton drawled casually, serving himself a portion of smoked sausage.

He watched his friend dote on Zora. The girl spoke in a soft, sweet tone, quiet and a little naive-gentle and easily flustered, like a little weighted tumbler toy; nudge her, and she’d retreat shyly right back.

She made for quite an amusing sight.

Her eyes stayed fixed on the barbecue spread the entire time. Every time Leighton or Jett served another cut of meat, her gaze brightened a little more.

She was like a motion-activated light, only instead of sound, her big sparkling eyes lit up with craving.

“I’ve got my hands full taking good care of Zora already.”

Jensen ignored their teasing, tucked her napkin neatly into place, then pulled out wet wipes to clean her hands carefully.

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Chapter 43-8moky Barbecue

Frasheri

Hed never given marriage or starting a family much thought. Right now, his only wish was to protect Zora and look after her well

Besides, caring for one sweet girl was more than enough for him.

“Anything else you’re craving, Zora? You can tell me, and I’ll get it for you.”

Leighton smiled, his gaze resting gently on her.

Watching the two men help themselves first, Zora held back quietly. She glanced from Leighton to Jett, then back at the platter of grilled meats, waiting patiently.

Her usually calm doe eyes held a clear trace of craving, and Leighton looked at her with quiet amusement in his gaze.

“That one.” Zora scanned the full spread, then pointed to a plate of shrimp croquettes set right in front of Leighton.

“Say the word, and I’ll get whatever you’d like.”

Leighton nodded, picking up the plate and setting a portion aside for her.

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The Real Heiress’s New Family Adored by All