Chapter 10

The barbecue lasted well into the afternoon, with drinks flowing and laughter filling the air, creating the kind of warmth that makes strangers feel like old friends.

Sarah slipped away during the festivities to claim her prize, accompanied by a staff member. As the winner, she had her choice of either the horse she'd ridden or any other animal from the estate's collection. Though drawn to the horses, she chose a young deer instead, believing horses weren't meant to be kept as pets.

As she finished making her choice, a security guard approached. "Miss Sanders? Mr. Reynolds would like a word."

There was only one Reynolds who commanded that kind of respect - Zachary Reynolds.

Upstairs, she found him lounging by the window while Steven mixed drinks, purple liquid catching the light as ice clinked against crystal.

Steven's eyes sparkled with mischief when he saw her. “You must be special - boss never shares his private collection with anyone."

He wasn't even trying to hide what he wa