Chapter 501

I stepped forward and greeted Zachariah politely. He quickly scanned me from head to toe with his sharp gaze before nodding slightly. The cold intensity in his eyes seemed to soften as he said, "You carry the sophistication of the York family." I breathed a sigh of relief and handed him the gift I had prepared for our first meeting. He glanced at it but didn't take it. "This is our first meeting. I should be the one giving you a gift." "As the younger generation, it's only proper for me to pay my respects to you on this occasion," I replied. "I'm here today thanks to Vera's invitation." Only then did he accept the gift. He opened it casually, taking a quick look. A flicker of emotion crossed his face before he nodded in satisfaction. "Thank you for being so thoughtful." He then instructed the butler standing by his side, "Bring the gifts I prepared." The butler returned with two exquisite boxes—one for me and one for Darcy. Darcy, being younger and full of curiosity, eagerly o