Stand Me Up? I'll Marry His Billionaire Uncle novel Chapter 168

Zara almost hated to disturb the peaceful little world the couple had created for themselves, but the family steward, Reed Lewis, had already spotted her.

"Miss Zara, nice to see you," he greeted her.

Sunny turned around first and immediately caught her best friend's teasing gaze.

"Zara, you're here!" Sunny called.

Zara, ever dramatic, let out a mock sigh. "If I hadn't shown up, you two would probably be off on your honeymoon by tomorrow!"

She marched right up to Uncle Stellan, hand outstretched. "Uncle Stellan, you owe me a new phone! The moment I heard the news, I was so shocked my phone slipped straight into the bathtub!"

"This phone's been with me for years," Zara said, her eyes glinting mischievously. "But I'll give you a friends-and-family discount—just make it sixty grand, and we'll call it even!"

Sunny bit her lip, hoping Zara would stop fooling around.

To her surprise, Stellan—clearly in a good mood—agreed without missing a beat. "Deal. Send me the model, and I'll wire you the money."

Zara had only been joking, so when her back-up phone suddenly buzzed with a new transfer notification, she nearly dropped it. Her eyes went wide as she stared at the long string of zeros.

Six hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars.

In the transfer note, he'd written: "Don't tease my wife—she's easily embarrassed."

Zara accepted the money with a single triumphant tap.

Well, well, consider this hush money from Uncle Stellan!

She'd had her eye on a few designer bags anyway—she'd spend it with a clear conscience.

She stuffed her phone deep in her pocket, as if the transfer might run away if she let it out of sight.

"Thank you, Uncle Stellan. You're the best!"

Sunny, of course, was dying to know how much Stellan had actually sent, but Zara wasn't about to give her the chance.

Zara rolled her eyes. "Just—once you two land in bed, I'm sure you'll figure it out."

The words had barely left her mouth before Sunny's cheeks flared bright red, turning her face the color of a ripe apple.

"Zara! Keep your voice down!"

She glanced nervously toward the hallway, terrified the man himself might have overheard.

Zara gave a sheepish chuckle. "Don't worry, he didn't hear. I'm just looking out for your happiness, you know."

They huddled together, sharing secrets and laughter, until finally they emerged from the room to find that the moving company had finished and left.

Zara glanced outside and spotted Steward Lewis lingering nearby, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Reed, where's Uncle Stellan?"

Reed Lewis smiled politely. "Mr. Stellan decided to cook dinner himself tonight."

"It should be ready soon. Ladies, you're welcome to come down and eat whenever you're ready."