Chapter 353: What a gentleman

The dinner started quietly, with only a few exchanges between Zoren and Patricia. It wasn’t until they were in the middle of the meal that the conversation picked up.

"I see..." Zoren nodded. "So you had your own boutique?"

"Yes," Patricia replied with a proud grin. "And all of them were my designs."

During their first meeting, all they had talked about was something... trivial. More like general stories about themselves and a little bit about the past. Now, they were delving deeper into each other’s backgrounds—like a real date.

"So far, everything is great!" she continued. "Some of my friends supported my brand and even promoted it, even though I never asked them to do that."

"Oh?" Zoren nodded in understanding. "You have nice friends."

Nice? Patricia almost sneered at the thought.

"We just support each other," she said with a smile. "That’s what friends are for."

Zoren nodded, twirling his wine slightly. "And your brother? Has he not supported you? You didn’t mention him in your story."

"Renren, why would I want my brother to meddle with my business?" she pouted. "My brother already has a lot on his plate. Moreover, I want to excel as an individual and not rely on my family’s success!"

"Oh..." His smile stretched with satisfaction, which didn’t escape her notice.

"My brother is dealing with a lot of troublesome bullies in the business industry," she added with a hint of sadness in her voice. "So, I don’t want to burden him."

If Theo Miller had heard her, he would have vomited blood. Everyone knew how Patricia blamed her brother for her unsuccessful business ventures and always lashed out at him because he couldn’t support her business.

"If only I knew, I would’ve called your shop for a few suits," Zoren remarked. "I feel bad that I didn’t know about this until now."

"Don’t feel bad," she waved dismissively. "I didn’t tell you about it at first. I didn’t want to overwhelm you with information about myself."

"Mhm."

Patricia assessed him from head to toe, clearing her throat when she realized it was the best time to bring up some issues. "Actually, Renren... I did mention my brother and some troublemakers..." she trailed off to study his reaction.

However, Zoren’s reaction remained unchanged. That was her cue to continue.

"The problem is, Global Prime Logistics has been blocking our exports because of a problem that happened decades ago," she added, sighing deeply. "I’m not telling you this for any other reason, but because I’m a little upset about it. My brother has been doing business fair and square, but they won’t even cut him some slack. It’s upsetting to watch my brother worry about the family business day and night."

She paused and snapped her eyes up at him. "That’s why I am working hard in my chosen field, because if this continues, our family might..." her voice cracked as a thin layer of tears coated her eyes. She sniffed hard and forced a smile.

"I’m sorry about that," she laughed awkwardly. "It just makes me sad that such cruel people exist. But everything will be fine... hopefully."

Zoren kept his gaze on her, watching her reach out for a tissue to wipe her eyes. "Who are they?"

"Hmm?"

"The troublemakers," he clarified. "Who are they?"

"Renren, it’s okay." Patricia waved it off. "I didn’t tell you about it so you’d fix it for me. My brother has been fighting this fiercely, and thankfully, he has been surviving until now. I only mentioned this because you’re an important person in my heart. I’m simply venting."

Patricia raised her chin and grinned. "I’m just venting, Renren," she repeated. "You don’t have to do anything for me. I can’t let you do that for me."

"It’s alright," he nodded reassuringly. "It’s not like I will meddle directly, but if Pierson Corporation is associated with the Millers, I think it’ll give you and your family enough protection."

"What...?" Patricia’s mouth parted slightly in surprise, holding her breath in excitement.

Zoren smiled and nodded at her reassuringly. "Or, if Pierson Corporation isn’t enough, then how about Zoren Pierson backing up the Miller family? Would that be enough protection for you and your family? It’ll surely repel flies."

"Renren..." Her heart softened with appreciation, and at the same time, with elation. ’This is it...!’

Her eyes shimmered with excitement, imagining how all those who mocked the Miller family would bow down to them again. Just imagining their sorry faces almost made her laugh. Surely, getting this gig was the best decision she had made in her entire life.

’Just having his permission to use Pierson Corporation and his name... is already something any family would be honored by,’ she thought. ’And he gave that power to me so easily.’

"Renren..." her soft voice came out, her eyes tender. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"But... isn’t that a little shameful?" she reluctantly remarked. "After all the years you waited for me, you’re still going to do me a favor. Never mind, Renren. I simply told you because it was upsetting for me, but I didn’t want you to think I was using you."

Zoren shook his head. "You being here is enough as repayment," he soothed gently. "Moreover, you are my Penny. I’d do anything for you without question."

"Renren..."

"If using my name is enough to give you time to breathe, then use it by all means." Zoren slowly rose from his seat, walked to her side, and then offered his palm to her. "Shall we continue this while we take a walk?"

Patricia bit her inner bottom lip before she slowly clasped his hand. Squeezing it lightly, she also rose from her seat.

"Renren, thank you," she expressed, fluttering her eyelashes coquettishly. "I’m sure this will help my brother a lot."

"You are always welcome, Patricia." Zoren nodded before he slowly guided her hand onto his arm.

Watching him place her hand on his arm, her heart skipped a few beats. Her cheeks turned even more pinkish, flattered by these obvious advances. When she snapped her eyes up at him, all she saw was his endearing smile.

Her heart raced. ’What a gentleman.’