Chapter 60: The Young Daughter of the Remar Family — Zara Remar

John Lopez followed Stratton Remar and his sons into the living room, his expression tinged with intrigue.

Something had stirred within him—an unusual energy fluctuation he couldn't ignore.

His sharp gaze quickly locked onto a translucent stone resting on the tea table.

Black-Spirit Stone.

A rare treasure!

Stratton Remar noticed John's interest and smiled warmly.

"This is the special stone I mentioned earlier. Do you think it meets your requirements, Mr. Lopez?"

John couldn't contain his enthusiasm.

"Yes, absolutely! Ha ha… Tell me the price—I'll be taking this stone for sure."

Stratton waved his hand dismissively.

"Let's not talk about money. It's useless to us anyway. I'd rather give it to you as a gift."

"That wouldn't be right…" John hesitated.

"Why not? You saved my life. If you refuse this, I'll be genuinely upset."

Stratton's face hardened slightly as he spoke, leaving no room for argument.

Left with no choice, John accepted the stone with a nod.

"Thank you. I truly appreciate it—this is exactly what I needed."

Laughter and warm conversation filled the room.

Just then, a crisp, lively voice echoed from the hallway, laced with the impatience of youth.

"When are we going to eat? I'm starving to death!"

A young girl—likely a senior in high school—emerged from a nearby bedroom.

She wore a single high ponytail, thick bangs brushing over her forehead, and her large, jewel-like eyes sparkled with youthful vitality. Her features were delicate, framed by innocence and budding confidence.

Dressed in a white T-shirt with a cartoon bear design and a black, knee-length pleated skirt, her fair legs peeked out with smooth, porcelain elegance. She looked like a lotus just beginning to bloom—fresh, spirited, and utterly natural.

Stratton's face darkened as he barked,

"Naughty girl! Didn't you see we have a guest? Come and greet Mr. Lopez!"

"Mr. Lopez?" she echoed, blinking curiously at John. Her small nose wrinkled slightly as she sized him up.

"He's barely older than me! Why should I call him Mr. Lopez?"

"Imprudent…" Stratton began to scold her again, but John waved it off.

"It's alright. She's just a kid," he said lightly.

"Who are you calling a kid?!" the girl snapped.

Clearly offended, she puffed up her chest in defiance—only to find there wasn't much to puff up. Realizing it, she silently dropped the act and looked away, pouting.

Stratton sighed and shook his head.

"This unruly girl is my granddaughter, Zara. I hope you don't mind her childish attitude."

"Not at all," John replied with a faint smile. Though she was only a few years younger than him, her mannerisms did make her feel worlds apart.

They all gathered around the dining table for lunch.

During the meal, Stratton kept bringing up his granddaughter in conversation.

"Mr. Lopez, although Zara may come across as a bit unruly, she has a good heart. If there's ever an opportunity, I hope you'll guide her and help her grow."

John blinked. He hadn't expected that.

Now he understood why he had been invited to dinner. The old man wanted to matchmake him with his granddaughter!

"Your granddaughter is still in Grade Twelve…"

He silently frowned.

This isn't right, Mr. Remar…

Trying to dodge the awkwardness, he focused on the food. But Maxwell Remar chimed in as well, beating around the bush.

"You're an outstanding young man, Mr. Lopez. I imagine many girls fancy you. Have you ever been interested in anyone?"

Cough… No, no, no. This is getting out of hand.

At that moment, Zara slammed her chopsticks down, clearly irritated.

"Why are you bringing me up in every sentence? This is so boring."

She stood abruptly, ready to leave the table.

Stratton scolded, "We haven't even finished eating! Where are you going?"

"I'm full," Zara replied defiantly, slinging her small schoolbag over her shoulder.

Maxwell frowned.

"Don't you have no class today?"

"I've got things to do," she replied in a singsong voice. Then added more seriously, "I'm going to Skyline Mountain with some friends. I'll be back later this afternoon."

"You… You…" Stratton's face flushed with anger, but all he could do was sigh helplessly.

Originally, he had hoped to build a connection between John Lopez and Zara. But his unruly granddaughter just couldn't play along. Now, surely, Mr. Lopez would have a poor impression of her.

Disappointment clouded Stratton's expression.

But then John spoke up.

"Don't worry, Mr. Remar. Let me go with her."

Stratton's eyes lit up with joy and relief.

"Excellent! Thank you, Mr. Lopez!"

As John left the living room, the three men looked at one another, smiles spreading across their faces.

So Mr. Lopez is interested in her after all! That's promising! Ha ha!

Of course, they had no idea John's reason for following Zara was entirely different.

Outside.

John watched the girl walking ahead, her skirt swaying in the wind.

He called out, "I advise you not to go out today."

Zara stopped and spun around, glaring at him.

"What business is it of yours… Mister Lopez?" she snapped, emphasizing each syllable with heavy sarcasm. Her voice practically dripped with defiance. She clearly resented being told to call him "Mr."

With a huff, she turned back and continued on her way.

John could only chuckle bitterly.

"Tricky girl."

He pushed his bicycle and trailed behind her.

His interest in her wasn't romantic—far from it. The moment he had laid eyes on her, he had sensed it:

An evil aura clung to her brow.

Back in the living room, he'd chosen not to mention it. The Remars wouldn't have understood—it would've only frightened them unnecessarily.

But John couldn't ignore it.

Stratton Remar had shown him kindness, and he had heard from Queenie Yeats that the Remar family was willing to offer their full support to Queenie Group's distribution channels.

Whether for interpersonal loyalty or business interest, he couldn't overlook the dark presence haunting Zara Remar.

And so, he followed quietly.

Zara, meanwhile, quickened her steps. Her heart was uneasy.

Who even was this guy? Why was he trailing her? And with a bicycle, of all things?

What a weirdo.