Chapter 13

But Xavier was still inexplicably upset. He sat up from the couch, picked up his coffee, and then set it down again—one of the telltale signs of his frustration. "Do you really think you're worthy?" he asked, looking indifferent. "Get lost." A wave of helplessness washed over Miranda. It seemed like her mother was bound to spend time in prison. Her eyes dimmed as she turned to leave. "Wait." Miranda immediately perked up at his cold voice. "I suddenly thought of a condition that suits you." She spun around and lowered her head. "Go ahead, please." "I've established a jewelry brand for Yovi, and she's also the ambassador. You shall be in charge of all her activities before the official launch." Miranda glanced up. Seeing Xavier's somber expression, she couldn't help but smile wryly to herself. He always had endless ways to pamper his lover, doing whatever he could to please them. The contrasting treatment she received after being his lover for seven years made her feel rather insignificant. She could admit defeat, but she couldn't come to terms with the fact that their seven-year-long relationship meant nothing to Xavier. This was the root of her frustration; she couldn't get over it. Had he always been this ruthless? But she had certainly felt his affection for her within those seven years. He… had loved her. Otherwise, she wouldn't have developed unrealistic hopes and asked him to marry her. Sensing an impending headache, she quickly replied, "Duly noted. I will do my best." Xavier studied her closely. Pressing his tongue against his cheek, he suppressed a certain restlessness within him and said, "Once this task is over, you can transfer to the branch office." "Understood." The task would take about a month. In exchange for cutting all ties with him, it was fucking worth it. Miranda turned and left. When she returned home that evening, she took a quick shower and went to bed. She drifted off into a deep slumber, and she felt slightly sluggish when she woke up the next morning. Despite that, she seemed to be in good spirits. Once she arrived at the office, Shanridge Group called to instruct her to proceed with signing the contract. Miranda immediately hurried over to Xavier's office. The moment she entered his office, she saw Yovanna sitting on his lap, looking somewhat embarrassed. "Xavy, let me down," she said shyly. "Ms. Jennings is here." "Don't worry about it," Xavier replied, refusing to release her waist. Yovanna blushed. With a stoic expression, Miranda approached Xavier's desk and began, "Mr. Schneider, Shanridge Group has just informed me that we can proceed with signing the contract tomorrow. They would like to have dinner with you tonight. They'll leave the time and place up to you." "Seven o'clock tonight at Lostar Hotel." Miranda nodded. "I'll inform them right now." As she left, Yovanna began coquettishly, "Xavy, are you going with Ms. Jennings tonight?" "Yes." "You're not bringing anyone else with you?" "Nope." "Not even me?" Xavier stared down at the top of her head, his gaze indifferent as he asked, "What would you do if you went?" This was a tricky question. Though Yovanna wasn't aware of that, she answered in a way that wouldn't infuriate him. "I'd feel uneasy, you know?" she said. "Any woman would feel uneasy if her boyfriend went to dinner with another woman at night." "Overwhelmed by jealousy, aren't you?" Xavier pinched her cheek. "Fine, you can come." "You're the best, Xavy!" Yovanna squealed, throwing her arms around his neck. Later that evening, Miranda wasn't surprised at all when she saw Yovanna tagging along to dinner. She had expected it. Of course, Yovanna wouldn't feel at ease and would insist on coming along. By the time they arrived, Shanridge Group's boss, Jordan, and their project manager, George, were already expecting them. Xavier took his seat after exchanging pleasantries with them. Yovanna followed suit, sitting on his right. Miranda certainly wouldn't sit on Xavier's left. Just as she was about to sit next to Yovanna, Xavier suddenly began, "We only secured this deal because of you—you have all the credit. Have a seat next to Mr. Hudson, will you?" Miranda paled at his seemingly deceptive words. The implication of seating a female employee next to another company's boss was clear. Jordan's smile shifted to a grin. Eagerly pulling out the chair beside him, he said, "Exactly! Mr. Schneider is right. Please have a seat, Ms. Jennings." Miranda's face fell. Since ending her secret relationship with Xavier, he seemed to enjoy testing her limits in many ways. "What would you like to drink?" Jordan asked, scooting his chair closer to her. Miranda dropped her gaze to her tightly clasped hands. "Anything is fine." Jordan was pleased with her tact. Meanwhile, George had been staring at Yovanna. He couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Schneider, may I ask who she is?" "I'm Xavy's girlfriend," Yovanna chirped, clinging to Xavier's arm. "I see. You two make a perfect couple!" Yovanna beamed, reveling in George's compliment. At the same time, George shot a lecherous glance at Miranda. Her previous relationship with Xavier wasn't exactly a secret. With her gorgeous looks, many men had secretly coveted her, eager to experience what it would be like to tame an aloof woman like her. But no one dared to lay a finger on Xavier's woman. Now that Miranda had fallen out of favor with Xavier, these men were ready to make their move. Once the food was served, Jordan eagerly poured drinks for Miranda, who swiftly took the glass and downed it in one go. Seeing this, Yovanna grew concerned and asked, "Xavy, is it okay for her to drink like that?" "Yeah, she'll be fine," Xavier said, his gaze indiscernible. "She can hold her liquor quite well." "Ms. Jennings is literally a superwoman! She's capable of anything," Yovanna gasped, clearly impressed. Xavier pressed his lips together but said nothing. Indeed, Miranda did have an impressive tolerance for alcohol. Despite Jordan's relentless efforts to get her drunk, she remained clear-headed, with not even the slightest flush appearing on her cheeks.