Chapter 6

At 6:00 pm, Reina arrived home to pick Xavier up for the banquet. But he suddenly spiked a fever and felt achy all over. He said in a distant tone, "I'm running a fever. I feel terrible. I won't be going." "Honey, Casey Hammond, a powerful figure from Jadridge City, will be there tonight. Can you try to push through?" Reina picked up the suit from the coffee table and sat down to help him change. She coaxed him softly, "Once we meet her, I'll have someone take you home." Xavier pulled away from her touch and stood up to head upstairs. "I'll change myself." Reina was surprised by his resistance but quickly composed herself. "Tessa, get Xavier some coconut water. He can sip it on the way." … When they arrived at the banquet venue, they ran into Hugo, who was surrounded by several handsome men. Xavier ignored them and walked past indifferently. Just then, he heard Reina's irritated voice. "Who allowed you to wear the suit my husband chose? Take it off right now!" Hugo's face turned pale from her reprimand, and he lowered his head in dejection. "Forget it." Xavier couldn't be bothered to watch their act. He said coldly, "Reina, let's go see Ms. Hammond." "Okay. Here, drink some coconut water first; it'll help you feel better." Reina gently handed him the thermos with a tender expression. When she turned to Hugo, her expression turned icy. "If you ever do this again, I won't spare you!" "Oh, Ms. Yarrow. You finally decided to bring your husband out?" A short-haired woman in a silver dress approached them, holding a wine glass and smiling brightly. "Mr. Caldwell, do you remember me? We played poker together on your wedding day." When Xavier saw Casey, he finally understood why Reina had insisted on bringing him tonight. His voice remained indifferent as he replied, "Of course, I remember. You invested 30 million dollars in Reina's company and helped her secure her first deal worth over 100 million dollars." "Your wife's gratitude makes her worth my investment," Casey said while looking at Reina with admiration. She joked, "Every time she sees me, she shows me your marriage certificate and brags about having married such a great husband." "Being able to marry Xavier is a blessing for me. He's the light that illuminated my dark life," Reina said with a sincere expression. Xavier silently mocked her in his mind. If he hadn't known she had already married Hugo, he might have almost believed her fake emotional performance. She had married Xavier to secure investments. Not a shred of love was involved. Xavier had fought for this love gamble for eight long years, yet Hugo had effortlessly won. How ironic! "Mr. Caldwell, since we've finally met, how about a round of poker later?" Casey suggested. Before Xavier could respond, Reina chimed in, "Sure." "No," Xavier immediately cut in. He had no patience for Reina's charade. His voice remained cold as he added, "Sorry, Ms. Hammond. I'm not feeling well. I'll be leaving now." He ignored the surprised look Reina shot him and turned away. She quickly caught up with him and grabbed his hand. "Don't be angry, Xavier. I've already taught Hugo a lesson. You won't have to see him again." "Go do what you need to. Don't worry about me." Xavier pushed her away as he entered the men's restroom. After washing his hands, he walked out, only to have his path blocked by Hugo. Hugo crossed his arms with a dark expression. "Reina's protecting you today just to keep Ms. Hammond on her side. After all, she holds a project worth billions. You're just useful until she signs the contract. Once that's done, she'll divorce you, and I'll make sure she has a son for me." Xavier fought to keep the pain in check as he raised his eyes to meet Hugo's. His voice was laced with mockery. "Are you sure Reina can have children?" Upon hearing that, Hugo was momentarily taken aback. "Of course. Reina and I have had sex far more times than you two. After all, I'm the real deal, and you're just a stand-in." "Well, I hope you can stay this confident forever," Xavier responded coldly. "Now step aside. I'm going home." Hugo sensed there was something more behind his words and was about to speak, but Reina's voice suddenly rang out from a distance. "Leon, Xavier's been in the restroom for a long time. Go check on him!" She was giving the order to her assistant, Leon Gardner. Hugo's expression shifted. He quickly pulled a dagger out of his pocket and shoved it into Xavier's hand before pushing it toward his own stomach. He staggered and fell to the ground. As he clutched his abdomen, blood seeped through his fingers. "Sorry, Mr. Caldwell. I'll take this suit off right away. Please spare me. I just had surgery for a stomach tumor. I can't take this." Reina hurried over. "What's happening?"