Josefina couldn’t help but laugh at the sheer absurdity of it all. “The nerve of that guy,” she muttered under her breath. “Ruby’s on her way over. Should I pass on your charming words?” she teased, with one eyebrow raised in mock challenge.
“Whatever,” Xavier dismissed, confident that Ruby wouldn’t take Josefina’s word over his. He figured a sweet talk would smooth things over later.
As Ruby approached, Josefina cut in before she could speak, “Xavier here says he’s just toying with you. He struts around like he’s king of the peacocks when I’m around, but he’s nothing to me. Ruby, you like picking up my leftovers, right? Well, here’s some trash ripe for recycling.”
With a disdainful glance at Xavier, Josefina turned on her heel and strode away. Xavier made to follow, but the piercing gaze of Oliver anchored him in place, forcing him to halt.
Ruby, eyes brimming with vulnerability, looked at Xavier. “Is it true what she said, Xavier?”
Xavier felt his anger bubble. His frustration was mounting and his patience was worn thin by Ruby’s tears.
Ruby, ever the heart-reader, didn’t need Xavier’s comfort. She was adept at consoling herself. “Xavier, Josefina’s always been dismissive of everyone. Even if you pretended to be into her for some scheme, I wouldn’t hold it against you.”
He let his gaze settle on Ruby’s face, and his voice softened to soothe her. “You’re talking nonsense. I was just sussing out who she really is. If that woman chooses to act tough, well, then I won’t have mercy on her.”
Ruby’s spirits lifted slightly. After a fruitless search for a more promising catch, she reluctantly returned to Xavier’s side.
Scanning the crowd once more, Ruby spotted another potential target. As she was about to excuse herself, claiming a trip to the restroom, a staff member blocked her path with a detached demeanor.
“Please come with me and bring your invitation,” the staff member instructed coldly.
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