The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 276

Without A Father.

Xavier felt weirded out.

When were he and Nathaniel this tight?

They were hugging.

Get it? Hugging.

But knowing how Walter's family regarded Nathaniel, Xavier was willing to accept the newfound familiarity.

He patted Nathaniel’s back, saying, “I guess we are best friends now.”

“My wife’s best friend is my best friend too,” Nathaniel claimed. He was smiling like they had always been this close.

And there was Serena, bragging about what he had achieved in life.

It was entertaining.

From the corner of Xavier’s eye, he saw Walter’s shocked expression.

Cassandra’s face hardened.

Hudson and Haley both looked stupefied.

Only Christian’s eyes were gleaming, his smile reaching his ears as he looked at Xavier.

Clearly, Xavier had gotten their attention, and he was laughing inside.

“Mr. Dorian, it’s time for the welcome address,” one of the organizers said.

“Go ahead,” Alice smirked. “Show them who the boss is.”

Serena also winked at Xavier. She said, “Technically, you are still my boss.”

On the other hand, Nathaniel tapped Xavier’s arm. “If you call me Bestie, I might just bow to you tonight, Xavier.”

Xavier, “...”

“Bwahaha! I can’t,” Alice cracked up.

Serena also looked amused, her face burning. “Stop it, you two. You both look so great being this close.”

Xavier quickly laughed it off. “Well, if Nathaniel is going to be my best friend, I’m going to take advantage of it.”

Behind them, Claire, his mother, kept giggling.

Xavier turned to her, his smile reaching his eyes. “Mom, tomorrow, Alice and I will take you shopping.”

“I look forward to it,” Claire beamed.

His mother was his rock. She worked two or three jobs just to get him through high school and his first year of college. Xavier knew he would not be where he was without her.

With that in mind, he walked onto the stage.

He was proud of who he was and what he had become.

Xavier wanted to show Walter that he had done well, even without a father.

****

The ballroom fell silent the moment Xavier stepped onto the stage.

Under the warm glow of the lights, he stood tall and composed. There was nothing hurried in the way he moved.

Still, all eyes found him.

When he reached the podium, his gaze swept across the crowd. It lingered just long enough to remind everyone present that this was not just a formal gathering.

Just a few days ago, he didn't even want to acknowledge him for Cassandra.

The moment Xavier’s welcome address ended, everyone applauded. Some had sparkles in their eyes, completely impressed by him. Even his son, Christian, was clapping loudly. He was smiling as he said, “Dad, Xavier is the VP. It’s amazing.”

Walter’s eyes never left Xavier. He would have continued watching him as he dined with his companions, but the town’s mayor suddenly moved to their table. There had been an issue with one of the front-row tables, forcing the mayor and his wife to relocate.

It should have been an opportunity to connect with a political dynasty, but not when the conversation turned to Xavier’s background.

“This young man is really impressive. I heard that the Vanders completely trust him, sometimes leaving the company in his command,” the mayor’s wife said to her husband.

“If we win his favor, maybe the Vanders can invest in Cedar City,” the mayor said. “What do we know about him and his family?”

“I heard he was a scholar who excelled in his studies, a very admirable young man. His father left him at a very young age, so he and his mother were left to fend for themselves,” the mayor’s wife replied.

“How shameless,” the mayor reacted, then quickly caught Walter’s stare. He smiled at him, saying, “Isn’t that right, Sir? What a shameless father.”

“U-um.” Walter gulped. His throat became paper dry. “Yes, Sir. Mr. Mayor.”

Next to him, Cassandra's body tensed. Under the table, her hands were clenched.

From that moment on, his whole family spoke less. Only Christian remained unaffected.

Later, Xavier and Serena went around the tables, meeting potential business partners. At each table, they lingered for at least twenty minutes to get to know the local business owners.

When they stopped by the Reeves’ table, Xavier and Serena focused only on the mayor and his wife. However, Xavier happened to sit beside Walter.

“Mr. Dorian,” the mayor remarked. “It’s strange how you share a resemblance with Mr. Reeves. Are you related? You look like father and son.”

Xavier just laughed. “No, Mayor. This is the first time I have met Mr. Reeves. I don't think we have anything in common.”

“Yes, Mayor, I agree,” Serena said with a light chuckle. “My friend is far more handsome, but what sets him apart is that his character matches it. Xavier is a loyal friend and a devoted son to his mother. His commitment to the company and our family makes him all the more admirable.”

“No offense,” Serena turned to Walter, smiling with her angelic face, but her words were sharp, “but you don’t strike me as someone who stays long enough to be remembered fondly.”