Still, she was rather surprised, for as far as she knew, Xavier had always been an egoistic and conceited individual.
Back at Aqua Moana, both of them had already cleared things up with each other. Xavier had even warned her not to appear in his sight ever again.
Because of that, she presumed that it had come to a parting of ways between them, so she had never thought of counting Xavier in when she sent the Fairchild family an invitation.
Not even in a million years would she expect Xavier to show up uninvited.
Nevertheless, Winnie wasn’t delusional. In a flash, she connected the dots and reached a conclusion herself.
This has to be Grandpa Rufus’ arrangement. He must still be finding ways to matchmake Xavier and me.
At the thought of that, she secretly let out a chuckle.
She figured that as one aged, the person would eventually grow to enjoy playing matchmaker. Jacinta, for one, also acted in a similar fashion.
Her grandmother had been nagging at her for several days already, urging her to invite Christopher over for a meal.
However, Winnie was too busy to free up any of her precious time to plan such an agenda.
She took a step back and allowed Xavier to pull open the car door.
As soon as the car door was open, Rufus stepped out of the car with the support of both Winnie and Xavier.
“Splendid!” Rufus seemed impressed as he cast a gaze at Winnie, who was clad in an immaculate, stunning evening gown.
“You’re a very gracious improviser, Winnie. I heard you’ve done an awesome job at restructuring Garland Group. You’re really an outstanding young lady. I’m rooting for you!”
“Thank you for the compliment, Grandpa Rufus. It means a lot to me!” Winnie carefully held his hand and walked with him, wearing a bright grin as she prompted, “This way.”
The more Rufus looked at Winnie, the more delighted he became. “You’re really one fine lady. You don’t need to be so modest when you’re with me, you know. Just be yourself!”
During the exchange, one of the reporters approached them out of nowhere, pleading with them ever so courteously, “Old Mr. Fairchild, Mr. Fairchild, Ms. Garland, I’m sorry to intrude, but could I take a group photo of you all?”
“Sure.” Considering that Rufus was in a pretty good mood that night, he happily obliged the reporter’s request on the spot.
Be that as it might, Xavier had always disliked taking pictures. The second he heard his grandfather agree in his stead, a look of displeasure marred his visage instinctively.
However, as Xavier tilted his head to sneak a peek at Winnie standing on the other side of Rufus, he found that the woman had dolled herself up, and she looked especially eye-catching that night. Out of the blue, a sudden burst of desire overwhelmed his heart—he actually wished to have the photo taken.
She’s enticing to the core tonight. I must freeze this moment in time.
Xavier couldn’t be bothered about the purpose of the reporters wanting to have their photos taken at that time, for he wanted it to be regarded as their family photo.
He then slipped into deep thought momentarily before hanging his head low to whisper something in his grandfather’s ear.
Listening to Xavier’s idea, Rufus unwittingly glanced at the former. Following that, Rufus bobbed his head in acknowledgment.
Soon enough, the trio stood at the spot designated by the reporter, and Rufus quietly swapped places with Xavier.
With that, the person standing next to Winnie suddenly turned out to be Xavier instead of his grandfather.
Winnie didn’t anticipate Rufus to pull off such a trick just to set her and Xavier up. She was amused by Rufus’ act on the inside; on the outside, though, she remained as calm as a toad in the sun as she cooperated with the parade of reporters to have the photo captured.
All of a sudden, a cold breeze wafted past her exposed shoulder and arms in her one-shoulder dress. She couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down her spine.
The next second, a warm suit jacket was draped over her shoulders. It was Xavier who had slid his jacket on her.
Upon noticing that scene, the reporters and cameramen began to press the shutter button relentlessly.
A frown was then etched on Winnie’s mien because of that.
That would be logical, for her impression of Xavier had never been excellent. That man possessed a prideful character, and he was full of himself. Of course, he could be thoughtful and caring at times, but he was definitely not a gentleman.
We already broke up, so why’s he acting so considerate toward me and even putting his jacket on me? Worst still, I didn’t even ask for that!
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