ELEVEN

"I'm finally glad you came to your senses, Xavier," Vera said, her voice filled with a mix of relief and accusation. "Although I'm not quite sure why, but I'm glad." She raised her wine glass at him.

Xavier's expression remained calm, but a hint of a smile played on his lips as he drank his wine. "Me too, Vera. Me too."

Vera's eyes narrowed, her brow furrowed. "You didn't return my calls, you banned me from gaining access to the mansion, then you show up in public with an actress? And yet somehow, here we are?"

"Family duties, her sister was getting married to my nephew so I asked...