When Yvonne spoke, a storm brewed in Xander''s eyes, making them look like a dark, turbulent sea.


    Even though Yvonne wasn''t particrly afraid of him, the danger lurking in his gaze gave her a jolt. She swallowed reflexively. "I''m just stating the facts."


    The documents had been missing for days. What good would it do to get them back now? Anything worth leaking was likely already out. In Yvonne''s view, there was no point in worrying about retrieving them.


    Xander chuckled, a sardonic sound. "True, as far as that goes, but..."


    He paused, his mind shing back to a conversation he overheard on a cruise ship, between Dan and another person in a passing room.


    So, Dan dared to steal from him? Alright, he would have to return Dan a ''favor,'' and it was going to be significant.


    Xander lifted his eyes and gave Yvonne a devilish grin. "Want to marry me? Fine, bring your paperwork and meet me at the city hall tomorrow."


    Yvonne blinked. "Huh?"


    The sudden shift in his demeanor was dizzying. They had been at each other''s throats just moments ago, and now this?


    She scrutinized Xander, checking for signs of fever-induced delirium.


    "What are you ying at?" Yvonne felt a bit dazed.


    Xander''s smirk grew more mischievous. "Isn''t it the n to tie me to you with marriage? Go ahead."


    The weight he put on "tie me" sent a shiver down Yvonne''s spine. The man had clearly snapped. How could he go from hysterical to so calm in an instant? Her instincts screamed that something was off, a red g waving wildly.


    Xander stepped forward and gripped her chin. "What''s wrong? Having second thoughts?"


    "No, I just..."


    It wasn''t about second thoughts. It was about understanding Xander''s sudden shift, which left Yvonne perplexed.


    Hearing her response, Xander released her abruptly. "That''s good."


    Then he tapped her cheek. "Remember, tomorrow at ten. If you don''t show up..."


    He let the rest hang in the air, his mischievous smile chilling.


    Even without his words, Yvonne could guess his intentions. He was set on pushing things to the edge.


    Xander left, leaving Yvonne alone, her mind reying his transformation over and over. How could someone change so drastically?


    Ste was making her way to find Ronald when Xander''s long strides caught up with her.


    She was walking with Dn. Seeing Xander, Dn instinctively moved to shield Ste.


    "Mr. Schultz." He greeted Xander with a respectful nod.


    Xander scoffed, "This is the Quinn estate. What do you think I could do to her here? No need to be so protective."


    Clearly, at the Quinn estate, Ste was untouchable. No one dared to harm her. Even if Xander was furious about her involvement with Ronald, he couldn''t just drag her away here.


    Dn kept his head bowed, saying nothing more.


    Xander turned his gaze to Ste. "Ste, I sure as hell underestimated you before."


    No wonder she never entertained any marriage proposals over the years. Her heart had been set on Ronald all along.


    Ste turned her face away, ignoring Xander.


    With a derisive snort, Xander walked away.


    Watching his retreating figure, Ste then looked at Dn. "He just left like that?" Dn nodded. "Yeah, just like that."


    The way he had approached, one would think they were about toe to blows.


    Footsteps approached from behind. Ste turned to see Yvonne''s grim expression.


    Ste stepped forward. "Sis, did he do anything to you?"


    Yvonne waved her hand. "Don''t worry, he didn''t hit me this time."


    The way she said it, with that particr tone, anyone listening might think Xander was in the habit of hitting Yvonne.