:
es, word had it the Sadlers would make an appearance tonight.
He hadn’t caught sight of it yet–how could he possibly leave now?
Walter’s expression faltered, hesitation written all over his face.
The Ford family was a rising power in recent years–new money, truth be told. Old families like his, with generations of legacy behind them, had never truly respected the Fords.
But the Fords had seized the perfect moment in their industry, riding the wave with ruthless
momentum.
Anypany that partnered with them walked away with overflowing profits. He couldn’t afford to dismiss Connor outright.
If he really threw the man out, his father would never let him off the hook.
And yet…
He risked a cautious nce toward Joshua.
That man’s reputation was on another level. This was a man you didn’t cross–someone who could take a life without even blinking.
“I’ll answer to Mr. Zimmer myself.” A sudden male voice cut through the tension.
Everyone turned to look, only to see a man in gold–rimmed sses–his expressionposed, his presence cool and distant.
Connor’s brows knit tightly. “And you are?”
The man tilted his chin ever so slightly. “Judah Collins.”
At once, everyone except Xylia and Joshua visibly paled.
“Wait–that’s, he’s with the Sadler Group!”
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The quarrel had gone on long enough that onlookers had gathered, and the moment Judah gave his name, whispers broke out like sparks.
“The Sadler Group? As in the Sadler family?”
“What other Sadler could it possibly be? They’re the world’s top dynasty–one that can move markets with a single word. Who would dare impersonate them?”
“Those four heavyweights of the Sadlers–each one at the very top of their field.”
Sadler Group.
Xylia froze for a beat.
Her own family–wasn’t her surname Sadler too?
Then, almost in spite of herself, she gave a small, bitter smile. But no–surely it had nothing to do with her.
She already had a family warm enough to call home. Whether rich or poor, what else could she possibly need?
Connor’s face darkened.
He’d done his research on the Sadler family–Judah Collins was exactly the kind of connection he’d been desperate to make.
“A pleasure.” Connor forced down the flicker of shock in his eyes and extended a hand. “I’m Connor Ford, head of Ford Group. I’ve got a project I’d like to discuss with the Sadler Group.”
Judah nced at him once, and didn’t take the hand.
“We don’t do business with men who thrive on petty theatrics.”
Connor’s smile <i>froze</i>, brittle as ss. He opened his mouth to protest–only to see Judah turn
his tone softening as he addressed Xylia.
away,
“Hope that didn’t give you a fright.”
The man from the Sadler Group, siding with her?
Connor’s chest tightened, rage simmering just beneath his skin. When had Xylia gotten close
to the Sadlers?
His re on her grew venomous, the thought wing at him: because of her, his deal had just gone up in smoke.
:
His jaw flexed as his eyes narrowed to slits.
:
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With the Sadlers watching, he couldn’tsh out–but the way he stared at her, it was as if he wanted to devour her whole.
This time, she’d gone too far.
Unaware of his viper’s gaze, Xylia steadied herself and replied with quiet dignity, though a trace of wonder slipped into her voice.
“I’m fine.”
She couldn’t help but feel a little dazed at the unexpected kindness.
Judah’s unusual kindness toward her left Xylia puzzled.
Did those people from the great families all enjoy ying crusaders of justice?
Almost unconsciously, she nced at Joshua–only to catch him watching Judah with shadowed eyes, his lips curved in a half–smile that was anything but friendly.
“Come on, have a dessert. Loosen up.” Joshua finally spoke, steering Xylia toward the dessert table.
Halfway there, he suddenly stopped and looked back. Sure enough, Judah was still staring at them.
Their gazes collided, and Joshua’s expression chilled.
He remembered him. Years ago, overseas, they had crossed paths. Judah Collins–the right hand of the Sadler family’s eldest heir.
He wore the mask of refinement, but his methods were ruthless,
And yet, there were no major deals in Jupitontely, only a routine business summit. Why would the Sadlers send their most trusted enforcer here?
What exactly was the Sadler family after?
Outside the ballroom, Connor and Tessa were escorted out by security.
Still reying what had just happened, Connor’s chest burned with fury, a dark haze settling deeper and deeper over his eyes.
He didn’t spare Tessa a nce. Without a word, he slid into his car and drove off alone.
Back at the house, the thought of that pretty boy made Connor’s teeth grind with rage.
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Even if Xylia had brought him along just to spite him, that man’s background was imprable–even Connor couldn’t see through him. How could someone as foolish as Xylia possibly think she could gain anything from him?
There was no way he’d let her drag herself down by mingling with a man like that.
Jaw clenched tight, Connor picked up his phone and dialed her number.
*****
Xylia didn’t linger long at the g before heading home.
In the car, Joshua turned on the heater even though it was only early autumn, as if afraid she might catch a chill.
The warm air flushed her cheeks, painting them with a faint glow.
The car was steeped in that cool cedar scent she’d caught on him before–sharp, clean, with a quiet edge of possession.
Neither spoke, the silence stretching taut between them.
Then Joshua tilted his head slightly, his voice low and velvet–smooth,ced with a teasing curl at the end, “Tonight, you were stunning.”
The words weren’t just apliment. They lingered in the air, slow and deliberate, as if he were tasting them–tasting her.
Xylia’s ears buzzed, her chest tightening with a sudden restlessness.
Stunning. The word still echoed in her mind, as though it didn’t belong to her.
No one had ever said that about her.
On the dance floor, praise was always for her technique, her poise–not her looks.
In the Schultz family, no one mentioned it. After marrying Connor Ford, neither did he.
Even Sonny, her own son, called her an ugly old witch.
Almost without thinking, she turned her head toward Joshua. His profile was all sharp lines, his expression cool, a quiet authority pressing down on the air around him.
But when he smiled, it was dangerous, almost wicked–like a devil in disguise.
Her gaze lingered <i>too </i>openly, and Joshua couldn’t ignore it. He shifted, meeting her stare head–on.
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And just like that, she fell straight into those bule eyes, rippling faintly with liquid depth.
Hisshes fluttered–her own private butterfly effect, leaving her breath unsteady.
The call from Connor came in just then–like a lifeline she didn’t want.
Connor Ford. For an instant she wanted to decline. But after a beat, she pressed “ept.”
Connor’s voice came cold and sharp, “Xylia, don’t forget–you’re a mother. I won’t allow Sonny to be raised by a woman who’s loose and shameless. Cut him off, and I’ll act like none of this ever happened.”
Even without speakerphone, his words carried clearly through the quiet car.
Xylia felt her chest tighten. She cracked the window, finally letting out a breath.
The next moment, a long, slender hand slipped the phone from her grasp.
Joshua’s voice came through, amused, a faint smile threading his words, “Mr. Ford, how do you cut off something that never existed?”
A short silence fell on the other end.
Then Connor’s fury erupted, “You two–together?! Xylia, while we’re still married, you dare cheat on me?”
Taking the phone back, Xylia’s expression cooled, her tone calm and sharp, “Connor, I’ve already filed for divorce. Very soon, there won’t be anything left between us.”
Divorce.
The word alone seemed <i>to </i>strike a nerve in Connor. His brows knit tight, anger rising so quickly it threatened to break loose.
For a long moment, he said nothing. Then, with a bitterugh–half fury, half mockery–he finally spoke. Even if she was only “acting“, this performance of hers had gone far too far.
Catching sight of Sonny’s worried little face beside him, Connor let out a cold scoff and barked into the phone, “Xylia Schultz, you’re not getting a divorce. Have you already forgotten the promise you made to my grandfather?”
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