Frankie was a bit disappointed. Just as he was about to find another excuse to get closer to Vanessa, the door to a private room opened, and a familiar figure stepped out-Xavier Vaughn.


    He seemed to have just finished his own business dinner and was apanied by a few partners. Vanessa''s heart skipped a beat. Compared to the portly, forty- something Frankie, Xavier, under the lights, was handsome and impably dressed, with a tall, lean physique.


    When Xavier saw Vanessa, he paused, gave her an indifferent nce, and then noticed Frankie beside her, instantly understanding the situation.


    Xavier''s fleeting look made Vanessa''s face flush with shame. She bit her lip and greeted him, "Xavier, what a coincidence."


    Frankie, not wanting to be impolite, also offered a greeting. "Mr. Vaughn, what a coincidence." Then he looked at Vanessa in surprise. "Miss Shannon, you know Mr. Vaughn?"


    Vanessa smiled. "We''re friends, and we live in the same neighborhood."


    Frankie was taken aback, realizing his chance to drive Vanessa home was gone. He smiled and said, "Miss Shannon, in that case, why don''t you let Mr. Vaughn give you a ride?"


    Vanessa waved a hand. "Mr. Langley, you have a safe trip home. I''ll see you another time."


    Though disappointed, Frankie knew he wasn''t powerful enough topete with Xavier for a woman''s attention.


    As soon as Frankie left, Vanessa seized the opportunity and looked at Xavier gratefully. "Xavier, thank you. If it weren''t for you—"


    Xavier cut her off coolly. "It was just a coincidence."


    With that, he started to walk away. Vanessa quickly followed him. "Xavier, could you possibly give me a ride home? I don''t have my car, and I''ve had a bit to drink."


    "You can call a car," Xavier said dismissively as he pressed the elevator button.


    "It''s sote, I don''t feel safe going alone" Vanessa softened her voice, her eyes looking pitiful.


    The elevator doors opened, and Xavier stepped inside. Vanessa followed close behind, her eyes fixed on his stoic face. "Xavier we''ve known each other for a whie Do you really dislike me that much?"


    Xavier watched the floor numbers change. "There''s no need for us to be close."


    Vanessa bit her lip, recalling the many asions she had run into Xavier over the years. Though he was always cool and distant, he had never been outright rude.


    "Xavier, do you think I''m pathetic and cheap?" Vanessa asked with a self- deprecatingugh, a hint of bitterness in her eyes.


    Xavier finally turned to look at her, a hint of mockery in his gaze. "Self-awareness is a good thing."


    His words stung. As soon as the elevator doors opened, she rushed after him to the parking garage. "Xavier, could I please catch a ride with you?"


    "No, it''s not convenient," Xavier replied without turning back, already in the parking area outside the restaurant.


    Vanessa chased after him. "Xavier, stop." She reached out and grabbed his hand as he was about to open the car door. Tell me clearly, what is it about me that you despise so much?"


    Xavier frowned in annoyance. "Vanessa, please have some self-respect."


    Pet


    "That''s right, all of you were born with silver spoons in your mouths," Vanessa said, emboldened by the alcohol, an air of desperation about het You all look down on me, but did choose this life for myself? just want to live a better life. What''s wrong with that?"


    Before she could finish, Xavier grabbed her arm and pulled her aside. "I have somewhere to be. Please move."