At the dinner table, Xavier spent most of the time eating in silence. He only responded briefly when spoken to by the elders.
Thinking he was just shy, Karina proactively picked up a piece of salmon and placed it on his plate, smiling sweetly, her gaze soft like spring water. "Xavier, try this fish. It's a specialty by the Japanese chef we just hired."
Without even looking at her, Xavier glanced at the fish on his plate and said indifferently, "Thanks. But I've been having allergic reactions lately-can't eat anything fishy."
Karina's smile faltered for a moment, though she quickly recovered. "Oh dear, you're allergic? You should've told me earlier-I would've told the kitchen to prepare something else for you."
"No need," he replied coldly. "I already ate before I came. I'm not really hungry."
Even as he spoke, his mind drifted to the kiss he shared with Serena in the VIP clinic's lounge.
Serena's lips were so soft and warm-just one kiss was sweeter than honey. If he could kiss her forever, he wouldn't need to eat again.
The thought made his lips curl into a soft smile, his flawless face lighting up.
Karina, unaware of what he was really thinking, saw the smile and assumed it was for her. Her cheeks flushed, and she mumbled shyly, "You don't need to be so polite with me. It's really no trouble to tell the kitchen."
Xavier's brow creased subtly. He didn't respond and just stared blankly at the table in front of him.
Meanwhile, Henry and Mr. Carter were enjoying their meal and chatting away, toasting each other enthusiastically.
After a few rounds of drinks, Henry suddenly noticed how little Xavier had spoken. He turned to his son and said, "Xavier, you're a guest in Uncle Carter's home. They've been such gracious hosts. Shouldn't you at least offer a toast to Uncle Carter and Auntie Carter to show your appreciation?"
"I drove here, so I can't drink," Xavier replied unhurriedly.
"Then ride back with me-I brought the driver."
"And what about my car?"
Henry's face darkened. "Just leave it here and have someone pick it up another day! It's not like the Carters's going to steal your damn car!"
"Dad, my car is hardly 'damn.' It's a limited-edition model from F-worth eight figures."
Though it sounded like a casual remark, the Carters couldn't help but feel a little awkward.
Noticing their expressions, Xavier smirked inwardly.
That's right-he meant to take a jab at them.
Based on what he saw and quietly observed, he'd already pieced together what happened with the maid earlier. The missing vase, the bloodstains near the low table-it all pointed to one thing: the poor maid must've broken an expensive vase, triggering Karina's cruel reaction.
All that fuss over a vase showed just how money-conscious the Carters really was.
When his father first mentioned the idea of marrying into the Carters, Xavier had secretly asked Falcon to investigate. Outwardly, the Carters still looked prestigious and noble, as though they belonged among the top families in Vernon. But in truth, their outdated business structure couldn't keep up with the times. Their influence had long since declined and was continuing to fall rapidly.
They were cozying up to the Blaze family for a reason-and it wasn't pure.
On the surface, his comment about the car's value was about being unwilling to leave it behind. But anyone with a brain could hear the real message-he didn't trust the Carters and was hinting at their ulterior motives.
Henry, already tipsy, didn't catch the subtext. To him, his troublesome son was just being disrespectful and disobedient again.
Slamming his glass on the table, he glared and said sternly, "I told you to toast your elders. Didn't you hear me?!"
Xavier calmly replied, "I told you-I'm not in a position to drink."
"Say that again!" Henry pointed at him, clearly losing his temper.
Mr. Carter quickly stepped in to mediate. "Mr. Blaze, he's still young and has his own personality. Don't take it personally. A toast or not doesn't matter. I know what's in Xavier's heart-we don't need all that formality."
Mrs. Carter also forced a smile, trying to smooth things over.
After some effort, they finally calmed Henry down.
As for Xavier, he just sat there carelessly, acting like none of it concerned him.
Worried, Karina softly urged him, "Xavier, just say something nice and apologize to Uncle Blaze. He really seems angry."
Xavier tugged at the corner of his mouth, then suddenly stood up.
Karina's eyes lit up, her heart fluttering with hope.
He's listening to me! Even his own father couldn't get through to him, but I could?
But then, the man lazily said, "Uncle Carter, Auntie Carter-I just remembered something urgent I need to handle. I won't be able to stay for the rest of the meal. Please enjoy. Let's get together again some other time."
Before Henry could even yell at him, he turned and walked off, those long legs quickly carrying him out of the dining room.
Karina's face turned pale. She bit her lower lip hard to keep from crying.
Henry pointed furiously in his direction, shouting, "You ungrateful little brat! If you walk out that door today, don't ever come back! Our family doesn't need a son who disrespects his elders!"
At that moment, Xavier hadn't yet stepped out of the Carter residence.
Hearing his father's outburst, he wasn't panicked-in fact, he smiled with satisfaction.
Never return to the Blaze family? You said it yourself!
Perfect. Now he could stay with Serena openly and enjoy their little world together.
In a great mood, he slid into his car and was just about to start the engine when- knock knock-a sound came from the window beside him.
***