Feeling uneasy under his gaze, Serena looked down at her fingers. "It's your phone, isn't it? Whether you answer it or not, what's that got to do with me? If you want to pick it up, then do so. If not, don't. Why are you asking me?"
Xavier didn't say another word but silently stared at her.
A few seconds later, his lips curled up in a playful smirk, and he grabbed the phone, putting it to his ear. "Miss Carter."
Before the person on the other end spoke, his sharp eyes briefly flicked over to Serena. He then took the phone away from his ear and switched it to speaker mode.
On the other end, a sweet, slightly shy female voice came through. "Xavier, what are you up to?"
"Not much, just resting," Xavier replied casually. "We just had lunch, and Miss Carter's already calling me. Is something wrong?"
Karina pouted playfully, "From the sound of it, you don't seem too thrilled that I called."
"No!" Xavier said politely, "I was just worried that something urgent came up."
"I... I actually don't have anything important, I just... missed you a little..."
His smile widened a little, but it didn't reach his eyes. Xavier raised his free hand, the one without an IV, and glanced at his watch. "Is that so? We just parted ways two hours ago."
"I..." Karina hesitated, feeling a bit embarrassed, unsure of what to say next.
Xavier seemed to realize he had been rude, and considering the Carters' standing, he cleared his throat and said, "Miss Carter, you had some wine at lunch, so it's best you take some rest."
"Are you... concerned about me?" The girl on the other end sounded flattered.
Furrowing his brow, Xavier thought for a moment before replying, "A headache after drinking is really uncomfortable. You're a young lady of the Carter family, Miss Carter, you should take good care of yourself."
"Okay! I got it! I'll rest now, and you should take care of yourself too!"
From her tone, it was clear that Karina was delighted.
"Alright!"
His responses were brief, each word laced with distance and indifference.
But Karina seemed to hear none of it, cheerfully ending the call before tossing herself onto her bed.
Just as she lay down, a knock sounded at the door.
"Who is it?!" Her face changed, brows furrowed in impatience.
"Karina, it's me!"
"Oh! Coming!" As soon as she heard it was her mother and not the maid, she quickly got up, threw the covers off, and got out of bed.
Outside, Mrs. Carter held a glass of freshly prepared milk, smiling brightly. "Why are you locking the door in broad daylight at home?!"
Karina gave an embarrassed smile, "I... I was going to take a nap."
"A nap?! You usually don't have the habit of napping! Why would you want to now?" Mrs. Carter looked at her with concern. "Are you feeling unwell?"
"No!"
"Really? Let me feel your forehead!" As she spoke, Mrs. Carter placed the glass on the nearby table and reached out to check her daughter's forehead.
"Mom... I'm really fine!" Karina stepped back, "It's just... I had a little wine at lunch, and he advised me to rest."
"He?!" Mrs. Carter looked knowingly, "You go out for lunch, and come back to hide in your room alone, not even reporting to me! Come on, tell me, how was your meeting with the young master of the Blazes?"
Karina blushed. "Uh, what else, we just had a meal together."
"Just a meal?!"
"Yeah, what else could it be?!"
"A meal and you needed to drink wine?" Mrs. Carter smiled and eyed her daughter with a scrutinizing look.
"Mom!" Karina turned around, pretending to be angry as she walked back to the bed.
Her mother followed her, "Alright, alright, I won't tease you. Let's talk seriously. What do you think of the young master of the Blaze family?!"
"He... he's... good!" Thinking back to Xavier's handsome features and gentlemanly demeanor, Karina's heart couldn't help but race.
"Just 'good'?!" Mrs. Carter studied her daughter's expression closely and immediately understood everything. "You... like him?!"
Karina fidgeted and hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I have a good impression of him."
"Hahaha!" Mrs. Carter laughed, "That's good! The Blaze family is a prestigious family in Vernon. Our Carters, though a respected old family, has seen a decline in recent years. If we can connect with the Blazes, it will be the best thing for us."
"I heard the young master of the Blaze family is quite the catch. Your grandfather and I have talked it over, and among all the unmarried young men in Vernon, you two are the best match."
"I was worried that you didn't feel anything for him, but if you like him, we'll do everything we can to make this marriage happen."
"Mom!" Karina covered her face. "I'm interested, but he hasn't shown any signs of liking me yet!"
"Silly girl, if he wasn't interested, would he be so concerned about you and tell you to rest more?!" Mrs. Carter winked, a knowing expression on her face.
"Besides, it seems like the Blazes is also eager to make this match. Mr. Henry Blaze mentioned it to your father when he called last time. He said that his son is getting older and still hasn't settled down, and it's making him uneasy."
Karina's heart fluttered with joy upon hearing this.
Mrs. Carter looked at her with a smile, "Give me a definite answer, do you like Xavier or not?!"
"I..." She hesitated for a long time before finally nodding firmly. "Yes!"
"Good! Now I know! I'll have your grandfather call Mr. Blaze directly in the next few days to speed things up and get you two settled."
"Mom!" Karina grabbed her mother's hand. "Isn't that a bit too hasty? If we're too forward, do you think... he might think I'm too eager?"
"He won't!" Mrs. Carter leaned closer and lowered her voice, "In matters of love, it's best to settle things early. Besides, he's the young master of the Blazes! He's in high demand, and if we don't secure it soon, another woman might snatch him away!"
"And..." After thinking about it for a moment, Mrs. Carter continued, "You've grown up, and there are some things I feel I shouldn't hide from you. The Carters's decline has been faster than we expected, and we need external help quickly. With the Blazes' power and potential, they are the best option to help us!"
Karina stared, mouth agape, surprised by her mother's words. After a pause, she said, "I understand, Mom. Don't worry! I'll make Xavier mine!"
***