I glanced over at Xavier, who was still searching frantically for me in the crowd. After a brief hesitation, I decided to make a quick trip to the restroom to clean up the mess. At the very least, I needed to wipe off the layer of cream before Xavier tried to hug me and got a handful of frosting.
As I approached the restroom, I overheard a woman’s voice, her tone filled with frustration.
“Tch, what’s so great about her? I’m a beautiful woman who practically throws myself at him, and he acts like a block of wood. It’s like he’s completely fixated on Lucy.”
She angrily adjusted her dress, clearly irritated.
When I walked into the restroom, I cast her a quick glance before moving to the sink to wash my dress. Judging by her rant, it was obvious she had been talking about Xavier.
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Seeing how fierce she looked, I decided it was best not to provoke her.
Just as I was thinking that, Annabelle noticed me. Her pupils dilated slightly, but she didn’t seem particularly surprised.
“Hey, you. Who sent you here? I don’t remember my father mentioning someone like you.”
At that moment, I recalled what Xavier had told me about corporate spies.
Could it be that she thought I was one of them?
“Hey! I’m talking to you! What’s the matter? Do you think you’ve really caught Xavier’s eye? Let me tell you something–give up on that fantasy. My father arranged for Lucy to meet an unfortunate end abroad years ago. The only reason Xavier is paying you any
attention is because you’re just a replacement for her.”
Suddenly, a memory from my time abroad flashed through my mind.
9
