Page 12 of King of Ruin

"She never just did what you asked. She'd already thought three steps ahead."

Cassian nodded, remembering the same thing.

"That's true."

"I've seen it too," Maverick continued. "You'd ask for a report, and she'd already have the report, the backup files, alternative plans, and a list of recommendations waiting for you."

He looked back at Xavier, one brow lifting.

"And every single time she'd ask, 'Which one would you prefer, Mr. Chen?'"

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"I honestly don't think I've ever seen her tell you no for anything."

Elias let out a thoughtful hum, tapping his finger against the side of his glass.

"Now that you mention it..."

He turned toward Xavier.

"She's ridiculously attentive."

Lucius gave a quiet nod.

"It isn't just work," he added calmly. "Even outside the office, she's always watching what Xavier needs before he says anything."

The room fell silent for a moment as each of them replayed countless interactions in their minds.

Maverick broke the silence first.

"I'll be honest," he said, leaning forward and resting his forearms on his knees. "From the outside, it looks like she'd do just about anything for you."

His eyes settled on Xavier's face, studying his reaction.

"So I have to ask..." A slow, curious smile spread across his face. "What exactly did you do?"

Xavier frowned.

Maverick continued before he could answer.

"What did you do that made her so devoted to you?"

He gestured lightly with his hand.

"Because women like that don't come around often."

Elias folded his arms across his chest, a thoughtful look crossing his face as he glanced between Maverick and Xavier.

"He's right." He tilted his head slightly. "She looks at you like you're the center of her world."

Xavier leaned comfortably against the leather sofa, he loosened his grip on the whiskey glass and slowly rotated it between his fingers, watching the liquid swirl around the glass before lifting it for a small sip. When he finally looked up, his expression was as composed as ever.

He shrugged one shoulder as though the answer were obvious.

"You all are overthinking this matter. My parents wanted me to spend time with her, so I did."

He lowered the glass onto the table with a quiet clink and rested one arm along the back of the sofa.