Page 144 of King of Ruin

"Yes, ma'am. Mr. Chen already ate."

She paused before adding, "He said he was waiting for you in the car."

Elise was slightly surprised.

"He is waiting?"

Layla nodded.

"Yes. Would you like to have breakfast before leaving?"

Elise glanced back at the beautifully arranged table for a brief moment, then toward the entrance where Xavier was waiting.

She glanced down at the watch on her wrist and immediately realized how much time had passed. She had spent longer than expected getting ready, and if she stopped for breakfast now, she would only make herself late.

Shaking her head slightly, she looked back at Layla.

"Layla, could you please pack some breakfast and have the driver send it to the office?" she asked. "I'm running late."

"Of course, ma'am," Layla replied immediately.

The housekeeper turned and hurried back into the kitchen to arrange everything, leaving Elise standing near the dining area.

Before Elise could move, another set of footsteps echoed through the mansion.

She turned her head and saw Astrid walking out from the guest room.

Unlike Elise's formal office attire, Astrid’s style was more relaxed yet effortlessly elegant.

She wore a soft cream silk blouse tucked into high-waisted tailored trousers, the delicate fabric flowing naturally against her figure. A fitted cashmere cardigan rested over her shoulders, adding a touch of warmth without taking away from the sophistication of her outfit. Her pointed designer heels and delicate jewelry completed the look, giving her a refined elegance without making her appear overly formal.

Even in seemingly simple clothes, the luxurious fabric, flawless tailoring, and subtle details made it obvious that nothing Astrid wore was ordinary.

She looked comfortable and approachable, yet there was still an undeniable elegance about her, the kind that came naturally from someone who had grown up surrounded by luxury.

"Let's go," Astrid said with a smile.

Elise smiled back and nodded.

Together, they walked through the mansion and toward the entrance, where the car was already waiting for them. The morning air was cool, and the quiet driveway of the Chen mansion was still untouched by the rush of the day.

Elise stepped outside first.

The driver immediately moved forward and opened the door for her.

As she approached the car, she noticed Xavier was already seated inside, waiting.

The door on his side was open, allowing her to see him clearly.

Even this early in the morning, he looked completely composed.

His dark hair was neatly styled, his posture straight and effortless, and there was a natural confidence in the way he sat that made him appear untouchable. Xavier had always carried himself like someone who belonged wherever he was, with an intimidating presence that made people instinctively pay attention.

Before Elise could step into the car, Benjamin quickly walked over to her.

A wide smile was hidden on his face, and there was an almost excited look in his eyes as he leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice as though he was sharing an important secret.

"Miss Foster," he said, unable to completely hide his happiness, "Mr. Chen specifically prepared this car for you."