Page 146 of King of Ruin

The expectation in Xavier’s eyes vanished.

His expression darkened almost instantly.

The anger that flashed across his face was so intense that the entire atmosphere seemed to shift. His jaw tightened, the sharp line of his face becoming even more pronounced as he stared at Elise.

One hand remained resting against the car door, his fingers slowly curling against the surface as though he was physically restraining himself from saying the words already burning at the tip of his tongue.

The silence that followed was heavy.

Oppressive.

Even the cold air outside seemed to grow still.

Benjamin, standing nearby, felt his heart sink the moment he saw the look on Xavier’s face.

If this continued for even a few more seconds, Benjamin had no doubt that his boss was going to lose his temper completely.

The kind that could leave destruction behind.

And unfortunately, Benjamin had a strong suspicion that he might be standing dangerously close to the destruction zone.

Before Xavier could say anything, Benjamin immediately stepped forward.

Immediately stepping forward, Benjamin placed himself between the car and the two women, trying to ease the tension before Xavier completely lost his patience.

"Miss Foster..." he said carefully, looking between them with concern. "What are you talking about?"

His eyes flickered toward Astrid.

"Why are you asking Miss Astrid to get in?"

Benjamin glanced toward the car, then back at Elise, his brows slowly drawing together in confusion.

"What... what's going on?"

The question escaped him before he could stop it. He looked between Elise and Xavier, trying desperately to understand the situation, but the more he listened, the more impossible it seemed to make sense.

Elise stood there with a calm expression, as though she had just made a simple business decision. Meanwhile, Xavier remainedseated inside the car, his face unreadable to anyone who didn't know him well—but Benjamin knew him better than most.

The anger coming from him was like a raging fire burning his skin.

The tension in the air was so thick that Benjamin could almost feel it pressing against him, and he had a sinking feeling that this day was about to become one of the most difficult days of his career.

Elise, however, seemed completely unaffected by the storm brewing around her.

Looking at Benjamin, she explained in the same composed tone she used when discussing matters at the company.

"Since Astrid is Xavier's girlfriend now, I think it would be better if she starts learning about the business as well."

Benjamin froze.

For a moment, he simply stared at her, waiting for her to say she was joking.

But Elise continued.

"She should understand my responsibilities and learn my position at the company because I won't be there anymore."

Her words were calm, almost practical.