Page 152 of King of Ruin

After a brief silence, Xavier finally spoke, his voice cool and emotionless.

"Didn't you tell me this morning that I should introduce Astrid to everyone as my girlfriend?" His gaze never left Elise's face. "Since that's what you want, I think we should start from home before making it public."

His fingers tapped lightly against the armrest as he continued, watching her carefully.

"From today onward, Astrid will move into the guest room next to our bedroom. It'll be much more convenient than having her stay downstairs. If she's right next door, it'll be easier for me to spend time with her whenever I want."

Every word was intentional.

He wasn't simply informing her of a decision.

He was provoking her.

He wanted her to picture another woman sleeping only a few steps away from him. He wanted her to imagine him walking into Astrid's room every night. He wanted to force even the smallest crack into the calm expression she had been wearing ever since Astrid entered the mansion.

So he watched her.

Closely.

His eyes searched every inch of her face, refusing to miss even the slightest flicker of emotion.

Are you going to get jealous now?

Tell me not to do it.

Tell me you don't want another woman beside me.

He didn't need a confession.

He didn't even need her to admit that she loved him.

A single frown...

A flash of hurt...

Even the smallest sign that this bothered her...

That alone would be enough.

If Elise showed him even the slightest indication that she didn't want another woman taking her place beside him, he would withdraw every word he had just said without a second thought, and throw Astrid out.

"Sure, I think that's perfectly fair."

Elise answered immediately, her eyes moving from Xavier to Astrid before she gave Astrid an encouraging smile, as if she was genuinely pleased with the arrangement. There was no hesitation on her face, no anger, and no trace of the jealousy Xavier had been waiting to see.

Instead, she simply stepped closer to him.

"You're right. I think that makes perfect sense. I agree."

The ease with which she accepted his decision only made the irritation inside him grow. He watched her carefully, waiting for something—anything—that would reveal she was affected by his words.

But Elise only looked thoughtful.

A moment later, her expression changed slightly, as though another idea had suddenly occurred to her.

"No, wait."

Xavier's eyebrows drew together as he watched her.