Page 157 of King of Ruin

Dim amber lights cast long shadows across the luxurious space, while bottles of expensive liquor lined the private bar. Beyond the closed doors, the deep bass of the club's music pulsed faintly through the walls, the only sound filling the otherwise silent room.

He didn't bother waiting for the others.

Walking over to the liquor cabinet, he grabbed a bottle of whiskey, poured himself a generous glass, and downed it in one swallow before pouring another. One drink turned into two, then three, the bottle gradually emptying as the minutes slipped by.

By the time Elias finally arrived nearly an hour later and pushed open the VIP room door, Xavier was already noticeably drunk, leaning back against the leather sofa with a half-empty bottle resting on the table in front of him.

"What the hell?"

The moment Elias stepped into the VIP suite and saw Xavier, he froze.

The half-empty whiskey bottle on the table, the untouched food, and the unmistakable haze in Xavier's eyes told him everything he needed to know.

"...You're drunk."

Xavier let out a humorless laugh before taking another long swallow of whiskey.

Unlike every other time, he didn't keep things to himself.

The alcohol had stripped away every ounce of restraint.

Without hesitation, he told Elias everything that had happened with Elise—bringing Astrid home, telling Elise that Astrid would become his wife, and every moment that had followed. The more he spoke, the darker his expression became, his anger growing with every memory that replayed in his mind like a nightmare he couldn't escape.

He slammed his glass onto the table so hard the whiskey inside splashed over the rim.

"How the hell is she not bothered?" he barked, his voice rough with frustration. "How can she not even care that I brought another woman into the house? I stood right in front of her and told her Astrid was going to be my new girlfriend." He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "She didn't even flinch. Not once. It's like none of it mattered to her."

He grabbed the bottle and poured himself another drink before emptying half the glass in one go.

Elias stared at him for several long seconds, his jaw tightening.

Then he let out a sharp, disbelieving scoff.

"You are out of your fucking mind."

Xavier looked up.

"Have you even stopped to think about what you've done?" Elias demanded, his voice rising. "Just because you were angry that she hid another man from you, you brought another woman into your home and announced that she was going to be your wife. What the hell did you expect Elise to do?"

He threw his hands up in disbelief.

"If anything, I'm surprised she stayed as calm as she did."

His expression hardened as he looked directly at Xavier.

"I wouldn't be surprised if whatever love she had for you died the moment you said those words."

The room fell silent.

Elias held his gaze without looking away.

"If she didn't react at all..." he said quietly, "then maybe she doesn't love you anymore."

Xavier's face darkened, anger flaring so quickly it was almost frightening.

"How the hell is this my fault?" he snapped. "She's the one who brought another man around. I asked her over and over who the hell he was, and she wouldn't tell me. Not a single explanation."

He laughed bitterly before downing another mouthful of whiskey.