Page 167 of King of Ruin

Elise closed her eyes and took a deep, trembling breath before slowly lowering her hands.

Carefully, she lifted Xavier's arm from around her waist, moving slowly enough that she didn't wake him. His hold loosened, and she quietly slipped away from him, even though every part of her wanted to stay there a little longer.

Her eyes moved toward the clock on the wall.

Six in the morning.

The first rays of sunlight were beginning to appear beyond the darkness outside, marking the beginning of a new day.

Elise reached down and picked up her dress from the floor, quietly slipping it back onto her body before covering herself. For a brief moment, she looked back at Xavier sleeping peacefully on the bed, her expression softening as she memorized the sight of him one last time.

Then she turned away.

She quietly stepped out of the bedroom and walked down the stairs, careful not to make a sound. The mansion was already beginning to come alive. A few maids moved silently through the rooms, preparing breakfast and completing their morning routines, their footsteps barely making a sound against the polished floors.

When Layla saw Elise walking down the stairs, she immediately hurried toward her.

"Miss Foster," she called softly, concern appearing on her face. "Do you need anything? We were just preparing breakfast. Are you hungry?"

Elise didn't answer.

She simply continued walking toward the end of the hallway, where the storage room was located. Layla watched her in confusion as Elise opened the door and reached inside, pulling out the suitcase she had placed there days ago.

The suitcase that already contained everything she had brought into the Chen mansion.

She had packed it quietly after deciding that she would leave Xavier. There had only been a few things left behind, small items she had continued using while she stayed there.

She picked up the suitcase and carried it back into the living room.

The moment Layla saw it in her hand, the concern on her face deepened.

"Miss Foster..." she said hesitantly. "Are you going somewhere?"

Elise stopped in front of her.

Layla looked at her with confusion and worry, but Elise's expression remained calm.

"Layla," she said softly, "please go to Astrid and tell her to go and sleep in Xavier's bed."

Layla froze.

Elise continued, her voice gentle but firm. "Take care of everything she needs. From now on, she will be the one you should look after."

A small, sad smile touched Elise's lips.

"Thank you for everything you have done for me. I will be leaving now."

Layla stared at her, unable to process the words.

She glanced toward the guest room where Astrid was staying, then looked back at Elise, confusion written all over her face.

"Miss Foster... I don't understand." Her voice lowered. "You want me to go to Miss Astrid's room and tell her to sleep in your bed with Mr. Chen?"

She repeated the words slowly, almost as if she was hoping she had misunderstood.

But Elise only nodded.

"Yes.”