Page 86 of King of Ruin

Xavier acknowledged each greeting with a polite nod before effortlessly slipping into business mode. Discussions about investments, mergers, and overseas expansion began almost immediately, and within minutes, the conversation had become serious enough that no one else could easily interrupt.

Elise stood quietly beside him exactly as he'd asked.

Whenever someone acknowledged her, she returned the greeting with a warm smile before taking a small step back, allowing the conversation to continue uninterrupted.

Then, from inside her clutch, her phone vibrated.

The soft buzzing against her palm drew her attention.

She slipped it out just enough to glance at the screen.

Logan.

Her brows knitted together.

She instinctively looked toward Xavier.

He was listening to one of the investors explain something, his attention fully occupied.

Elise quietly stepped away from the group. She moved toward the quieter side of the deck where the music wasn't quite as loud, stopping near the railing overlooking the water before lifting the phone to her ear.

"Hello?"

There was silence.

Then—

"...Elise."

She frowned immediately.

The voice was Logan's.

But it didn't sound like Logan.

Usually, his words tumbled out one after another with excitement, teasing her before she'd even had the chance to greet him.

Now...

His voice was low.

Flat.

Almost lifeless.

Her grip on the phone tightened.

"Logan?"

She straightened unconsciously, concern immediately replacing the relaxed expression she'd been wearing.

"What's wrong?"

There was another pause.

Then, very quietly, he said,

"Can you come outside?"