CHAPTER 247
In the VIP room, Xander’s phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen. It was a message from Arianna.
Without responding to the text, he set the phone down and turned toward Harmony, asking in a calm, distant voice, “Where are you staying now?”
Harmony smiled slightly, her voice soft but teasing. “I’m staying at a serviced apartment. Why? Are you offering to take me back?”
“Let’s go,” Xander replied in the same detached tone as he rose from his seat.
Zach, clearly disgruntled, groaned,
“What’s with you guys? The moment your ladies come calling, you bail on us! Where’s your loyalty?”
Xander shot him a cold look that froze Zach in place. A shiver ran through him, and his tone immediately softened.
“Alright, alright, fine! I enjoy the peace and quiet anyway. Go on, leave.”
Harmony chuckled at his reaction. “You haven’t changed a bit, Zac.”
Waving his hand dismissively, Zach responded, “No, I haven't" he said giving her a lopsided smile
"Now, go. I’ll just call up my new girlfriend for some company. My friends, my best friends, all think they're so special just because you’ve got someone? I’m doing just fine myself!”
He took out his phone and swiftly dialled a number.
Xander paid him no attention and exited the room, with Harmony trailing right behind him.
........
When Xander and Harmony stepped outside the clubhouse, a car was already waiting by the entrance. Ronald stood beside it, watching them approach. His eyes widened slightly when he saw Harmony—it seemed she had returned.
The memory of spotting her near the hospital flashed through his mind, confirming it wasn’t just a case of mistaken identity.
Harmony approached, her smile warm as she greeted him. It’s been a while, Mr. Crawford.”
Ronald snapped back to reality and responded with a polite smile, “Yes. It’s been a while, Ms. Jackson. You’ve grown even more beautiful!”
It was a compliment that every woman liked to hear. Harmony giggled softly, covering her mouth as she replied,
“Thank you, Mr. Crawford. You’ve become quite handsome yourself.”
Ronald beamed awkwardly as he opened the rear door. “Please, hop in, Ms. Jackson!”
Harmony gracefully bent down to enter the car, and Xander followed closely behind. Once Ronald shut the door, he circled to the driver’s seat, got in, and started the car, pulling away from the curb.
The streets were quiet, almost deserted at that hour, and the silence extended into the car as well. No one spoke.
Harmony didn’t seem bothered by Xander’s usual stoic demeanour. Instead, she lowered the window, letting the cool night breeze ruffle her hair. After gazing out at the passing cityscape for a while, she broke the silence.
“The City has changed,” she mused softly. “It feels like everything has shifted in a new direction in just a few short years.”
Her voice grew even gentler as she turned to Xander.
“Even the King Group is different now. King Tower stands taller, more magnificent than ever. You’ve achieved what you set out to do—you’ve taken the King Group to new heights.”
Xander glanced over at her, his expression unreadable. When he finally spoke, it wasn’t to acknowledge her praise. Instead, he asked,
“Why are you back?”
Harmony wasn’t surprised by the question; it seemed like she had been expecting it. With quiet determination, she answered,
“I’ve come back to pursue… my dream.”
The way she emphasized the word "dream" left little doubt about the conviction behind her words.
A couple of seconds later, Harmony added,
“Xander, you know my dream has always been to become a famous news anchor.”
“That’s why I’ve entered the competition organized by Starlight TV. I’ve already passed the interview stage.”
Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke about her dream. “Xander, I know you’ll support me! I’m going to give it my all and win that competition!”
By the time she finished speaking, the car had reached the hotel.
Harmony glanced at the building and then turned to Xander with a smile. “Here we are, Xander. I’ll head up now. Good night.”
With that, she opened the car door and stepped out, standing for a moment to wave at Xander before turning and walking into the hotel.
Xander watched her leave for a moment, then instructed Ronald, “Take me back to the villa.”
Ronald nodded and drove off.
…
Meanwhile, Arianna was sound asleep when she suddenly caught the faint scent of alcohol mixed with a familiar fragrance, pulling her from her dreams.
Arianna slowly opened her eyes and saw that Xander had finally returned. He was standing near the sofa, quietly removing his clothes.
Sensing her gaze, Xander turned slightly and met her half-asleep eyes. His voice softened as he asked, “Did I wake you? Go back to sleep.”
Relieved by his presence, Arianna felt her drowsiness return in full force. She mumbled softly, barely awake, and let her eyelids flutter closed as she drifted back into slumber.
Xander continued undressing, tossing his shirt and pants over the sofa armrest before heading into the bathroom for a shower.
When he emerged, the lingering scent of alcohol had all but disappeared. After drying his damp hair, he made his way to the bed and slid beneath the covers.
Turning on his side, Xander wrapped his long arms around Arianna’s sleeping form, pulling her close to him.
She shifted instinctively, having grown used to the warmth of his embrace. After a few small adjustments in his arms, she nestled against him, her face relaxed as she slipped back into a deeper sleep.
Xander gazed down at her peaceful expression, a quiet happiness filling his eyes. He leaned down and gently kissed her on the forehead, then hugged her even tighter, closing his own eyes and falling asleep as well.
