Chapter 20
When Xavier got the call and rushed to the police station, he found his sister still arguing with the officers. He took a deep breath to steady himself.
“I’ve already told you–it was her who started it! The security footage makes that perfectly clear!“}
He strode forward, gently but firmly pushing Genevieve, who was pounding the table in protest, back into her chair. Only then did he notice Loretta, sitting quietly in the corner.
For a moment, their eyes met, and surprise flickered across his face.”
He was about to ask what had happened when one of the officers spoke up first.
“You’re here to bail these two out, right? They got into a fight at the bakery and sent someone to the hospital. The other side’s willing to settle, but your girls are the ones refusing. Maybe you can talk some sense into them.“>
With a weary sigh, the officer left the room. Only then did Genevieve turn to Xavier and repeat her earlier argument.
“Loretta and I are the real victims here. We were just defending ourselves when our safety was threatened. Why should we be the ones asking for forgiveness?“>
Hearing her stubborn insistence, Xavier could only raise his voice a little to cut through.”
*Enough. Just tell me exactly what happened.“}
At last, Genevieve calmed herself and explained how everything had unfolded.}
When she got to the part where Loretta was nearly hurt, Xavier’s heart skipped a beat. He couldn’t help but glance at Loretta.
Loretta’s expression barely changed. She simply grabbed a napkin and began wiping the frosting off Genevieve’s purse.
“If I hadn’t pulled her back, Loretta would be the one in the hospital right now. All I did was stand up for us. Why should we have to apologize or settle?“}
Once Xavier understood, his face darkened.§
He signed the release paperwork and led the two women out of the station.
“You both go home. I’ll take care of the rest.“}
He watched their car disappear down the street, then turned to look at the hospital across the way.”
Fidelia was in Room 1406.
When Xavier entered, Fidelia had just returned from her final checkup. A group of girls clustered around her bed, chattering all at once.
“Fidelia, you know we can’t afford to mess with the Kingsley family. It’s just a minor injury–let’s drop it.”
“Genevieve’s a hothead. Next time we see her, let’s steer clear before she causes more trouble.”
Even after getting hurt, Fidelia was expected to swallow her anger. She fumed silently, about to lash out, when she spotted Xavier.
Instantly, her angry expression melted into one of pitiful vulnerability, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“Xavier, I knew you hadn’t forgotten about me. I knew you’d come.“>
The other girls exchanged knowing glances and quietly slipped out, leaving them alone.
Once the door closed behind the last of them, Xavier turned back to Fidelia.
In the past three years–from parties, to chance encounters, to working together after he returned to the Kingsley Group–he’d seen Fidelia at least four times a week.}
He’d told her countless times that things were over between them.”
Still, she refused to let go, convinced he was just angry with her and determined to chase him down.
Eventually, Xavier grew tired of explaining. He let her stage her endless “coincidences” and simply ignored her.N
He’d heard about her squabbles with Genevieve–most were just petty arguments. He never paid them much mind.
But today, seeing Loretta nearly get hurt, he realized his years of indifference had only encouraged Fidelia’s behavior. His mood soured at the memory.”
Fidelia, tears brimming, reached out as if seeking comfort.
But just before she could touch him, Xavier stepped back and spoke in a low, cool voice.
“I’ve already heard what happened from Genevieve. Loretta just got back from abroad, and you barely know her. Why did you go after her on purpose?“%
