Xavier spent the better part of the morning handling damage control. The board meeting had raised some important issues, but Thomas's ongoing interference was becoming more than a nuisance; it was a threat. As he paced his study, reviewing reports and speaking with his lawyers, he couldn't help but feel the weight of Elizabeth's questions from the night before.
He had meant what he'd said to her. But keeping her safe from his family's schemes was becoming harder than he'd anticipated, especially as Thomas grew bolder. Thomas's last jab—insinuating that Xavier was hiding things from Elizabeth—still rang in his ears. It was a reminder that his brother knew just where to strike to sow doubt and confusion.
The truth was, Elizabeth was the one person he wanted to keep separate from all of this. Their marriage might have started as a means of protecting his position, but the lines had blurred. Now, he wasn't even sure when exactly it had happened, but Elizabeth had become more than just his ally—she'd become essential.
But how could he convince her of that when his brother was working overtime to convince her otherwise?
By the time Elizabeth entered his study that afternoon, Xavier was ready for a break. She looked hesitant, lingering in the doorway. He put down his phone and crossed the room, gesturing her in.
"Come in," he said, his tone gentler than it had been earlier in the day. "I could use some company."
Elizabeth stepped inside, folding her arms across her chest as she watched him. "I've been thinking… about everything Thomas said yesterday," she began carefully, her gaze searching his. "And I've been thinking about us. Xavier, I need to know what all of this really means to you. I don't want to live in a world of half-truths and evasions."
He took a deep breath, feeling her words hit a tender place he'd long since buried. "I know, Elizabeth. And I'm trying to be as transparent as I can. But this… family dynamic has layers I haven't even sorted out. There are things I'm still trying to understand, trying to fix. I've never been able to trust anyone in this world, not fully."
"But you trust me," she said softly, a note of hope in her voice.
"Yes," he said without hesitation. "You're the only person I trust."
Elizabeth's expression softened, and she took a step closer. "Then why are you still holding back? It's like you're always shielding me from something. You say it's complicated, but I'm here to stand with you, Xavier. If there's something you need to tell me, now's the time."
He let out a sigh, leaning against his desk. "The truth is, my family has never been stable. My father's empire, for all its wealth and success, was built on alliances and manipulations that stretch back decades. When he passed away, the board expected Thomas and me to share control—'two heads are stronger than one,' they said. But that was never the way it worked."
"So… you and Thomas have been competing since the beginning?"
"Yes," Xavier replied, frustration tightening his voice. "I wanted to take the company in a new direction. Thomas, on the other hand, clings to the past, to the same tactics my father used. We've been at odds ever since. And now… he's playing dirty."
Elizabeth's expression became thoughtful, and he could see her piecing it all together. "And you thought marrying me would make you look more stable? That the board would see you as a better option for CEO?"
"In part," Xavier admitted. "But I also needed someone who could withstand Thomas's games. Someone strong enough to be an equal partner. I underestimated how much this would mean to me, though. I didn't anticipate… us."
She nodded, her eyes glimmering with understanding and a hint of sadness. "I get it, Xavier. And I can see how hard you're trying to balance everything. But if you want me to be by your side, I need to know everything. No more secrets."
He reached out, taking her hand in his. "I promise you, Elizabeth. I'm done hiding things from you."
A comfortable silence settled between them, until Elizabeth's expression grew serious. "Then tell me what we're going to do about Thomas. Because if he's this much of a threat now, I can only imagine he's not done yet."
Xavier's jaw clenched as he considered the question. "I've been too lenient with him, trying to hold the family together. But you're right. If we're going to make this work, I need to take a stand. And I'm going to need you with me."
She gave him a small, determined smile. "I'm with you. Always."
Two days later, Xavier arranged a family dinner, including Thomas and his aunt Sylvia. Xavier had carefully choreographed the evening to present a united front with Elizabeth, to remind everyone in the family that he had a strong partner by his side. He hoped it would reinforce his position before the board meeting later that week, where he intended to formally propose new leadership changes that would cut off Thomas's influence.
The dining room was elegant, filled with crystal glassware and candlelight, but the atmosphere was tense. Xavier sat at the head of the table, with Elizabeth to his right, and Sylvia and Thomas across from them. As the meal progressed, conversation flowed awkwardly, small talk interrupted by tense silences.
But then, Sylvia turned to Elizabeth with a polite smile that felt more like a veiled threat. "So, Elizabeth, how are you adjusting to life in our… unconventional family? I imagine Xavier's business arrangements keep you quite busy."
Elizabeth smiled calmly, sensing the undercurrent of the question. "Yes, Xavier keeps me informed. We're very much a team. I'm honored to be part of everything he's built."
Thomas let out a derisive laugh. "Is that so? You must be very skilled to keep up with Xavier's 'business arrangements.' Not everyone can handle the complexities."
Xavier narrowed his eyes. "Thomas, is there something you'd like to add?"
Thomas leaned back, his smirk widening. "No, no. I'm just admiring your choice, Xavier. Quite a strategic move. You always did have a knack for knowing exactly what you needed."
Xavier's hands tightened into fists beneath the table, but Elizabeth's calm demeanor reassured him. She looked at Thomas steadily, unfazed. "You're right, Thomas. Xavier is strategic. He's also trustworthy, which is more than I can say for everyone at this table."
Sylvia's smile faltered, and a flicker of anger crossed Thomas's face. But Xavier felt a surge of pride and gratitude as he watched Elizabeth hold her ground, refusing to be intimidated.
Seeing he was losing control of the situation, Thomas leaned forward, his expression hardening. "Enjoy the show while you can, Elizabeth. This little power play won't last. Xavier doesn't have what it takes to lead this family, and you'll see that soon enough."
Before Xavier could respond, Elizabeth spoke, her voice clear and strong. "It's easy to throw insults from the sidelines, Thomas. But if you spent half the energy you use undermining Xavier to actually help this family, we wouldn't be here tonight. Maybe you should consider that before pointing fingers."
Thomas glared at her, but she held his gaze, unflinching. Finally, he pushed back his chair, standing up abruptly. "I don't have to listen to this." He shot Xavier a cold, defiant look. "But remember this, brother. I'm not done with you yet."
With that, he stormed out, leaving the room in an awkward silence. Sylvia shifted uncomfortably, her gaze darting between Xavier and Elizabeth.
"Well," she said with forced cheer, "this has certainly been… enlightening."
Xavier forced a polite smile, but his thoughts were already racing. Thomas's threat was anything but empty, and he knew this confrontation would only escalate from here. But as he glanced at Elizabeth, he felt a renewed strength.
As Sylvia made a quick excuse to leave, Xavier and Elizabeth remained at the table, the aftermath of the confrontation hanging in the air.
"Thank you," he said quietly, reaching for her hand. "I know tonight wasn't easy, but… you were incredible."
Elizabeth gave him a soft smile. "I meant what I said. I'm here for you, Xavier. Whatever comes next, we face it together."
He nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "Then let's get ready. Because after tonight, Thomas isn't going to hold back."
In that moment, Xavier felt a clarity he hadn't experienced in years. For the first time, he wasn't just fighting to survive in his family's world. With Elizabeth by his side, he was ready to win.