After Grandpa Lu ensured Zara would visit him during the weekend, she and Xavier made their way to the snack table. The area was relatively secluded since most guests were still engaged in conversations elsewhere, and Xavier's icy demeanor ensured no one lingered too close.
Zara grabbed a small plate and began piling it with hors d'oeuvres, her mood light. She glanced at Xavier, who leaned against the table, exuding effortless composure.
"So," she began, trying to draw him into a conversation, "I bet you're wondering how I know Grandpa Lu."
Xavier raised an eyebrow, his silence encouraging her to elaborate.
"He's basically the grandfather I never had," Zara said, popping a mini quiche into her mouth. "My dad worked for him for years, so I practically grew up around him. He taught me how to play chess, gave me my first business book, and even snuck me candy when my mom wasn't looking."
Xavier hummed, his eyes steady on her. "He doesn't strike me as the 'candy-sneaking' type."
Zara laughed softly. "Oh, he's a lot softer than he lets on. He's just good at playing the intimidating boss role."
Xavier gave a subtle nod, his expression neutral, though Zara could tell he was intrigued. She reached for a macaron, her lips twitching into a smile as she remembered all the times Grandpa Lu had scolded her father for missing family dinners.
Just then, her gaze shifted toward the ballroom entrance. Zara froze mid-reach, her eyes widening as recognition swept over her. The plate in her hand wobbled precariously before she hastily set it down.
"Liam!" she shouted, her voice filled with excitement.
The name rang out, catching the attention of a tall, dark-haired man who had just entered the room. His sharp features softened as he scanned the crowd, his face lighting up when his eyes landed on Zara.
"Zara?" he called back, grinning.
Without a second thought, she abandoned her plate and sprinted across the room, her heels clicking loudly against the marble floor. Liam barely had time to react before she threw herself into his arms.
"Whoa, easy there!" he laughed, catching her and spinning her around.
"You're here!" Zara exclaimed, her voice muffled against his shoulder.
"I could say the same about you," Liam replied as he set her down, his hands still resting on her waist.
Zara leaned back, her face beaming. Without hesitation, she cupped his face, placing a kiss on each cheek and finishing with a playful peck on his nose. Liam chuckled, his dark eyes shining with affection.
"You look amazing, by the way," he said, taking a step back to admire her gown.
"And you're still as smooth as ever," Zara teased, her grin widening. "Wait—do you have a girlfriend?"
Liam's brows shot up in surprise before he laughed. "No, why?"
Zara let out an exaggerated sigh of relief, pressing a hand to her chest. "Thank God! I don't want some crazy girlfriend chasing me down just because I kissed you on the cheek."
"Same Zara, different day," Liam said, shaking his head.
Meanwhile, back at the snack table, Xavier observed the reunion with a sharp, unreadable expression. His hand tightened around the stem of his champagne glass as he watched Liam spin Zara around like she was weightless. The way she lit up around this man was... distracting.
When Zara kissed Liam's cheeks and nose, Xavier's jaw ticked slightly, though his face remained carefully composed.
As Liam led Zara toward the snack table, Zara glanced over her shoulder and caught Xavier's gaze. "Xavier, meet Liam!" she said, her tone bubbly.
Liam extended his hand, his smile easy and charming. "Nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you."
"Can't say the same," Xavier replied coolly, shaking his hand.
Liam's grin didn't falter, though he seemed to pick up on Xavier's less-than-welcoming demeanor. "Well, I'm sure we'll get to know each other better tonight," he said smoothly.
Zara, oblivious to the tension, looped her arm through Liam's. "Come on, Liam, let's get you something to eat. You must be starving!"
As she led Liam away, Xavier watched them with narrowed eyes, his grip on the champagne glass finally loosening. He didn't understand why this stranger's presence irked him so much, but one thing was certain: he wasn't a fan.