Chapter 164


    Oliver perused the menu. His eyes were drawn to the caviar, foie gras, and sulent steak, all


    signature dishes in this upscale establishment.


    ...


    Ruby and Xavier also decided to dine at the same restaurant that evening. Dressed in an expensive


    evening gown that Billy had custom-made for her in an attempt to impress the Baldwins, Ruby was


    the picture of elegance. It was a perfect choice for a dinner out with Xavier.


    As soon as Xavier settled into his chair, he impatiently broached the subject. "Ruby, you mean to tell


    me the Baldwins are considering a financial boost for your family?"


    "Yes, Brandon himself told my dad," she confirmed.


    Xavier''s eyes sparked with a fervent glow. He took Ruby''s hand, his voice tender and adoring,


    "Ruby, if the Baldwin family invests in yourpany, that''s fantastic news. I''ve been concerned ever


    since your family hit that rough patch."


    Ruby responded with a shy smile, gently withdrawing her hand. "Xavier, when I needed your help,


    you wouldn''t even take my calls."


    "It was my darn phone, always acting up. I''ve got a new one now, so feel free to call me anytime,


    24/7. I won''t miss your calls again."


    Ruby saw an opportunity and seized it. "Well, my dad is thinking about asking the Baldwins for a bit


    more cash to expand the business. Maybe we could partner with your firm."


    Xavier''s eyes shone with anticipation. "Ruby, I knew you''d consider mypany. Once I make


    some money, I''ll buy you a beautiful piece of jewelry."


    Ruby''s confidence radiated as she teased, "You''re just saying this now, Xavier. You don''t mean it."


    "My word is my bond, Ruby. After we get married, all my earnings are yours to spend."


    Ruby shot Xavier a mock-scolding look, her cheeks flushed. "Xavier, what are you talking about?


    We aren’t married yet."


    "Ruby, I won''t settle for anyone but you. Don''t you want to marry me?"


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    As their eyes locked, the waiter bringing their wine pictured swapping the table for a bed. This was


    a restaurant, not a hotel!


    The waiter was utterly bemused. He served the wine and quickly left them to their world.


    After a hearty meal, Ruby excused herself to the restroom. Upon her exit, she caught sight of


    Josefina walking alongside a tall, handsome man with a gaze that was anything but innocent.


    Ruby approached and saw the manager bowing and scraping to Josefina and the mysterious, a real


    brown-noser. She frowned in disdain. "Josefina, that little tramp, alwaysnding on her feet with


    these sessful men!" It wasn''t until Josefina had disappeared from view that Ruby went back to


    Xavier.


    Following the ride home with Xavier, Ruby was still pondering over Josefina''s encounter. Lauren


    noticed her daughter''s return and approached with concern. "Ruby, have you noticed your father


    acting oddtely? He hasn’t been home in days. Can work really be that consuming? I hope he


    hasn''t found someone else."


    Ruby snapped back to reality and reassured her gently, "Mom, Dad''s just swamped at work. I''ve


    seen how busy he is while I''m interning at thepany. And with everything that''s been going on,


    it''s been a hassle."


    Lauren sighed in relief. "That''s good to hear. Ruby, keep an eye on your father for me."


    "Don''t worry, Mom. No one''s going to break up our family. Dad adores you; you''re the only one for


    him."


    As mother and daughter shared a light-hearted moment, Billy returned home. Ruby approached


    him, eager to discuss the potential business coboration with Xavier. Instead, she was met with a


    resounding p that left her reeling in shock.