Chapter 12. Hobby

The two elders exchanged compliments-genuine, but with a touch of exaggeration.

They had once been close friends, but after years in their own circles, their bond had softened, layered now with social niceties.

Serena barely noticed the change, but a slight frown formed on her face.

Then a quiet murmur brushed past her ear:

“Watching them go back and forth—isn’t it a bit much?”

Serena didn’t turn. Her jaw tightened as she tilted her head just slightly, annoyance flickering across her eyes. “I never said that,” she muttered through clenched teeth.

“Alright, you didn’t. I did.” Xavier leaned closer, close enough that his presence pressed into her awareness. His voice dipped, edged with a lazy smirk. “But if you’re not annoyed, I definitely am.”