Chapter 4. Car Accident

Xavier gave a faint smile, showing a set of perfectly white teeth, "Where are you going? Let me give you a ride!"

"No need! I can take a taxi myself!"

Xavier leaned out, looked around, then said, "At this time, it's hard to get a cab. Don't be stubborn, just get in the car!"

After a moment's thought, Serena decided not to argue with herself, reaching out to open the passenger door.

She tried a few times, but the door didn't budge. With her arms crossed, she sarcastically looked toward the back seat, "You told me to hitch a ride, but now you've locked the door. What's the meaning of this?!"

"Come on!" Xavier patted the seat beside him, "The back is more comfortable!"

Serena blinked, speechless.

The Blaze and Knowles families had been close for generations. Bram and Xavier's father, Henry Blaze, were childhood friends who had grown up playing in the mud and climbing trees together. Later, one entered politics and became the Mayor, while the other entered business and became the Chairman of the powerful X Corp.

And Serena and Xavier were childhood sweethearts.

Since kindergarten, Xavier had followed Serena around, always saying he would marry her when they grew up, and he'd been saying this for over a decade.

Any boy who tried to get close to her, he regarded as an enemy, issuing warnings or even taking action, which meant Serena didn't have a single male friend before college.

Serena was annoyed by his persistence and naturally had no good impression of him.

Back when Clint was pursuing her, Xavier had also interfered. But Serena had been resolute and no one could stop her. She had even tried to commit suicide to push Xavier away, which eventually made him back off.

Now, facing a former pursuer, she no longer felt irritated. Instead, she found herself appreciating him a little.

At least he was more sincere toward her than Clint!

After a moment's thought, Serena walked to the back seat.

Just as she sat down, Xavier's playful voice reached her ear, "Where are we going?"

"Back to Diamond Villa!"

Xavier smiled wickedly, his tone turning ambiguous, "I heard you just got home yesterday. It's only been a day, and you're already rushing back into your lover's arms?!"

His sarcastic tone made Serena laugh. She turned her face to see the arrogant Xavier's expression, but when her gaze met his face, her breath caught in her throat.

She hadn't noticed before, but now she saw how handsome he was-surpassing even Clint!

"Had enough looking?" His teasing voice snapped her back to reality. "What? Do you think I'm handsome?"

Xavier couldn't stay serious for more than three seconds before leaning toward her with a playful grin.

"Tch! Stop being so narcissistic!" Serena denied with a stiff mouth.

Xavier smiled, not bothered, seemingly used to her sarcastic remarks.

In his beautiful eyes, a mischievous light danced as he looked her over.

"Tsk tsk! Now this is more like it. This outfit actually suits your complexion! You used to wear black and white every single day-I thought you were headed to a funeral!"

"Crow's mouth," Serena muttered, rolling her eyes and brushing him off.

Xavier wisely shut up after that.

The car glided smoothly down the road, but just as they reached an intersection, a dark gray S600 shot out from a corner. It swerved dangerously close, clipping the front bumper of the Maybach.

On instinct, Serena's eyes snapped to the license plate.

She and Xavier exchanged a glance-both their expressions darkened.

That car belonged to Clint.

Wasn't he supposed to be waiting at home for her?!

The corners of Serena's mouth curled slightly, a mocking smile forming on her face.

Sure enough, a man's mouth is full of lies. Trusting Clint's words is as foolish as believing an elephant can fly!

The occupants of the S600 seemed to be shaken by the 'accident' as well.

The driver's side door opened, revealing a slender, straight leg dressed in black stockings.

The driver was not Clint, but Poppy!

Upon seeing this woman, Serena's teeth clenched in hatred, her hands tightly gripping the seat. She was about to open the car door and step out to confront her.

Before she could move, a warm hand pressed down on her, stopping her. "Stay seated, I'll go!"

Serena turned to see Xavier with that same careless charm-the signature look of a man born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

She tilted her lips and crossed her arms. "Do you know who she is?!"

Xavier didn't answer but shot her a sideways glance, clearly displeased with her question. "Do you even know who I am? In Vernon, is there anyone who doesn't know me?"

With that, he casually opened the Maybach door with a click and stepped out of the car.

Poppy, who had been hoping to take the initiative and manipulate the situation by playing the victim, was now in for a surprise.

After all, this Maybach was a limited edition, and even the small piece of paint scratched off was worth at least five figures.

Although Clint would likely pay her if she asked, she had just had a falling out with him for not marrying Serena, and asking for money now was something she wasn't willing to do.

"How do you drive?! Don't you know how to-"

She was about to finish her sentence with a sharp remark but caught sight of Xavier's face, causing her words to die in her throat.

With a fake smile, she took a few steps forward, pressing her pale chest against Xavier's arm.

This scene made Serena feel disgusted!

Poppy had always acted pure and innocent in front of Clint.

Her voice was soft and delicate, and whenever she was a little wronged, her eyes would redden, making her look like an innocent little rabbit. She had kept Clint wrapped around her finger for years with this act.

But now, behind Clint's back, she was openly flirting with another man in broad daylight.

"Mr. Blaze, it's you! I was just thinking, who must have such taste to drive such a beautiful car?"

Xavier stepped back a few paces, remaining expressionless. "Do you know me?"

"Ah! Is there anyone in Vernon who doesn't know you, the famous Young Master Blaze? Even if I haven't met you in person, I've seen you on the news!"

Xavier chuckled lightly, walking toward the front of the car. He bent down and touched the scratched paint with his fingers.

His thumb and forefinger pinched the spot where the paint had come off, the powdery residue falling from his fingers.

"Well, tell me, do we call the police or settle this privately?"

Poppy had always been confident about her looks and had thought that with her proactive approach, Xavier would feel pity and resolve the issue smoothly.

But to her surprise, he was cold and indifferent, showing no signs of backing down.

"Mr. Blaze, with your capabilities, why would you bother about a little paint? Let's not make a fuss about this!"

Poppy began to flirt again, trying to charm him.

Xavier glanced at her, seemingly understanding her intentions. "You... your name is Poppy Castano, right?"

"Yes, yes! Mr. Blaze, I didn't expect someone like you to know me!"

Poppy was secretly pleased, her act sweet and coy, so convincing that even Serena almost believed it.

Serena's heart tightened in fear, worried that Xavier might fall for Poppy's fake exterior.

"How would I know you?" Xavier's voice was cold, biting. "All I know is-you're in Clint Beckett's bed, not mine."

With those words, Poppy's face instantly darkened.