CHAPTER 49: CHAPTER 49: TIMOTHY XAVIER BLOCKS ME IN THE RESTROOM

Sophia Kendall’s face turned especially ugly, as if she was afraid I’d spill some other secrets, she took the woman beside her and headed elsewhere.

It wasn’t until I heard Serena Sawyer affectionately call that woman ’Mom’ that I realized who she was.

Just then, more commotion came from the entrance.

I turned to look, and it was Serena’s brother coming in, his date was Victoria Monroe.

"Isn’t this the bright star of the science world? My god, the Sawyer siblings are incredible! One is dominating showbiz, and the other has accomplished so much in research at such a young age!"

"Is that his girlfriend next to him? Ugh, why do all the quality men already have someone?"

"I’m so jealous of Serena Sawyer. Such an outstanding brother, and a husband who spoils her rotten! I wonder which door fate ever closed for her?"

"..."

Looking at this dazzling stage of fortune and vanity, I felt only more disgusted by its hypocrisy and filth.

Victoria Monroe didn’t dare look my way.

After all, it was under Serena Sawyer’s orders that she sacrificed me to finally earn her spot next to Miles Sawyer.

I imagine, she must feel guilty too.

The clinking glasses and fake pleasantries around me made it impossible to breathe.

Staying away from places like this might not be such a bad thing.

I asked Ethan Xavier, "Where’s Mr. Sinclair? I’ll return his coat and then leave."

Ethan was startled, "You just arrived and want to leave already?"

I explained, "My only purpose here is to give his jacket back."

Ethan scanned the room and said, "Madam Sinclair is hosting this banquet, I bet he’s busy. Look, you go have something to eat in the lounge, I’ll help you look for him."

"Alright."

I nodded and headed to the lounge area.

The only people here I could really talk to were Ethan Xavier and Jenna Sutton.

But for some reason, the Jenna who received an invitation hadn’t shown up at all.

I could only sit alone in the lounge, bored out of my mind.

Then, I heard the voices of two women chatting nearby.

One voice belonged to my mother-in-law, "Who is that woman around Miles? She looks pretty ordinary, what does her family do?"

Mrs. Sawyer replied, "Oh her! That little witch, her family has nothing, and she’s been clinging to Miles for years. Shameless thing, can’t drive her away!"

My mother-in-law scoffed, "Ha, just like my daughter-in-law. Doesn’t know her place, latches onto a successful man and refuses to let go! But at least, Serena and Timothy are nearly finalized—that’s one less thing for me to worry about!"

Mrs. Sawyer sighed, "You’re lucky, I’m still troubled! That little witch is pregnant now and flat out refuses to get rid of it. Miles cares so much about reputation, so we fed her a little sugar for now, to coax her. When she takes care of the child herself, then we’ll make her leave as far as possible!"

"These women from the bottom are all the same. Think they can rise up by having a child, but families like ours aren’t a marketplace—any stray cat or dog can’t just walk in!"

Sophia’s words made Mrs. Sawyer chuckle, "Looks like we’re really thinking alike! That woman wants into the Sawyer Family? Not in this lifetime!"

I stood silently behind the curtain, having already switched on the recorder in my bag.

Their whole conversation just now was captured, word for word.

As the saying goes, "destroying someone’s soul hurts most."

Victoria Monroe treated me that way—if I play her this recording, would it hurt her more than if I killed her?

Then Serena Sawyer and Timothy Xavier walked over to my mother-in-law and Mrs. Sawyer.

The whole family laughed and chatted, looking all harmonious.

Sophia Kendall said, "Timothy, settle things with Serena quickly, your mom can’t wait to hold her grandchild!"

Just then, Leo Grant, Mr. Sinclair’s assistant, came over to them, "Miss Sawyer, you’re here, thank god! I heard you’re skilled at piano. The pianist Madam Sinclair hired is stuck due to a delayed flight and hasn’t arrived. If possible, could you play a piece when the dance begins?"

"Uh..."

Serena looked obviously unwilling and declined, "Sorry, I’ve been so busy, I haven’t practiced in ages. Plus, my hand’s acting up with tendonitis—just can’t play right now."

"I see..."

Leo Grant looked troubled but didn’t press further.

The music for the dance is usually played live by the pianist and other musicians; without the piano, they’d have to use a computer track, which feels insincere.

So now, Leo was especially anxious.

Since Serena wouldn’t do it, he had to keep hunting for a replacement pianist.

After Leo left, my mother-in-law’s voice reached my ears, "The Sinclair Family has no sense! Serena’s a celebrity, and they expect her to entertain everyone by playing the piano? What do they take us for!"

Mrs. Sawyer boasted, "With Serena’s status now, booking her takes at least half a year in advance. The Sinclair Family has no idea who they’re dealing with!"

Only Timothy Xavier said calmly to Serena, "You really should’ve agreed. If you asked around, you’d know what the Sinclair Family means in Aurelia."

Miles Sawyer, annoyed, spoke up for his sister, "President Xavier, that’s not right! What, is my sister just a pawn for you to make connections? No matter how powerful the Sinclair Family is, this is Veridia—your turf!"

I suddenly remembered how Mr. Sinclair could pull the plug on Timothy Xavier’s deal with a single word, making him sweat with urgency. Clearly, the Sinclair Family outranks the Xavier Family.

Timothy is shrewd and strategic, so it’s obvious he wants to hitch onto the Sinclair Family’s power.

But the Sawyer Family’s vision is so narrow, they completely miss the bigger picture.

Just then, Ethan Xavier rushed over to me, "Leo and I searched all over, can’t believe we forgot about you! You passed the top piano exam, right? Pitch in for a while, the pianist will be here in half an hour."

Leo Grant didn’t expect to find me here; he said excitedly, "Miss Ellison, our Madam Sinclair is desperate. If you could help, we’ll properly reward you."

They’d cornered me, but considering how Mr. Sinclair and Leo Grant had helped me before, I agreed.

When the dance began, I sat at the piano and started performing with the orchestra behind me.

The piece was something I’d played before, so I quickly got into it and blended well with the band.

Originally, my playing was only supposed to be background music—nobody would pay me any attention.

But soon, more and more people gathered around the piano.

I even caught Timothy Xavier looking my way, glancing at me from across the room.

The chatter around me began to filter in:

"Didn’t expect Miss Ellison to play piano so well! She might even be more professional than Serena Sawyer!"

"Serena’s talent is all for show—it can’t stand scrutiny. I’m a piano teacher myself, and Miss Ellison’s performance is truly at a professional level."

"Did you notice? Miss Ellison isn’t just beautiful, she’s got the skill to overshadow Serena, no matter what! I thought Serena was already the top!"

"..."

I’m really not used to being watched like this.

Eventually, even Madam Sinclair, dressed in a dark red silk cheongsam, walked over supported by Ethan Xavier.

Just then, a sharp wave of nausea nearly made me throw up, sourness clawed up my throat.

Luckily, the pianist arrived at that moment. After we switched places, I immediately ran off clutching my mouth towards the bathroom.

I didn’t even have time to greet Madam Sinclair.

...

I rushed into the bathroom, gagging hard.

After a long while, my stomach finally eased up.

I rinsed out my mouth and came back out.

Now my mind was consumed by the need to go home and buy a pregnancy test.

I didn’t even dare imagine what I’d do if I really got unlucky.

Recently, I’d been hospitalized, taking medicine, having blood drawn, even drinking alcohol at events a few days ago.

Even if there was a child, it probably wouldn’t survive.

My head was in chaos when a strong arm suddenly grabbed me.

My heart dropped and I looked up—it was Timothy Xavier, his face icy as stone.

Thinking there might be a little life in my belly tied to him made my heart pound harder.

"Let go of me."

I lowered my voice, gritted my teeth, and spat out the words.

Timothy pinned me to the wall, his tall frame looming over, leaving me nowhere to run.

His deep black eyes lingered on me, "You dressed up like this on purpose, ran here with Ethan Xavier—what are you trying to do?"

I met his gaze coldly, "Whatever you’re doing, I’m doing too. If you can be with Serena, why can’t I be with Ethan Xavier?"

Timothy took a measured breath, "Zoe Ellison, remember your place. If you ever do something to disgrace the Xavier Family, your mother and the Ellison Family will have to pay for your mistakes!"

"Ha."

I let out a bitter laugh, suddenly put both hands on his shoulders, stretched up to stand inches from him.

"President Xavier, who is it that forgot their place? Or how about this: let’s go out right now and show everyone our marriage license? From now on, I’ll be a proper Mrs. Xavier at home! Dare you?"

His eyes grew darker and clouded.

Of course he wouldn’t be that reckless.

If the marriage was made public, then he and Serena would be exposed as adulterers—he’d never let himself and his lover be branded as such.

Just then, Ethan Xavier’s voice came in.

"So here you are after all!"

Hands casually in his slacks, he strolled over, seeming not to notice how ambiguous my posture with Timothy Xavier was?

I took the chance to push past Timothy and walked over to Ethan.

And right then, Serena Sawyer arrived too.

"Timothy, Mom’s looking for you. She wants the whole family to take a group photo."

She walked right up, naturally linking her arm with Timothy’s, pretending not to see me.

Ethan Xavier wasn’t about to let it slide.

He put his arm right around my waist, looked at Timothy, face darkening, and grinned, "Look at us, two perfect couples, beautiful people all around. Dear brother, you found your love, I found mine. Perfect!"

With that, he walked me away.

Even without eyes in the back of my head, I could feel Timothy Xavier’s dagger-like stare.

But no matter how intense his possessiveness, how angry he is, he’d never erupt right now.

Because he’ll never let anyone else know that I’m actually his legitimate wife.

...

Ethan Xavier led me over to Madam Sinclair.

Madam Sinclair smiled kindly, "I had no idea such an exquisite young lady was at our banquet tonight."

I nodded courteously to her, "Good evening, Madam Sinclair. I’m Zoe Ellison."

Madam Sinclair affectionately took my hand, admiring, "Child, how long have you studied piano? Does your work have anything to do with music now?"

I smiled, "I’m a reporter now, but I’ve played piano since I was three. I still play when I have time."

Peering through her glasses, Madam Sinclair studied me, "Your technique and style really remind me of a student I once taught. Only, that child didn’t want to keep pursuing music—followed her boyfriend into medicine! Later..."

Madam Sinclair didn’t continue, her face filled with regret and melancholy.

Ethan Xavier told me before that Madam Sinclair was a professor at the music academy; every student she coached passed their entrance exam, all getting into top schools in the country and internationally.

Now Madam Sinclair turned to Leo Grant and asked, "When is your boss coming back?"

Leo carefully said, "Ma’am, I’m afraid the boss can’t make it today. He’s still negotiating with a partner company, it’ll probably take a while."

Madam Sinclair complained, "It’s always like this. He only ever cares about work, never about his own future!"

Then she grinned at me, "Girl, do you have a boyfriend? I’ve got a grandson—he’s really outstanding! Looks and height match well with you!"

I froze, a little awkward, "You mean Mr. Sinclair? We met twice."

Madam Sinclair’s eyes lit up, "Really? You met Julian? How was it? Did you like him?" I squirmed with embarrassment, dodged the topic, and explained, "Mr. Sinclair helped me out; I came today just to return his coat."

With that, I took out a bag.

Madam Sinclair got even more curious, "Why’s Julian’s coat with you? You two..."

Ethan Xavier noticed my discomfort and quickly bailed me out, "Grandma Sinclair, stop trying to matchmake! Zoe and I are together—Julian missed his chance! Get him some other heiress!"

"Oh?"

Madam Sinclair looked surprised, then a little disappointed, "How did I overlook it? A young lady as outstanding as Miss Ellison is surely spoken for."

Ethan Xavier moved closer to me and said to Madam Sinclair, "Grandma Sinclair, see? Aren’t we well matched?"

Madam Sinclair’s eyes crinkled into a crescent; she nodded, "Well matched, well matched!"

I shot Ethan a secret glare, quietly moving away from him.

If it wasn’t for Madam Sinclair, I’d never let him talk such nonsense!

Just then, Leo Grant reminded Madam Sinclair, "Ma’am, President Xavier is here."

My heart skipped as I looked behind me.

Timothy Xavier had arrived with Serena Sawyer.

He acted like he didn’t know me, didn’t even glance my way, just let Serena link arms with him and politely greeted Madam Sinclair.

But Madam Sinclair remained cold.

Talking about possible cooperation between the Sinclair and Xavier families, Madam Sinclair replied coolly, "President Xavier, you’re asking the wrong person! Since my husband passed away, my grandson has managed the family business—I’m not involved anymore."

"That’s alright, in Veridia the Sinclair and Xavier families will cross paths regardless."

Timothy Xavier only smiled, unfazed by her stony expression.

And from the way Serena looked, she’d obviously been briefed by Timothy Xavier about the pros and cons, plus I attracted quite a bit of attention during the piano performance, so she must regret her earlier refusal.

So she took the initiative, "Ma’am, I’m also skilled at piano. If you’d like, I can play a piece for you soon?"