When they were leaving, Sheng Hanxia was hopelessly drunk—if Director Liu hadn’t been holding her up, she’d probably have thrown herself on Xavier Quinn any second.

But Xavier Quinn didn’t spare her a single glance.

As they stepped out of the hotel, a sleek Maybach rolled to a stop at the front. The driver quickly got out and opened the back door. Xavier Quinn was just about to get in when Sheng Hanxia called out to him.

“President Qiao, I’m drunk…can you take me home?”

Her voice was thick with a nasal slur, half-truly drunk, half putting it on for show.

Xavier Quinn said nothing.

Sheng Hanxia was unwilling to give up. Director Liu kept trying to stop her, but she insisted on spilling everything in her heart.

“We’re at least old classmates, aren’t we? Do you really have to be so cold to me?” she choked out, wronged. “I know I messed up last time—I should have explained it clearly to everyone. But even so, people scolded me.”

The diamond scandal had become public knowledge; now everyone in Hongcheng knew she did it on purpose. Some called her a gold-digger, others said she was a homewrecker trying to ruin things between Xavier Quinn and Nina Shaw.

With all the abuse she’d taken, wasn’t it enough?

Xavier Quinn still didn’t respond. He stood at the car door, not getting in. Seeing this, Sheng Hanxia thought her words had finally gotten through—her heart fluttered with secret joy.

But just then, the door on the other side popped open, and a stunning woman stepped out. Even in just simple loungewear, her presence completely overshadowed Sheng Hanxia.

“Oh, I’m sorry—so you want him to give you a ride home? Well, come on then, hop in,” Nina Shaw chirped cheerfully, marching over. Leaning in, she whispered so only Sheng Hanxia could hear, “Honestly, if that’s what you wanted, sis would’ve made it happen for you ages ago.”

And with that, she tugged Sheng Hanxia along.

Poor Sheng Hanxia was utterly befuddled. By the time she understood what had happened, she was already inside Xavier Quinn’s car.

Up front, the driver sat rigidly at attention, gazing straight ahead, utterly bewildered by whatever strange drama the young couple was up to now.

Xavier Quinn’s face was thunderous as he glared at Nina Shaw, gritting his teeth: “What are you doing?”

Nina Shaw just shrugged, her big eyes blinking innocently. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m doing a good deed—your employee’s had too much to drink, so as her boss, you ought to see her home. Don’t want people saying the boss lady’s stingy, do we?”

Nina Shaw didn’t care one bit—whoever wanted to sit in that fancy car could have it. She certainly didn’t! Hmph. Luckily, she had her phone on her. Ignoring Xavier Quinn’s stormy glare, she turned around and headed back inside the hotel.

The driver threw a helpless look at Xavier Quinn, mentally desperate to stay out of trouble.

Xavier Quinn rubbed his brow and turned to Director Liu, who immediately caught on and patted his chest reassuringly. “Don’t worry, President Qiao—I’ll make sure Miss Sheng gets home safe.”

After all, the hotel belonged to the Qiao family—restaurants and entertainment below the sixth floor, guestrooms above.

Tonight, Nina Shaw just didn’t want to see Xavier Quinn anyway. She was still fuming, especially after what Sheng Hanxia had just said. It had left her with a bad taste in her mouth.

Men—always the same. She couldn’t be bothered to go home with this “pig-footed” man (meaning: faithless guy).

She stomped off toward the hotel. But as soon as she stepped through the lobby, she was suddenly swept off her feet. Shocked, she grabbed Xavier Quinn’s neck and immediately met his furious gaze.

Nina Shaw turned away in a huff, refusing to look at him. “Shouldn’t you be comforting someone else? Why come scooping me up?”

She’d been all ready to go to sleep at home, but this annoying man had called her over, demanding she come pick him up. When she refused, he even threatened her. Now, she realized he’d pretty much just called her over to witness his act with Sheng Hanxia.

Xavier Quinn saw her pouting and, in a much better mood, carried her towards the elevator.

As he stepped in after her, Nina Shaw gave him a wary glare. “What do you want?”

“My wife’s staying at the hotel tonight—why would I go home? I can’t just leave my wife alone to guard an empty room.”

Xavier Quinn leaned in, his handsome face mere inches from hers, making Nina Shaw’s heart race uncontrollably.

Honestly speaking, for all his dog-like (rascally) tricks, the man really was unfairly good-looking. He knew exactly how to use those looks to sway her—she easily fell for his charms time and again.

Nina Shaw shook off the thought, trying to steel herself. No, she wasn’t going to cave!

“Put me down. I’ll walk myself,” she demanded, looking away and struggling to get down.

Xavier Quinn only hugged her tighter, refusing to let go.

Nina Shaw squirmed in his arms, but the more she struggled, the tighter his grip became.

“Let me go!”

“What if I don’t?”

“Then I’ll shout for help.”

“Go on, try it.”

…

Ding—the elevator doors slid open, but the two of them didn’t even notice. Nina Shaw kept wriggling in Xavier Quinn’s embrace, but no matter what she did, she couldn’t break free.

“Nina Shaw?” A voice suddenly cut through their tussle.

Nina Shaw turned to the source—it was her old college upperclassman, Cheng Wen. She hadn’t seen him in years and barely recognized him at first.

Giving Xavier Quinn a glare, she motioned for him to put her down already.

Xavier Quinn reluctantly set her on her feet, but even then, he slid his hand around her waist, gently tugging her to his side—a clear, unmistakable act of possessiveness. Even if Cheng Wen wanted to pretend not to notice, it was impossible.

Nina Shaw knew there was no use struggling, so she just let him hold her. She gazed at the man in front of her, surprised. “Senior Cheng, when did you come to Hongcheng?”

Seeing her in pajamas, Cheng Wen adjusted his glasses and replied, “Just arrived today.” He paused, eyes flicking to Xavier Quinn at her side. “And this is…?”

“My husband, Xavier Quinn,” Nina Shaw answered crisply.

Cheng Wen blinked, then gave a faint smile. “Funny, I never heard you were married.”

Nina Shaw ignored that and quickly changed the subject. “How long do you plan on staying in Hongcheng?”

“Not sure yet—I might settle here for good.”

Nina Shaw was about to say more when Xavier Quinn tightened his hold and guided her back toward the elevator.

“Senior Cheng, I’ve got to run—let’s catch up over a meal soon.”

Cheng Wen smiled. “Of course. Call me any time—I still have the same number.”

With that, the elevator doors closed. Xavier Quinn pinched Nina Shaw’s chin. “You called him ‘Senior Cheng’ awfully sweetly.”

Nina Shaw shot back, “Xavier Quinn, you’re one to talk! You can’t even stay clear of Sheng Hanxia, and you have the nerve to question me?”

She glared right back at him—he might be stronger, but her spirit refused to yield.

Xavier Quinn stared at this stubborn little woman, torn between laughter and frustration.

“I told you, there’s nothing between me and her.”

“Well, there’s nothing between me and Senior Cheng either. So what’s with the jealousy?”