“I was just telling someone how remarkable the view is from this particular spot,” Xavier continued, his eyes fixed on Matt in a way that made my stomach knot. “Though some views are more captivating than others, wouldn’t you agree?”
I shifted uncomfortably in my chair, trying to put some distance between myself and Xavier’s overwhelming presence. My chair bumped into the chair behind me, and Mr. Richardson’s drink splashed across his expensive suit.
“Oh God, I’m so sorry—” I started to turn, mortified.
Porter, who was seated beside Mr. Richardson, immediately reached over with his silk handkerchief. “Here, let me help with that.” He dabbed at the spreading stain with practiced efficiency.
“These things happen,” Mr. Richardson said graciously, but I wanted to disappear into the night air anyway.
“Perhaps we should order another round?” Xavier suggested smoothly, his eyes never leaving Matt. “To settle everyone’s nerves?”
The dining room buzzed as servers glided between tables. A fleet of waiters descended on our table with flawless timing, lifting silver domes in perfect unison. First came the Osetra caviar nestled on mother-of-pearl spoons, followed by butter-poached lobster that melted on the tongue. The Wagyu beef carpaccio arrived adorned with shaved black truffles and aged parmesan, each plate a masterpiece of presentation.
The main course revealed perfectly seared salmon on beds of saffron risotto, alongside herb-crusted rack of lamb with mint-infused jus. Duck confit, pan-seared foie gras, and butter-soft veal medallions appeared in an endless parade of indulgence. At the next table, a woman in diamonds gasped appreciatively at her gold-leafed soufflé. Two tables over, a distinguished gentleman was expounding on the virtues of the ‘82 Bordeaux to his captive audience.
“The salmon here is excellent,” Xavier commented, cutting into his fish with precise movements. “Though I imagine you’re used to better fare these days, Matthew. Remember those take-out noodles we practically lived on at MIT?”
I perked up at this piece of history. Matt never talked much about his college days.
“I remember you trying to convince the dean that instant ramen qualified as a food group,” Matt replied dryly.
Xavier’s laugh was practiced perfection. “Only because someone kept stealing my lunch from the communal fridge.”
“That was Johnson from Chemical Engineering, and you know it.”
“And yet you never reported him.” Xavier’s eyes softened with something that made my stomach clench. “Always playing the silent protector, weren’t you?”
Ryan cleared his throat. “Speaking of protection, Xavier, I heard your new security system at Kingsley Tech is revolutionary.”
“Is it?” Xavier barely spared Ryan a glance before turning back to Matt. “Your latest casino renovation is stunning, Matthew. The architectural elements remind me of that design project we collaborated on in senior year.”
I couldn’t help myself. “You two worked together often?”
Xavier’s gaze flicked to me, dismissive and cold. “We were quite… close.” The way he lingered on ‘close’ made my fingers tighten around my fork.
“Hey, Xavier,” Ryan cut in, “didn’t you just acquire that gaming startup in San Francisco? The one with the?—”
“The interface integration, yes.” Xavier waved his hand dismissively, eyes locked on Matt. “Nothing compared to Matthew’s recent ventures. That takeover in Silicon Valley was masterfully executed. Your strategic mind has only sharpened since university.”
“Andy’s developing a revolutionary interface system,” Ryan pressed, and I could see him physically trying to redirect Xavier’s attention. “It’s going to change the whole industry.”
Xavier’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “How… quaint. Matthew, do you remember Professor Harrison’s advanced economics class? The way you destroyed Thompson’s presentation on market volatility?—”
“I remember you sleeping through most of those lectures,” Matt interrupted, his hand finding mine under the table.
“Only because I was up late working on our joint projects.” Xavier’s voice dropped to something intimate that made my skin crawl. “We made quite the team back then.”
“Ancient history,” Matt’s tone was clipped.
“Nothing’s truly ancient between old friends, is it?” Xavier’s eyes gleamed. “Speaking of friends, this young man of yours…” He gestured vaguely in my direction without looking at me. “He must find these business discussions terribly dull.”
“Actually,” I spoke up, irritation finally overwhelming caution, “I find the dynamics fascinating. Especially the ones people think others can’t see.”
Xavier’s perfectly manicured eyebrow arched. “Oh? And what dynamics would those be?”
“Andy’s incredibly perceptive,” Ryan jumped in, practically vibrating with protective energy. “He was just telling me about some amazing behavioral patterns he’s noticed in?—”
“In competitive environments,” I finished, meeting Xavier’s cold stare. “How some people can’t let go of old… victories.”
