Chapter 93 Xander’s POV

Chapter 93 Xander’s POV
Chapter Ninety-three

Xander's POV

I was standing outside the venue, half-listening to whatever the event organizer was saying about board placements when a car pulled up.

And then she stepped out.

For a moment, I couldn't think. My mind blanked the moment I saw Bella in that dress, looking like a goddess.

My breath actually stopped. The organizer was still talking, but every sound around me faded, like the world had decided she was the only thing that mattered.

She looked… beautiful wasn’t the word. Beautiful was too small. Too common.

I took a step toward her before I even realized I’d moved.

“Bella…” I breathed.

You look…” I stopped, exhaled, then said again, “You look incredible.”

She whispered a soft “thank you,” and gave a smile that almost knocked out whatever restraint I had left straight out of my body.

I offered her my arm and I saw her trying to stop a grin from breaking out.

Her hand slid into the crook of my arm and her touch was warm. Her fingertips brushed my sleeve and that alone sent a quiet shiver down my spine.

“Get it together, Xander,” I scolded myself internally.

We walked toward the entrance, and I kept my focus straight ahead, pretending like my body wasn’t suddenly aware of her presence. Her scent. The way her dress swayed when she moved.

People watched us, but they didn’t matter. She did.

As we walked in, a familiar face appeared: Mr. Hamilton from the board. He raised a brow and smirked.

“Well, well, Bella. You look… good.” he said, with his eyes roaming around Bella's body like she was a prey.

I wanted to gouge out his eyes and feed them to him.

As if sensing my sour mood, his eyes flicked to me. “And you brought… company?”

I stepped closer to him. “We’re here for the gala, Mr. Hamilton,” I said, trying to keep my voice low.

He laughed. “Of course. Just… try not to steal the spotlight, hmm?”

I felt Bella stiffen slightly at his words. My hand itched to pull her close but I forced myself to remain composed.

“Keep it together, Xander,” I reminded myself.

Every step we took into the crowd, I felt eyes on us. They were all curious.

Then came another problem.

Jessica Monroe, a rival in the company, approached us, smiling.

“Bella and Xander. Quite the pair tonight. Do you two always attend these events together?”

I could see Bella’s discomfort. She tightened her arm against mine.

My teeth clenched. “We’re here for the gala,” I replied sharply.

Jessica smirked. “Of course, of course… just curious. I’ve heard stories.”

I felt the rage boil in my chest. Stories? About her? About us? I wanted to shut her down, but I didn’t want to make Bella feel like the center of gossip.

I leaned slightly closer to Bella. “Ignore them,” I murmured. She nodded but her fingers twitched nervously against her clutch.

It was almost time for my meeting.

I spotted Grace and we walked towards her.

“Welcome Mr Knight, this way,” she stretched out her hand and led the way.

“The investors are waiting right there for you sir. Here are the files on their offer.”

She passed the files to me, I took it without saying a word.

I glanced at Bella for a moment. She gave me a small smile.

I nodded and walked towards the investors. This was not a time to be distracted.

Halfway through the meeting, I noticed she was missing from her spot.

I ignored it and continued speaking with the investors. I tried concentrating but all my efforts could not stop me from occasionally glancing at that spot.

“Excuse me,”I heard myself say to the investors.

Grace's eyes widened. “Are you sure Mr Knight? This meeting is very crucial for the growth of your company.

I stood up and bowed in respect. I set out to find my rogue Personal Assistant.

I found her standing on the street. I walked up to her and turned her shoulders.

Tears, she was crying. Her face was streaked with mascara tears running down them.

“What… what happened?”

“It's Noah,” she cried out loud.

“The nanny just called me that he fainted again and she had to take him to the hospital, there's a high chance he'll have surgery, he's just four and I…” she broke down into violent sobs.

My heart broke as she broke into a coughing fit.

I gently rubbed her back with my hand, “Just breathe in and out, slowly.”

After she calmed down, I raced to the front.

The chauffer threw me the keys, I ignited the engine and yelled over the window, “Get in.”

She ran to the other side of the door and got in.

“Seatbelts.”

She buckled them and I smashed the pedal.

The car zoomed off towards the hospital.

“It’s going to be okay,” I said firmly.

My voice softened when she looked at me, eyes wide and tearful. “I’ve got you. I won’t let anything happen to him.”

She sniffled her tears and nodded slightly.

Instinctively, I reached over and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

She leaned against my palm and stopped shaking.

I slammed the brakes immediately we got to the hospital and parked. I almost left the engine running.

I didn’t care about the gala, the investors, or anything else. This was the only thing that mattered.

I leapt out and opened her door before she could react. “Come on,” I urged, grabbing her hand.

She followed me and almost stumbled on her heels.

Inside, nurses and doctors hustled past us without noticing us.

Bella led the way until she found a familiar face.

“Where is he?” she demanded, blinking tears away.

The nurse pointed down the hall. “ICU. But he’s stable. Just… he might need surgery if his vitals don’t hold.”

Her knees almost buckled when she heard that.

I held her up. “He'll be fine, I promise,” I said.