Chapter 156 Approved

Chapter 156 Approved
Violet,

Right after Mark left with Mirah, I got a notification from Anna asking me to meet her at a restaurant we were regulars at. Despite having an ongoing meeting, I had to leave early because she emphasized that it was urgent and that my presence was absolutely necessary.

Knowing Anna, who would never ask me to walk out of a meeting unless something was truly wrong, I left the company after instructing my other secretary to handle the situation.

I met her at the restaurant. She was already seated, fingers tightly wrapped around her phone, shoulders stiff, her leg bouncing under the table. She looked undeniably tense, worry etched into every line of her face.

I knocked lightly on the table, forcing a smile.

"What's up? Did someone steal your favorite toy or something?"

Anna looked up, her lips twitching before she let out a shaky, nervous laugh. "Hi."

"What's wrong?" I asked, studying her face. "You look like you saw a ghost and ran miles trying to escape it."

"Well… it’s quite—!" She suddenly grabbed the glass of water in front of her and chugged it down like her life depended on it, a few drops spilling down her chin as her hands trembled.

I leaned back slightly, lowering my voice. "Calm down. I’m not going anywhere."

She nodded, swallowing hard before finally meeting my eyes. "There is something I want to talk about. If you don’t mind."

"As long as it’s worth murdering, you’re free to say."

"What? No. No murdering or freaking fights, okay?"

I chuckled softly. "Sure, ma’am. Just joking."

"I have done something. I mean… I did."

My smile faded a little. "And?"

"I am dating Xavier!" She blurted it out all at once, her head shaking as if she was bracing for impact. "It just happened, okay? I mean, we had some drinks, ended up in… bed and… um… he asked me out this morning!"

I blinked. Once. Twice. She blinked too, her fingers digging into the edge of the table. The silence stretched, thick and uncomfortable, pressing down on us until even the clinking cutlery around us felt too loud.

"Are you sure about this?" was the first thing that slipped out of my mouth.

The moment the words left me, my eyes widened. I hurriedly covered my mouth, guilt flashing across my face. This wasn’t the time for careless reactions.

"I’m sorry," I said quickly. "I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just… I know Xavier. He’s been a good friend for a long time. But—" I exhaled slowly, choosing my words. "I know what you went through after Williams. I just want you to find the right person. I don’t know if—"

The guilt settled heavier in my chest. I had crossed a boundary. This wasn’t my decision to make.

"Is this how you think about me?"

The voice came from behind me.

My body stiffened instantly. My eyes widened as realization hit. He had been there. From the beginning.

Anna lowered her head, her shoulders slumping.

Xavier walked closer, his presence looming as he stopped right in front of me. His jaw was tight, his eyes fixed on mine, unblinking. "Really? Do you think I would cheat on her?"

My jaw clenched, a muscle ticking in my cheek. "I don’t think you would cheat on her. But I don’t trust you either." I didn’t look away. "Do you like her enough to date her seriously?"

"Yes," he answered immediately, without hesitation.

"Then why did you keep flirting with every woman we met, since forever?"

"It’s just a habit."

"A habit that can hurt my sister." My voice dropped, cold and sharp.

"You know I don’t mean any of that."

"But why do something meaningless when it can hurt my sister?" I stepped closer, lowering my voice further. "You’re my friend. I know you well enough to warn her."

"So you’re not approving us?" he asked, his tone cooling.

"I will approve anyone who makes my sister happy." My eyes hardened. "If you can change that chivalrous attitude toward every woman in this world and be loyal to my sister, I don’t give a damn about anything else. Can you say it out loud that you’ll never do anything to hurt her?"

His eyes darkened. "What will I get if I don’t hurt your sister?"

"My sister," I replied instantly. "She is priceless and she’s mine. That will be the best gift you can ever get."

"She’s already a blessing and a gift to me."

I studied his face, searching for cracks. "I’m impressed. Do you actually mean that?"

"Did you see me hesitate?"

Silence fell between us again. Neither of us blinked. Neither backed down. My jaw tightened with quiet stubbornness.

Anna suddenly stood up, her eyes glassy, her lips trembling as if she might cry any second.

"Violet, I—"

"I approve," I said calmly.

"Wait… what?" Anna looked completely flabbergasted.

Xavier let out a breath. "You damn—!"

"You really approve?" Anna asked, relief flooding her face, like she had been holding her breath for hours.

"Why not?" I shrugged. "Do whatever you want. If he does anything stupid, just let me know. He’ll see hell before he even dies."

Anna laughed through her tears and hugged me tightly. "Thank you. As long as you approve, I can breathe again. I don’t trust my judgment anymore."

"Oops! Babe, I’m hurt!" Xavier pressed his fist to his chest dramatically.

"You're just stupid," I shot him a death glare before turning back to Anna, who was wiping her tears. "Remember, Anna, you’re the older one here. Act like the wiser one and show your power." I winked.

She chuckled, nodding.

"Shall we have something?" Xavier asked, sitting across from me and kissing Anna’s cheek. "A celebration dinner?"

After dinner, we decided to head home. Anna had other commitments and left first.

"So you’re okay with us?" Xavier asked as we stood near my car. "I know you don’t take decisions lightly."

"Why?" I asked, unlocking the car. "Do you think you’ll disappoint me? Or that you can’t be a loyal boyfriend?"

"It’s not that I can’t," he said honestly. "It’s just that Anna trusts you a lot. She wants me on your good side. Not just as a friend, but as someone you can trust."

I nodded quietly. "We’ve been through a lot. I don’t want my sister to face another scumbag."

"I’m actually scared of you," he smirked, brushing a leaf off my shoulder.

"I know," I replied calmly. "I can read people like a book. Do you think I survived in this cruel world with just my beauty?"

He laughed. "Gosh. No wonder I can’t trust anyone else but you."

"Are you trying to make me like you more so I’ll approve the relationship?" I smirked.

"Can I hug you?" he asked suddenly.

"What? Why?" I frowned, stepping back instinctively.

"Come on. I won’t seduce you."

"If you dare, don’t get—"

He stepped forward playfully, the grin familiar and irritating. But before I could react, someone grabbed his collar and slammed him against the car, the impact loud enough to make the windshield rattle.

"Stay away from her, you bastard!"

My breath hitched.

Knox.

His face was furious, veins visible in his neck as he pressed Xavier’s head hard against the windshield, knuckles white with rage.

"Knox?" I gasped, my heart slamming violently against my ribs, shock freezing me in place.