Chapter forty nine

Xavier sliced a portion of grilled salmon and savored it slowly while observing Carissa's reaction.

"Miss Carissa, you mentioned earlier that you invited me to dinner to acquaint myself with this promising young talent. However, your demeanor seemed to freeze as soon as I uttered some words. Is there something amiss?"

Carissa discerned the sarcasm in Xavier's grin. Despite his company teetering on the edge of collapse, Xavier was intent on showcasing himself.

Briefly, Carissa contemplated leaving by grabbing her bag. Dining with Xavier seemed to compromise her principles! Nevertheless, recalling Kathy's previous admiration for Xavier, she contained her vexation and took a deep breath. Calmly, she gazed at Xavier and smirked.

"Could you elaborate on that?"

Shrugging nonchalantly and arching his eyebrows, Xavier believed he was maintaining a gentlemanly demeanor.

"There's no particular reason. After all, Kathy was once my colleague. Though she may have wronged me, I cannot reciprocat