Chapter 397: Xander's voice reached the room before he did.
Both Buand Clarissa tensed up, their faces betraying their emotions.
Bulooked as though frost had settled over his features as he swiftly turned his head, sending a piercing glance toward the door.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtClarissa, by contrast, quickly smoothed her expression into a gentle smile. "Burnet, you know Xander. He's naturally playful. Don't hold it against him. If he's bringing his girlfriend to meet you, he must be serious about her." Clarissa always portrayed herself as refined and graceful to please Burnet. Despite often being irritated by Xander, she maintained her composure with admirable patience.
Hardly had she finished speaking when Xander entered with Marissa.
Upon entering, Xander declared with gusto, "Burnet, I've brought my girlfriend to meet you." Catching sight of Clarissa, he feigned astonishment. "Clarissa, you're here too? I thought you were abroad. When did you get back?" Clarissa responded with a smile, "I returned just this morning." Xander arched an eyebrow teasingly, "Already having lunch with Burnet? You must have really missed him!" A touch of red colored Clarissa's cheeks, "Oh, Xander, stop teasing me!" Despite noticing Burnet's darkening scowl, Xander pretended ignorance and continued to chuckle.
"Burnet, Clarissa, letformally introduce someone important." With that, he drew Marissa closer and announced loudly, "This is Tiffany, from the esteemed Nash family of Blebert, well-known in the medical community. She's also the artist known as Only, who made waves in Blebert's art scene just yesterday!" He laughed. "And now, she's my girlfriend." "Ridiculous!" Bushot back sharply.
Before he could say more, Xander cut in, "Burnet, I'm not joking. I'm truly in love. I plan to marry Tiffany in the future!" With a loud slam, Buhit the table, his anger barely contained.
Undeterred, Xander spoke up once more. "Burnet, I brought Tiffany here to meet the head of the Hoffman family properly. Please, don't intimidate her with that icy expression of yours." "Xander Hoffman!" Bugrowled, his voice tight with frustration, eager to silence Xander.
Yet, despite Burnet's menacing tone, Xander's unusual defiance puzzled him. Normally, Xander was meek in his presence, rarely daring to speak. What had changed today? Before he could make sense of it, Xander spoke again, undeterred.
This time, he turned to Marissa, feigning innocence. "Tiffany babe, allowto properly introduce my older brother, Burnet, the current head of the Hoffman family." Marissa had never met Bubefore. It was her first encounter with him. As the brothers talked, she had been quietly observing Burnet.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmWhen Xander spoke her name, she offered a sweet smile. "Hello, Burnet." Burnet's brow furrowed as if he had just bitten into a sour lemon.
He had a sudden urge to throttle Xander, but with Clarissa and Marissa present, he restrained himself.
He shot Xander a warning glare, signaling him to take Marissa away and not to disturb Clarissa, whose E identity needed to remain a secret. However, Xander seemed oblivious to his brother's stern look.
After introducing Burnet, Xander turned his attention to Clarissa.m "Tiffany how letintroduce this elegant lady. Pay close attention!" "Okay!" Marissa responded, turning her attention to Clarissa.
With a flourish of pride, Xander sproclaimed, "Tiffany, this cont distinguished woman woman is my boss, the illustrious president of the Peridot Consortium, Miss Clarissa Byrd!" As he finished, the air in the room turned icy