Chapter 7; Interruption

Xavier’s POV

This invitation had came through Josh, though it wasn’t really his idea. Another friend of his—someone I hardly cared for—wanted to throw a small celebration for closing a new deal. Nothing too elaborate, just the usual noise at our usual location.

Normally, I would’ve cancelled on them, because I don’t trust it not to be “too elaborate” when it involves a celebration or more strangers. I had no interest in wasting hours surrounded by shallow laughter. But business wasn’t about interest or comfort… It was about strategy and about connections.

Josh had mentioned this his friend’s guest list included two investors I’d been circling for months — men who weren’t easily cornered in an office but might loosen up over drinks and half naked girls.

They were tied into a deal I had been waiting to infiltrate — a single thread that could unravel everything I’d been planning.

And I couldn’t afford to miss them.

Not now when I’m getting close.

Josh doesn’t gatekeep, he’d been a very close and good friend to me for more than 5 years now and a wonderful business partner.

So here I was.

Our “usual spot.” A VIP lounge located on the top floor of one of the most luxurious clubs in LA.

Another reason I was reluctant to come this weekend was because of my grandmother’s health.

Immediately after the collapse incident, I’d been certain I’d cancel.

But when the doctor reassured me she was fine and stable… I’d allowed myself to leave, I trust him, she’s definitely already in good hands of the city’s best doctor and the woman was stubborn, as much as she love having me around, she doesn’t want me worried or sulking about her.

I still wonder what the hell Maya was doing that she allowed that to happen, I know it wasn’t her fault…but still ! I hadn’t wanted to think about her, I couldn’t erase the sound of her panicked voice over the phone.

Shaking the thought out of my head, I sipped my drink listening to Josh talking about going on some trip with his fiancée, when I heard the men cheering over a new girl.

Did they finally change the flirt that usually attend to us? 

Josh looked up to their direction and I hesitated but followed prompt too, to see who the cheer was about, not like I’m interested in her or even interested in any girl at all. 

Just then, a tray tipped and cold liquid spilled across my chest. The server almost spilled along with the drinks when my hands acted on its own and caught her by the waist.

And there she was.

Maya.

Her wide eyes snapped up to mine and her lips parted in shock with her trembling hands clutching the tray. There was clear panic written all over her face.

For a brief moment, neither of us moved. We just stood there, looking at each other.

I blinked and forced myself to focus, dragging myself back to where I was.

The men erupted around us.

“Looks like the new girl can’t hold a tray!”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’ll lick it off for you.”

Their laughter grated in my ears.

Maya’s face flushed red, her chest rising fast. She stood up quickly, fumbling to steady the tray, her eyes dropping to the floor.

Something twisted inside me.

My jaw tightened.

“Enough!”

The word left me low and sharp, but it held enough weight to stop the noise.

Their laughter stopped.

“She’s not here for your entertainment,” I said calmly. My gaze moved from one face to the next, daring anyone to test me.

A few of them shifted uncomfortably. Someone cleared his throat. But no one laughed again.

Maya looked up, surprise flashing across her face. Our eyes met briefly before she looked away, nodding quickly like she just wanted to escape. She turned and hurried off, holding the tray like it was the only thing keeping her upright.

I watched her go, the soft sway of her hair catching the light. That hair. I hadn’t thought about it in years, but now it was in front of me again, pulling at memories I didn’t have time to deal with.

I took a slow breath, reaching for a tissue by the side cabinet.

The men sat quietly now, their earlier excitement gone. Good. They needed to remember their place. I looked over at Josh as he shot me a look. Whatever.

But the calm didn’t last.

The manager stormed in, his face tight, his smile still and forced.

“Gentlemen, my apologies,” he said quickly. “This won’t happen again.”

His eyes scanned the area until they landed on Maya, who had just returned with another tray.

“You.” His voice cracked sharply. “You’re done here. You’re fired. Get out.”

She froze. Her brows pulled together as she blinked, confused.

“What?”

“You heard me. Fired. Now.”

He marched toward her, anger written all over his face. Then his hand lifted — heading straight for her hair… maybe her head, but as long as the hair was on her head.

Before he could touch her, I was on my feet. I grabbed his wrist mid-air and shoved it away hard enough that the sound echoed.

The entire section went silent.

“YOU don’t touch her.”

My voice was low and final.

The color drained from his face. “M-Mr. Harrington, I—I didn’t mean—”

“She doesn’t need you to fire her,” I cut in. “She’s resigning.”

With my side view, I saw as Maya’s head snapped up. Her eyes widened, parting her lips in shock. I turned my face fully to her, Confusion, fear, and something else I couldn’t place swirled across her face.

No one spoke. The men just watched. The manager stood frozen under my stare.

“She’s done here,” I said flatly.

And that was the end of it.