(The Car Ride Aftermath)
The heavy door of the Rolls-Royce slammed shut, cutting off the roar of the reporters. For a moment, there was only the sound of their breathing. As the car pulled away, Seraphina immediately dropped Xavier's hand. She pulled a silk handkerchief from her bag and wiped her palm as if she had touched something sour.
"You're shaking," she said, her voice returning to that icy, robotic tone. She didn't even look at him; her eyes were already back on her tablet.
"I just lied to the entire country," Xavier snapped, loosening his silk tie. "I told them I found the 'key to your heart.' I should be a professional actor, not a husband."
Seraphina let out a short, dry laugh. "You did what you were paid to do. The Vane Empire stock just went up three percent. You're a very expensive tool, Xavier. Nothing more."
Xavier turned to her, his eyes narrowed. "Is that all anyone is to you? A tool? Do you even remember how to be a person when the cameras aren't flashing?"
For a split second, the "Ice Queen" mask slipped. He saw a flicker of exhaustion in her eyes. But before he could be sure, she leaned in close. The scent of her expensive perfume filled the car.
"In this world, Xavier, people are either predators or prey," she whispered. "I chose to be the predator a long time ago. We have a private dinner tonight with the Chairman of the Board. He's my uncle, and he's smarter than the reporters. Practice your smile. It's the only thing keeping you out of the gutter."