Tristan Davis stormed over to Xavier Gonzalez, scowling. "Move," he demanded bluntly, "I want to sit here."

Emily Blair just stared at him, caught between disbelief and amusement. “Seriously, Tristan, what's gotten into you?"

He shot her a glare that could have curdled milk, face growing even darker. "I said, move."

Xavier scratched his head, looking at Emily for guidance. "Should I...?”

"Don't bother with him," Emily replied, rolling her eyes.

Xavier nodded, a little relieved. "Alright."

Tristan looked like he was about to explode.

He let out a cold, mocking laugh. "So this is how you treat me, Emily?"

She ignored him.

Then he dropped a bomb. “Did you forget you confessed your feelings to me just a few days ago? Moved on already?"

Xavier and Elizabeth Wilson both froze in shock.

Emily was stunned too, her mind reeling. Damn it, this guy was ruining her reputation again.

Tristan wasn't exactly keeping his voice down. People at nearby tables were already

staring, their curiosity practically crackling in the air.

Elizabeth blinked frantically at Emily, her eyes practically screaming:

What's going on?!

Did you really confess?

Why haven't you introduced me to this gorgeous guy?

Wait, when did you start liking hot guys and not tell me?

Emily had no idea what Elizabeth was trying to signal; she just kept glaring at Tristan, who glared right back.

The tension was electric, the two of them locked in a silent duel across the table.

Xavier, sandwiched between them, turned bright red. After just a few seconds, unable to withstand the pressure, he started to get up, trying to sneak to the other side of the table.

"Don't move. Sit down," Emily commanded coldly.

Xavier froze mid-stand, shoulders hunched, practically shaking. He snuck a glance at Tristan who looked even angrier-then quickly looked away. He looked back at Emily-she wasn't any more welcoming. Xavier was sweating bullets, completely at a loss.

Finally, Elizabeth broke the stalemate, waving him over. "Come sit by me, Xavier. Over here."

Emily shot her a warning look.

Tristan's expression softened a bit, clearly approving.

Elizabeth just grinned, unfazed. "Emily, honestly, how can you be so rude to such a

handsome guy? Let everyone sit and let's all have a nice chat!"

Tristan nodded solemnly, adding, “Yes, we have a lot to talk about."

Xavier, feeling like he'd been granted a royal pardon, quickly slipped away from

Tristan's side and sat opposite his original spot.

Tristan took the now-empty seat right next to Emily, folding his arms and giving her a haughty, challenging look.

Emily gritted her teeth. "What exactly do you want?"

Tristan snorted. "I'm here to catch you cheating."

Elizabeth and Xavier both gaped at them.

Emily leaned in, voice low and threatening. "Don't start with your nonsense."

Elizabeth immediately raised a hand, cutting her off. “Emily, how can you be so rude

to such a handsome guest? He's our company. Be polite!"

With that, she slid her untouched coffee across the table toward Tristan. "Here, I haven't had any yet-why don't you have it?"