The Billionaire's Forgotten Wife
Chapter 53: Dinner With Xavier

Chapter 53: Dinner With Xavier

Zeke sat behind the wheel of his car, parked in the quiet hospital parking lot. The sun was high, casting golden rays across the hood of his vehicle. But inside, the air felt stifling.

Some things aren’t meant to be found that easily, Ezekiel.

Sandro’s words echoed in his head, looping with irritating clarity.

Zeke leaned back in his seat, one hand resting on the steering wheel, the other rubbing the side of his jaw as he stared through the windshield.

The thought sat like a stone in his chest, pressing down with a weight he couldn’t shake off.

His temple throbbed.

Without a second thought, Zeke reached toward the passenger seat and grabbed the prescription bottle Dr. Julianne had given him earlier. He popped the cap open, took one of the white pills, and swallowed it dry, no water, no pause. Just desperation.

The bitter taste clung to his tongue, but he didn’t care. The pain had to stop.

He leaned his head back against the seat and closed his eyes for a moment, breathing in deeply.

He couldn’t stay like this. Waiting, wondering, drowning in the what-ifs. It wasn’t him. He wasn’t the kind of man who folded just because the path wasn’t clear.

No.

Cassidy wasn’t hiding. She was here. In the same country. Breathing the same air. She just didn’t want to see him. But that didn’t mean he would give up. Because Ezekiel Salvador didn’t stop when things got complicated.

Zeke straightened, his eyes sharpening with new resolve. He reached for his phone and dialed Andrew.

The call connected almost immediately. "Zeke?"

"Schedule a shareholders’ meeting," Zeke said flatly. "Next week. All shareholders of our company must attend."

Andrew sounded puzzled. "What’s going on?"

"We’re preparing a rights issue," Zeke replied. "It’s to fund a major new project. Make it clear, everyone has to be there. If they don’t show up, their shares will be diluted."

Andrew let out a low whistle. "Got it. I’ll make sure the message is delivered."

Zeke ended the call and leaned back in his seat, staring out the windshield.

He wasn’t the type to sit still and wait for fate to decide.

Cassidy owns two percent of Salvador Group shares.

Not because she fought for them, Zeke had given them to her. Part of the alimony. A quiet settlement to close the Chapter.

Even though they were given to her, Cassidy never treated them like charity. She wasn’t the kind of woman who let things slip through her fingers, no matter how small, especially if they were tied to her name. Or to her past.

Two percent wasn’t much. But it was hers.

And Cassidy knew how to protect what was hers. She wouldn’t let those shares get diluted.

Not without showing up. Not without a fight.

She’ll come. She has to.

***

That afternoon, Cassidy was packing in her hotel room. Though some of her business in Geneva was still unfinished, she had already delegated the rest to Lucie and her capable team. Tomorrow, she would return to America.

She folded another blouse into her suitcase when her phone buzzed on the nightstand. Xavier.

She picked it up. His familiar voice greeted her with that usual warmth.

"Hey, Cass."

"Hey," she replied, trying to keep her voice light. "I’m in Geneva right now. Work stuff."

There was a short pause, then a soft scolding tone on the other end. "You’re in Geneva and you didn’t tell me?"

Cassidy let out a small laugh. "I’ve only been here for a couple of days."

"And when are you heading back?"

"Tomorrow."

A beat.

"Perfect," Xavier said. "I’m flying back tomorrow too. My business here is done."

Cassidy blinked, surprised. "Really? That’s great."

There was a pause before Xavier’s voice softened. "Are you tired?"

"Not really. Just packing."

"Then how about dinner tonight?" he asked. "Let’s call it our last dinner together in Switzerland."

Cassidy froze, halfway folding a scarf. "Dinner? Aren’t you in Zurich?"

"I can take a train. Or drive. It’s only three hours. I’ll change my flight so we can go back together."

"You’re serious?"

"Of course."

Her heart gave a strange flutter. She opened her mouth but said nothing.

"I’ll come to your hotel," he continued. "Send me the location. I’ll see you soon. Gonna get ready now."

"Wait, Xavier—" she tried to stop him, but he’d already ended the call.

Cassidy sighed, the sound barely audible over the hum of the hotel air. She stood there, phone still in her hand, staring blankly at the suitcase in front of her. The room suddenly felt warmer, smaller.

Four and a half hours later, at 7 p.m., Cassidy’s phone buzzed again.

It was Xavier.

When she picked up, his voice came through, calm and steady.

"I’m downstairs. In your hotel."

In a gentle voice, Cassidy said, "Okay. Hang on. I’ll be there in a minute."

She grabbed her coat and bag, gave herself a quick glance in the mirror, then took the elevator to the lobby. When the doors slid open, she spotted Xavier waiting near a lounge chair by the entrance.

They greeted each other with warm smiles and a pair of cheek kisses, typical, easy, familiar.

"You look exhausted," Xavier said, eyeing her gently.

Cassidy gave a tired chuckle. "I feel it."

"Well, I thought you deserved a proper dinner," Xavier said as he offered his arm. "There’s a place I know. Cozy, and the food’s amazing. I know the chef, and I’ve already made a reservation."

Cassidy smiled and nodded, looping her arm through his without hesitation. "Lead the way."

They walked out together, into the cool Geneva evening.

A short ride later, they arrived at a charming restaurant nestled on a quiet street. Warm lights spilled through tall windows, casting golden hues on the sidewalk. Inside, it was softly lit and buzzing with quiet chatter, the atmosphere romantic and relaxed.

A host greeted them at the front.

"Bonsoir. Name?"

"Xavier Ryde," he replied.

The host smiled and checked the list, then gestured. "Right this way, monsieur."

They followed him past elegant tables, candlelight, and soft music until they reached a cozy table by the window, slightly secluded from the crowd.

Xavier had chosen an elegant fine dining restaurant. Once the waiter took their orders and walked away, Cassidy leaned back a little, studying him with a small smile.

"So," she began, "did you come to Geneva by car or train?"

"Train," Xavier replied, pouring them both some water.

Cassidy raised an eyebrow. "Almost three hours. Aren’t you exhausted?"

He gave a casual shrug. "Not really. I slept most of the way."

She chuckled softly and shook her head, then went quiet for a moment before speaking again. "One of our warehouses here caught fire. Cy. Noire’s. That’s why I came."

Xavier’s smile faded. "I’m really sorry, Cass. That’s awful."

She nodded. "Yeah... one of our employees, Pierre, didn’t make it."

Xavier’s face turned solemn. "Damn. I’m really sorry." He paused. "How’s your mom doing?"

Cassidy’s gaze softened. "A little better. The doctor said she should wake up soon."

Xavier reached across the table without thinking, placing his hand over hers gently. "I’m glad to hear that."

Cassidy glanced down at their hands, surprised by the touch, but before she could say anything, Xavier seemed to catch himself and quickly withdrew, clearing his throat and looking away.

She didn’t comment. Just offered him a quiet smile, before turning her gaze toward the window beside them.

***

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