Chapter 425

Samuel turned to Xavier with a smile. "You have no idea, Xavier. We've all been waiting for Annabeth's homecoming gift now that she's finally decided to move back for good. Who knew she'd only prepare one and custom-design it just for you, forgetting all about us. We're heartbroken!" His tone carried a trace of complaint, but there was a deeper meaning beneath it. Annabeth shot him a playful glare. "I'll make it up to you later." Xavier said calmly, "That's thoughtful of you." Then he ordered, "Dominic, take it." "Yes, Mr. Stroud." Dominic reached for the box, but Annabeth snatched it back from the attendant's hands. "No way. I spent over half a year preparing this. I want you to open it yourself, and I want to put it on you personally." She looked at him with big, sparkling eyes, her cheeks flushed pink and her face glowing like a blossoming flower. Her nervous and hopeful expression made her look even sweeter and more innocent. He gave her a brief glance, then sighed in mild