Chapter 17

Camryn's straightforward and polite demeanor gradually extinguished the flickering hope burning in Xavion's heart. Xavion stared at her intently, searching desperately for traces of the person he once knew. But the more he looked, the more he saw only a mask of icy indifference. His clasped hands unconsciously tightened, his voice tinged with a quiet bitterness. "And if it is? Or if it isn't? Camryn, do we really need to keep such precise accounts between us?" It was an expected answer. Camryn took a sip of her coffee before replying to him, her tone as light as ever. "Mr. Jacobson, our relationship is simply that of an investor and an artist. Certain things must be clarified to avoid any misunderstandings." "Is that all?" Camryn's tone remained unwavering despite the fleeting disappointment in Xavion's eyes. "Of course." Before coming here, Xavion had imagined countless scenarios—silence, tears, or feigned composure—for their reunion. He never expected this detached, professio