Chapter 24

Lierden's rain always came suddenly. Zachary stood at the door of Yasmine's apartment with his suit utterly soaked through. Water was dripping from his hair, and he looked utterly disheveled. He raised his hand but froze just before touching the door. What should he even say? What right did he have to disturb her again? In that moment of hesitation, the door suddenly opened from inside. Xavier emerged, carrying a bag of trash, and unexpectedly met Zachary's furious gaze. The air hung still for a moment before Zachary's fist flew forward. Xavier seemed startled. He tilted his head slightly, but the punch still grazed his lip as he staggered backward several steps. The trash bag fell from his hands, hitting the ground with a dull thud. "Xavier!" Yasmine's voice came from inside the apartment. Within seconds, she had rushed to the doorway, pulling Xavier protectively behind her as she stared at Zachary with an icy gaze. "What the hell are you doing?" Zachary's chest heaved violentl