CHAPTER 1: CHAPTER 1: REUNION AFTER FOUR YEARS

When Chloe Preston met Donovan Xavier again, she was pinned beneath him in a car.

"All these years, has anyone else touched you?"

"Have you kept yourself for me?"

The man’s breath was hot, his deep voice seductive and enchanting, like a tiny hook that easily tugged at her heartstrings.

Chloe Preston blushed. She wanted to struggle, but the man had her completely overpowered, leaving her unable to move.

Donovan Xavier’s dark eyes were deep and unfathomable as his lips curved into a faint smile. "It’s been four years, and you still blush so easily."

The next moment, the world spun.

He was on the bottom, and she was on top.

As things began to heat up, Chloe Preston pushed him. "Let... let go..."

A glint of amusement flickered in Donovan Xavier’s eyes as his cold lips brushed against her ear in a deliberate taunt. "You don’t like this?"

Chloe Preston’s breathing grew unsteady. She leaned into his embrace, lost in a moment of bewildered infatuation.

Soon, she regained her composure. "Watch yourself..."

"Alright."

Donovan Xavier’s voice was slightly hoarse, and though it was difficult for him, he released her and straightened his wrinkled clothes.

His expression returned to an icy calm, and he looked as somber as a recent widower—a world away from the flirtatious man of moments ago.

Chloe Preston dressed herself piece by piece, her waist still stinging with the red marks from his forceful grip.

She closed her eyes, unwilling to look at him.

She was so unlucky. How could she run into the ex-boyfriend she broke up with four years ago just by coming out for work?

They had fallen in love in college; they were each other’s first love.

Back then, Chloe Preston had given him her first time. The pain, the unforgettable passion... she could still remember it all.

Her world had revolved around him. She went along with his wild schemes, joined in his antics, and was willing to give up everything for him. She had truly, deeply loved him...

Her best friend told her she was being foolish, but she didn’t care. She assumed he loved her just as much.

He had told her, "Chloe, you’re my one and only."

Every night, he would kiss her and whisper that she was the only one he wanted.

She believed him, never once doubting his words.

That was until she was in the private room that day and overheard his conversation with his friends.

"Donovan, when do you plan on bringing Chloe to The Xavier Residence?"

"She’s so well-behaved, you should marry her soon!"

Donovan Xavier just laughed nonchalantly. "I’m just playing around. Don’t take it seriously."

That single sentence shattered everything. All his previous sweet nothings now seemed like a joke—or like needles piercing her heart, causing an unbearable ache...

From that moment on, Chloe Preston finally understood that she had never truly held a place in his heart. It was all just a game.

Once he got bored, he would just toss her aside.

It had been wishful thinking on her part. He came from a powerful and prestigious family, always used to being on top. Why would he ever marry her?

She cried alone for several nights, so distraught she could barely breathe.

Finally, she was the one to break up with him.

Donovan Xavier, however, just thought she was throwing a tantrum and paid it no mind. After all, she was always so obedient and easy to pacify. He even found it refreshing when she occasionally acted out.

Chloe Preston didn’t argue or cry. She had already cried so much that no tears were left.

That night, she packed her things, intending to leave.

There was no marriage between them, no other ties. Leaving was simple.

Donovan saw her but didn’t try to stop her. He probably assumed she would come crawling back to him the next day. After all, she loved him that much.

But she wouldn’t.

For the next four years, he was never able to find her again... until today.

「」

Half an hour later, the car arrived at the police station.

Chloe Preston got out and followed the man inside.

In the interrogation room, she obediently gave her statement.

"Name?"

"You know it."

"Are you married?"

Chloe Preston lifted her clear, beautiful eyes and frowned slightly. "Can I refuse to answer?"

Donovan Xavier, who sat across from her, lifted his gaze. "No," he said, his voice cold as ice.

Chloe Preston replied dismissively, "Never been married."

"Home address?"

"Kryton."

"How many men have you dated?"

Chloe Preston paused for a second, the corner of her eye twitching slightly. "Officer, that’s hardly a professional question."

Donovan Xavier set down his pen and calmly took a sip of water. His features were deep-set and defined, his handsome, cold face looking as if it were carved from marble. His dark eyes were sharp and aloof, and his posture was perfectly straight and dignified. The man exuded an air of noble integrity.

Chloe Preston stared at him for a long time, her feelings a complicated mess. She couldn’t understand it. The Xavier Family was immensely powerful. Why hadn’t he inherited the family business, choosing instead to become a narcotics officer in Southel?

Donovan Xavier raised his eyelids to look at her, his gaze sharp. "Miss Quinn, please cooperate. I ask the questions, you provide the answers."

He was completely detached, a far cry from the tender-teasing man in the car.

"Occupation?"

Chloe Preston replied, "I sell jadeite."

"Why did you get into a fight?"

"They had it coming!"

She owned a small, failing company on Kryton’s Jade Street that primarily sold jadeite bracelets. Today, she had come to Southel to negotiate a deal with a supplier. The man was verbally abusive from the start and had even tried to drug her. When her employees stepped in to protect her, they were beaten up by his thugs. The situation escalated into an all-out brawl, right when he showed up on duty.

Donovan Xavier had immediately pulled her from the fray, dragged her to his car without a word, and proceeded to tear her clothes off piece by piece while kissing and biting her.

He was so feral! Had he not touched a woman in four years?

Donovan Xavier picked up his pen, his tone unchanged. "The other party bears the primary responsibility for this incident and will be detained. Are you willing to reach a settlement?"

Chloe Preston said, "Absolutely not!"

Her employees were all seriously injured. She had to get justice for them.

"If there’s nothing else, may I leave?"

At this, Donovan Xavier raised an eyebrow. He leaned back lazily in his chair, his tone turning playful. "In such a hurry? What, no time to catch up with your ex-boyfriend?"

Chloe Preston stood up, a distant smile on her face. "No, thanks. I’m very busy."

She turned to leave.

"Four years, and you’re still alone?" the man’s deep, strong voice called out from behind her.

Chloe Preston’s eyelashes fluttered. She looked down and murmured, "That’s none of your business."

"From the sound of it, you’re still single."

The next moment, a hand with well-defined knuckles wrapped around her soft, slender waist. It caressed her gently before squeezing tight.

Chloe Preston instantly froze.

Donovan Xavier’s eyelids drooped as he looked at her lazily, a small chuckle escaping his lips. "You’re still so sensitive."

"Why won’t you look at me? Is it because you still can’t forget me?"

What a narcissist! Who did he think he was? Just an ex-boyfriend, that’s all!

Donovan Xavier, however, tightened his hold on her waist and leaned in even closer. "It’s been so long. You don’t miss me?"

He, on the other hand, had missed her immensely. Only he knew that the moment he first saw her today, his composure had shattered.

Chloe Preston’s face flushed as she glared at him. "Let go of me! Believe it or not, I can have you charged with sexual harassment!"

Donovan Xavier glanced at her flustered expression, chuckled, and finally released her, putting some distance between them. "So... when are you heading back to Kryton?"

Chloe Preston replied casually, "In a couple of days. I have business here."

"Where are you staying?"

"A hotel."

Donovan Xavier was silent for a few seconds. "Stay at my place."

Chloe Preston retorted, "Are you insane?"

Donovan Xavier frowned. "I’m saying this for your own good. My place is clean and safe."

"No way."

She felt like he was the most dangerous thing in this entire city!

Donovan Xavier slid one hand into his pocket, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Too scared? Afraid you’ll fall for me all over again?"

Chloe Preston ignored his taunt and turned to walk away.

"One hundred million."

Chloe Preston turned her head back. "I have my pride."

"Two hundred million."

Chloe Preston took a deep breath. "I will never give in!"

"A ten-figure sum. Is that enough?"

Chloe Preston fell silent.

He sure was generous, throwing that much money at her. But her intuition screamed that she shouldn’t get tangled up with this man again. He was too dangerous.

Seeing her hesitate, Donovan Xavier stepped forward and leaned down to meet her gaze, his posture condescending. "Not satisfied?"

"If not, feel free to name your price, Miss Quinn."