CHAPTER 13: CHAPTER 13: HER BIRTHDAY, HIS REWARD

ŸBirthday?Ÿ

Chloe Preston was stunned for a moment.

That’s right, today was her birthday. She’d been so busy she had completely forgotten about it.

But he had actually remembered.

"Open it and see," Donovan Xavier said.

Chloe Preston nodded and reached out to open the box. ŸWhat would he give her?Ÿ

The next second, she broke into a smile. "It’s a bracelet."

And it was the Muna ’snowflake cotton’ jade she adored—a top-tier, glass-type with exceptional smoothness and clarity. Although she sold jade herself, this quality was incredibly rare. It was the kind of piece that was hard to buy even if you had the money.

Chloe Preston looked at him, the corner of her eye lifting in a slight tease as her red lips parted. "Mr. Xavier, are you catering to my tastes?"

A lazy smirk touched his lips as he wrapped an arm around her slender waist. "Yes. Do you like it?"

Chloe Preston nodded, her eyes shimmering with a smile, making her look especially captivating. "Mhm."

Donovan Xavier gazed at her, his dark eyes deep as his Adam’s apple bobbed gently. He hadn’t seen her smile so genuinely in many years.

Then, he picked up the bracelet and slid it onto her wrist.

"This is my bracelet. Once it’s on, you’re not allowed to take it off again."

"And in the future, you’re not allowed to accept bracelets from anyone else. Got it?"

Hearing his words, Chloe Preston lowered her gaze and murmured with a small pout, "So domineering..."

"What did you say?"

Donovan Xavier tilted his head, his cool, thin lips brushing against her ear as he impulsively kissed her. His breath was scorching hot, and his very presence felt overwhelmingly aggressive. Chloe couldn’t bear it and shrank back. "That tickles. Stop it."

"Stop what?" Donovan Xavier stared directly at her, his dark eyes deepening. "It’s your birthday. Aren’t you going to give me a reward?"

"Reward?" Chloe Preston repeated. ŸHe was being so unreasonable. It was her birthday, so why should she have to reward him?Ÿ

In the next second, Donovan Xavier swooped down and kissed her without warning, pressing her back into the car seat. He closed his eyes, found her hand, and intertwined their fingers. They looked just like a couple lost in a passionate romance.

The sudden ringing of a phone shattered the intimate atmosphere inside the car.

Donovan Xavier released her, his breathing slightly ragged. Chloe Preston gasped for air. Donovan took out his phone, glanced at the screen, and answered.

A voice came from the other end of the line. "Young Master, the Old Master fell down the stairs! Please come back quickly!"

Instantly, his brow tightened. "Mm, I know."

Chloe Preston overheard and said with concern, "Your grandfather fell? You should go back and see him!"

Donovan Xavier hesitated. "But you..."

"I’m fine," Chloe Preston said, already reaching for the door handle. "I drove here, so I can get home by myself."

Donovan Xavier grabbed her arm, pulling her back. He lowered his head, leaned in, and gave her a hug. "I’ll make it up to you tomorrow..." He added, "It’s your birthday. Don’t forget to make a wish when you get home."

Chloe Preston’s face turned a faint red. "Oh. You... you should hurry back..."

She immediately opened the car door and got out. A few seconds later, the black luxury sedan sped away.

「Half an hour later...」

Chloe Preston drove back to her own home. She walked in and glanced around the living room. "Dad, why did you come over so suddenly? You didn’t even tell me beforehand."

Hearing her voice, Wyatt Quinn, who was reclining on the sofa and cracking sunflower seeds, slurred, "You’re back!"

Chloe Preston changed her shoes and walked over, frowning at the table littered with empty liquor bottles. "Dad, why did you drink so much again?" She lowered her gaze and noticed a thick stack of cash on the table. "Where did this money come from?"

"I earned it," Wyatt Quinn said.

Chloe Preston processed that for a few seconds before asking in a grim tone, "Did you go gambling again?"

"Mm."

A wave of anger washed over Chloe Preston, her emotions spiraling. "Dad, didn’t you promise me you wouldn’t gamble again! Why won’t you ever listen! Do I have to get on my knees and beg you?"

Wyatt Quinn stood up, trying to explain. "I just had an itch this time, that’s all! Don’t worry, I definitely won’t gamble next time! If I ever gamble again, you can chop off my hands, how about that!"

Chloe Preston sighed. He said that every single time, but he always went back to gambling. Twenty bulls couldn’t pull back this stubborn mule! She turned to go to her room.

Wyatt Quinn sat back down on the sofa and called out to her, "Hey, make sure you clear your schedule for tomorrow!"

Chloe Preston turned back. "Why?"

"I arranged a blind date for you. I came over today specifically to let you know."

Chloe Preston frowned. "I’m not going!"

Wyatt Quinn slammed his hand on the table and shot to his feet. "I’m telling you, you’re going whether you like it or not! I’ve already given them my word!"

"You gave them your word, so you go!" Chloe retorted. "I wouldn’t mind you bringing home a stepdad for me!"

Hearing this, Wyatt Quinn glared and stormed over to her. "You brat, how dare you speak to me with that attitude! I’ll be honest with you—this person comes from a powerful family. If you don’t go tomorrow, they could get angry and bankrupt your little company with a snap of their fingers! Don’t blame me for this. I’m just trying to help you find a good match and settle down!"

ŸHe made it sound so nice, but wasn’t he just trying to find a rich man for her to marry so he’d have money for his gambling?Ÿ

「The next morning.」

Chloe Preston drove to a coffee shop. She had no choice. To get her to come, her father had thrown himself on the ground, rolling around, crying, and making a scene all night. This morning, he had even grabbed a rope and threatened to strangle himself. Chloe had reluctantly agreed, planning to just go through the motions and get it over with.

She entered the coffee shop, found the designated table, and had just sat down when her phone rang. Chloe glanced at the screen and answered.

"What are you doing?"

Chloe’s thick lashes fluttered. Her heart skipped a beat. ŸIt was his call!Ÿ

"Why aren’t you speaking? Hello? Anyone there? Chloe Preston, if you don’t say something, I’m hanging up!"

Snapping out of her daze, she quickly blurted out, "Don’t!"

A low, teasing chuckle came from the other end of the line. "Don’t what?"

"How is your grandfather?" Chloe asked, changing the subject.

"It’s nothing serious," Donovan Xavier replied. "Where are you? I’ll come pick you up."

Chloe lightly bit her lip. "Pick me up for what?"

"A date."

Hearing that, a blush crept onto Chloe’s pretty face. She glanced around the cafe before saying quietly, "I... I’m busy right now."

"Hm?"

"I have to perform a surgery soon."

Chloe thought for a moment and decided not to tell him about the blind date. ŸThis man was far too possessive. If he found out she was at a blind date, who knows how angry he’d get! Besides, she didn’t care about this blind date anyway. She just planned to go through the motions and leave.Ÿ

At that moment, a man walked up to her table.

"Excuse me, are you Miss Quinn?"

Through the phone, Donovan’s low voice, laced with amusement, continued, "In that case... are you free this afternoon? How about I take you to get a room?"