CHAPTER 15: CHAPTER 15: CHLOE GOES TO THE XAVIER RESIDENCE TO ASK FOR HIS HELP

Donovan Xavier watched her panicked expression, like that of a startled rabbit, and his heart finally softened. His gaze shifted downward to the dress he had torn to shreds. Donovan’s eyes darkened for a moment. Reaching out, he took off his suit jacket and draped it securely over her body.

He said nothing more, got into the driver’s seat, and drove her home.

For the next two weeks, they didn’t see each other.

During this time, Donovan only called her once, hanging up after a few hurried words. She didn’t know if he was still angry about her going on a blind date. Or perhaps he had simply grown tired of her.

At this moment, Chloe Preston was asleep in bed. She had come down with a fever the previous night and still felt unwell. Suddenly, a phone call rang, startling her. Chloe picked up her phone, glanced at it, and swiped to answer.

「Half an hour later.」

She hung up the phone and sat on her bed, her brow furrowed in a tight line. Her aunt had just called. Her uncle was having an affair and was suing for divorce, intending to fight for full custody of their child. Her aunt said that her uncle had hired a formidable lawyer and begged Chloe to find an equally powerful one for her.

Chloe thought for a long time before a name surfaced in her mind. Leo Sterling, the most famous lawyer in all of Kryton, undefeated in court.

But he’s Donovan Xavier’s close friend. After all, she was the one who had initiated their breakup four years ago, causing him to lose face. If she were to ask Leo Sterling to take her aunt’s case, he would surely refuse out of loyalty to his close friend. As things stand, her only option was to plead with Donovan Xavier to intervene.

Yet she felt a pit of uncertainty in her stomach. Would he really be willing to help her?

「Two hours later.」

Chloe drove to The Xavier Residence. She had no choice. She had to come for her aunt’s sake. When she was a child, her father gambled and ignored her, while her mother would scold and beat her at the slightest provocation. No one in her family loved her; only her aunt had ever shown her any tenderness.

Chloe got out of the car, glanced at her surroundings, and let out a soft, bitter smile.

This was his home. Yet, he had never brought her here before. After all, this place was reserved for the future Mrs. Xavier. What right did she have to be here?

Chloe composed herself and stepped forward. As she reached the entrance, a female servant stopped her. "What can I do for you?"

"I’m looking for Donovan Xavier," Chloe said.

The servant looked Chloe up and down, her tone impatient. "Your name? I’ll inform Mr. Xavier."

"Chloe Preston."

"Wait here."

Chloe nodded and stepped aside, waiting patiently. He’ll see me, right?

「Fifteen minutes later.」

The servant returned, her attitude suddenly deferential. "Miss Quinn, please come in!"

Chloe followed her inside. "Is Donovan Xavier willing to see me?"

"Of course!" the servant replied. "Mr. Xavier is in the hot spring. He asked you to go to him."

Chloe stopped in her tracks. "Oh, in that case, I’ll just wait for him for a bit." He’s in the hot spring. That’s a rather private activity. It would be so inappropriate for me to go over there!

"But Mr. Xavier said that if you don’t go now, there will be no need for him to see you later," the servant relayed.

What kind of logic is that? Chloe sighed. "Fine... alright."

The servant led her most of the way. "Miss Quinn, just continue straight ahead. Mr. Xavier is waiting for you inside."

Chloe nodded and walked forward. When she reached the edge of the hot spring pool, she lifted her clear eyes and saw the man not far away.

He wore a black bathrobe, its lapels half-open to reveal a firm chest. His lower body was submerged in the hot spring, and a strong, muscular arm rested casually on the edge. He exuded a refined, aristocratic air. The sight of him was utterly seductive. Anyone watching would have thought he was trying to lure them in.

Chloe lowered her gaze, not daring to stare. She let out a small cough as she approached his side.

Donovan watched her quietly, his dark eyes cool and serene, his whole posture lazy. "Miss Quinn isn’t on a blind date today. What brings you to my Xavier Residence?" he asked. "Miss me?"

So much time had passed that she’d almost forgotten about the blind date. But he obviously hadn’t, and he was still angry.

Chloe bit her lip. "Yes, I missed you..."

She needed his help now, so it was best to say and do whatever would please him.

Donovan’s body went still for a second. He hadn’t expected such a direct answer. He looked up at her, extending a large, elegant hand.

Chloe hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his. The next second, he yanked her into the water.

Startled, Chloe’s pupils constricted. She was wearing a white, form-fitting cheongsam, and the warm water instantly enveloped her. Trapped in his embrace, she couldn’t move at all.

Chloe smelled alcohol on him and asked softly, "Have you been drinking?"

Donovan leaned in close, his warm breath tickling her ear, carrying the scent of wine. "Just a little."

Chloe didn’t believe him. From the looks of it, he seemed quite drunk.

With one hand, Donovan held her slender waist, inhaling her faint, sweet scent. He lowered his head and his cool lips brushed against her neck, leaving a soft kiss.

Chloe squeezed her eyes shut. Her ears turned a faint shade of red, but she didn’t struggle.

Donovan looked up, a slight frown on his face. He found it strange. Normally, she would have been shy, would have struggled against him, demanding to be let go. Why was she so obedient today?

Donovan created some distance between them and stared at her, his deep voice laced with intoxication. "Chloe Preston, is there something you want to ask of me?"

Seeing that he had seen right through her, Chloe, her clothes in disarray, nodded. "Yes." She added, "You’re the only one who can help."

Donovan gritted his teeth, unable to stop a soft, cold chuckle.

That ungrateful girl. He’d endured two weeks of not contacting her, hoping she’d be the one to reach out. Now she finally had, but only to ask for a favor!

"No!"

Donovan released her and turned his head away. His handsome face was cold and severe, his displeasure obvious.

Seeing this, Chloe was momentarily at a loss for what to do. The next second, she boldly moved closer, pressing into his arms. She tilted her head back and looked up at him, her watery eyes blinking with a clumsy innocence. They were clear and bright—so beautiful it was hard to meet her gaze directly.

Donovan remained unmoved.

Chloe pursed her lips. She reached out and her fingertips gently tugged on his sleeve.

"Mr. Xavier?"

"Mr. Xavier?"

"Donovan?"

"Will you please help me... please?"

She had never wheedled like this before. The words felt incredibly stiff, popping out one by one as if from an emotionless robot.

Chloe clenched her fists, her face so red she felt it could draw blood. If her best friend heard this, she’d probably laugh at her for the next six months! But as they say, a woman’s wheedling can make a man’s spirit soar. And she knew Donovan was susceptible to it.