CHAPTER 16: CHAPTER 16: MISS QUINN, CAN YOU CALL AGAIN?

Donovan Xavier watched as a bead of sweat formed on his forehead. He had to admit, a woman like her possessed a fatal attraction for men, one he found difficult to resist. But his self-control was strong, and he managed to force himself to remain clear-headed and calm.

Seeing that her soft and hard tactics were having no effect, Chloe Preston instantly deflated. He wasn’t going to help her. She struggled out of his arms, her face falling as she turned to leave in disappointment.

Seeing this, Donovan Xavier yanked her back. "Where are you going!"

"I’m going home," Chloe said. Without his help, she could only go home and slowly figure something out.

Donovan Xavier’s brow furrowed slightly. "Aren’t you asking me for help? You’ve barely even started pleading, so why are you leaving already?"

Chloe looked aggrieved. "But you won’t help me."

Donovan Xavier raised an eyebrow and leaned toward her. "You address me so formally. How do you expect that to make me want to help you? Miss Quinn, if you’re asking for a favor, you need to show some sincerity. Call me something nice, and if I’m happy, maybe I’ll help you."

Something nice?

Chloe met his gaze, pressing her lips together as she thought. The next second, she turned her head away. "I won’t!"

Donovan Xavier released his grip, a lazy smile playing on his lips as he looked down on her. "Then by all means, Miss Quinn, see yourself out!"

Chloe glared at him, gritting her teeth and clenching her fists. For her aunt, she would endure it!

Chloe lowered her gaze and lightly bit her lip. Unwillingly, she muttered in a low voice, "Husband..."

That should satisfy him, right?

Donovan Xavier heard her, but he still frowned. Adopting a superior air, he said, "TSK. My hearing has been a bit off lately; I don’t think I quite caught that. Could Miss Quinn say it again?"

Chloe lifted her watery eyes to glare at him. Her voice hadn’t been that quiet. How could he not have heard her! He’s doing this on purpose! He’s so awful!

Seeing that she remained silent, Donovan Xavier raised an eyebrow and smiled. "If Miss Quinn is unwilling, then I won’t see you out! I’m a very busy man; I don’t have time to dawdle here with you."

Chloe hesitated for a few seconds before her voice stammered out, "Hus... husband..."

"Continue!"

Donovan Xavier snaked an arm around her waist, pulling her into his embrace. At that point, Chloe decided to just go for broke, calling him "husband" several more times in a row. Her face flushed crimson with embarrassment. Besides, they aren’t even married. Calling him that feels so strange.

As Donovan Xavier listened to her calls, his heart softened completely.

Then, Chloe took the initiative to wrap her arms around his firm waist. She buried her head in his chest, her voice muffled and soft. "Donovan Xavier, can you please help me? If you don’t help me, I really don’t know what else to do..."

Her words carried a hint of grievance and a touch of pleading. Her obedient, alluring demeanor was something no man could possibly resist. At that moment, even if she had asked for his life, he would have let her take it without hesitation.

Donovan Xavier’s breath hitched, and his voice came out raspy. "I’ll help! What is it?"

"My aunt needs to file for divorce, but she’s missing a lawyer," Chloe replied. "I know Leo Sterling is a brilliant barrister. If he takes the case, she’s sure to win! He’s your good friend, so I was hoping you could talk to him for me..."

As Chloe spoke, she lowered her eyes, her slender, pale fingers lightly hooking his. "Okay?"

Seeing her like this, how could he possibly say no?

Donovan Xavier leaned in closer, his Adam’s apple bobbing as his deep eyes stared straight into hers. "Yes, but... Chloe Preston, you’re praising another man’s skills right to my face. Are you not afraid I’ll get angry? What, am I not skilled?"

This man gets jealous of everyone, even his own friends.

"I meant that Leo Sterling is very good at his job!" Chloe explained.

Donovan Xavier leaned close to her ear and raised an eyebrow. "So, you’re saying I’m bad at my job?"

His words could easily be misinterpreted. The next second, he cupped her chin with one hand, lowered his head, and kissed her on the lips.

Instantly, Chloe’s hands clenched into fists. Why does he always have to kiss me so suddenly?

A minute later, Donovan Xavier released her, his voice low and husky. "You’re the one who came looking for me this time. Don’t even think about running away. To the bedroom?"

Chloe knew what he meant. Her face blushing, she gave a slight nod. Then, she reached out and grabbed his arm. "Um... don’t forget to help me!"

Donovan Xavier just chuckled softly without another word.

「Three hours later.」

Inside the room, Chloe was utterly exhausted from earlier and was now asleep, nestled in the man’s arms. Completely sated, Donovan Xavier wore a faint, lingering smile. He reached out and gently smoothed her hair, a trace of adoration appearing in his eyes as he gazed at her.

Then, he rose from the bed, found some clothes in the closet, and got dressed. Donovan Xavier picked up his phone from the table, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and made a call. Within seconds, the call connected.

Leo Sterling’s laughing voice came through the line. "Hey, Mr. Xavier, want to get together tonight? We can call Mr. Rhodes to join us."

"No get-together. Are you busy these next two days?" Donovan Xavier asked.

"A little," Leo replied.

"I don’t care how busy you are. You’re going to take a divorce case for me," Donovan Xavier stated. "And you have to win!"

"Alright. You’re getting a divorce?" Leo asked. "Wait, no, that’s not right... You’re not even married!"

Donovan Xavier glanced back at the woman on the bed. "It’s for someone else."

"Who? Who could possibly make the great Donovan Xavier personally ask me for a favor? You’re not one to meddle in other people’s business."

"An ex-girlfriend..." Donovan Xavier said.

The line went quiet for a moment. Then, Leo Sterling’s voice came back, practically roaring, "What the hell? Chloe Preston? The woman who broke up with you four years ago, dumped you, and then just disappeared? You two got back together? Mr. Xavier, have you lost your damn mind?"

Donovan Xavier’s voice was placid. "I’m perfectly sane. And I’m telling you now, if you lose this case, we’re enemies. Goodbye."

Abruptly, Donovan Xavier turned around and returned to the bedside, sitting down. Just then, Chloe’s eyes fluttered open. She looked up, her gaze meeting his, and saw the lingering tenderness in his eyes.

In response, Chloe shot him a glare.

Seeing this, Donovan Xavier leaned toward her, a single eyebrow cocked. "What’s with the glare? Don’t tell me it wasn’t enough for you?"

Chloe’s face instantly turned scarlet. She grabbed the pillow next to her and hurled it at him. "You beast! You jerk! When I get my strength back, I’m going to kill you!"

Donovan Xavier didn’t get angry. He simply curled his lips into a soft smile. "Miss Quinn, you’re so fierce. Besides me, what other man would dare to have you?"

"Hmph!" Chloe huffed.

Donovan Xavier reached out and tucked the blanket in around her. "I’ve already spoken to Leo Sterling. He’s taking the case and guarantees he’ll win."

Hearing this, Chloe’s eyes lit up, shimmering beautifully. Her voice softened as she said, "Thank you..."