CHAPTER 17: CHAPTER 17: IS HE NOT GOOD ENOUGH?

Donovan Xavier’s eyes narrowed, and he let out a low laugh. "If Miss Quinn truly wants to thank me, how about another round?"

Chloe Preston’s smile froze on her face.

She paused for a few seconds before coughing. "You tore my dress. What am I supposed to wear later?" As she spoke, she glanced at the cheongsam that had been tossed on the floor.

"Then don’t wear anything," Donovan Xavier said.

Chloe Preston glared at him again, her pretty face flushed with indignation. What does he mean, don’t wear anything? Is he even human?

"Then... then how am I supposed to get home?" Chloe Preston asked.

Donovan Xavier’s dark eyes fixed on her, his deep, magnetic voice slightly hoarse. "Don’t go home. Stay here. Sleep in my bed."

Upon hearing this, Chloe Preston’s eyes flickered. Did he just say I should stay here? Is he serious? Back when they were so close, he had never even suggested bringing her to The Xavier Residence. What has this man been through over the past four years? Why has he changed so much all of a sudden?

Donovan Xavier leaned in, his eyes glinting with predatory intent as he deliberately teased her. "Chloe Preston, tell me, was this time more enjoyable, or was it that night in Southel that truly left you wanting more?"

They had been incredibly compatible that night in Southel. In the end, he had held her in his arms as she secretly cried, her eyes red. He had simply assumed it was because she had missed him after not seeing him for four years.

The tips of Chloe Preston’s ears turned red, and she shot him a playful glare. "Donovan Xavier, be serious for once!"

With that, she pulled the blanket over her head, pointedly ignoring him.

Donovan Xavier smiled faintly. He didn’t tease her further and simply got up and left the room.

「An hour and a half later...」

Chloe Preston had dozed off again and was now groggily waking up. She sat up, leaning against the headboard, her entire body still sore and without an ounce of strength. As she lowered her gaze, she noticed the edge of a photograph sticking out from under the pillow.

Chloe Preston reached out and pulled it free for a look.

Instantly, her thick lashes trembled.

It’s a photo of me! Donovan Xavier actually has a picture of me hidden in his bed. The corners of the photo are slightly yellowed, a clear sign that he often held it, looking at it over and over.

Chloe Preston slipped the photo back under the pillow, unable to articulate the feeling that washed over her. Does this mean he’s been unable to let go of me all this time? But he clearly told me before that he was just playing around with me! Why is this man so strange? He’s cold one moment and tender the next, stirring my heart into chaos! I really can’t figure him out. Back then, he didn’t cherish me when he had me. Now that we’ve broken up and he’s lost me, he’s acting like this. It really is true: you always want what you can’t have.

Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door.

Chloe Preston quickly pulled the covers up to hide herself. That can’t be Donovan. He wouldn’t bother knocking.

"Come in!"

A moment later, the door opened gently, and a woman poked her head inside, looking around curiously. She was pretty and charming, looking quite young—probably only in her early twenties.

So I’m not the only woman here at The Xavier Residence.

"Excuse me, may I come in?" the woman asked, her voice soft and cautious.

Chloe Preston nodded. "Mm."

The next moment, the woman came in and placed a large shopping bag by the bed. She then turned, smiled, and scurried out the door.

Chloe Preston stared, taken aback for a second, before picking up the bag and looking inside.

It was a dress.

「Twenty minutes later...」

Chloe Preston, now wearing a striking, bright red strapless fishtail gown, descended the stairs, her figure slender and graceful. Anyone who didn’t know better might have thought she was on her way to a gala. But she had no choice. It was the only dress in the bag, and without it, she couldn’t leave the bed.

The young woman was lounging on a nearby sofa as if she owned the place, playing on her phone and eating fruit.

Chloe Preston watched her, a flicker of confusion in her eyes. Who is she? She seems very familiar with this place.

Suddenly, a large, well-defined hand gently wrapped around her slim waist.

Startled, Chloe Preston trembled.

Donovan Xavier turned his head to look at her, his dark eyes deep with appreciation. He leaned close to her ear and murmured with a faint smile, "Chloe Preston, you look beautiful like this."

Chloe Preston’s ears grew warm. "Thank you..."

She rarely wore such bright and bold colors and had felt a bit uneasy when she first put the dress on, assuming he wouldn’t like the look.

Donovan Xavier took her hand, gently squeezing her fingertips as he led her the rest of the way down the stairs. At that moment, they looked like a perfect match.

A second later, Donovan Xavier’s gaze fell on the woman lounging on the sofa, and his brow furrowed. He walked over, his voice sharp with anger. "Get up. What do you think you look like, sprawling all over the couch like that?"

Hearing his voice, the woman flinched and immediately sat up straight. "Y-You... why did you suddenly come down?" She seemed quite afraid of him.

Then, her eyes landed on Chloe Preston standing nearby, and she immediately dashed over. "Sis-in-law, he yelled at me!"

Wait, what did she call me? Sis-in-law?

Chloe Preston looked at her and said helplessly, "Young lady, you shouldn’t just call people ’sis-in-law.’"

Isla Xavier urgently grabbed her arm. "You’ve already slept with my brother, and you’re still saying you’re not my sis-in-law!"

Brother?

Chloe Preston was stunned. "You’re Donovan Xavier’s sister?"

Isla Xavier nodded, then ran over and yanked the man toward them. "Yes! Don’t we look alike?"

Chloe Preston glanced at the man, then back at his sister, and honestly shook her head. "You don’t."

"It’s fine, nobody thinks we look alike!" Isla Xavier chirped. "Sis-in-law, you’re so beautiful! No wonder my brother likes you!"

Chloe Preston couldn’t stop a small cough from escaping. "Um... could you please not call me sis-in-law?" She wasn’t even his girlfriend. Besides, she hadn’t seen any sign that he actually liked her. He definitely loves to tease me and make me blush, though!

Isla Xavier nodded enthusiastically. "Okay, sis-in-law!"

Chloe Preston was speechless.

"Oh, right, sis-in-law, do you like this dress?" Isla continued. "My brother called me earlier and said your clothes were ruined, so he asked me to go out, buy one, and bring it over. He even picked out the style!"

Hearing this, Chloe Preston glanced at the man. He chose this dress?

Donovan Xavier tucked one hand in his pocket and gave a lazy smile. "It seems I have good taste. It suits you very well."

Suddenly, Isla Xavier stepped forward conspiratorially. "Sis-in-law, you have no idea! You’re the first woman my brother has ever let into The Xavier Residence, let alone sleep in his bed! And besides, my brother hasn’t smiled like this in ages!"

As Chloe Preston listened, the words began to sound strangely familiar. Why do these lines sound like they were ripped straight from the butler in an overbearing CEO story?

Chloe Preston took out her phone and checked the time. "It’s getting late. Um... I should be going."

Donovan Xavier’s brow instantly creased.

Isla grew anxious as well and blocked her path. "Sis-in-law, why are you leaving? You don’t want to sleep with my brother anymore? Is it because he’s no good in bed? Did he not satisfy you?"