CHAPTER 18: CHAPTER 18: MEN SHOULD BE MAGNANIMOUS!

The young woman’s words were so shocking they left Chloe Preston utterly stunned.

They truly were siblings; both were... remarkably bold in what they said.

Chloe Preston glanced up, sneaking a peek at the man’s expression. His handsome face was blacker than coal. Yep, he must be furious.

Noticing her silence, Isla Xavier’s eyes twinkled mischievously as she dropped another bombshell. "Sister-in-law, if my brother really can’t perform, he can always take some pills to help!"

Just as the words left her mouth, Donovan Xavier strode forward and knocked her sharply on the head. His face was cold enough to kill. "Isla, don’t think I won’t touch you just because you’re my sister!"

"Starting today, I’m freezing all your bank cards! And I’ll inform Grandpa to have you grounded!"

What?! Freeze her bank cards?! Wouldn’t that mean she’d have to survive on air?! And he’d have her grounded, too? How was she supposed to go out and have fun then?!

Isla’s pupils abruptly shrank. She threw herself onto her brother’s leg, on the verge of kneeling. "No, Brother! Without money, your little sister can’t survive!"

"Brother, I was wrong! I shouldn’t have said that!"

"Brother, hit me, scold me, do whatever you want, just don’t take away my money!"

"Brother, you can do it! You’re the best! You’re the number one most capable man in the world!"

"Sister-in-law, help me!"

Chloe Preston found the scene both funny and exasperating. She walked over and gently tugged on the man’s sleeve with her soft, slender hand. "Come on, why are you getting worked up over a young girl?"

"A man should be more magnanimous."

"Mr. Xavier, please don’t be angry, alright?"

Her voice was naturally warm and soft. It wasn’t a deliberate coyness, but it was the kind of voice that softened the heart of anyone who heard it.

Upon hearing her words, Donovan Xavier’s anger instantly dissipated.

He lowered his gaze and shot a look at Isla. "Go back to the Xavier Family’s old residence!"

Isla shot up and saluted. "Yes, sir!"

She paused, then added, "Brother, then... are you still going to freeze my bank cards?"

Donovan Xavier’s brows furrowed slightly.

Isla blinked her large, misty eyes and turned to Chloe Preston. "Sister-in-law..."

Chloe Preston smiled. "With me here, your brother won’t. Don’t worry."

Hearing this, Isla’s face lit up with joy. She hopped on the spot before turning and running off. As she ran, she mumbled to herself, "Hehe, having a sister-in-law is the best!"

Donovan Xavier watched her disappear into the distance, then turned his head to look at the woman beside him. "With you covering for her, she’s only going to become more reckless!"

Chloe Preston didn’t say anything. A captivating smile danced in her beautiful, crystal-clear eyes.

After all, the girl had called her ’Sister-in-law’ over and over. As her sister-in-law, it was only natural to protect her.

Donovan Xavier moved to her side and placed a hand on her waist.

"What are you doing?" Chloe Preston asked.

"She just questioned my performance," Donovan Xavier leaned close to her ear, his voice low and hoarse. "What does Miss Quinn think?"

"It’s... acceptable," Chloe Preston coughed softly.

The question made her blush. The flush on her bright, beautiful face made her look even more alluring. Her single word was the epitome of vivid, seductive charm.

Donovan Xavier’s brows furrowed slightly, a teasing smile in his eyes. "Are you sure?"

"Miss Quinn, speaking against your conscience can get you struck by lightning."

Chloe Preston didn’t reply.

Donovan Xavier’s eyes half-lidded as he pulled her into his arms.

"In that case, how about I take you back to the room to prove myself again?"

"No," Chloe Preston said, pushing him away. The last time had completely worn her out.

Besides, the man hadn’t taken any precautions. What if she got pregnant? If she really did, would he want the child? And if he did, they weren’t married. Their baby would be illegitimate.

As Chloe Preston’s thoughts drifted, she shook her head to clear it. Why was I even thinking about children?

"What are you thinking about? You zoned out," Donovan Xavier said.

"I was thinking about when you’ll let me go home," Chloe Preston replied.

Donovan Xavier raised an eyebrow, his voice turning lazy. "You want to leave that badly? Why, does Miss Quinn not fancy The Xavier Residence?"

"No..." Chloe Preston started.

"Then stay. You’re not going," Donovan Xavier stated.

His tone was domineering and absolute.

Chloe Preston reached out with her fair, delicate hands and pressed them gently against his chest, halting his restless movements.

Suddenly, a phone rang sharply.

Chloe Preston glanced at the screen and swiped to answer. A second later, her eyes narrowed and she frowned.

After she hung up, Donovan Xavier asked in a deep voice, "What was that about?"

"Nothing..." Chloe Preston said, meeting his gaze and shaking her head. "It’s getting late. I really have to go."

"Chloe Preston, I already told you," Donovan Xavier said, his hand tightening on her slender waist. "You’re staying here."

His tone carried a clear note of displeasure.

A ripple seemed to pass through Chloe Preston’s shimmering, captivating eyes.

If only he had said those words to her four years ago. How wonderful would that have been? Back then, she dreamed of entering The Xavier Residence and becoming his one and only woman. She had even brought it up, but he had chosen to ignore her.

Now, she wasn’t his girlfriend anymore. Staying there felt completely baseless. What would other people say if they saw her?

Suddenly, her phone rang again.

Chloe Preston glanced down at the caller ID and hung up without answering.

"Who was that?" Donovan Xavier’s voice grew cold.

"No one," Chloe Preston said. "Just a spam call."

The next second, she took the initiative, leaning in and wrapping her slender, cool arms around his firm waist.

Donovan Xavier’s voice grew hoarse. "What are you doing?"

Chloe Preston’s eyes curved into crescents as she leaned against his warm, powerful chest. Her red lips curled into a vibrant, beautiful smile. "Isn’t it obvious? I’m hugging you..."

Her body was petite and soft, and her voice was incredibly gentle and demure. The sight and sound of her were enough to make a man’s bones melt.

Donovan Xavier’s throat tightened. He involuntarily wrapped an arm around her, taking a sharp breath as he tried his best to remain composed.

She was usually so passive; it was rare for her to take the initiative like this.

The next moment, Chloe Preston pulled away from his embrace. She brushed her hair back, a radiant, shimmering laughter in her eyes. "I’m off, Mr. Xavier!"