CHAPTER 99: CHAPTER 99: STRIPPED BARE, NOTHING LEFT

Donovan Xavier didn’t spare her another glance, grabbed the pillow, and strode out of the room.

The door slammed shut.

So heartless.

Chloe Preston’s lips were swollen and numb from his earlier kiss. She lowered her gaze and gently caressed her abdomen. "Baby, Daddy’s angry. What should we do?"

「At night.」

At the entrance of The Xavier Residence, Chloe Preston leaned against a pillar, quietly waiting for Donovan to return. Her eyes were on the servants as they played with a small orange cat.

A chilly wind blew past.

Housekeeper Wallace brought over a chair. "Madam, you’re pregnant. You should sit down to avoid getting tired."

Chloe Preston offered a faint smile. "I’m alright."

Just then, a tall, dark silhouette appeared in the distance. Donovan Xavier approached with a steady stride. He was tall and elegant, with striking, deep-set features that made him exceptionally handsome. His black suit was expertly tailored, radiating a restrained allure. Under the moonlight, he was captivating and noble, with a hint of danger about him.

Chloe Preston stood up and walked over to him, her lips curving into a smile. "You’re back."

Donovan Xavier, wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, furrowed his brow. He raised a hand and lightly flicked her forehead. "Silly girl. It’s chilly out here. What are you doing outside?"

As he spoke, he took her icy hand and led her inside.

Chloe Preston pursed her lips and looked at him. "How is your grandfather?"

Earlier that afternoon, Ian Xavier had called to say that Caleb Xavier had fainted and been taken to the hospital, telling Donovan to go check on him.

"He’s alright," Donovan Xavier said. "He’s awake now. He just needs to get some rest and avoid getting worked up."

"Why didn’t you stay with him longer?"

Donovan turned his head to meet her gaze. "If I stayed with him, the sight of me would probably make him angry enough to faint all over again."

After that, they had a simple, quiet dinner. Donovan Xavier still seemed to be holding a grudge from that morning, when she had talked about separating from him. After the meal, he went upstairs alone.

「Upstairs.」

In her room, Chloe Preston stepped out of the bathroom after a shower, lifted the covers, and lay down in bed.

He really meant it. After saying they would sleep in separate rooms, he hasn’t set foot in here all night.

The empty space where his pillow used to be made the bed feel vast, and an emptiness echoed in Chloe Preston’s heart.

Five minutes later, Chloe Preston left her room carrying a first-aid kit. She walked down the corridor until she found the room where he was sleeping.

She took a moment to compose herself and then knocked gently on the door.

"Who is it?" a voice called from within.

Chloe Preston blinked, then turned and flagged down a passing servant.

The servant caught on immediately. "Sir, it’s me."

"What is it?"

The servant thought for a moment. "Uh... your cat is making a fuss and wants to see you."

A moment later, the door clicked open. Donovan Xavier stood there, his expression placid. "Where’s the cat?" he asked in a deep voice.

"Right here!"

Chloe Preston peeked out from behind the servant, blinking her clear, bright eyes at him. Her dark hair was tucked behind her ears, and she wore a dazzlingly bright and adorable smile.

Donovan Xavier froze for a second before turning around and slamming the door shut.

Chloe Preston’s smile vanished. She reached out and knocked again.

"Donovan, it’s me. Open the door."

Silence from inside.

Hmph. So he’s deliberately ignoring me, is he?

With her cheeks puffed out in anger, Chloe Preston bit her lip and, swallowing her pride, sat down on the floor, refusing to leave. She would wait right there until he opened the door.

Seeing this, the servant asked, "Madam, the floor is cold. Should I get you a blanket?"

"A thick one, please. Thank you."

Twenty minutes later, Chloe Preston was sitting by the door, wrapped in a fluffy blanket. With her head lowered, she propped her chin on one hand while drawing small circles on the floor with the other.

CLICK.

The door was suddenly pulled open.

Hearing the sound, Chloe Preston looked up. "Donovan, you’re finally..."

Before she could finish, the door slammed shut again, stirring up a gust of wind.

Chloe Preston stared at the closed door, speechless.

Half an hour later, Chloe Preston was snuggled in the warm blanket, leaning against the wall with her head down and her eyes closed, on the verge of sleep.

CLICK.

The door opened softly, just a crack.

The sound woke Chloe Preston. She lifted her head and looked over without a word.

"Come in."

After a few seconds of silence, the two words floated out from inside.

Chloe Preston’s eyes lit up. She shook her head to clear her thoughts, grabbed the first-aid kit, and pushed the door open to go inside.

Donovan Xavier was sitting on the bed, his handsome face placid as he looked at her. "What is it?"

"I came to put medicine on for you," Chloe Preston said sweetly.

Donovan Xavier glanced at the first-aid kit in her hands before shrugging off his sleep robe and tossing it aside.

"Go ahead."

Chloe Preston nodded.

After she finished applying the medicine, Donovan Xavier put his robe back on without a single glance at her. He lay down with his back to her, his tone still cold. "Alright, you can go now. I’m going to sleep."

Chloe Preston stood there in silence for a long moment before climbing right onto the bed and briskly lying down beside him. "Let’s sleep together."

Donovan Xavier frowned, sitting up to look at her.

The moment he saw her, he froze.

Chloe Preston’s eyes were clear and bright, fixed directly on him. Her face was beautiful and vivid, her nose small and pert, her red lips soft and tender.

Her nightgown and lingerie had vanished, leaving her completely bare. Her skin was delicate and smooth, so fair it was almost luminous, looking so tender that a soft pinch seemed like it would draw water. She was a vision of vibrant, fragrant beauty, radiating an intoxicating allure.

Donovan Xavier immediately spun around and shut his eyes. The tips of his ears flushed red, and his throat went dry. He coughed. "Cover... cover yourself with the blanket."

"Chloe Preston, I swear you’re drunk without even having a drink!"

With a sweet fragrance, Chloe Preston scooted closer. "Hmm?"

Donovan Xavier’s fists clenched, and his breath hitched. "You’re insane! Who told you to strip naked like this! And so completely, too!"

"Get dressed!"