Chloe saw him seething with anger and couldn’t be bothered to argue. She broke free from him and turned to run. Donovan stood still, his expression turning cold and sinister. Evan York stood aside, internally digesting their recent conversation. He wasn’t a fool; he could tell their relationship was anything but ordinary. He then stepped forward. "Cousin, Chloe is your..." "Ex-girlfriend," Donovan finished for him matter-of-factly. Find the newest release on NovelHub(.)net "You’re Chloe’s first love?" "Hah. Is there a problem with that?" Although Evan had already guessed their relationship, he was still shocked to hear Donovan say it out loud. Donovan turned his head and glanced at him coldly. "What’s your relationship with her?" "I..." Evan stammered. Donovan’s gaze was sharp and indifferent. His voice was chilling, carrying an oppressive weight that made it hard to breathe. "I don’t care what your relationship is. Just remember one thing: she is my woman! "From now on, stay as far away from her as possible!" With that, he strode away, leaving Evan standing alone. Chloe jogged out, only to collide with a broad chest. The man reached out to steady her, his eyes aloof as a mocking smile touched his lips. "Miss Preston, I didn’t realize you enjoyed throwing yourself into men’s arms." Chloe stumbled back several steps. Once she steadied herself, she looked up and froze. This... Isn’t this Connor Sutton?! Chloe averted her gaze and said softly, "Sorry, I didn’t mean to bump into you." As she spoke, she turned to leave. "Wait," Connor called out coldly, standing his ground. "Miss Preston, do you think a simple ’sorry’ is enough to make up for that?" Chloe turned back, her eyes guarded and wary. "Then what do you want?" Connor raised a hand and seized her slender wrist, a meaningful smile on his face. "If anyone else had bumped into me, I’d make them kneel. But since it’s you, I can be more forgiving." "However, you’ll have to make it up to me." Chloe struggled frantically, her eyes cold as she glared at him. "You’re insane! Let go of me!" Connor laughed, leaning down to meet her gaze. "Miss Preston, with a fiery temper like yours, can Donovan even handle you?" Not far away, Donovan was taking in the entire scene, his eyes dark and glacial. His strong, well-defined hand clenched slightly as he fought to suppress his boiling fury. Adrian Rhodes approached and whispered cautiously in his ear, "Isn’t that your nemesis, Connor Sutton? "Your ex-girlfriend certainly is charming to have gotten tangled up with him." "Charming?" Donovan turned his head to cast a cold glance at him, his voice laced with venom. "Are you interested in her too?" Adrian gulped and chuckled nervously. "I wouldn’t dare." Chloe was still struggling against Connor when a strong, well-defined hand grabbed her arm and yanked her away. Startled, Chloe began to struggle again, but a low, chillingly forceful voice warned from above, "Don’t move." Chloe froze for a second before looking up, straight into a pair of piercing eyes. Donovan glanced at her, released his grip, and then raised his gaze to the man before him. For a moment, neither of them spoke, and the temperature seemed to plummet to freezing. With one hand in his pocket, Connor was the first to break the silence, a smile on his face. "Mr. Xavier, long time no see." Donovan radiated an oppressive aura. His eyes narrowed as he let out a cold laugh. "President Sutton, you seem to have designs on my woman?" Connor raised an eyebrow. "Your woman? Has she agreed to that?" Donovan remained silent, and as his words hung in the air, Chloe’s long lashes fluttered. The next second, she walked decisively to Donovan’s side and, without a hint of hesitation, carefully linked her arm with his. Though she said nothing, her actions were a clear admission: she was his woman. Donovan’s eyelids lowered slightly, his gaze falling upon her fair hands clutching his arm. A barely perceptible smile touched his eyes. She’s obedient enough. It seems my affection for her hasn’t been in vain. Watching them, Connor squinted, a flash of cold fury in his expression. Donovan raised his gaze to him, his dark eyes severe and his posture condescending. "I’m particular about cleanliness. I don’t like filth touching what’s mine. I hope President Sutton knows his place in the future." Filth? Connor’s expression turned grim, but he simply raised an eyebrow, entirely unfazed. His tone was cool and flippant. "And what if I insist on touching her?" Donovan stepped forward to stand beside him, his aura at once refined and fiercely aggressive. He lowered his eyes to give Connor a cold, dismissive glance, a sharp, sinister smile playing on his lips. "I’ll kill anyone who touches her." He wasn’t one to make idle threats. If he said it, he would do it. The next moment, Donovan turned, scooped Chloe into his arms, and strode away. He walked with heavy steps, his gaze cold, not uttering a single word. Chloe buried her head in his warm, firm chest, feeling a fleeting moment of security. But she knew he was furious, and she had no idea how he would punish her later. Soon, Donovan carried her into a room, stepped inside, and locked the door. He walked over, placed her on a cold table, and ripped her formal gown off, tossing it to the floor. As the cold air hit her skin, Chloe scrambled to cover herself. Donovan’s dark eyes fixated on her, finding the sight amusing. He stepped forward, intending to embrace her. Chloe threw her hands out, pushing at him forcefully. "Go away! Don’t... don’t touch me!" Donovan didn’t respond. His face darkened, and his grip on her waist tightened forcefully. Chloe struggled, tears welling in her eyes. "Don’t..." He’s so fierce, so unfamiliar... I’m really scared. Donovan’s entire being radiated an extreme, chilling indifference. He leaned closer, his voice low, husky, and cold. "It’s always ’don’t’." "Chloe Preston, can’t you for once be honest and admit you want this too?"