He lifted his gaze, casting a meaningful look at Leo Sterling. After a moment, Donovan Xavier placed the cat down, lazily leaned back against the sofa with a slight curve to his lips and a hint of amusement in his eyes. Adrian Rhodes saw the smile and asked in a deep voice, "Have you taken her to the Xavier Family?" "Aren’t you considering taking her back to meet your grandfather and father?" Leo Sterling asked. Donovan Xavier replied, "I have no such plans." Adrian was silent for a few seconds before asking again, "What about your biological mother?" "Never thought about it," Donovan’s voice was deep. Outside the door, Chloe Preston heard every single word. Her eyes downcast and her fingers curling slightly, she was enveloped by a sense of loss. So, he never even considered introducing me to his family. It seems he has no intention of marrying me. Chloe bit her lip, a sudden sting of pain in her heart. She turned, her gaze wooden, and walked stiffly back to her room. Just as she left, Donovan, still lounging on the sofa, took a sip of tea. He tugged at his lips and said in a low voice, "The Xavier Family has strong notions about class. Even if she met them, they wouldn’t like her, and it would only upset her." "As for my mom, she’s erratic. Let’s just forget it." He paused, a slight smile touching his lips. "However, it might be nice to introduce her to the old lady." At that, Leo looked up, squinting as he smiled. "Mr. Xavier, you’re serious." Donovan looked out the floor-to-ceiling window, a trace of warmth softening his usually cold, sharp eyes. "I’ve always been serious," he whispered. After Chloe returned to the room, she got into bed and tried to sleep. She wasn’t the least bit tired, but she forced herself to sleep; otherwise, staying awake would only make her sad. A moment later, the door clicked open. Chloe heard him. Her eyelashes fluttered lightly, but she kept her head buried under the covers without making a sound. Donovan walked over, sat on the edge of the bed, and yanked the blanket off her. He was in a good mood and smiled. "Why are you in bed so early? Tired from work?" He then asked, "Have you eaten?" Chloe buried her head in the pillow, her voice muffled. "None of your business." Donovan’s dark eyes narrowed. "What’s wrong? Who upset my Chloe?" "Tell me, and I’ll send someone to teach them a lesson for you." "You haven’t bathed or changed your clothes. Come on, I’ll carry you to the bathroom and take care of you." Chloe pretended to be asleep, ignoring him. Donovan said nothing and reached out to pick her up. But as soon as his fingers touched her waist, she dodged away, deliberately not letting him touch her. Donovan’s brows furrowed slightly. "Are you giving me attitude?" Chloe kept her back to him, her eyes closed. Her voice was muffled and soft. "So what if I am?" Read full story at novel✶fire.net The air fell silent. Then, Donovan lay down on the bed, sidling up to her. "Did I do something to upset you?" Chloe didn’t respond. Seeing this, Donovan sighed softly. His Chloe was always getting upset, and he never knew what to do about it. All he could do was coddle and spoil her. Donovan moved even closer, his thin lips brushing against her gorgeous face in a feather-light, gentle kiss. Chloe quietly inhaled and scooted toward the edge of the bed, putting distance between them. Donovan simply followed, determined to stay close to her no matter what. Chloe had already moved to the very edge of the bed; any farther and she would fall off. She turned slightly and pushed at him. "Don’t get so close." Donovan played deaf, closing his eyes and persistently wrapping his arm around her slim waist. Just as he was about to speak, his phone rang. He propped himself up against the headboard, glanced at the phone, and his brows knitted slightly. He turned his head to look at the seemingly asleep woman, then got up and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window with his phone. The moonlight spilled in like water, cold and silver. Donovan stood by the window, his figure tall and proud, his features devastatingly handsome. His cold eyes were even frostier than the moon, and he exuded an air of noble austerity. He answered the call. "Hello." After a long pause, he looked out the window, his gaze deep. "Mm, got it," he said calmly. The call ended. He turned, intending to get back into bed. Chloe had walked over at some point, and now they stood face-to-face. Her tone was accusatory, as if she were checking up on him. "An insignificant person," Donovan replied. Chloe crossed her arms. "Ha." She didn’t believe him for a second. Why would he have to take an insignificant call behind her back? "Donovan, are you seeing another woman behind my back?" she blurted out. Donovan frowned. "No." He added, "You’re accusing me? Do you really think I’m that kind of bastard?" "Come on, sweetie. Let me take you for a bath, then we’ll sleep." He reached for her slim waist. Chloe dodged him, her clear eyes scrutinizing him from head to toe. He, on the other hand, was perfectly calm and open. The next moment, Chloe snatched the phone from his hand. Donovan didn’t get angry. He just smiled, letting her check it. He stepped forward, scooped her up into his arms, and carried her straight to the bathroom. The bathroom door closed. Donovan filled the tub with hot water, set Chloe down, and began to remove her clothes, one piece at a time. Chloe didn’t resist. She was tapping and scrolling through his phone, her bright, clear eyes glued to the screen in concentration. Donovan found it amusing and gently placed her in the tub. Chloe noticed the recent call. The contact name was Rosalind Rowan. That’s a nice name. It must be a girl. She held the phone up in front of him, her voice tinged with jealousy as she demanded, "Who is this Rosalind?" Donovan raised an eyebrow. "Not important." Chloe stared directly at him, crossing her arms with a stern expression on her pretty face. "I don’t believe you. If she’s not important, why did you take the call behind my back?" "Because I was worried you’d get jealous if you knew it was a woman," Donovan replied with a smile, patting her head. But she got jealous anyway. Pouting like that, she’s actually quite cute. "What is your relationship with her?" Chloe stood up in the tub and yanked off his black tie. Afraid she would slip, Donovan wrapped an arm around her waist, letting her lean steadily against his warm chest. He lowered his head, his nose lightly touching hers. "There is no relationship."