Liam Keane followed alongside him. In the next second, he leaned in and lowered his voice by Donovan Xavier’s ear. "Mr. Xavier, there’s a woman at the front desk." "It has nothing to do with me," Donovan Xavier replied, his tone indifferent. He pulled out his phone and pressed the power button, but there was no response. Hmm? When did it turn off? "N-no, sir... she... she looks a bit like Miss Quinn," Liam Keane stammered. Donovan Xavier froze and looked toward the lobby. He was accompanied by three or four shareholders. One of them also glanced over and commented, "Who is that? She’s truly beautiful. I haven’t seen her before." Another shareholder added, "A new employee, perhaps? Her dress is quite unique and elegant, though I can’t imagine what obscure brand it could be." "She made it herself," Donovan Xavier said out of the blue, his gaze fixed on the woman in the distance. Her features were delicate and lovely, with bright eyes and pearly teeth. Her hair was styled in an elegant, side-swept updo, and she wore a beige, jacquard, waist-cinching cheongsam with exquisite Su embroidery. She exuded a demure elegance and gentle grace, the very picture of a well-bred lady. She made it herself, he recalled. She loves to tinker with these things in her spare time. She bought a sewing machine, drafts her own patterns, and makes her own clothes. A few days ago, she insisted on taking my measurements, saying she wanted to make me a suit. I wonder if it’s finished yet. Hearing this, one of the shareholders turned to him. "From the way you say that, Mr. Xavier, do you know this woman? Is she a friend of yours? Is she married?" "No. Why do you ask?" Donovan Xavier replied. "If she isn’t, could I trouble you to make an introduction for me?" the shareholder pressed. His wife passed away two years ago, and he has yet to remarry. This woman is truly beautiful, with such a classic and elegant temperament. She would be the perfect virtuous wife and good mother to bring home. Donovan Xavier turned his head, his cold eyes sweeping over the nearly forty-year-old man. "You’ve taken a liking to her?" "Um... She’s beautiful. It was love at first sight," the shareholder admitted. Love at first sight? More like lust at first sight, Donovan scoffed internally. He stood tall, a slight, mirthless smile playing on his lips, but his eyes were so frigid they could kill. Everyone stared in shock. The shareholder’s mind reeled, and he instantly broke out in a cold sweat. My God, I just blatantly coveted his woman right in front of him! Is he going to tear me apart? Will I even have a job tomorrow? Chloe Preston was still in a standoff with the receptionist. Tired of arguing, the receptionist rolled her eyes dramatically. "Security, don’t just stand there! Get this clingy pest out of here!" The strong, burly security guards immediately rushed forward and grabbed her. Donovan Xavier’s handsome face darkened instantly. How dare they lay a hand on the woman I treasure most? In the ensuing struggle, the thermos in Chloe Preston’s hand crashed to the floor, spilling the soup everywhere. A sharp pain shot through her left leg from the fall. She lowered her gaze to the wasted soup on the ground, her lips pressed into a thin line. It took me four hours to simmer that soup, and now it’s all gone. The receptionist just watched coldly. "Security, hurry up and throw her out!" But the security guards had frozen in place. The receptionist glared at them. "Why aren’t you moving?" She followed their gaze and looked up, her eyes landing on Donovan Xavier as he strode toward them. His handsome face was exceptionally grim, and he emanated a chilling aura that made everyone tremble. Donovan Xavier shot her a glance, his voice as cold as if it were laced with poison. "Quite the display of authority you’re putting on." The receptionist shivered, completely intimidated by his presence. Donovan Xavier rushed to Chloe’s side, bending down to help her up with nervous caution. For more chapters visit ⓝovelFire.net The receptionist stared, dumbfounded. Lifting Chloe to her feet, his eyes filled with heartache as he asked softly, "Baby, tell me. Where are you hurt?" The receptionist’s mind went blank. Baby? Is this woman really Mr. Xavier’s girlfriend? Did I... did I just mess with the one person I absolutely shouldn’t have? "My left leg," Chloe Preston said. "Okay, let me see," Donovan Xavier said, gently taking her right arm to inspect it. Her slender, pale forearm was soft and delicate, already showing a faint red mark. He blew on the spot softly before rubbing it with the utmost care. Then, ignoring the stunned gazes of everyone around him, he knelt on one knee and carefully slipped the high heels off her feet. The onlookers stared with wide eyes. Is this gentle and attentive man really the same ruthless, cold-hearted Mr. Xavier they knew? With Chloe cradled in a princess carry, Donovan Xavier’s aura turned glacial. He shot a look at Liam Keane. "You know what to do." "Yes, Mr. Xavier. Rest assured," Liam Keane nodded. Without another word, Donovan Xavier carried Chloe all the way back to his office. Liam Keane stepped forward, his eyes landing on the receptionist before calling to the guards. "You two. Throw her out." "What!" the receptionist panicked. "You must have a death wish, daring to bully Mr. Xavier’s woman," Liam Keane said coldly. "Now, pack your things and get out!" "No!" the receptionist cried, pleading desperately. If the Xavier Group fires me, no other company will ever hire me. I won’t be able to survive in Kryton! She dropped to her knees, wailing and begging Liam to give her another chance. Liam glared at the hesitant guards. "What are you waiting for? Do it!" "Yes, sir!" the guards responded. Donovan Xavier carried Chloe inside and walked straight to his desk. He swept all the documents onto the floor with one arm and gently set her down on the cleared surface. As he examined her, he found a red, angry scrape on her left knee that looked painful. His eyes turned bloodshot, filled with unconcealed heartache. Chloe Preston’s gaze was clear as she looked at him. "Actually, it doesn’t hurt that much." Donovan Xavier remained silent. "I can still run," she insisted, preparing to hop down and prove it. He held her firmly in place, his silence unbroken. Chloe Preston pursed her lips, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled her head up to kiss him. Donovan Xavier’s heart skipped a beat. He tried to pull away to continue checking for other injuries, but she clung to him, refusing to let go. Gently creating some distance between them, he murmured, his voice soft, "Be good. No kissing for now. Let me check and see if you’re hurt anywhere else." Chloe Preston pouted, clearly unhappy. She reached up and gave his tie a playful tug. Donovan Xavier caught her hand. "Chloe Preston, don’t mess around." Her small face scrunched up. "You yelled at me." "How could I ever bear to yell at you?" he cooed, leaning in to nuzzle the tip of his nose against her lovely cheek. "I haven’t asked yet, why did you suddenly show up at the company?" "I came to bring you soup," Chloe said. "And where is this soup?" "It spilled. You’re out of luck." A smile flickered in Donovan Xavier’s eyes. He reached out and pinched her soft little cheek. "What’s the special occasion? For you to take the initiative to visit me, and even bring soup." Chloe Preston didn’t say a word. She wasn’t going to tell him it was his birthday. She had a surprise planned for him tonight. She wrapped her arms around his firm waist and rested her face against his chest, her eyes sparkling. Looking down at her, Donovan Xavier’s heart melted. She’s being so, so good right now. He lowered his head, gently tilted her chin up with one hand, and captured her lips in a kiss. The office door was suddenly thrown open. "Donovan!" an ethereal female voice called out. "Get out!" Donovan Xavier roared.