Chloe Preston stood still, watching them. Isla Xavier walked over, linked her arm with hers, and smiled sweetly. "Sis-in-law, what are you doing here?" Chloe Preston pressed her lips together. "Your grandfather asked me to come." Isla Xavier spoke up. "Sis-in-law, today is my grandfather’s birthday." "Birthday?" Chloe asked. Just then, Evan York walked over to her. "Chloe, you don’t look well. Are you feeling alright?" Chloe Preston shook her head. "I’m fine." Taking her by the arm, Isla Xavier led her forward. "Since Grandpa was the one who invited you, I’ll take you to see him!" At that moment, Caleb Xavier was leaning against the sofa, his expression kind and serene as he chatted happily with Rosalind Rowan, who was seated beside him. "Grandpa, have some tea," Rosalind Rowan said with a smile, offering him a cup. Caleb Xavier took it. "Good, good. I love Rosalind’s tea the most." Isla Xavier ran over, with Chloe Preston in tow. Upon seeing the newcomer, Caleb Xavier’s expression instantly darkened. He said flatly, "So, you’re here." Chloe Preston nodded. "Yes." She then handed him the gift she was holding. "Grandpa Xavier, I didn’t know it was your birthday today. My apologies for the last-minute gift. I hope you aren’t upset." Caleb Xavier didn’t take it, merely glancing at a servant. The servant took the hint, accepted the gift, and opened it. Inside was a Thousand-Hand Guanyin carved from top-quality, exquisite Emperor Green jade. It was a magnificent piece of optimal color and an exceptionally rare treasure. However, the Xavier family wasn’t lacking in such things. Caleb Xavier silently drank his tea without a word. Chloe Preston stood there, lightly pressing her lips together. She inadvertently raised her eyes, and her gaze met Rosalind Rowan’s. Rosalind wore a bright red, floor-length mermaid gown that was the picture of grace and confidence, making her appear dazzlingly beautiful. The ruby necklace around her neck was particularly brilliant and was surely priceless. Chloe Preston had only come for what she assumed was a casual meal and hadn’t dressed up. She wore a simple, white, waist-cinched long dress, her dark hair tucked behind her ears. She had a bright, pretty face, and the simple outfit lent her an air of gentle grace and elegant composure. The atmosphere grew somewhat icy. Isla Xavier quickly pulled Chloe Preston down to sit. "Sis-in-law, standing must be tiring. Come on, sit down." Caleb Xavier sipped his tea and spoke coldly. "Coming to a birthday party dressed in white. How unlucky." Chloe Preston stood up and apologized. "I’m... I’m sorry, Grandpa Xavier. I didn’t know today was—" "Alright, that’s enough," Caleb Xavier interrupted impatiently. Seeing this, Isla Xavier grew upset. "Grandpa, Sis-in-law already said she didn’t know! Why are you speaking to her like that?" "You’re the one who called her over, and now you’re giving her a hard time. What’s the point of that?" Ian Xavier slammed his hand on the table and glared at her. "Isla, you’re being too impertinent! How can you speak to your grandfather like that?" Isla ignored them and poured a cup of hot water for Chloe Preston. "Sis-in-law, be careful. It’s hot." Caleb Xavier’s eyebrows furrowed. "What did you just call her?" "Sis-in-law!" Isla blurted out. Caleb Xavier grew furious. "She hasn’t married your brother yet! What makes you think she’s your sister-in-law?" "From now on, I forbid you from calling her that!" Isla stuck out her tongue. "Hmph, I’m still going to call her Sis-in-law!" "My brother told me to call her that! He likes her and is going to marry her sooner or later!" Hearing that last sentence, Chloe Preston’s eyelashes fluttered. Caleb Xavier was so angry he felt a sharp pain in his chest. "You—you’ll be the death of me!" Rosalind Rowan tensed up and asked with concern, "Grandpa, are you alright?" Caleb Xavier looked at her, his smile serene. "Grandpa is fine. The pain vanishes the moment I see you, Rosalind." Isla shot them a disdainful look. Caleb Xavier took a deep breath and turned his gaze to Chloe Preston. "I called you here today to tell you that Rosalind and Donovan are getting engaged next month." "What?" Chloe Preston’s mind went blank, her pupils constricting in shock. Rosalind Rowan leaned back against the sofa with an air of arrogance, a lazy smile playing on her lips. Isla frowned. "Grandpa, what nonsense are you talking about?" "Rosalind and Donovan were promised to each other as children," Caleb Xavier stated. "Now that they’re both grown, it’s time they were together. They should get engaged soon, then marry, and have a chubby little baby. Then everything will be perfect!" Isla’s face scrunched up. "Grandpa, I think you’re drunk without even drinking. Does my brother know about this? I know my brother. He won’t marry anyone but Sis-in-law!" Caleb Xavier sneered, "It’s not up to him. He must marry Rosalind! As for that woman with the surname Preston, our Xavier Family will never acknowledge her existence! Rosalind is wonderful—smart, filial, and from a good family. That Preston woman has nothing but a pretty face. She can’t compare to Rosalind in any other way and is completely unworthy of Donovan!" "Miss Quinn, let me be clear with you today. If you continue to cling to my grandson, the Xavier Family will sever all ties with him!" Chloe Preston’s long eyelashes trembled violently. Caleb Xavier took a sip of tea, his tone unchanged. "Miss Quinn, if you are willing to leave my grandson, I can adopt you as my god-granddaughter. From then on, you’ll be a person of wealth and power, and no one will dare to bother you. Think it over carefully." After a long moment, Chloe Preston lowered her gaze, biting her lip. Her voice came out hoarse. "No... thank you." Caleb Xavier was about to say more, but Chloe Preston stood up, her eyes red-rimmed and misty. She collected herself. The tip of her nose stung. She took a steadying breath and said, "Grandpa Xavier, I have something to do, so I won’t be staying for the meal. I heard what you said. I know what I have to do." With that, she fought back her tears, turned, and left. Chloe Preston hurried away, not watching where she was going, and accidentally bumped into someone. She quickly apologized. "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to." The woman, with champagne splashed all over her dress, said furiously, "Are you blind? Watch where you’re going!" Chloe Preston’s vision swam. She apologized again and again. "I’m really sorry." The woman sized her up. "Hey, what family are you from? And how did you get in here dressed so plainly?" Chloe Preston felt weak, her body so limp she could barely stand. "I’m talking to you! Answer me!" At that moment, a hand grabbed Chloe Preston’s arm. Rosalind Rowan elegantly swept her hair back and smiled brightly. "She’s no heiress. Just the daughter of a degenerate gambler. How much is your dress? I’ll pay you ten times its value." "I don’t need you to pay!" Evan York strode over, pulled Chloe Preston to his side, and said in a low voice, "I’ll cover the cost. There’s no need to trouble Miss Rowan." The woman was delighted to see him. "Young Master Yates!" Evan York didn’t spare either of them a glance. He looked down at Chloe Preston. "Chloe, are you okay?" Chloe Preston was about to speak when her vision blurred and she fainted. "Chloe!" Evan York panicked, catching her as she fell. Just then, Julian Xavier walked in from outside. Seeing the scene, his eyes narrowed. "Dr. Quinn!" He ran forward. "What’s wrong with her?" Rosalind Rowan replied casually, "She fainted. Low blood sugar, probably." Thɪs chapter is updated by novel~fire~net Julian Xavier grew anxious. "Get her to the hospital, now! She’s pregnant!"