When Chloe saw Xavier again, he had changed into a fresh suit. What caught her attention, however, was the glint of metal on his hand—he was wearing the wedding ring again.
Did the Old Madam say something to him? she wondered.
Xavier walked toward her, each step radiating a cold, natural authority. Chloe’s body instinctively stiffened, the phantom pains of the previous night rushing back like a recurring nightmare. She was afraid of him; the memory of his clinical cruelty had left her shaken.
But Xavier didn't even look at her. He leaned down, scooped up Liam Jr. from her side, and strode out of the room without a backward glance, leaving only the oppressive weight of his presence behind.
Chloe let out a long, shaky breath, steadying herself against the edge of the toddler's bed. She j
