Betrayed By The Billionaire

88

"Me? Drunk and unconscious?"

Chloe pointed at herself, her mind a fog of confusion until the fragmented memories of the private suite began to resurface. The sudden weakness, the trembling fingers, the way the world had tilted... she hadn't just been drunk. She had been drugged.

Her expression paled as she immediately checked her reflection and her clothes, her heart hammering against her ribs. When she found no new marks or signs of assault—other than her throbbing cheek—she let out a long, shuddering breath of relief.

Was it Xavier? Did he save me?

Nanny White watched her, his tone heavy with paternal disappointment. "Madam, you are now the young mistress of the Grayson family. You represent our prestige and our name. You cannot afford to be so reckless again."

It was clear Nanny White didn't know about the sedative. He only smelled the lingering scent of alcohol on her clothes and saw Xavier carry her through the front doors in the middle of the night. To him, it looked like a socialite who had partied too hard.

"I understand. Thank you for the counsel, Nanny White," Chloe said, her voice soft and genuinely apologetic. "I'm sorry for causing you trouble so late at night."

Her humble attitude softened the butler's resolve. He gave a stiff nod, reminded her to rest, and finally retreated from the room.

Once alone, Chloe slipped into the bathroom to double-check. Aside from the swelling on her cheek where Xavier had pinched her, her skin was clear. The panic finally began to recede, replaced by a sharp, analytical focus. Who spiked my drink? Caleb? Or someone else? And what happened after I blacked out?

By the time she finished her shower, it was nearly 2:00 AM. She checked on Liam Jr., finding the boy fast asleep and peaceful. Then, drawing a deep breath, she walked to Xavier’s wing. She knew he was still awake; the man was a nocturnal predator.

She knocked for several minutes with no response. Just as she was about to turn away, the door swung open.

Xavier stood there in a dark silk robe, smelling of expensive soap and crisp mint. He had clearly just showered as well. He spared her one frigid, sidelong glance before turning back into the room without a word.

"Xavier, thank you," Chloe said, following him inside. Her voice was sincere, stripped of its usual defensive edge. "I’m sorry about earlier. I misunderstood... everything. Thank you for coming to get me so late."

Xavier remained a statue of indifference. He reached into a cabinet and pulled out a high-end hair dryer.

Chloe was determined to make amends. "Are you hungry? I can make you some noodles."

He plugged in the dryer, acting as if she were a ghost.

"Do you want to dry your hair? Let me help." Chloe didn't wait for permission. She stepped forward, gently taking the dryer from his hand and guiding him to sit on the edge of the bed.

She was practiced and gentle at this—skills she had once perfected for Liam Martin. She turned the dryer on, her fingers moving deftly through Xavier’s damp, dark hair.

Xavier didn't push her away, but the frost on his face didn't melt. Chloe intentionally kept the dryer on the lowest setting, dragging out the process as she tried to coax information out of him.

"How did you know I was in trouble?" she asked softly.

Xavier’s lips remained a thin, hard line.

"Was it Vince who told you?" she guessed. "Did you catch the person who did it? Who was it? What were they trying to do?"

The questions tumbled out one after another, but Xavier remained a fortress of silence. Eventually, he closed his eyes, looking less like he was enjoying the service and more like he was annoyed by the noise.

Xavier is keeping his secrets close to his chest. He knows about Caleb, he knows about the fight between Nicholas and Nora, and he knows that Liam Martin tried to intercept Chloe. As Chloe continues to "tend" to him, will her persistence finally break his silence, or is the "Demon CEO" planning a much more public punishment for her "recklessness"?

Justin's messages are still unread on her phone. If she finds out what happened to Nora and Cindy, will she regret staying here to pamper Xavier?