Betrayed By The Billionaire

275

A flicker of flustered annoyance crossed Xavier Grayson’s eyes. He tightened his grip on Chloe Bishop’s delicate chin, his voice dropping into a possessive growl. "Remember, you are my wife. I do as I please. Do you understand?"

With that, he released her and stepped into the steaming water of the marble tub. He reclined with the ease of a monarch, his wounded arm resting carefully on the edge. He didn't look at her as he issued his next decree: "Don't just stand there. Wash. Thoroughly."

Chloe didn't protest. At this moment, she chose to view him not as a "Demon CEO" or a tyrannical husband, but simply as a larger, more difficult version of Liam Jr. She pumped a generous amount of sandalwood-scented body wash onto a sponge, working up a rich lather. Her touch was light and professional, meticulously avoiding the jagged red laceration on his upper arm. Xavier watched her—this version of her that was compliant yet distant—and a faint, satisfied smirk played on his lips. He tapped his fingers rhythmically against the rim of the tub, clearly savoring the submission.

However, once she finished with his torso and shoulders, Chloe pulled back, her hands hovering uncertainly. "I’m done."

Xavier’s brow arched. "Do you only wash the top half of your body?"

Chloe frowned, her voice laced with skepticism. "Are you sure you want me to continue?"

"Continue," he replied, his voice a low challenge.

In the next heartbeat, Xavier’s large hand shot out, ensnaring Chloe’s wrist. With a sudden, violent tug, he pulled her off-balance. Chloe tumbled into the water with a massive splash, looking like a drowned bird. Before she could even gasp for air, Xavier’s hands were on her, and the silk of her dress stood no chance against his "wicked" intent.

The Morning After

By the time they emerged from the bathroom, the wound on Xavier’s arm was bleeding again. He glanced at the bed, where Chloe was already curled up, exhausted and fast asleep. He retrieved the medical kit himself, his eyes falling on the fresh red scratches on his own forearm.

"Heartless woman," he muttered, though there was a strange, uncharacteristic softness in his tone.

After dressing his wound, Xavier climbed into bed. It was the first time he had truly looked at her in the quiet of the night. Her face was flushed—a delicate mix of ivory and rose—looking both serene and inexplicably alluring. He found he couldn't look away. For a long time, he simply watched her breathe before finally pulling her into his arms, letting her warmth anchor him as they drifted into sleep.

The next morning, Chloe was stirred awake by a playful, almost roguish sensation. She opened her eyes to find Xavier hovering over her, a trace of "bad boy" energy in his handsome features. He was twirling the ends of her hair, teasing the shell of her ear.

"Good morning," he whispered, his voice thick with a dark, triumphant charm. "You finally slept."

Before she could offer a greeting, he claimed her lips in a domineering, morning kiss that tasted of possession.

The Ambiguous Invitation

When Xavier finally emerged from the bathroom, he looked revitalized—the "Demon CEO" back in full force. Chloe followed shortly after, applying a touch of light makeup to "incidentally" conceal the faint marks he had left on the ivory skin of her neck.

When she turned around, Xavier was standing right behind her.

"I’m hungry," he said. The simple statement felt loaded with an ambiguous, heavy intimacy that made Chloe’s heart skip a beat.

She stood up, smoothing her skirt, and looked him in the eye. "Do you remember what I mentioned a few days ago? I’d like to invite my mother and the elders back to our home for a visit."

Xavier didn't object this time. "After breakfast, you can all head back together."

Chloe blinked, a reflexive question escaping her lips. "Aren't you coming back with us?"

"I have to stop by the office first," Xavier replied, raising a dark eyebrow. "Why? Do you want me to come along?"

Of course not. Chloe knew that her mother and Old Mrs. Bishop were heading to the Grayson Estate specifically to investigate the "unclean" energy in the dungeon. It would be infinitely easier to conduct a spiritual sweep if the master of the house wasn't there to interfere.

But with Xavier’s sharp eyes on her, she couldn't dare tell the truth. She offered a small, dishonest nod. "Yes."

A look of genuine satisfaction crossed Xavier’s face—a rare, unguarded moment of warmth. He leaned in slightly. "Fine. I’ll make sure to be back in time to have lunch with everyone."

Chloe froze. "..."

Actually, you really, truly don't have to.

The "Golden Couple" is returning to the Grayson Estate, but a secret war is brewing. While Xavier expects a pleasant family lunch, the Bishop women are bringing their ancient healing arts to uncover the truth of the cellar. Will the "Demon" catch them in the act of "cleansing" his home, or will the secrets of the Grayson family finally be dragged into the light?