Betrayed By The Billionaire

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Vince had no idea what was brewing in Xavier Grayson’s mind, so he continued his report faithfully. "After leaving the Nicholas residence, the young mistress headed straight for the West City Racetrack. She has officially joined Team Swift and even engaged in a race against a rather foolish woman."

"Team Swift?" Xavier’s brow furrowed slightly as he processed the name. "Isn't that the team owned by Ethan’s family?"

"Yes, sir. But Team Swift is a shadow of its former self. Objectively speaking, it is far from the best choice for the young mistress," Vince analyzed.

Xavier remained silent for a moment before speaking. "If I recall correctly, Ethan’s father, Coach Lee, was left with a crippled right leg after a racing accident years ago."

"That is correct, sir," Vince confirmed.

"I see. Keep a close eye on her." Xavier’s voice was like a blade of ice as he ended the call.

In his mind, a dark connection was forming. Chloe wouldn't join a dying team like Swift without a reason. He remembered clearly—Liam Martin’s right leg was also disabled. Was her sudden devotion to a crippled old man at the track actually a projection of her lingering feelings for her ex-fiancé? Did she marry into the Grayson family only to spend her days pining for her old flame?

Back at the Cantonese restaurant, Chloe immediately ordered two more signature dishes to go. Lyra clicked her tongue, watching Chloe with a playful, yet skeptical look. When the fresh plates arrived at the table, Lyra reached out with her chopsticks, only to have her hand ruthlessly swatted away by Chloe.

"You're unbelievable!" Lyra groaned, finally losing her patience. "You're totally choosing your man over your best friend! Do you really care about that husband of yours that much? Does he even care about you?"

Chloe’s expression remained calm and steady. "Right now, my only goal is to live in peace with him. Pleasing him is a small price to pay if it makes my life easier and keeps the conflict at bay."

Her words made Lyra’s heart ache with a sudden pang of sympathy. "If your mother heard you say that, she’d be in tears. If you had married any other man, they would be worshipping the ground you walk on. Instead, you're stuck with a cold-blooded demon everyone is terrified of!"

Chloe offered a small smile, trying to comfort both Lyra and herself. "Things will get better slowly. We've only just met; we don't really know each other yet."

Lyra glanced at Liam Jr., who was busy with his food, and lowered her voice to a whisper. "Have you two... you know... slept in the same bed yet?"

Chloe paused for a heartbeat, then gave a slight nod.

Lyra’s eyes lit up. "Chloe, listen to me. You’re his wife now. You need to use your charms! Don't give those 'foxes' outside a single chance. You are so beautiful and desirable; I refuse to believe he’s made of stone. If you keep tempting him, feelings are bound to grow."

She leaned in closer, her advice becoming even more direct. "Physical intimacy is the best way to heat up a relationship. Xavier clearly loves children—look at how he treats Liam Jr. Once you have a child of your own with him, your position will be set in stone."

Chloe felt a bitter irony rising in her chest. Xavier had made it very clear that he had no intention of ever letting her carry his child. To stop Lyra from launching into a long lecture, Chloe cut her off. "I can handle my own marriage. You should spend more time worrying about your own situation!"

Lyra’s face immediately softened into the sweet, shy look of a woman deeply in love. "What’s there to worry about? Victor treats me incredibly well. He comes over to my place every single night."

Chloe frowned. "Victor hasn't asked you to move in with him yet?"

Lyra shrugged, seemingly unbothered. "I have my own apartment. It’s the same thing whether he stays at mine or I stay at his, right?"

"Has he mentioned when he’s taking you to meet the Ford family? His parents?" Chloe pressed.

Lyra shook her head again. "No, not yet. We’ve only just started dating. It’s too soon for that."

As a friend, Chloe didn't want to push too hard, but she felt a heavy sense of responsibility. "Just... make sure you take precautions. Protect yourself."

Lyra’s face clouded over with sudden annoyance. "Chloe, I know you’ve never really approved of me and Victor, but I truly love him. And I believe he loves me too. If I actually got pregnant, I’m sure he would propose immediately."

Chloe sighed internally. What else could she say?

While Chloe is trying to navigate the "Demon CEO's" jealousy and possessiveness, her best friend Lyra is walking into a potential trap of her own. Will Chloe’s warnings save Lyra, or will Lyra's blind faith in Victor lead to a heartbreak that mirrors Chloe's past with Liam Martin?