Betrayed By The Billionaire

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Chloe felt a faint, fleeting pinch between her brows, but that was the extent of her reaction. She was currently drowning in her own troubles; how could she possibly find the emotional energy to care for someone else? In the past, her heart bled for Liam Martin because of love. Now, he was rapidly becoming a stranger.

It was obvious, however, that Liam had not yet grasped this reality. If he had, he wouldn't be subjecting himself to such self-destructive behavior.

As the dinner progressed, Mr. Han and the medical authorities began a deep dive into the specifics of the elder Han’s mysterious condition. They pulled out charts and reports, their voices low and professional. Seizing the opportunity, Xavier pushed back his chair and strode out of the room.

Chloe’s gaze fell upon his plate. It was nearly pristine; he had barely touched the gourmet food, though he had consumed a significant amount of wine. She had noticed this pattern in him before—he was incredibly fastidious and rarely ate food prepared outside his own kitchens. It meant that no matter how late they returned, he would likely be retiring on an empty stomach.

Watching his retreating back, Chloe felt a pull of duty—or perhaps something more complex—and followed him out.

Liam stared at the empty chair beside him. The void where she had sat mirrored the hollow ache in his own chest, and a bitter, self-deprecating smile touched his lips. Her world now revolved entirely around Xavier Grayson. No matter how much he drank or how much physical distress his allergies caused him, her gaze would never linger on him with concern again.

She had been crystal clear that day at the Bishop estate. He had told himself he was resigned to his fate, that he would choose responsibility and stay with Snow. Yet, the moment he saw Chloe, his resolve shattered like glass. He wanted to force himself to stop caring, to stop looking for her, but he found himself utterly powerless against the gravity of his feelings.

Chloe, tell me... what am I supposed to do?

"Xavier."

Chloe called out to him as she hurried to catch up. Xavier didn't pause, his footsteps echoing with cold precision as he headed toward the private restroom area. Chloe followed him closely, and just as he reached for the door, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.

"Xavier, let’s just go home," she whispered against the fabric of his jacket.

Xavier didn't offer a verbal response. Instead, he reached back, gripped her arm with bruising strength, and hauled her inside the restroom. In one fluid, violent motion, he spun her around and pinned her against the hard wood of the door.

A while later, Chloe leaned against the doorframe, her strength completely spent. Her clothes were disheveled, and her slender frame trembled as if she might collapse at any moment. Her lip was cut, though it wasn't from Xavier’s teeth—she had bitten it herself to keep from making a sound.

She watched the man before her. He was already adjusting his cuffs and smoothing his hair, his expression as calm and unbothered as if he had just finished a business meeting. Chloe bit her lip harder, the copper taste of blood filling her mouth as she fought back the urge to cry.

Suddenly, her hand was snatched up again. Her eyes flew open in fear and she instinctively tried to recoil, but Xavier’s grip was a shackle. "Don't move," he commanded, his voice still thick with a lingering, gravelly roughness.

Chloe froze, her breath hitching in her throat. She closed her eyes tight, refusing to look at him, as she felt his hands move over her body. She stood like a mannequin, allowing him to pull her dress back into place and smooth out the wrinkles of her skirt.

Only when he finally released her did she open her eyes. Xavier walked to the sink, letting the freezing water run over his long, powerful hands. His voice had returned to its usual state of clinical detachment. "Clean yourself up. I’ll be waiting outside."

When the door clicked shut, Chloe dragged her heavy limbs to the mirror. The woman reflecting back at her was a stranger. Her makeup was miraculously intact, but the cut on her lip was oozing a thin trail of blood. She wiped the crimson away with a trembling finger, reapplied her lipstick to mask the wound, and tried to tame her wild hair.

As she looked at the faint, sultry flush on her cheeks, a wave of self-loathing washed over her. This woman is pathetic, she thought.

Exiting the restroom, she saw Xavier standing beneath the shadow of a vibrant maple tree. In the moonlight, his cold, ascetic aura made him look like a completely different person from the man who had just pinned her against the door.

"Let's go," he said, seeing her approach. He turned back toward the private suite.

Chloe stopped in her tracks. "I want to go home now."

Xavier didn't stop. "Go back inside, say your goodbyes, and then we leave."

The Return to the Table

Chloe had no choice but to follow. When they re-entered the suite, the medical discussion was still in full swing. However, the moment they stepped into the light, the room went silent.

The change in Chloe was subtle but undeniable. Her lips were a shade darker, her hair slightly different, and she carried an air of exhausted elegance that hadn't been there before. Liam Martin’s eyes scanned her face, settling on the slight puffiness of her lower lip. His jaw tightened so hard the muscles jumped in his cheek.

Xavier, meanwhile, acted as if nothing had happened. He stood by the table, the perfect image of a powerful husband. "Mr. Han, Mrs. Han, my wife is feeling a bit under the weather. We’ll be taking our leave now."

Mrs. Han looked at Chloe with genuine concern, noting her pale complexion. "Oh, of course! You poor thing, you do look a bit tired. Please, go rest. We’ll see you again before we depart."

Chloe managed a polite, strained smile. "Thank you for understanding."

As they turned to leave, Chloe felt a gaze burning into her back. She didn't look back at Liam, but she could feel his despair radiating across the room. Xavier placed a heavy, possessive hand on the small of her back, guiding her out of the pavilion and into the cool night air.

Xavier has asserted his dominance both privately and publicly, but the "show" isn't over. As they head toward the car, Chloe is left wondering if she is a wife or merely a prized trophy he enjoys breaking. Will Xavier finally let his guard down once they are behind the closed doors of the estate, or will the presence of Liam Martin tonight fuel a new cycle of "discipline"?

What do you think Xavier's first words to Chloe will be once they are alone in the car?