Betrayed By The Billionaire

34

However, the regret hit Chloe almost as soon as she picked up her chopsticks.

Sitting between these two "refrigerators" was agonizing. Throughout the entire meal, neither father nor son uttered a single word. The silence was heavy, awkward, and cold. Chloe felt a sudden pang of dread realizing that this was to be her life from now on.

Still, she had to admit that Xavier possessed a natural, aristocratic grace. Watching him eat was like watching a masterclass in etiquette—refined, precise, and visually captivating.

By the time dinner concluded, Chloe glanced at the wall clock. It was 11:00 PM.

These two really know how to starve, she thought.

After a night of chaos, the little boy was finally fading. When Xavier moved to take him for a bath, the "little puppy" gripped Chloe’s hand with surprising strength, refusing to let go. It took three repeated promises that she wasn't going anywhere before he finally released his hold.

"Is their life always this... unregulated?" Chloe asked, turning to Nanny White who was standing nearby.

Nanny White nodded with a sigh. "It is. That is exactly why the Old Madam was so desperate to bring a mistress into this house—to bring some order to their lives."

Order? Chloe thought. Managing the little puppy might be doable. But managing Xavier Grayson? She wouldn't dare try that if she had ten lives.

"Nanny White, can you tell me more about Liam Jr.?" Chloe asked, her curiosity piqued. She wanted to know what could have happened to turn such a handsome, soulful child into someone so broken.

"Of course, though even I don't know everything," Nanny White admitted. "Master Xavier only brought the Little Master back from abroad six months ago. Before that, none of us knew he existed—not even the Old Madam."

The housekeeper paused, her expression turning somber. "The Little Master has... difficulties. He never speaks. He prefers to be alone in his room, and sometimes, without warning, he flies into a rage—smashing things, screaming, or even hurting himself."

Self-harm? Chloe’s heart constricted. This was far more serious than a simple behavioral issue. "Haven't you taken him to see a child psychologist?"

Nanny White sighed again. "We tried. Many times. But the Little Master won't let anyone into his space. We've hired the best doctors in the country, but none of them could even get close to him."

"And his mother?" Chloe asked softly.

Nanny White shook her head. "No idea. We've never seen her, and Master Xavier has never mentioned her name."

What on earth had happened to this child? What kind of trauma could leave a four-year-old in such a state?

"One more thing," Nanny White added, lowering her voice. "The Little Master cannot stand the sight of blood. You must remember that. It triggers him instantly."

"I’ve got it," Chloe promised.

Nanny White offered a rare, genuine smile. "It’s clear our Little Master has a special affection for you, Madam. I hope you will be kind to him. If you could ever get him to speak... the Master and the Old Madam would be eternally grateful."

"Don't worry," Chloe replied firmly. "I will take care of him."

She meant it. It wasn't just about the deal anymore; the boy had found a way into her heart. He had chosen to trust her when he trusted no one else, and she felt a fierce protective instinct to pull him out of his dark abyss. Besides, the boy was her benefactor—if it weren't for his preference for her, Xavier wouldn't have given her a second glance.

A few minutes later, Xavier emerged carrying the boy.

Freshly bathed, Liam Jr.’s cheeks were a rosy pink, his eyes were half-lidded with sleep, and his pouty little mouth was as red as a cherry. He was devastatingly cute. The moment he saw Chloe, he reached out his pudgy little arms.

Chloe felt her heart melt. Ignoring Xavier’s sour expression, she immediately scooped the boy into her embrace.

"The Little Master is exhausted. Madam, please follow me."

Nanny White led them to a brand-new nursery. It was styled exactly like the one that had been destroyed, as if the previous chaos had never happened. Chloe carried the boy inside and laid him down.

Liam Jr. kept his dark eyes fixed on her, his small hand still tightly clutching her sleeve, terrified that if he closed his eyes, she would vanish into the night.