Betrayed By The Billionaire

18

Xavier had just ended his call. Hearing the Old Madam’s voice, his expression darkened slightly, but he eventually relented and walked toward the semi-circle of women.

The socialites’ eyes moved in unison, tracking his every step.

Watching the cold, regal man approach, Nadia couldn't pull her gaze away. From the moment she first saw him, she had fallen—hard. She discreetly tugged at her mother’s sleeve.

Mrs. Bishop knew exactly what was at stake. She patted Nadia’s hand reassuringly.

As soon as Xavier came to a halt, Mrs. Bishop looked at Chloe and smiled brightly. "Our Chloe has always been a magnet for children. If that child she had with Liam were still—"

"Mom! What are you talking about?" Nadia suddenly cut her mother off, her voice sharp.

Mrs. Bishop looked flustered, as if she had let a devastating secret slip. "Oh dear, I... I shouldn't have said that."

The trap was set, and the bait was taken instantly.

"A child? What child?" "My God, did Chloe Bishop actually have a baby?"

Mrs. Bishop began to wave her hands dismissively, looking frantic. "No, no! I just misspoke. I meant that Chloe loves children. She has a natural bond with them."

But in a room full of vipers, who would believe such a weak retraction?

Nadia glanced at Madam Grayson. As expected, the old lady’s face had turned grim. She looked at Chloe, the previous warmth in her eyes replaced by a sharp edge. "Miss Bishop, I believe I deserve an explanation."

Chloe’s gaze swept over Xavier. He was watching her with a look of detached indifference, his presence heavy and commanding.

She didn't falter. Facing the Old Madam, she spoke with calm dignity. "Whether my aunt and cousin did this intentionally or by mistake, a woman’s purity is not something that can be lied about. I ask that Madam Grayson call for a gynecologist to examine me right now. Otherwise, a simple 'slip of the tongue' will ruin my reputation forever."

The room went silent. She’s asking for an exam?

Did that mean that in six years with Liam Martin, she had never actually given herself to him?

Seeing Chloe’s unwavering gaze, Mrs. Bishop realized her gamble was failing. She stammered, "Chloe, I only meant—"

"I believe you."

An elderly woman from the crowd stepped forward to defend Chloe, but Madam Grayson beat her to it. She reached out and took Chloe’s hand, her smile returning, warmer than before. "Good girl. I believe you."

Madam Julian, who hadn't managed to get a word in, glared at Madam Grayson. That old fox! We agreed not to compete, and now she’s snatching the girl! How am I supposed to explain this to Julian?

Madam Grayson’s expression suddenly turned lethal as she looked at the crowd. "If Chloe truly becomes Liam Jr.’s mother, I will not show mercy to anyone who tried to slander her name tonight."

Mrs. Bishop and Nadia turned ashen. They never imagined their "scandalous reveal" would backfire so spectacularly. If Chloe actually married into the Grayson family, their comments tonight would be a direct insult to Xavier’s pride. The thought made them tremble.

Chloe felt a surge of genuine gratitude toward the old lady. She followed her lead, saying softly, "Thank you, Grandma. I won't let you down."

Look at her, the other women thought. She’s already calling her Grandma. What a social climber.

Xavier let out a cold, mocking snort. "Miss Bishop, isn't it a bit early to be calling her 'Grandma'?"

Madam Grayson shot him a warning look. "Xavier! Mind your manners."

Seeing the contempt in Xavier’s eyes, Nadia and the other socialites breathed a sigh of relief. What does it matter if the grandmother likes her? If Xavier hates her, she’s just wasting her time.

Chloe knew Xavier despised her, but she also knew that in this house, winning over the grandmother and the son was more than half the battle.

The music swelled, and the lights shifted toward the dance floor. Gentlemen began to approach the ladies. Madam Grayson picked up Liam Jr. and smiled at the crowd. "Alright, enough surrounding us old women. Go dance!"

Under the watchful eyes of the elite, Chloe was the first to approach Xavier. She extended her hand. "Mr. Grayson, may I have this dance?"

Xavier stared at the slender, fair hand offered to him. His voice was icy and detached. "Not interested."

He turned and walked away, clearly unwilling to stay a second longer.

Chloe didn't get angry. She calmly withdrew her hand, bid a smiling farewell to the elders, and followed him.

A socialite nearby hissed, "She’s so shameless! Can't she see he’s disgusted by her?"

They all felt the same way, yet they couldn't help but admire her guts. Isn't she afraid of being humiliated?

What they didn't know was that Chloe had no choice. Arthur, Mrs. Bishop, and their children were all here. It wouldn't be long before Arthur heard about her attempts to secure a new backer. Every minute she delayed was another minute her baby sister was in danger.

"Xavier! Xavier, wait!"

Xavier moved fast. Chloe had to lift the hem of her gown and jog to keep up. He didn't slow down, entering the main house and heading straight for the stairs.

"Xavier, please give me ten minutes. Five minutes! I won't take much of your time."

Just as he reached his door, Chloe put on a burst of speed. Suddenly, Xavier stopped. Chloe couldn't brake in time and slammed right into his broad back.

She steadied herself, only to hear his voice drop into an unpleasant, mocking tone.

"So, you've heard the rumors, then?"

Chloe realized what she looked like right now—a desperate woman throwing herself at a powerful man. She didn't try to defend her image. Instead, she looked him in the eye. "Mr. Grayson, I know you need a wife. I hope you will seriously consider me."

Xavier’s brows knit together in annoyance. "And who told you I need a wife?"

"You hate women, yet you allowed your grandmother to host this matchmaking gala in your own home," Chloe analyzed calmly. "A man like you doesn't do things halfway. You need a woman who can satisfy your grandmother and, more importantly, someone Liam Jr. likes. The boy needs a home, and based on tonight... I am your best option."

It was a smart play. Xavier couldn't deny her logic.

He scanned her from head to toe, letting out a cold laugh. "And where does Miss Bishop get the confidence to think I'll choose you?"

"First," she said with quiet dignity, "I have the approval of your grandmother and your son. Second, in terms of beauty, I am among the top in this city. And I can guarantee... I'm 'original packaging.' No surgery, no enhancements."