Betrayed By The Billionaire

39

Chloe had no idea what was brewing in the Old Madam’s mind, but the mere mention of a wedding was enough to startle her. "I really don't think a wedding is that important," she said softly, trying to sound as humble as possible. "There's no need to go through all that trouble. As long as Xavier and I are happy, that’s all that matters."

To climb into the Grayson family’s good graces, she had practically been ready to kneel before Xavier. How could she dare dream of a grand, glittering wedding?

After speaking, she caught Nanny White's eye. Did I handle that right? she wondered. Nanny White gave a subtle, encouraging nod, and Chloe felt a small wave of relief.

But Old Madam Grayson was not so easily swayed. "That absolutely won't do," she insisted, her voice firm despite her smile. "If we don't have a wedding, how am I supposed to look your mother in the eye and explain ourselves?"

Chloe went silent. My parents? They would certainly want to see her married off with dignity and prestige. But she knew with absolute certainty that a public circus was the last thing Xavier wanted.

Feeling trapped, Chloe shot a desperate, pleading look at Nanny White.

Nanny White stepped forward, moving behind the Old Madam with a graceful smile. "Old Madam, the Madam can't make this decision on her own. It’s best to wait for the Master to return so they can discuss it together."

The Old Madam’s warm expression instantly vanished, replaced by an aura of undeniable authority. "Then tell that grandson of mine to get his behind back here right now."

"But Old Madam, the Master is in the middle of the workday, he—"

"Tell him I’m on my deathbed!" the matriarch snapped. "I want to see what’s more important—his meetings or his grandmother. Call him. Now."

"Old Madam, surely you aren't..."

"Dial."

Under the Old Madam's relentless pressure, Nanny White eventually relented and made the call. Chloe wisely chose to remain silent, deciding it was best to let Xavier handle his grandmother when he arrived. Even though the Old Madam spoke with a gentle tone, every word was a command that felt impossible to refuse. Chloe realized she was simply no match for the elder woman's seasoned maneuvers.

"Chloe," the Old Madam said, her sternness melting back into a smile as she patted the back of Chloe’s hand. "Is it that you don't want to have a wedding?"

"No," Chloe lied, her heart racing. "I just think it's a lot of hassle." Truthfully, she didn't feel she had any right to an opinion at all.

The Old Madam’s hand paused. "Chloe... do you not love my Xavier?"

Chloe froze. She felt the weight of the question like a physical blow. "No! I love him. Of course, I love him," she stammered, internally cringing at her own words.

She despised herself for the lie, but in this lion's den, what else could she say? Denial would be social and marital suicide.

The Old Madam beamed, clearly satisfied. "Since you love him, just listen to your grandmother. When he gets back, you don't need to say a word. Just leave everything to me."

Chloe blinked. Why do I feel like I just walked into a trap?

Nanny White gave a microscopic shake of her head. She couldn't blame the girl; Chloe was out of her depth, and being "tricked" by the Old Madam during their first encounter was almost a rite of passage in this house.

"Old Madam," Nanny White intervened smoothly, "the Madam and the Little Master haven't finished their breakfast yet. Would you care to join them?"

"Yes," the matriarch nodded. "Let’s eat together."

By the time Xavier arrived home from the office, he walked into the dining hall to find an almost domestic scene: his grandmother, his new wife, and his son eating together with smiles and quiet laughter. For a split second, the image felt startlingly warm.

Xavier glanced at Nanny White. She stood behind the Old Madam, eyes cast down, her face a mask of neutral obedience.

"Xavier is back," the Old Madam announced. She set down her napkin and wiped her hands. Seeing that Chloe and Liam Jr. were finished, she signaled for the staff to clear the table.

Xavier took a seat directly across from Chloe. His presence was like a sudden drop in barometric pressure—lofty, cold, and inherently intimidating. He didn't need to say a word to command the room.

Chloe kept her head down, busying herself by wiping Liam Jr.’s mouth, successfully avoiding Xavier’s icy, probing gaze.