Betrayed By The Billionaire

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Liam Jr. received the tiny infant with a gravity that bordered on the sacred. He held her with such focused, solemn care—as if she were a priceless treasure that might shatter if he breathed too heavily—that Chloe couldn't help but feel a pang of warmth.

Baby Bella was nearly a month old now, and her spirit was starting to shine through. Her dark, curious eyes remained fixed on Liam Jr., and a small, unconscious smile played on her lips, making her utterly irresistible. Chloe had originally intended for him to hold her for just a moment, but thirty minutes later, the "Little Prince" refused to let go!

Giggling, Chloe called a maid to keep an eye on the pair while she sat down with her mother.

Mrs. Bishop beamed at the sight. "That boy reminds me so much of young Donovan back in the day. Oh, every time he came over, he’d hold you just like that and wouldn't let anyone else near you."

Chloe knew exactly who her mother was referring to: Donovan Tang.

Years ago, the Tang and Bishop families had been inseparable. But as the Bishops' business empire grew and the Tangs ascended the political ladder, the social whispers and rumors of "improper influence" became too loud to ignore. To protect both families' reputations, they had gradually drifted apart.

"I heard he came back from the military recently," Mrs. Bishop continued, her brow furrowing slightly. "Old Mrs. Tang even called to say they’d drop by, but then we never heard back. I think something urgent pulled him back to the base."

Chloe recalled the fleeting image of Donovan at the Grayson estate—the way he had stepped forward to defend her and then vanished before she could even say thank you. "He must have been called away on duty," she murmured.

"That reminds me," Mrs. Bishop said, reaching for a formal envelope on the side table. "The day after tomorrow is Old Mrs. Tang’s 80th birthday. She sent over an invitation. I’m still recovering from the birth, so I need you to go in my place."

Chloe accepted the card without hesitation. "Of course, Mom. I’ll go."

The Upcoming Milestone: Baby Bella's Full Moon

As they chatted, Chloe glanced back at the two children. "Bella will be a month old in a few days. Are we planning a big Full Moon banquet?"

Mrs. Bishop sighed. "I wanted to talk to you about that. Given everything... let’s keep it simple. Your grandmother’s side will be coming back to the city. We’ll just have a nice meal here at the house with Xavier."

Chloe agreed. With her paternal grandparents gone and that side of the family being notoriously opportunistic, she had no desire for a grand spectacle. Her maternal side, however, had moved to the U.S. years ago and rarely visited.

"Didn't Grandma say on the phone during New Year's that Uncle Silas was struggling with his business over there?" Chloe asked. "Something about moving back to China?"

Mrs. Bishop nodded, her face lighting up with genuine happiness. "Yes! The whole family is moving back. I actually bought them a place in the West District so they’ll have a home the moment they land."

The West District was known for its fresh air and premium real estate. A villa there, especially a large one, would have cost a fortune. But Chloe didn't mind. Her maternal grandparents had never asked for much, and if her uncle was facing a rough patch, she was more than willing to help.

A Mother's Intuition

Eventually, the conversation turned to Xavier. Xavier’s reputation in the city was legendary for all the wrong reasons—cold, ruthless, and volatile. Mrs. Bishop was terrified that her daughter was suffering in silence behind the Grayson gates.

Chloe squeezed her mother's hand, offering a reassuring smile. She could never tell her the truth—not while her father was in a coma and her mother was already worn thin by worry.

"Mom, stop worrying. I’m fine, really. He even asked me to bring him lunch at the office today."

"Really?"

"Of course. You know he can't resist my cooking," Chloe teased.

Mrs. Bishop looked relieved, though only slightly. "Then why are you still sitting here? It's not even ten o'clock, but you should get started!"

"Mom! It's way too early!" Chloe protested.

Mrs. Bishop playfully nudged her. "Go on! Make it something spectacular. Back in the day, I conquered your father’s heart through his stomach. You’ve still got a lot to learn from me."

Chloe rolled her eyes affectionately. Only a mother could be this pushy. True to her word, Chloe spent the next hour in the kitchen, carefully preparing a multi-course meal. Once the containers were packed and Liam Jr. was safely back in the car, she headed once again to the Grayson Group headquarters.

Chloe was back at the office to deliver lunch to the President. After the "eviction" drama of the previous day, the office staff watched her arrival with bated breath. Would this be another storm, or had the First Socialite truly tamed the Demon?

Do you think Donovan Tang’s sudden return will complicate Chloe's standing with Xavier?

A relevant follow-up question would be: Given Xavier's jealous nature, how do you think he will react to Chloe attending the Tang family banquet?