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The Cat-Like Miss Preston: Mr. CEO begs for Reconciliation!-Chapter 123: Taking Advantage of Me on Purpose
"Did I hurt you?" Chloe Preston’s touch was incredibly light, afraid she might hurt him.
Donovan Xavier shook his head.
His shirt came off, revealing a muscular chest, clearly defined abs, broad shoulders, and a narrow waist. His body was a canvas of smooth, powerful lines.
Chloe, in no mood to admire the view, moved behind him to carefully inspect the injuries on his back.
Deep, swollen bruises marred his skin. They didn’t look too severe on the surface, but she knew the pain must be bone-deep.
His shoulders were also a patchwork of deep purple bruises.
A tear slid down her cheek and dripped onto his skin, spreading.
Donovan’s dark eyes flickered. He turned his head. "Why are you crying?"
Chloe’s eyes were red-rimmed. "Because it hurts me to see you like this."
And I’m so sorry. This was all because of me. Otherwise, a man so blessed by fate would never have to suffer like this.
Donovan stroked her smooth, dark hair. "It’s nothing. It’s just a bit of pain. I’m a grown man; I can handle it."
Chloe looked at him. "Shouldn’t we go to the hospital to get it checked out? Your injuries must be internal. Applying ointment might not be very effective."
Donovan’s voice was gentle. "I know my own body. A few days of rest is all I need."
"Besides," he added, "it’s already dark out, and I don’t want to go through the hassle."
Since he was so resistant, she certainly wasn’t going to force him.
Chloe said, "Then... I’ll apply the ointment for you."
Donovan nodded. "Alright."
Chloe opened the first-aid kit, thought for a moment, then got off the bed and ran to the bathroom, her slippers making a soft TAP-TAP-TAP sound on the floor.
A moment later, she came running back with the same TAP-TAP-TAP, carrying a basin of steaming water.
Donovan grew anxious. "Don’t run! Slow down."
Chloe came over, placed the basin on a nearby table, soaked the towel, and then wrung it dry.
"This is..." Donovan raised an eyebrow.
Chloe explained, "You’re covered in injuries, so you definitely can’t take a shower. I’ll give you a sponge bath so you’ll be more comfortable when you sleep."
With that, she reached out, pressing the warm, damp towel against his chest and wiping it gently.
She moved behind him again, her touch exceedingly light. "Tell me if it hurts."
She was so close, and the faint, pleasant fragrance wafting from her was intoxicating.
Donovan clenched his fists, taking a quiet, deep breath.
Noticing his reaction, Chloe paused her movements. "Did I hurt you?"
Her voice was soft and gentle, like a tiny hook tugging at his heart.
Donovan’s breathing was ragged. "No."
Chloe continued wiping him down, even changing the warm water twice. After cleaning his forearms, she moved on to his abs.
Donovan couldn’t take it anymore. He grabbed her hand, a hoarse laugh escaping his lips. "Chloe Preston, you’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?"
Chloe blinked. "Hmm?"
Donovan leaned closer. "Taking advantage of me on purpose."
Chloe flinched back. "I’m not!"
I haven’t done anything! She genuinely hadn’t been thinking about anything improper. She was just seriously focused on cleaning him until he was spotless.
Donovan watched her quietly for a moment before releasing her hand. "Fine. Continue."
Chloe tossed the towel back into the basin. "I’ve already wiped you down."
Donovan raised an eyebrow.
Without looking at him, Chloe turned to walk toward the dressing room. "I’ll go get your pajamas."
A large hand clasped her slender wrist, easily pulling her back.
"What are you doing?" Chloe looked up at him, her face pale and clear, her eyes shimmering like light on water.
Donovan guided her hand to his abs, then moved it lower. "The top half is clean. What about the bottom half?"
Chloe’s face flushed scarlet in an instant. She sputtered, avoiding his gaze, "Just... forget about that part. It doesn’t need to be wiped."
Donovan smirked. "Why are you blushing? I was talking about my legs. Where did your mind go?"
Chloe was speechless.
A short while later, Chloe emerged from the bathroom with a fresh basin of warm water. She wrung out the towel and handed it to him.
"Here, you can do it yourself."
Donovan didn’t take it, merely raising an eyebrow. "What’s wrong? Not going to help me anymore?"
Chloe sat on the edge of the bed with her back to him, her face burning as she fidgeted with her hands. "Your hands... they’re fine. You should... you should be able to manage on your own."
"But my shoulders hurt," Donovan’s voice was hoarse. "I can’t use any strength." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞
"Chloe... help me."
Chloe squeezed her eyes shut, her face growing even redder.
Donovan was only teasing and didn’t push her any further. A smile laced his voice as he said, "Alright, I’ll do it myself. Go pick out my pajamas, and then you can apply the ointment."
Chloe nodded vigorously.
She stood up to leave, but Donovan’s gaze remained fixed on her pretty face. His voice was low and pleasant. "Chloe Preston, I don’t know if I ever told you this before I lost my memory."
Chloe turned to look at him. "What?"
Donovan’s expression was gentle as a smile touched his lips. "You look beautiful when you blush."
"I... really like it."
「The next day.」
As faint morning light trickled in, birds began to chirp softly.
The entire family was seated at the dining table for breakfast. Perhaps because of Chloe’s presence, the meal was exceptionally quiet.
Caleb Xavier hadn’t taken a single bite, staring fixedly at Donovan.
Just then, a servant walked in and announced respectfully, "Old Master, Miss Rowan has arrived."
Chloe put down her chopsticks and turned to look.







