Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier)

"Last time, Mrs. Fulton went hiking with Ms. Devereux and Mr. Devereux," Timothy reported honestly, hesitating about whether to add more.

"Look into what Terence has been up to since he came back," Xavier instructed, feeling strangely uneasy at the memory of seeing Lily and Terence together.

The friendly expression she'd shown Terence was one Xavier hadn't seen from her in a long time. Seeing how she could be warmer to other men than her own husband, he thought perhaps he'd been too lenient with her.

"Mr. Devereux is managing both Devereux Group and Lupier," Timothy continued.

He'd already investigated Terence when he'd learned that Lily had joined Lupier. Terence had co-founded Lupier long ago, and his role there had nothing to do with Lily, so Timothy hadn't thought there was much to worry about. But seeing Terence here earlier had left him less certain.

"Interior design?" Xavier's instincts kicked in. He recalled Lily's professional attire when he'd seen her last night, and his gaze darkened. "Is Lily working now?"

"You received the information earlier but threw it away," Timothy reminded him.

Xavier let out a short, incredulous laugh. So last night, Lily hadn't come to seduce him on purpose. She'd rushed over right after work.

No wonder she'd been so tearful and reluctant. Did she actually hate being with him? Was she trying to save herself for someone else?

His jaw clenched as lights from outside cast a harsh glow over his expression-he was simmering anger.

He'd forbidden any design firm from hiring Lily, and Lupier should have received the same notice. But she'd ended up there anyway-who else could have been behind that but Terence? Without him realising, the memory of Terence saving Lily flashed through Xavier's mind. "Keep an eye on them," he ordered, clenching his fist against his leg.

He'd been far too "polite" with Lily. He wanted to tear down her defenses and show her he could easily crush her. He wanted to see if she still dared to...

He needed that USB drive back, too.

He wanted to put her through hell and make her beg him willingly!

Fueled by frustration, his usual calm demeanor vanished. He wasn't about to let himself be humiliated. Any man would feel the same.

It wasn't as though he cared deeply about Lily. She was supposed to be low maintenance, and now she was becoming a nuisance. "Head to the office. I'll be working late."

Timothy dared not express any words of protest as he turned the car around on the empty road, heading straight for Nova Group.

Xavier buried himself in work all night, refusing to let himself be influenced by a woman. Work was the only thing that could restore his clarity of mind. Lily was just another woman, after all.

For the next two days, the employees of Nova Group felt the pressure of Xavier's cold mood. Sarah was the only one undeterred, speaking with him as usual.

"Xavier, I'm meeting the interior designer soon to take measurements. Would you like to come along?" she asked, entering his office just before the end of the workday.

He didn't want to see any women because of Lily, so he dismissed her without looking up. "No."

"What's wrong with you lately? Is something-or someone-getting to you? If you keep working like this, it'll take a toll on you. Join me, and afterward, I'll treat you to dinner so you can relax a bit." Was something or someone getting to him? Xavier's hand paused midair as he faltered in the middle of working.

He gave a dismissive smirk. "Fine."

He wasn't going to let Lily affect him in the slightest.noveldrama