Xavier Crawford’s anger is terrifying, and familial affection seems very indifferent in his eyes. Even if the family thinks of him, he still prefers the vast sky outside.
Each year, it’s only after repeated reminders and urging from his brother that he would come back once.
"Then let someone else handle it. Tell Princess Martha that Xavier Crawford has returned."
Martha is a princess from the Royal Family of Morvania. Since she met Xavier Crawford as a child, she has always liked him and has been longing to marry him, but Xavier rarely comes home over the years.
She can do nothing else but wait.
The butler’s eyes flickered with a glimmer of light. Princess Martha, spoiled by the Royal Family, had long sought to marry into the Crawford Family. In the past, those who intentionally approached the young master were all dealt with by Princess Martha. So over the years, no one dared to confess to the young master, knowing that once they were targeted, it would only lead to a dead end.
Xavier was still outside looking for a pet for Eleanor Hollis. He had no idea what was happening at the manor. In the end, he finally decided on a big white dog.
As he led the dog into the manor, he saw Cole Crawford sitting on the sofa, with a sullen expression.
He called out lightly, leading the dog upstairs.
Cole’s voice was extremely cold, staring directly at Xavier.
Xavier acted as though he hadn’t heard him, leading the dog up the stairs.
"I found it with great difficulty; I can’t give it up."
Cole’s face had completely darkened. "Do you know how many bacteria are on these pets? Xavier, don’t be reckless. You can find something to please your woman, but don’t cross my line!"
Cole was a serious germophobe, to the point where if someone touched his hand, he might scrub off a layer of skin.
Xavier’s eyes flickered and suddenly turned.
"Brother, you should move out for a few days. Eleanor is in a bad mood; I want her to walk the dog for fun. If this offends you, I truly apologize."
Though he apologized verbally, there was no trace of apology on his face as he led the dog upstairs.
Cole threw the cup to the ground and immediately called in the servants to clean the spots where the dog had trodden on ten times over.
Eleanor Hollis was daydreaming in her room when the door opened, and Xavier led the dog in.
"Eleanor, look, do you like it?"
Just as Eleanor was about to look up, she felt a white shadow dash toward her. She pushed it away slightly, then discovered it was a pure white Samoyed with an endearing, goofy smile.
A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes as she slowly got down from the bed. The dog seemed very familiar with her, circling around her continuously.
"How is it, isn’t it cute? Let it keep you company for a while."
Eleanor’s lips curved into a rare smile. It truly was cute. She had wanted to keep a pet before, but Hugo Quinn was allergic to them, severely allergic in fact.
Thinking of Hugo, the brightness in her eyes gradually dimmed, as she quietly petted the dog’s head.
Xavier awkwardly scratched his head, "As long as you like it, I’ll be leaving now."
Just as he turned around, he heard Eleanor’s voice.
"Can I borrow your phone?"
Xavier’s steps stalled, and the shy smile on his face gradually disappeared. She still couldn’t let go of Hugo, wanting to call him to let him know she’s safe?
A hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he handed over his phone and placed it on the bed.
"Eleanor, think it over. Whatever decision you make, I won’t stop you."
Eleanor nodded, not looking up until the door was almost closed. She then lowered her head to gaze at the Samoyed. It was very cute.
It was just as cute as Marcus. Marcus always gave off such a well-behaved and gentle vibe.
"I’ll call you Frost from now on."
She said with a smile.
Frost seemed quite pleased with the name, lying contentedly on the floor and showing its belly.
Eleanor picked up the phone with one hand, while the other continued to stroke Frost’s belly.
She dialed Hugo Quinn’s number, and as it connected, she was startled to realize her behavior was completely instinctive.
Before she knew it, it was too late to hang up, as the call had already been answered.
Hugo’s voice was hoarse, as if he hadn’t had water in a long time.
Hearing his voice made Eleanor freeze, and tears started to fall.
"Xavier, what’s the matter?"
Getting no response, Hugo asked once more in a mild tone.
His heart suddenly clenched, and his fingers gradually tightened.
Uttering those two words made him laugh at himself. His eyes reddened instantly, seeing Eleanor in everyone, as if she had never left his side.
This was Xavier’s phone, and Xavier was in Europe. How could it possibly be Eleanor?
He tugged at the corner of his mouth, planning to say something else when the line was abruptly disconnected.
Hugo felt a sense of loss and dared not call back, unwilling to shatter his fantasy. Thus, he clung to a single thread of hope.
After hanging up, Eleanor’s heart continued to pound violently. If she were still in the country, she’d certainly rush to his side without hesitation.
She never had any resistance to Hugo Quinn. Initially, everyone believed their relationship was abnormal, a mistake, but she persisted.
Raised with traditional values, never had she imagined there’d come a day when she’d disregard all societal norms for another man.
Eleanor said nothing, placing the phone aside and continuing to ruffle Frost’s head, lost in thought.
Xavier remained standing outside her door, unmoving, like he’d been immobilized.
When the butler came up and saw him standing there, he quickly tried to speak, but Xavier put a finger to his lips, and the butler understood, lowering his voice.
"Young master, the elder master wants you downstairs."
Xavier’s eyes flickered before he lightly sighed and headed downstairs.
Cole still wore a grim expression as the surrounding servants carefully scrubbed the areas the dog walked on.
"Send her away, whether it’s the dog or the person, neither is welcome here!"
These words were almost ground out through his teeth. The idea of living alongside a dog made him uncomfortable, and that discomfort came from his heart, impossible to ignore.
"Brother, I already said you can move out. Eleanor is in a bad mood now; I brought her here, so I must take responsibility for her."
"Take responsibility for her?"
Cole’s face was filled with ridicule as he took a slow sip of coffee.
"There are plenty of men wanting to take responsibility for her, Xavier. You can have any woman you want. Why are you fixated on someone others have already used? She’s been with her ex-husband for five years and her ex-husband’s uncle for over half a year. She’s all used up."