The Stolen Heiress: The Billionaires’ Little Star novel Chapter 33

Julian didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "What do you mean, *your* Daisy? That little girl belongs to her parents."

Xavier retorted, "She doesn't have parents."

Julian was momentarily speechless, then chided him, "You still shouldn't talk like that. It's too disrespectful to the little girl."

Xavier didn't respond to his dad.

He was genuinely pondering how to take Daisy away from that remote mountain village... but it wasn't the right time to mention it.

Chloe, standing to the side, was also anxious. She hadn't expected Xavier to value Daisy so highly.

She lowered her head, hiding the shifting look in her eyes, before asking softly, "Did you get hurt trying to protect Daisy, Xavier?"

Xavier sat back on the bed and shot Chloe a sideways glance. His tone turned cold, completely dropping his previous urgency. "Who told you that?"

This aloof, somewhat arrogant tone immediately reminded Chloe of Autumn Sterling.

This mother and son were equally haughty.

Chloe's heart clenched, and she said, "That's what everyone is saying."

Xavier abruptly shifted his gaze to Julian. "Do you think so too?"

Julian shook his head. "That's your own business. What does it have to do with the little girl? Of course, if you really did protect her, that's a good thing. It shows you've finally grown up a bit, have a sense of responsibility, and know how to protect the weak."

Xavier's expression finally relaxed a bit, and he countered, "So are you willing to let me go back and continue protecting the weak now?"

Julian said, "Call your mother first. She's very worried about you."

Xavier paused, then immediately asked the staff for a phone.

He dialed Autumn's number. While waiting for her to answer, he didn't forget to turn back to Chloe and say, "Don't act like we're close."

Chloe dug her nails into her palms, barely keeping her expression under control.

She could only turn to Julian, hoping the gentle and refined Mr. Sterling would speak up for her. But Julian didn't say a word. He merely waved her over, and the two walked out of the hospital room, leaving Xavier alone to talk with his mother.

"That's just how Xavier is. He's always drawn a clear line between those close to him and everyone else. He doesn't allow anyone to cross his boundaries," Julian said.

[God-tier dad! So accommodating of his son's personality and preferences!]

[Honestly, it's great that Xavier is like this. When he grows up, he won't be some massive flirt who strings girls along and breaks their hearts.]

"What do you mean?"

"She must have been very upset when you got hurt. She might even be blaming herself. If you go back now, your glaring wound will just be a constant reminder that you were injured. Have you considered how heartbroken she would be?"

"..." Xavier sighed. "I understand. I'll rest up before heading back. But that idiot Quinn can't take care of Daisy properly."

Autumn didn't correct his language. She merely reminded him of one fact: "In the years before you arrived, Daisy managed all on her own."

Xavier was at a loss for words.

After a long pause, he couldn't help but mutter, "I just feel bad for her, okay?"

"Has your father arrived?" Autumn asked.

"Yeah, and he brought some annoying kid with him. She keeps trying to act chummy with me."

"Be a gentleman to girls." Autumn paused before continuing, "If you're really that worried, have your dad buy some gifts for you. You can bring them back for Daisy later. She'll be thrilled."

Xavier finally relented completely. "I got it, Mom."