After Divorcing my Captain Husband (Chloe and Michael)

Michael sensed an excessive loneliness in Chloe.

"Chloe, even if you feel strong enough to be on your own, they are still your blood relatives. They didn't abandon you on purpose; they've been searching for you all these years." He understood her desire to build her career and not rely on anyone.

But pushing everyone away was a sign of her psychological trauma.

He sighed, "Chloe, I apologize for what I did to you in the past. I don't want you to reject the kindness of others because of a scumbag like me."

He had been a real jerk before.

But now, the Millers' feelings for her were genuine, he could tell.

Chloe took a sip of milk and placed it on the nearby table. "This has nothing to do with you."

Whether or not to return to the Millers had nothing to do with Michael. She simply didn't know what her own heart truly desired. She needed some time.

"That's for the best. Get some rest. I'll take you to meet the client tomorrow."

Chloe didn't know when she fell asleep, but despite expecting a sleepless night, she slept surprisingly well.

When she woke up the next day, a light breakfast of oatmeal and an omelet was already waiting for her on the table downstairs.

Seeing the slightly burnt oatmeal at the bottom of the bowl, she knew Michael hadn't ordered takeout today. He actually cooked it himself.

Michael came out with a glass of juice, placed the bowl with the burnt oatmeal in front of himself, and pushed the other clean bowl toward Chloe. "You eat this one," he said.

After breakfast, they headed out. At the agreed-upon resort, Chloe got out of the car and heard Michael say from the driver's seat, "Let me know when you're almost done, and I'll be waiting for you in the parking lot." She opened her mouth, wanting to tell him he didn't have to do that, but the words caught in her throat.

It wouldn't matter anyway, even if she did say it.

Chloe checked in at the front desk and went upstairs. The client's assistant appeared and led her into a conference room.

"Ms. Nelson, please wait here for a moment. Our chairman will be here to see you after his meeting."

The assistant was polite enough to pour her a glass of water, so Chloe settled onto the sofa and started playing with her phone.

Time ticked by slowly. When the door finally opened again, she looked up, expecting to see her client. Instead, a woman in dress pants and a sapphire-blue blouse walked in.

She expertly placed her bag on the sofa opposite Chloe, walked to the table, and started making coffee. After the water boiled, she turned to Chloe and asked, "Would you like some?"

Chloe smiled faintly, "No, thank you."

Although Chloe didn't yet know this woman's identity, her demeanor suggested someone of considerable status.

The woman, having finished brewing her coffee, sat down with her legs crossed, observing Chloe intently.

Under the woman's scrutinizing gaze, Chloe felt uncomfortable.

She met the woman's eyes. "Excuse me, but may I ask who you are?"

The woman finally looked away, taking a graceful sip of coffee. "Ariana Carey. You can also call me Daisy."

A subtle change flickered across Chloe's expression. "Are you... the Daisy from the rankings?"

On the hacker leaderboards, Jioleek held the top spot, followed by Luckystar, and then Daisy in third place.

Chloe hadn't expected her to reveal her true identity so openly.

In their line of work, it was unheard of to disclose one's identity to unrelated individuals before signing a contract.

Ariana, noticing the surprise in Chloe's eyes, maintained a composed and proud expression. "I know you've heard of me, but don't make a fuss about it. In our field, those rankings don't really matter." If Chloe hadn't understood the meaning behind Ariana's expression before, her words now made it crystal clear. This woman was flaunting her superiority.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Carey. I'm Chloe Nelson."

She didn't reveal her identity as Jioleek, assuming James hadn't mentioned it when introducing her.

In their country, it was customary to shake hands when greeting someone.

She was certain Ariana understood this cultural norm, especially considering she was an Aikopnishian.

Yet, Ariana showed no intention of reciprocating Chloe's outstretched hand, her arrogance resembling that of a peacock displaying its feathers.