After Divorcing my Captain Husband (Chloe and Michael)

She thought to herself, "I could probably partner with just about anyone and it'd go more smoothly than working with Ariana." "I'm sorry, but I don't think this arrangement fits my situation very well," Chloe said, trying to turn down the offer.

Even though she knew this job was a referral from James and could potentially boost her own reputation without relying on Jioleek's name, the thought of working with someone she disliked was a daunting challenge. She wasn't desperate for the project. It was better to follow her instincts and avoid unnecessary friction, which would make her work more efficient.

The assistant on the other end of the line said, "Ms. Nelson, there's no rush to give us an answer right away. We can give you a day to consider. If you still feel it's not a good fit, it's okay to decline." Chloe hesitated for a moment. "Alright, I'll let you know by tomorrow."

After hanging up, she noticed Michael had been watching her intently.

"Having trouble with the collaboration?" Michael asked, his experience making him quick to pick up on Chloe's mood, even though he hadn't overheard the details. Chloe ruffled her hair in frustration. "Yeah, they want me to work with Ariana."

Michael's dissatisfaction with Ariana was already known, especially after the incident where Chloe was trapped in the villa room thanks to Ariana's scheming. Hearing this now only fueled his irritation.

"A person that relies on such petty tactics, what are they thinking to choose her?"

Chloe sighed, "Ariana's proposals are actually quite impressive. She's just too slick with her office politics."

Today in the meeting room, Chloe had listened to Ariana's pitch.

Ariana had earned her spot as a top contender for a reason. If she played fair, Chloe might even respect her as a rival.

But her approach was all underhanded.

"Great skills don't mean much when the character's lacking," Michael scoffed.

His disdain was palpable, and Chloe shot him a look.

True, work capability and character weren't always linked, but she couldn't help but reflect on Michael's own past misdeeds.

She thought, "His character isn't exactly spotless either."

Michael grumbled, "I'm no saint myself, which is why Shawn Heavy Industries is having its issues. It was only a matter of time." Chloe was taken aback by his self-awareness.

She packed up, planning to visit the hospital.

"I'll drive you," Michael offered.

Chloe, putting on her shoes by the entrance, didn't turn around. "No need. I'll update James about today's events. Don't worry about it." Before Michael could protest, Chloe had already opened the door and left, giving him no chance to argue.

At the hospital, Chloe recounted the day's events to James.

"What do you think? Should I take the job?"

James had recommended this opportunity, so she valued his opinion.

"You're the one with the skills. What's there to be afraid of?" James replied, glancing at her from his bed with a calm demeanor. "But..."

Chloe didn't get to finish her thought.

"Are you really going to throw away such a rare chance just because of personal issues? Do you want to spend your career under the Jioleek name forever?"

Despite the lucrative nature of the Jioleek gigs, they were unstable.

Becoming a renowned name in the field of network forensics under her own name would eliminate many uncertainties. "Chloe, you're a mother now."

His words hit her hard, plunging her into deep reflection.

In the past, Chloe had always believed that she could spend her entire life as Jioleek, content to linger in the shadows.

As long as she was doing what she loved and could make a living, that was enough for her.

But now that she was pregnant, her perspective had shifted dramatically. Chloe wanted her child to be able to proudly declare who their mother was and what she did for a living, just like any other kid. Taking a position at Bright Moon International was her first step into the limelight, a chance to step out from behind the curtain. And now, she had the opportunity to make her mark again.

With that thought in mind, a sense of resolve began to form within Chloe.