Billionaire

Chapter 151

Lucas‘ hidden feelings had barely begun to form before Connor yanked them into the open for everyone to see.

Embarrassment, guilt, and shame flickered in his eyes but were quickly masked by a cool

exterior.

“Mr. Connor, Chloe and I have been friends since we were kids. Our bond is over two decades strong. It isn’t something an outsider like you could understand. I’d appreciate it if you’d stay out of our business.”

Without missing a beat, Connor draped an arm around Chloe’s shoulders. “I don’t think I’m much of an outsider.”

The tension in the air was palpable, like a storm about to break.

The two men stared each other down. Lucas‘ face was a mask of cold fury, his body tight with hostility, like a leopard ready to pounce.

Connor, on the other hand, was the picture of relaxed disdain. He wore a cool expression, but his eyes twinkled with mockery, clearly not taking Lucas seriously.

This only stoked Lucas‘ anger further.

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Chloe stood up first. “It’s getting late. Connor and I are heading out.”

Then Tara spoke up unexpectedly. “Chloe, can you come here for a sec? I have something for you.”

Chloe nodded and stood while Connor remained seated. Her hand naturally found its way to Connor’s shoulder as she leaned in to whisper, “Wait for me in the car. I’ll be right out.”

Connor looked up, patted her waist, and smiled softly. “Okay.”

Their movements were so casual and intimate, like a couple who’d been together for years. It didn’t seem like an act.

But how could that be?

Chloe followed Tara out of the dining room. Connor excused himself and left, too. Antonio and Joshua also departed.

Lucas stayed in the dining room for a bit before finally deciding to follow. “Mr. Connor, a moment, please.”.

Lucas caught up with Connor just outside, under a magnolia tree in the villa’s courtyard. This year, the magnolia had bloomed later than usual, its grand white flowers only fully blossoming by the end of August. Normally, the tree would already be heavy with fruit by

now.

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Bathed in the soft glow of ground lamps, the magnificent flowers looked serene and noble, standing apart from the world.

Much like the man beneath the tree.

Tall and elegant, Connor was a sight to behold even just standing there. It was undeniable–he had an aura of aloof nobility.

Though they were all born to privilege, there were levels even among the elite. Connor was at the pinnacle, looking down on the world from his lofty perch.

Connor glanced at Lucas with cool detachment, his voice calm yet somehow oppressive. “Mr. Lucas, what do you want?”

Lucas mustered his courage and met Connor’s gaze. “Mr. Connor, Chloe and I have grown up together. We are best friends since birth. Three years ago, we had a wedding ceremony witnessed by many.”

“Due to some misunderstandings, I missed our appointment to officially register our marriage that day.”

Connor let out a soft chuckle. “Then I must thank fate.”

Lucas‘ expression hardened. “Mr. Connor, a divorce certificate doesn’t change the fact that Chloe and I are still married in my heart. At least we once were. I believe Chloe feels the same.”

S

A flicker of sharpness crossed Connor’s eyes, but he remained outwardly indifferent. “So what, Mr. Lucas? You know that’s all in the past.”

Lucas decided to be straightforward. “I won’t give up on Chloe. Linda’s schemes marred the past, but now that the truth is out, I won’t give up on her again. I intend to spend the rest of my life making up for my past mistakes.”

“Mr. Connor, you come from a distinguished family. The most beautiful and accomplished girls are at your disposal. But it’s different for Chloe and me. We’ve lived like family for twenty years. I hope you’ll stay out of our way.

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Connor offered a wry smile. “Mr. Lucas, you’re both naive and overly confident. It was naive of you to have your relationship of twenty years so easily swayed by a few words from an outsider. Tell me, does that sound like a deep connection?

“But your confidence, I must admit, is something I envy. On what basis do you believe that when you decide to turn around, others should just be standing there waiting for you? Sometimes, once you miss out, all that follows is a lifetime of growing apart.”

Connor’s gaze was dark and tranquil, like the ocean under the night sky, but upon closer inspection, undercurrents were swirling as if ready to unleash a massive wave at any

moment.

He paused, locking eyes with Lucas, his lips parting slightly. Every word he uttered was firm. “Besides, what makes you think she isn’t indispensable to me?”

The summer evening breeze carried a stifling warmth. It felt like a pair of hands were strangling Lucas, the sensation of suffocation overwhelming him.

Meanwhile, Chloe followed Tara back to her room. In front of Chloe, Tara opened the safe and took out a small black velvet box. She approached Chloe and opened it. Inside was a rose quartz pendant. Surprisingly, it was an extremely rare rose quartz. Such jewels were not commonly found on the market. Even when available, most were not of high quality. This pendant was as clear as glass, with a faint pink hue. The quality was absolutely top–notch. It was carved into a lock, done in one breath, seamlessly elegant.

Chloe was no expert in precious stones, but one glance told her its worth was beyond measure. Chloe seemed to grasp Tara’s intention. Before Tara could speak, Chloe refused. “Mom, I can’t have this.”

Tara said, “It was always yours.”

Chloe was taken aback.

“This was exchanged between the Meadows and Moncada families when we arranged your betrothal. The Meadows family gave us this pendant, and we gave them a sapphire bracelet.

“This pendant has a significant history though. It wasn’t custom–made by the Meadows. It was a gift from a very powerful man the day you were born… It was a tremendous stroke of luck, but your father never elaborated and only mentioned that you would be assured a lifetime of prosperity with this pendant.

“Jacob viewed this as a family heirloom and intended it to be a betrothal token for you and Lucas. He thought it would be passed down to your children and the next generation. “Now that you and Lucas have parte ys, the pendant is yours to keep.”

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Chlos sauntered up to Connor and casually fogped her arm through his. She tilted her head up, her eyes sparkling like a summer evening’s rose, gently swaying in the

breeze–alterly enchanting.

Connor’s icy demeanor melted instantly, warmth spreading through his gaze. His voice was as clear and gentle as moonlight. “Oh, nothing serious, just having a deep chat with Mr. Lucas about life.”

Chloe’s eyebrows arched slightly, and the tiny beauty mark near her eye seemed to twinkle. She smiled, “We should get going. It’s late; let’s not disturb others.”

“Alright.”

Connor’s expression turned cool again as he looked up. “Mr. Lucas, we’ll take our leave.”

Then, he and Chloe strolled away, arm in arm.

Watching them walk off, Lucas felt a sharp pain, like a knife twisting in his heart. When had they become “we” while he was left as “others“? Could their decades–long relationship really not measure up to Connor’s one month?

He refused to accept it; he didn’t want to believe it. Chloe must’ve been doing this on

purpose.

After a moment’s hesitation, he lunged forward, yanking Chloe away from Connor and forcibly separating the two. He’d wanted to do it for ages, during their dances, while watching fireworks… and maybe tonight, fueled by a bit of liquid courage.

“Chloe, don’t go…”

Wham!

Before he could finish, a loud thud echoed. Pain shot through Lucas‘ back as he found himself thrown to the ground with a flawless judo move. His head hit the ground, sending waves of dull pain through him. He lay there, stunned, staring at the one who floored

him…

…Chloe.

She had moved with the speed of lightning. Now, she stood above him, looking down with an air of elegance and nonchalance as if nothing had happened. Even Connor was dumbfounded. In that split second, she had transformed into a fierce warrior, her movements swift and forceful, not holding back one bit. A second later, she was back to her lazy, composed self, making Connor wonder if he had imagined the whole thing. A chill ran down his spine.

Chloe looked indifferently at Lucas lying on the ground. “Lucas, haven’t I made myself clear? If you won’t listen to reason, you should know I’m no stranger to self–defense.”

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Chloe had already made her stance clear. She didn’t want to explain further, issuing her final warning. “If you ever lay a hand on us again, I won’t hold back.”

Then, she turned and left with Connor.

Lucas lay there, pain radiating from his back, his head, his heart–everywhere.

Chloe hopped into Connor’s car, and they sped away from the Moncada family’s mansion. Once inside the cat, Chloe noticed Connor’s mood had soured. His face was cold, a stark contrast to his demeanor back at the mansion. The car drove on in silence, with Connor not uttering a word. Chloe, too, stayed quiet on purpose, watching the scenery zip by outside the window.

Finally, Connor couldn’t hold back any longer. “Chloe, why aren’t you trying to cheer me up?”

Chloe looked at the sulking man and burst out laughing. “Why should I? Have I done something to upset you?”

Connor thought for a moment, “Well, no,” but then he boldly claimed, “But I’m not happy.”

“Then tell me, why are you unhappy?”

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Chloe propped her head up with one hand and lazily asked, “So, did you lose that

argument with him in the backyard?”

Connot, without bothering to look at Chloe, lifted his chin proudly. “No way. I totally won.”

“Is it me taking him down that made you feel some type of way?”

At this, a smirk naturally formed on Connor’s lips. “Of course not. That was really satisfying.”

Connor’s expression was unmistakably gleeful and utterly childish, like a kid enjoying someone else’s misfortune. And yet, Chloe found his jealousy kind of cute.

She lifted her arm, gently scratching under his chin. “If it’s not that, then what is it, my little prince?”

Chloe appeared to be in a good mood, seemingly unfazed, which lifted Connor’s spirits considerably.

He finally said, “It just infuriates me that Lucas thinks he can just apologize, admit he was wrong, show a bit of remorse, and everything he did to you can be forgotten. Where does he get that idea? It’s totally ridiculous.”

Tonight, on several occasions, Connor was almost amused by Lucas‘ stupidity. Lucas was truly a piece of work. ‘How thick–skinned do you have to be to say those things?‘ Connor thought.

What really got to him was the thought that this might have always been the pattern in Chloe and Lucas‘ past interactions. Lucas believed a simple apology would make everything okay with Chloe.

What Connor truly feared was if Chloe might actually go back to him. After all, there was one thing Connor couldn’t compete with. She and Lucas were childhood sweethearts with over twenty years of history.

Connor and Chloe had actually met when he was eight. To him, it was a grand redemption, a search and hope nearly twenty years in the making. But Chloe had long buried Connor in the depths of her mind, and he certainly couldn’t match Lucas.

Chloe pinched his chin. “Connor, there’s no need to test me. I’ve already broken up with Lucas, and I won’t go back. Whatever he’s thinking has nothing to do with me.”

Hearing her words, Connor finally felt much better. Connor’s words did carry a hint of probing, eager to see Chloe’s attitude after Lucas‘ apology. Thankfully, she hadn’t wavered.

Connor shrugged, not the least bit embarrassed about his little scheme being exposed.

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“I can’t help feeling insecure, especially since you won’t even give us a title.”

Chloe’s laugh was enchanting. “I’d give it to you. Would you dare to take it?”

Connor turned to look at her, his eyes serious. “Are you serious?”

“I’m kidding.”

“Hmph, playing games with me again.”

Chloe looked out the window, smiling lightly. They were in a good place now, lovers, friends, confidants. They understood each other’s souls, and they were both aware of the reality. Together, their love was intense, but if ever they were to part, there would be no dragging of feet.

That night, Connor clung to her for a long time, to the point she was slightly irritated. “Connor, what time is it now? Don’t you have to work tomorrow, no, today?”

Chloe’s hair was completely drenched, a strand sticking to her flushed cheek, presenting an indescribable allure. She looked out the window, powerless. The sky was almost bright.

Chow dont walled gs of end tu tapome want. Sic how a

By the time Chic uily woke up Source dod decaly to wel die

The fat redfested when die jou Sealy ung des She her

Pokay kakav

Whics Ruding a do goles, ang hug of gask

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Chapter 155

Connor leaned on his arms, his gaze piercing as he looked down at Chloe beneath him. Her skin was glowing, giving off an air of delicate beauty. He greedily took in every inch of her, savoring every subtle expression. His voice, already deep and husky, had a magnetic pull to it.

“The Paradise Resort project is about to kick–off. I’ll be swamped soon and probably won’t have the luxury of nights like this,” he said.

Chloe almost breathed a sigh of relief, but then Connor added, “So, how about one more round?”

By the time Chloe fully woke up, Connor had already left for work. She couldn’t remember drifting off, utterly exhausted. Normally a light sleeper, she had managed to sleep deeply for a while.

She felt refreshed when she got up, clearly having taken a bath at some point. She then made herself a cup of coffee and picked up her phone, finding it flooded with missed calls–most from Linda and one from Lucas. Chloe didn’t bother calling back. She simply blocked both numbers.

Meanwhile, in the CNR Tower executive office, Teddy was going over work updates and the upcoming schedule. Connor suddenly asked, “Did the team from Leading Heights arrive for today’s project meeting?”

“They’ve been here for a while, waiting in the meeting room,” Teddy replied.

Today marked the official launch of the Paradise Resort project, with a large meeting organized and led by Connor himself. Leading Heights, as the main contractor, was naturally in attendance.

“Who’s heading their team?” Connor asked, catching Teddy off guard.

“It’s Lucas, the General Manager of Moncada International. He’s in charge of the Paradise Resort project,” Teddy explained.

Connor’s lips curled slightly. After the way Chloe had thrown him off the night before, he half–expected Lucas to be laid up in a hospital bed.

Half an hour later, Connor pushed open the door to the meeting room. The room was large, with a long table already packed with people. The Paradise Resort project involved many sectors, but the construction by Leading Heights was currently the most crucial. Thus, Lucas and his team were seated closest to the head of the table.

Connor took his place at the head without hesitation. He glanced at Lucas, noting his downcast gaze, which was focused on a stack of documents, looking lifeless.

The meeting dragged on for four hours, stretching into the afternoon. As it concluded,

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Connor directly addressed Lucas, “Mr. Lucas, the Paradise Resort project is massive, and the timeline is tight. You’re aware of this, right?”

Lucas responded in a formal tone, “Mr. Connor Leading Heights will do everything possible to meet CNR’s trust and expectations”

Lucas had been drunk the night before, dismissing the Paradise Resort project in his inebriation. The reality was that Moncada International was in a tight spot and desperately needed this project. It was a golden opportunity, one that could potentially save Moncada International and catapult them to new heights. From that angle, he owed Connor a big thank you.

Connor nodded, “Starting today, Mr. Lucas will be the project director for Paradise Resort on behalf of Leading Heights. This project must meet all quality standards without fail. Therefore, I expect you to be on–site at the construction office, keeping in line with the workers on the front lines and personally overseeing the big picture.”

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Connor directly addressed Lucas, “Mr. Lucas, the Paradise Resort project is massive, and the timeline is tight. You’re aware of this, right?”

Lucas responded in a formal tone, “Mr. Connor, Leading Heights will do everything possible to meet CNR’s trust and expectations.”

Lucas had been drunk the night before, dismissing the Paradise Resort project in his inebriation. The reality was that Moncada International was in a tight spot and desperately needed this project. It was a golden opportunity, one that could potentially save Moncada International and catapult them to new heights. From that angle, he owed Connor a big thank you.

Connor nodded, “Starting today, Mr. Lucas will be the project director for Paradise Resort on behalf of Leading Heights. This project must meet all quality standards without fail. Therefore, I expect you to be on–site at the construction office, keeping in line with the workers on the front lines and personally overseeing the big picture.”

Lucas shot Connor a quick glance.

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This project had multiple teams already in place. Besides Leading Heights’s project director, there were roles like operations manager, safety director, quality director, commercial manager, and production director, to name a few. It was rare for the project director to be on–site every day. Plus, the Paradise Resort project was in Riverbrook’s most secluded suburb, miles away from here. Connor was basically sending Lucas into exile with the project department.

But this project was crucial for Moncada International. Whatever Connor demanded, Lucas had to accept. After last night, Lucas felt utterly defeated. Between Linda’s clinginess and Chloe’s cold shoulder, he just wanted some peace and quiet. So, Lucas agreed without a second thought.

As Lucas stepped out of the CNR Tower, he spotted Linda waiting at the entrance. Most of the folks from Moncada International were long–time loyalists who followed Joshua. Many had seen Lucas and Chloe grow up together and knew all about Lucas and Linda’s relationship. Linda was Lucas‘ mistress, and he was not even trying to hide it. She acted as if she were Lucas‘ wife. But those in the know had little respect for her. The Moncada International crew sighed, bid Lucas goodbye, and left.

Linda ran over to Lucas. Today, she was dressed especially somberly in a long white linen dress with a white canvas bag on her shoulder. With no makeup, she looked even more tired, her eyes slightly red, making her seem fragile and helpless. She looked like a breeze

could knock her over.

She approached Lucas and cautiously grabbed his sleeve. “Lucas, today’s our baby’s three–month check–up. Will you come with me to the hospital, please?”

Linda already knew why Lucas had changed. He surely knew she had messed with Chloe’s diary, causing their breakup. He must’ve been furious and hated her now. There was no explaining it, and she didn’t intend to. It had been three years. Even if it was all a misunderstanding between Chloe and Lucas, there was no going back. Plus, she was carrying Lucas‘ baby. Her only leverage was this child.

Lucas glanced at Linda’s slightly swollen belly. The joy of expecting a child was long gone, replaced by disgust. He shook off Linda’s hand, staring at her coldly. Suddenly, he spoke, “Linda, you should terminate this pregnancy.”

Linda stood there as if struck by lightning. She couldn’t believe her ears. After a while, she asked, “Lucas, what did you say?”

Lucas had wrestled with this for two days, and every second was a struggle. But now, having said it, he felt resolute. His voice was firm and unwavering. “I said, I don’t want this child, Linda. Let’s terminate the pregnancy and go back to our lives.”

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Linda felt the sun’s unusually harsh rays. Lucas continued, “It’s only three months; it won’t harm your body too much. I’ll compensate you, just name your price. If you agree, I’ll book the doctor right now. I’ll go with you to the hospital and take care of you until you’re fully recovered and discharged.”

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Linda was almost in shock. She stood there, stunned,

The next moment, tears began to roll down her cheeks. She lunged forward, clutching Lucas‘ arm desperately. “Lucas, how could you do this? This is our child! Do you have any idea how hard it was to conceive? Do you remember all the meds I took, all the

injections?”

Lucas frowned deeply. “I haven’t forgotten, Linda, but what about what you’ve done? Do you really want me to list all your wrongdoings?”

Linda stared at him, eyes full of desperation.

Lucas decided to lay it all out. “You copied Chloe’s handwriting and forged that diary, tearing us apart and worming your way in. All these years, you’ve acted all sweet and innocent, but behind the scenes, you never stopped scheming against Chloe.”

“You were terrified your deceit would come to light, so you thought having a child would tie me down. You’re heartless and cunning. I must have been blind to trust you and join you in hurting Chloe.

“Even now, you show no remorse, thinking that bringing up our child will make me comply. unconditionally. Linda, do you really think I’m that foolish, that easily manipulated?”

Lucas‘ voice grew colder with each word. Reflecting on it, he realized he really had been under her thumb these past few years.

Linda held onto Lucas‘ hand, tears streaming down her face. “It’s not like that. Lucas, I love you.

I love you so much. Everything I did was because I couldn’t bear to lose you. I know I messed up, and I know I need to make things right. I’ll apologize to Chloe. I’ll beg for her forgiveness on my knees.”

Linda almost dropped to her knees. “Lucas, please don’t leave me. It’s been so hard to get to where we are today. We finally have our baby. You can’t just abandon me, please.“.

“I won’t terminate the pregnancy. This child means more to me than my own life. Without him, I couldn’t go on.”

Linda knelt on the ground, sobbing and begging for mercy. Passersby occasionally cast surprised, gossipy glances their way.

In the past, Lucas might have felt a pang of compassion. But now, under the probing and doubtful gazes of the crowd, Lucas only felt humiliated. He didn’t want to linger in this drama with Linda any longer.

“Linda, if you insist on having this child, that’s your choice, but I won’t acknowledge him. The Moncada family won’t either, and I won’t give you a dime. This child is solely your responsibility and has nothing to do with me. I won’t take any part in it. If you can accept

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that, then go ahead and have the child.”

“Lucas, how can you be so cruel? How can you treat me this.way?”

Lucas felt utterly irritated, and the crowd of onlookers had grown.

“Mr. Lucas, what’s this spectacle about?” A mocking voice came from the entrance of CNR.

Connor emerged, surrounded by a group of people, who were all involved in the Paradise Resort project and well–acquainted with Lucas. Each one of them was impressive, but compared to Connor, who was the center of attention, they paled in comparison.

Quick–witted, Matt teased, “Mr. Lucas, you really don’t know how to treat a lady. How can you let a beauty kneel on the ground? I feel bad for hero.”

Lucas had no desire to entertain these trust fund babie

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Linda never thought Lucas could become so cold–hearted, leaving her behind without a second thought.

Just then, Matt stepped forward and offered Linda his hand. “Hey there, darling. Men really are the worst, aren’t they? Why not come with me? I mean, I’m no saint, but I might be better company.”

From the side, Devon chimed in, “Matt, seriously? Can’t you tell she’s been pregnant for months?”

Matt jerked back like he’d been burned, quickly letting go of Linda’s arm. “I might like married women, but playing the stepdad? Not my thing,” he remarked.

Connor shot a cold glance at Linda, ready to leave, but Linda called out, “Mr. Connor, can we talk?”

Connor, already halfway down the stairs, didn’t stop.

“Aren’t you even a little curious about Chloe?” she called out.

Finally, Connor halted. He turned to the group and said, “You guys go ahead to the restaurant. I’ll catch up later.”

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As the group turned to glance back at Linda, they saw a stark transformation. The woman who had seemed so pitiful with tears streaking down her face just moments ago now stood firm, her expression indifferent, almost predatory as she locked eyes with Connor, her intentions barely concealed.

‘This woman is scary, Matt thought immediately.

He warned Connor, “Watch out for her. Anyone who can change faces that fast is bad news.”

Connor stayed silent.

After the others had gone, he turned and walked back up the steps, stopping about two meters from Linda.

Linda’s lips curled into a scheming smile. “Mr. Connor, do you care about Chloe that much?”

Connor’s patience was wearing thin. He frowned slightly, his gaze icy. “What are you trying to say?”

He had a feeling stopping might not have been wise. Linda could very well say something harmful about Chloe. But since it concerned Chloe, he was eager to hear what Linda had to reveal.

“You’ve only known Chloe for a month. Do you really know her?”

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Connor scoffed. “I’m not Lucas. Your attempts to stir the pot won’t work on me.”

Linda chuckled. “Chloe’s always been popular, a favorite since high school. She loves attention and is always surrounded by guys. She knows her way around men, which is why it makes sense you’d be drawn to a woman who’s already taken.”

Linda was probing, trying to gauge whether Connor knew about Chloe’s past with Lucas. Even though they hadn’t legally registered their marriage, they once held a banquet. If Connor were to dig around, he’d surely uncover traces of the wedding.

Wouldn’t Connor care about labeling Chloe a “taken woman” at all?

Connor saw right through her. “Ms. Linda, you might not know, but Lucas and Chloe never legalized their union. I’m well aware of that. You’ve been with Lucas for three years, and he never told you? What does that say?”

“It says that in his eyes, you’ve always been the side piece, never worth acknowledging.

“Others might see you as the homewrecker, but even Lucas himself sees you that way. He had the chance to legitimize your relationship, but he chose to keep you in the shadows, relegating you to the role of the homewrecker and not even a good one.”

With each mention of “homewrecker,” Linda’s face shifted through shades of anger and paleness.

s with a spectacle. He shook off Linda and walked away.

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Linda’s fingers clenched tight, her nails digging into her palm to steady her nerves.

“Do you think Chloe loves you? She’s still hung up on Lucas. Three years ago, she tried to kill herself over him. She’s just using you now. Are you really okay being just a pawn in their love drama?

“Mr. Connor, you’re the King of Eldridge. Chloe’s only interested in your status. She’s using you, plain and simple. Maybe she’s trying to make Lucas jealous or trying to get back at him?”

Linda couldn’t believe Chloe and Connor had something real going on. They barely knew each other.

Logically, Linda should be happy about Chloe and Connor being together–which meant there was less chance of Chloe and Lucas getting back together. But she was worried that, given time, their act could turn into something real. Connor would definitely be harder to deal with than Lucas. Plus, if Connor backed Chloe, things would only get tougher for her.

So, no matter what, she had to break them up.

9

She noticed Connor’s brows furrow, his gaze icy, as if he was starting to buy into what she was saying.

Seizing the moment, Linda pressed on, “Mr. Connor, with your status, you wouldn’t want to be just some woman’s plaything, right?”

Linda’s words were sharp, meant to cut deep and split them apart.

Connor’s eyes narrowed, and he stared at Linda with a cold laugh, his tone even frostier. “Your attempts at stirring trouble are quite pathetic.”

“Let me tell you something: Chloe and I have been together for three years. She kept me as her trophy boy from the start, and I’m perfectly happy being with her as her plaything. I dedicate myself to making her smile, and nothing else matters to me.”

Then, Connor turned and walked away. He had no interest in continuing this argument with Linda.

Linda’s face turned ashen. What did Connor mean by that? They’d been together for three years? How was Chloe having Connor as a trophy boy? The words made sense individually, but coming from? Connor’s mouth, they sounded like a fairy tale.

How could this be?

But then Linda pieced it together. Three years ago, Lucas took Linda abroad, and it

pushed Chloe over the edge. In her despair, did she find a man? Did that man turn out to

be Mr. Connor?

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What was this trophy boy thing about? But based on Connor’s expression, he didn’t seem to be lying

For Linda, this was a huge blow She had finally managed to separate Lucas and Chloe, and now there was the King of Bandge. If Conpor truly sided with Chice, how could she ruin Chloe’s reputation, bring her down, and leave her with nothing?

No! She had to break them up. She had to destroy Chice

Watching Connor walk away the suddenly amater him. Before he could get into his cart she shouted at his retreating back, “Then you should know Chice isn’t a virgins”

“She’s already lost her innocence She’s tanned”

Connor, about to get into his car, suddenly turned back. He stood before Linda, his aura as cold as ice. His expression was gem, like a brewing storms,

Seeing him like this Linda fete twisted sense of triumph. No man could withstand such provocation, right?

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   Even Lucas, who had been with Chloe for over two decades, hit his breaking point when

   he found out about this incident.

   Connor’s voice turned icy, sharp as a freshly unsheathed dagger. “Ms. Linda, did you time-travel here from the Dark Ages?”

   “The Victorian era has been dead and burled for years, yet your mind is still stuck in those outdated, oppressive ideas. You’re using these archaic standards to bind and persecute another woman.

   “Maybe you cling to these old customs, but not all women are like you. They’re free, radiant, and open-hearted.

   “In my eyes, no matter what Chloe’s past holds or how many men she’s been with, I don’t care. It’s exactly those experiences that have shaped her into the woman she’s become now-open-hearted, bright, and genuine.

   “To me, she’s the purest and most precious woman.

   “But, Ms. Linda, your actions and thoughts are downright despicable and nauseating.”

   Connor was typically a man of few words. He rarely spoke this much.

   Linda watched his imposing and fierce demeanor, feeling a crushing pressure that left her gasping for air. The evening twilight bathed him in light as if he were a deity descended from the heavens.

   To Linda, his brilliance was blinding. This feeling was all too familiar; he and Chloe. seemed cut from the same cloth. They were the chosen ones, basked in sunlight.

   This made her feel like dark moss creeping along the ground.

   The brighter they shone, the more she wanted to drag them into the abyss and make them taste the bitterness of darkness.

   Linda was so stunned she couldn’t say a word. Her body trembled as she cursed the unfairness of fate.

   Why did everyone seem to love Chloe?

   Connor stepped forward, his body partially cloaked in the building’s shadow. Against the fading light, his presence grew even more intense. His voice was cold, almost cruel, like a demon crawling out from her, bringing a chilling warning.

   “Linda, I should never hear you slander Chloe again or try to tarnish her reputation. Watch your tongue.”

   His tone wasn’t just a warning-it was a threat.

   C

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   How could she have ever thought of him as a righteous deity? He was clearly a demon from hell. Even the blue earring he wore seemed to radiate malevolence.

   A shiver ran down Linda’s spine. She could feel that this man might actually have the means to tear her apart.

   The near-death oppression made it hard for her to breathe, an involuntary shiver running through her.

   After saying his piece, Connor left.

   Linda stood there for a long time, her body cold.

   Connor drove away. His car sped through the city streets. Eventually, he pulled over, punching the steering wheel. He admitted to himself that Linda’s words had shaken him.

   He knew when he and Chloe had sex, it wasn’t the first time.

   The words he said to Linda were from the heart, and of course, he didn’t think any less of Chloe because of it.

   He remembered feeling frustrated the first time they were together but wasn’t frustrated with Chloe.

   He was frustrated with himself for finding her too late.

   ย