Billionaire

09:12

Chapter 252

Had their relationship really ended just like that? He couldn’t risk anything until he was sure he could protect Chloe. Luckily, the resort was his ace in the hole. If the Paradise Resort project went smoothly, Jeffery would hand over control to him completely. By then, he would have the strength to go toe–to–toe with Claire and take everything from her, leaving her with nothing. Once he dismantled her influence, he’d have nothing to fear anymore.

Still, he was worried. Could Chloe wait until that day? Would she fall for someone else before then? And even if that day came, would she return to him once she knew the truth?

The next day, Chloe’s annual leave was over. She headed back to the TV station. During the meeting, Tony suddenly announced, “Chloe and I learned a lot of advanced techniques from Eldridge TV, and the director has decided that our station will co–produce a variety show with Eldridge TV. Plus, we’ve got Ruben, the father of variety shows, on board.”

Tony then shifted gears. “Chloe, this project is yours to lead. You’ll be in charge of liaising with Ruben’s team. This variety show is Riverbrook TV Station’s flagship project. The director’s putting a lot on the line for this, Chloe, so you need to take it seriously.”

Chloe replied coolly, “Why me? What about my anchor duties?”

“Lynn’s planning to come back. The prime anchor position is still yours, but Lynn will fill in for you when you’re busy. She’ll be your backup. How does that sound?”

Lynn had been a staple at the TV station, holding the prime anchor spot for a decade. She had jumped ship to Eldridge TV but returned in less than two months. Now, she came back with a different status. The fact that Riverbrook TV Station accepted her back was already commendable. In fact, Lynn had mentored Chloe when she first joined Riverbrook TV

Station, and they had a good rapport.

Chloe nodded, “If Lynn is coming back, I have no objections.”

Tony had expected Chloe to agree. On the surface, she was the untouchable star of the TV station, not one to socialize much. Deep down, she valued loyalty and relationships deeply

“Alright, that’s settled then. I’ll give you the contact details of Ruben’s team. Do your best. This variety show is a new venture for our station. If it’s a hit, you’ll be the star of Riverbrook TV Station. The director even said that if the show succeeds, he’ll consider taking the station public and offer you stock options.”

The mention of stock options instantly perked Chloe up. She loved stock options. She had initially agreed to be a designer for QUEEN because her friend had promised her stock options. Speaking of stock options, she remembered something–it was time to reclaim Lisa’s stock options.

Before Chloe could make her move, Leah called her that afternoon. It was the first time Leah had called Chloe in three years. The caller ID on her phone made Chloe’s heart feel like it was pricked by a needle. Her contact name was still saved as “Mom.” Chloe answered, “Mrs. Meadows, is there something you need?”

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Leah, on the other end, was clearly taken aback. “Chloe, can’t you even call me mom anymore?” Her tone was unmistakably sad.

Biting her lip, Chloe finally said, “You were the one who abandoned me first.”

There was a long silence on the other end. Chloe could hear Leah’s soft sobs. After a while, Leah managed to compose herself. “Even if you refuse to acknowledge me, come to the hospital. Your father had a sudden heart attack and is hospitalized.”