Billionaire

Chapter 71

Recalling those unbearable moments from the past, Chloe felt a deep ache in her heart. She closed her eyes for a moment, her gaze falling on Lisa’s photo.

Why would the sole heiress of the Meadows Group, who had everything going for her in her own company, apply for a secretarial assistant position at CNR? It had to be because of Connor.

A sly smile curled Chloe’s lips. The Meadows family was well–respected in Riverbrook, but in the grand hierarchy of society, they were practically insignificant compared to the nation’s elite. Lisa was aiming way too high.

The office door swung open, and Connor’s tall figure filled the doorway. He was dressed sharply in a suit but looked a bit worn from travel. Chloe remained seated, her serious expression melting into a radiant smile. “You’re back?”

Connor gazed at Chloe lounging in his office chair, looking as relaxed and lazy as a cat. Her bright, defiant smile lit up the entire room.

He walked over and scooped Chloe into his arms. She had no choice but to cling to his waist, her surprise quickly turning into laughter. Her eyes sparkled with a teasing light. “Miss me that much?”

Connor’s gaze darkened as he watched the enchanting woman in his arms. His hand remained on her waist, the softness and warmth intensifying his longing. It had only been three days, but it felt like forever.

“I’m truly addicted to you.”

Chloe spent a long time in Connor’s office. In the afternoon, she received a phone call from Jacob.

“Sweetie, come home for dinner tonight. You haven’t been home in ages, and I miss you.”

Jacob’s words made Chloe’s nose tingle with emotion. Jacob had always treated her well. When Leah had insisted on casting her out and severing ties, it was Jacob who had stood up for her. At Lisa’s homecoming banquet, he had publicly declared that she would always be the daughter of the Meadowe family.

“Alright, I’ll come home tonight.”

Chloe stood up, grabbed her purse, and walked towards Connor, who was deeply engrossed in paperwork. Despite his carefree playboy facade, he had an undeniable charm when he was serious.

Chloe approached Connor, rested a hand on his shoulder, and leaned in to kiss his cheek. “I’m heading out now. Don’t wait up for me.”

As she straightened up, Connor pulled her back into his arms and kissed her passionately. That was just his way. Utterly professional when needed but wildly uninhibited otherwise. This was Connor’s office, after all, and Teddy could walk in at any moment.

“Where are you going?” Connor finally asked, letting her go.

Chloe, now nestled in his arms like a soft, contented cat, had a mischievous glint in her eyes. “It’s a secret.”

She rose gracefully, like a butterfly taking flight. Leaving behind a trail of her perfume, she vanished like a mirage.

By evening, Chloe arrived at the Meadows family mansion. The butler, Jade, was thrilled to see her and welcomed her warmly inside.

“Miss, you’re finally back. Mr. Jacob said you’d be home tonight, so I made your favorite puff pastry. Please have some later.”

Jade had watched Chloe grow up and cared deeply for her. After the fallout, Jade felt helpless but pained. Even though Chloe was still officially the daughter of the Meadows family, her visits had become rare. She only returned every few months. Jade could not help but prepare her favorite snacks whenever she did visit.

“Thank you, Jade.” Warmth flooded Chloe’s heart.

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“Jade, what on earth did you do to make the kitchen smell so awful?” Lisa barked as she descended the stairs, glaring down at Jade and Chloe.

Jade quickly replied, “I made some of Chloe’s favorite cheese pastries. I just cleaned up. The kitchen doesn’t smell anymore.”

Lisa’s face twisted with disdain. “Chloe is a murderer’s daughter. She’s not one of the Meadows family. Jade, remember, there’s only one Miss in this family, and that’s me. Got it?”

Jade’s face fell. At seventy, she’d raised two generations of the Meadows family, and even Jacob the master treated her with respect. But since Lisa’s return, she’d been nothing but dismissive and cruel.

“Jade, throw those stinking pastries away. From now on, it will be banned from this house,” Lisa commanded.

Jade’s voice trembled. “But these are Miss Chloe’s favorite…”

“Do you still want to work here, or do you want me to send you packing back to your hometown tomorrow?” Lisa threatened.

Tears welled up in Jade’s wrinkled eyes, and her lips quivered. She looked. helplessly at Chloe. “Miss…”

Chloe whispered to Jade, “Just put them in my car.”

Jade nodded and left.

Lisa stepped closer to Chloe, her expression smug. “Heard you got suspended from the TV station?”

Chloe smiled faintly. “Seems like my little sister cares a lot about me.”

“Your scandal has been trending on social media for days. It’s hard not to know. Chloe, don’t pretend you’re still the Meadows family’s daughter. Your lost your job, and now you’re trying to get sympathy from my parents?”

“They’re my parents, not yours. You’re just a murderer’s daughter, unfit for any glory. You should stay in the shadows where you belong,” Lisa sneered.

Chloe’s smile deepened. “It’s one thing for outsiders to say that, but why does

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Chapter 73

“Is there something you think I should know?” Chloe asked, her lips curving into a smirk that wasn’t quite a smile..

Lisa’s heart skipped a beat, but she kept her face stern. She couldn’t stand Chloe’s naturally composed, superior demeanor. It was as if she was born to be above everyone else.

“Chloe, right now, you’re just a stray dog the Meadows family took in. You’d better know your place. As you know, a dog that bites its master won’t live to see another day.”

Lisa’s voice was dripping with threats. She wanted Chloe to understand that no matter what she knew, she’d be signing her own death warrant if she dared to speak up.

Chloe, however, chuckled lightly. “Won’t live to see another day? You think you can manage that?”

Lisa was livid. “Chloe, what are you so arrogant about? You’ve lost everything. Lucas doesn’t want you. He’s living with his mistress and won’t even look at you. Your parents don’t want you, your husband despises you, and you’ve lost. your job. How are you any different from a homeless beggar? And yet, you are here to challenge me? What are you even worth?”

Chloe’s smile deepened, her eyes showing nothing but contempt. She watched Lisa like she was a clown. “I’ve heard that the more guilty and afraid a person is, the louder they bark. And dogs, well, they do the same.”

Lisa was momentarily stunned, her eyes widening with rage. “Chloe, you’re calling me a dog? It seems I need to teach you a lesson today, or you won’t know your place.”

She raised her hand to slap Chloe, but Chloe caught her wrist. A flash of lethal intent crossed Chloe’s eyes. But then, Chloe noticed a figure at the top of the stairs. She squeezed Lisa’s wrist hard and then let go.

Lisa’s wrist throbbed in pain, throwing her off balance. The slap intended for Chloe’s cheek landed on her shoulder instead. Chloe took the opportunity to fall back, sitting on the stairs.

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“Lisa, what did I do to deserve this? I just got back, and you want to hit me already?”

Chloe instantly dropped her aggressive demeanor, leaning on the stair railing, looking as frail and delicate as a tragic damsel.

‘You think I’m a schemer? Fine, I’ll play the part. Chloe thought to herself.

Lisa’s wrist felt like it was about to break, the pain making her head buzz. She had sensed the murderous intent in Chloe’s eyes just moments ago, and now Chloe was acting all weak and innocent. But Lisa didn’t care; she moved forward to kick her.

“Stop! Lisa, what are you doing?”

Lisa turned around to see Jacob and Leah standing at the top of the stairs, looking down at them.

“Dad, Mom, she’s faking it. She was the one who tried to hit me just now.”

Jacob came downstairs. “We saw everything. I’ve told you many times that Chloe is part of the family, and she is your sister. You cannot treat her like that.”

Lisa was fuming inside. Chloe was clearly pretending. She hadn’t even hit Chloe, but her wrist was in agony.

Leah stepped forward, taking Lisa’s hand. “Why are you scolding our daughter over an outsider? Hasn’t Lisa suffered enough because of Chloe over the years?”

Then, Leah led Lisa to the dining room. As they left, Lisa glanced back at Chloe, her eyes full of triumph and provocation.

At least Leah was still on her side.

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Chapter 73

“Is there something you think I should know?” Chloe asked, her lips curving into a smirk that wasn’t quite a smile..

Lisa’s heart skipped a beat, but she kept her face stern. She couldn’t stand Chloe’s naturally composed, superior demeanor. It was as if she was born to be above everyone else.

“Chloe, right now, you’re just a stray dog the Meadows family took in. You’d better know your place. As you know, a dog that bites its master won’t live to see another day.”

Lisa’s voice was dripping with threats. She wanted Chloe to understand that no matter what she knew, she’d be signing her own death warrant if she dared to speak up.

Chloe, however, chuckled lightly. “Won’t live to see another day? You think you can manage that?”

Lisa was livid. “Chloe, what are you so arrogant about? You’ve lost everything. Lucas doesn’t want you. He’s living with his mistress and won’t even look at you. Your parents don’t want you, your husband despises you, and you’ve lost. your job. How are you any different from a homeless beggar? And yet, you are here to challenge me? What are you even worth?”

Chloe’s smile deepened, her eyes showing nothing but contempt. She watched Lisa like she was a clown. “I’ve heard that the more guilty and afraid a person is, the louder they bark. And dogs, well, they do the same.”

Lisa was momentarily stunned, her eyes widening with rage. “Chloe, you’re calling me a dog? It seems I need to teach you a lesson today, or you won’t know your place.”

She raised her hand to slap Chloe, but Chloe caught her wrist. A flash of lethal intent crossed Chloe’s eyes. But then, Chloe noticed a figure at the top of the stairs. She squeezed Lisa’s wrist hard and then let go.

Lisa’s wrist throbbed in pain, throwing her off balance. The slap intended for Chloe’s cheek landed on her shoulder instead. Chloe took the opportunity to fall back, sitting on the stairs.

11:29

Chapter 73

“Lisa, what did I do to deserve this? I just got back, and you want to hit me already?”

Chloe instantly dropped her aggressive demeanor, leaning on the stair railing, looking as frail and delicate as a tragic damsel.

‘You think I’m a schemer? Fine, I’ll play the part. Chloe thought to herself.

Lisa’s wrist felt like it was about to break, the pain making her head buzz. She had sensed the murderous intent in Chloe’s eyes just moments ago, and now Chloe was acting all weak and innocent. But Lisa didn’t care; she moved forward to kick her.

“Stop! Lisa, what are you doing?”

Lisa turned around to see Jacob and Leah standing at the top of the stairs, looking down at them.

“Dad, Mom, she’s faking it. She was the one who tried to hit me just now.”

Jacob came downstairs. “We saw everything. I’ve told you many times that Chloe is part of the family, and she is your sister. You cannot treat her like that.”

Lisa was fuming inside. Chloe was clearly pretending. She hadn’t even hit Chloe, but her wrist was in agony.

Leah stepped forward, taking Lisa’s hand. “Why are you scolding our daughter over an outsider? Hasn’t Lisa suffered enough because of Chloe over the years?”

Then, Leah led Lisa to the dining room. As they left, Lisa glanced back at Chloe, her eyes full of triumph and provocation.

At least Leah was still on her side.

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During dinner, Jacob asked, “Chloe, why didn’t Lucas come with you?”

“He’s busy with work,” Chloe muttered, trying to brush off the topic.

The Meadows and the Moncada families were really good friends. Jacob probably already knew about her and Lucas breaking up long before she felt the need to explain.

“Busy with work, huh? I heard Lucas has been shacking up with some other woman since he got back, and he doesn’t want anything to do with you,” Lisa chimed in, her tone sharp.

Jacob shot Lisa a stern look, then sighed. “You and Lucas have been childhood sweethearts. This is just a bump in the road. We’ve watched Lucas. grow up, and he’s always been devoted to you. I believe if you just put a bit more effort in, he’ll come to his senses eventually.”

Both families were well aware of the situation between Lucas and Chloe.

Jacob likely had Chloe come over for dinner at the Moncada family’s urging.

“Dad, I know my own business,” Chloe replied, trying to keep things calm.

Sensing the tension, Jacob didn’t push further. Lisa noticed Jacob’s concern for Chloe, and decided to cut in. “Dad, Mom, I have an announcement.”

All eyes turned to Lisa.

“I’ve been accepted for the position of Executive Secretary at CNR. I start tomorrow,” Lisa declared, her voice brimming with excitement.

Jacob was taken aback. “You were doing well in our design department. Why

move to CNR?”

The Meadows family owned a bustling fashion enterprise with their own company, factory, and a fashion brand called Belle Époque. The company had gone public two years ago, and Belle Époque had a solid reputation domestically and was starting to make waves internationally. This made the Meadows family one of the wealthiest in Riverbrook.

After Lisa returned, the family had considered sending her abroad for further education, but academics weren’t her strong suit. So, they placed her in the

11:29

company to learn management. However, her presence often led to chaos, even pushing some executives to the brink of resignation. Left with no other choice, they placed her in the design department, where she surprisingly showed a bit of flair.

Still, her talent was nothing compared to Chloe’s. Chloe had shown remarkable drawing and design skills from a young age, starting to design for Belle Époque at just nine years old. The brand’s international success was largely due to her award–winning designs. However, since Lisa joined the design department, Chloe had stopped submitting her designs, leading to a three–year drought of new, breathtaking collections. The company had relied on its classic styles to maintain its reputation, and its stock price gradually declined over the past two years.

“I’m doing this for the company, for the Belle Époque brand,” Lisa insisted. “Dad, you know about the WORLD Mall. If Belle Époque could get a spot there, it would catapult us into the ranks of international luxury brands, coveted by socialites and high society ladies. Our stock price would skyrocket.”

Jacob knew all about the WORLD Mall. It was the largest and most luxurious mall in the country, the only one with a membership system catering exclusively to the elite. The mall featured only the top international luxury brands, and no domestic brands had ever made the cut. It was located in the prime area of Eldridge City and was a favorite haunt for the Eldridge Elites.

“Lisa, WORLD Mall is filled with the highest international luxury brands. Getting Belle Époque in there is a pipe dream,” Jacob said, trying to temper her expectations.

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Lisa chimed in, That’s why I applied to be Connor’s secretary, WORLD is already part of the Sartori family’s empire, and Connor is the sole heir to the Sarton Corporation. If he gives the go–ahead, Belle Époque could be the first local fashion brand in WORLD. You get what that means, right, Dad?”

Jacob shook his head. “Lisa, it’s not as simple as that.”

The Sartori Corporation also had its own fashion lines, much bigger than anything the Meadows family had. They hadrit even put their own brands in their malls, so how could they bring in another brand?

But Lisa was brimming with confidence. “Dad, how will we know if we don’t give it a shot? Just give me three months. I’ll have Connor wrapped around my fingers”

Sensing the doubt in Jacob’s eyes, she quickly added, “I mean, I’ll make sure Mr. Connor lets Belle Époque into WORLD”

Chloe had been quietly listening the whole time, not saying a word. Lisa’s plan. seemed way too naive. WORLD had strict partnership standards and wouldn’t ruin its reputation as the top luxury destination for any brand.

Plus, Chloe recalled Connor mentioning that WORLD wasn’t even under his control. It was run by his older sister, Judith. And Judith and Connor didn’t get along at all.

Moreover, Lisa had lied. She hadn’t been hired as Connor’s secretary but as an assistant to the secretary. An assistant to the secretary rarely, if ever, saw Connor

After dinner, Jacob turned to Chloe. “Why don’t you stay over tonight? Your room hasn’t been used in a while.”

Chloe glanced at Leah. She was as cold as ever, not even looking in Chloe’s direction. Chloe felt a chill in her heart. After going through so much, what was left to hope for?

Just as Chloe was about to decline, her phone rang. It was Wyatt, one of Lucas‘ close friends. “Chloe, Lucas is drunk. Can you come pick him up?”

Seizing the moment, Chloe said, “Lucas is drunk. I need to pick him up. I won’t

Why the

Chapter 76

Just as Lucas stepped into the bustling hall, he seemed to snap out of his daze.

“Let go of me! I’m not drunk. I can still drink,” Lucas insisted, shaking off the two people supporting him.

Chloe approached him. “Can you walk? If you can, then walk on your own. I’ll take you home.”

Lucas squinted at Chloe with bleary eyes for a moment before suddenly stepping forward and pulling her into a tight embrace. His voice broke with emotion.

“Chloe–bear, I’ve missed you so much!”

Chloe was taken aback. Her body went rigid, her back stiff. It wasn’t the sudden hug that startled her, but the way he called her “Chloe–bear.” He hadn’t addressed her like that in years.

A pang of unexpected sadness surged through her. Lucas clung to her and started to sob like a child, his shoulders trembling.

“Chloe–bear, why did you leave me? Why?”

Chloe was dazed for a moment but quickly snapped back to reality. Lucas was definitely drunk and spouting nonsense.

“Lucas, look at me. I’m Chloe, not Linda,” she said, patting his back.

“Chloe–bear, you can’t leave me. Everyone else can look down on me, but not you. You can’t despise me. I’m like this because of you. It’s all because of you. How could you be so heartless?”

Chloe was bewildered but sensed there was more to his words. Maybe she could uncover why Linda had driven a wedge between them.

“There, there. I won’t leave you,” Chloe comforted him softly. “Tell me, what happened? Why are you saying these things?”

Meanwhile, on the other side of the hall…

Connor and his entourage had just exited the elevator and stopped in their

Chapter 76

tracks. With Connor in the lead, no one dared move.

Following Connor’s gaze, they saw a man and woman locked in an embrace in the hall.

Devon joked, “Looks like this place has really gone downhill. Public displays of affection everywhere.”

Matt chimed in, “That doesn’t look like one of the usual girls here. More like a couple making up after a spat, using a bit of liquid courage.”

“That girl’s in for it. A man only needs a few drinks to play with your heart,” someone else quipped.

As the group laughed, Devon suddenly noticed something. “Wait, isn’t that girl… Connor’s girlfriend?”

Everyone seemed to remember something. “Yeah, the journalist.”

At Devon’s birthday party a few days ago, Connor had introduced a girl as his girlfriend and even made Eve cry her eyes out.

And now, here she was, in another man’s arms. Everyone had doubted the sincerity of Connor’s relationship, thinking he was just using her to push Eve away. But since she was the only woman Connor had publicly introduced as his girlfriend, her actions felt quite like a slap in his face.

All eyes turned to Connor, whose expression was dark and stormy.

Devon’s sharp eyes caught something else.

“The man she’s with… that’s Mr. Lucas from Leading Heights. No wonder she wanted to take on Mrs. Moncada at the golf course. She really is Mr. Lucas‘

lover.”

Everyone was stunned.

“So, is Ms. Chloe playing both sides–keeping Mr. Lucas in one hand and stringing along Connor with the other?”

Chapter 77

Everyone shifted their gaze to Connor. His face was a blank slate, but the air around him was icy. Instantly, the room fell silent..

Chloe wasn’t getting the answers she needed. Lucas had passed out again, his body nearly draped over hers. She had no choice but to support him as they made their way out of the bustling hall.

Eyes darted back to Connor, everyone trying to gauge his mood. Matt, never one to keep his mouth shut, piped up, “Riverbrook might be small, but the girls here sure have guts. She’s messing around with our friend. Connor, why don’t you let me handle it? I’ve got plenty of tricks up my sleeve to put women like that in their place. I’ll make sure you get your revenge.”

Connor stayed silent. The others took his silence as agreement. They began to rib Matt. “Are you sure you’ll be helping Connor get revenge? More like you’re after her looks. You’ve already got eight girlfriends and still can’t quit. Matt, you must have been an octopus in a past life, juggling so many girls at

once.”

Matt tried to defend himself. “Girls like her need a player like me to keep them in check. I’ll woo her, and once she falls for it, I’ll set up a poker game and introduce her to all my girlfriends. She’ll be questioning her life choices. I promise you.”

Matt kept fantasizing about his plan, getting more crude with every word. “Give me three days, tops, and she’ll be in my bed.”

Before anyone could react, Connor spun around and punched Matt square in the face. Matt hit the ground, stunned.

Connor stepped closer, grabbing Matt by the collar. “Touch her, I dare you.”

Then, he let go and strode towards the door. The room was left in shock. Connor might have seemed distant, but he was good to his childhood friends. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have followed him from Eldridge City to Riverbrook without hesitation. But just moments ago, they had seen a deadly seriousness in his eyes.

Devon sighed, “Connor’s really fallen for her.”

11:30

Chapter

Outside, Connor saw Chloe helping Lucas into a car. They drove off into the night. Connor hadn’t driven there, so it was too late to follow. He pulled out his phone and dialed Chloe.

Chloe glanced at her phone, seeing Trophy Boy flash on the screen. She was about to answer when her phone died.

Driving along the highway, Chloe took Lucas back to the Moncada family. mansion. His family was already asleep, leaving Chloe to get Lucas to hist room alone. She intended to leave after that, but Lucas woke up, clutching her hand and calling her “Chloe–bear.”

Chloe realized he was half–asleep and tried to get him talking. However, Lucas seemed to have forgotten the last three years, reminiscing instead about their

childhood.

In his rambling, Lucas lifted his shirt, revealing a scar trailing down from his waist. “Chloe–bear, you hate me because of this, don’t you? But you promised to take care of me forever, even if I was crippled.”

Chloe’s heart skipped a beat as she looked at the scar. It was from when they were twelve, on a summer adventure camp. In the middle of the night, Chloe had gotten hungry and dragged Lucas out of the tent. They stole some pasta and cooked t

Chapter 78

As Lucas was handling the pot, the handle on the side of the boiling pot snapped off, causing the whole pot of steaming hot pasta to splash onto Lucas‘ waist Lucas was severely scalded.

Chloe vividly remembered how serious Lucas‘ injuries were. He had a long hospital stay and even spent several days in the ICU due to a severe infection. During that time, Chloe was by Lucas‘ hospital bed day and night. At the worst point, the doctor mentioned that if the infection couldn’t be controlled, amputation might be necessary. With tears streaming down her face, Chloe promised Lucas that even if he became disabled, she would take care of him for the rest of her life.

After Lucas was discharged, he never brought up the incident again, nor did hel tell Chloe the full extent of his injuries. This was the first time Chloe saw Lucas‘ scars. His muscles were deformed, his skin uneven with varying. depths and colors, and this was just a small part that was visible. The worst burns were on his left leg, and Chloe could almost imagine how horrific and shocking the scars must be. The memory hit her hard, and her eyes reddened as she stared at his scars.

“Luca, why would you say that? When have I ever despised you?” Chloe asked. “You wrote it in your diary. Do you still want to argue?” Lucas‘ eyes were filled with sorrow. “I’m ugly. I don’t deserve you.”

Chloe wanted to ask more, but Lucas suddenly pushed her out the door in a frenzy. “Leave, Chloe, just leave. I don’t want your sympathy or your pity.” Then, he slammed the door shut.

Chloe was initially going to leave, but then she ran into Tara. Tara was surprisingly happy to see Chloe and warmly held her hands. In the end, she insisted that Chloe stay the night. Considering it was already midnight, and Chloe still had things she wanted to clarify, she stayed in the next room.

That night, Chloe tossed and turned, unable to sleep. What did Lucas mean? And what about his mention of her diary, what was that about?

Chloe got up early in the morning. When she went to have breakfast in the dining room, she ran into Lucas. Lucas seemed to flash a barely discernible.

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emotion upon seeing Chloe.

“Was it you who brought me back yesterday?” he asked.

Chloe, ever graceful, sat down to start breakfast. “You were drunk. Wyatt gave me a call.”

Lucas was silent for a moment. “Next time, I’ll tell them we’ve broken up so they won’t bother you.”

Chloe’s expression was indifferent. “As you wish.”

Lucas stared at Chloe’s face. She had just woken up bare–faced, a stark contrast to her usual polished appearance. With makeup, Chloe was dazzling, like a seductive enchantress. But without it, she looked young and glowing. After a moment, he said, “I looked into the post. It was Linda’s doing. I don’t know why she targeted you, but on her behalf, I apologize.”

Chloe was noncommittal and gave Lucas a glance.

He continued, “I can also compensate you. You can ask for anything.”

Chloe’s eyebrows slightly raised. “Really, anything?”

Lucas‘ expression darkened, a hint of wariness in his eyes. “As long as it’s within my power.

Chloe found it amusing. He was guarding himself as if she would demand something extravagant.

“Don’t worry, I won’t ask you to leave Linda and come back to me.”

Lucas‘ frown seemed to deepen even more.

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Chapter 79

Chloe lazily tore off a piece of bread and popped it into her mouth. “Linda tried to mess with me, so I made sure to give her a ta

ste of her own medicine. Let her know we’re even now. But if she pulls any more stunts, she can’t blame me for not playing nice.”

Linda had smeared her reputation online, costing her the prime–time TV host spot. In retaliation, Chloe had Linda’s mom cause a scene at the TV station, turning the tables a bit. Chloe was certain Linda’s troubles were far from over. Lucas broke the silence after a while. “I got drunk last night. Did I say anything?”

Chloe thought of the scar on Lucas‘ waist, her gaze drifting there. Lucas noticed and paled. “You saw it?”

A flicker of guilt crossed Chloe’s face. “I had no idea you were hurt that badly

back then.”

Annoyance and disgust flashed in Lucas‘ eyes. “Chloe, don’t look at me with. that pity.”

He saw through the guilt and compassion in Chloe’s eyes. If it were genuine, that would be one thing, but it was all an act. She was clearly disgusted yet put on this show of guilt, which was truly revolting. Pity was enough to hurt a man’s pride, and it’s even more so when it was wrapped in hypocrisy.

“I’m sorry, your injury was because of me.”

Lucas suddenly erupted. “Chloe cut the act. You despise me and even wished 1 were dead. You’re a hypocrite, a venomous woman. Playing the saint now?”

Chloe picked up on the key point in his words. “What exactly did I do to make you think that?”

“Your diary spelled it out clearly. Are you going to deny it?”

Chloe had always kept a diary since she was young. But she didn’t remember ever writing anything about hating Lucas or wishing him harm. Plus, one of her college diaries had gone missing. She stopped keeping a diary after that.

“You read my diary? Tell me, what did I write that made you think so poorly of

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Chloe decided to explain. “Lucas was drunk, and I was just taking him home.”

“He was drunk, and you had to be the one to escort him? Chloe, what exactly is your relationship with him now?”

“I only helped out of gratitude to his family.”

Connor laughed sarcastically. “Are you really moved by your gratitude to the Moncada family, or are there still lingering feelings for Lucas?”

Yesterday, he heard the words Chloe had uttered while holding Lucas all too clearly. She tenderly called him Luca, saying she would never leave him

behind. She took care of him like a child..

A sarcastic smirk appeared on Connor’s lips. “Your skills in appeasing men are truly masterful.”

He pinched Chloe’s chin. “Am I not enough to satisfy you? Why were you so quick to reconcile with Lucas?”

Chloe’s gaze turned frosty, yet her lips still bore a slight smile. “Mr. Connor,

that’s out of line.”

Connor’s eyebrows furrowed, his dark eyes stormy with emotion.

Chloe’s signature radiant smile remained, her voice enchantingly persuasive. “Our relationship doesn’t warrant such explanations from me, so please, don’t act like you’re interrogating a criminal. We’re simply in this for mutual benefits, seeking happiness in each other’s company.”

“We’re neither married nor lovers. I must say, I haven’t breached our agreement. As for my heart, my thoughts, you have no right to interfere.”

“Of course, if you are tired of this arrangement, feel free to end it anytime. I’ll move out immediately.”

Connor stared at the stunning girl before him. Her message was clear. She hadn’t slept with Lucas, but her heart still harbored feelings for him, thus telling Connor to back off.

Connor even suspected that if he chose to end things, she would leave eagerly. and perhaps even celebrate with champagne.

Chloe thought of the scar on Lucas‘ waist, her gaze drifting there. Lucas noticed and paled. “You saw it?”

A flicker of guilt crossed Chloe’s face. “I had no idea you were hurt that badly

back then.”

Annoyance and disgust flashed in Lucas‘ eyes. “Chloe, don’t look at me with. that pity.”

He saw through the guilt and compassion in Chloe’s eyes. If it were genuine, that would be one thing, but it was all an act. She was clearly disgusted yet put on this show of guilt, which was truly revolting. Pity was enough to hurt a man’s pride, and it’s even more so when it was wrapped in hypocrisy.

“I’m sorry, your injury was because of me.”

Lucas suddenly erupted. “Chloe cut the act. You despise me and even wished 1 were dead. You’re a hypocrite, a venomous woman. Playing the saint now?”

Chloe picked up on the key point in his words. “What exactly did I do to make you think that?”

“Your diary spelled it out clearly. Are you going to deny it?”

Chloe had always kept a diary since she was young. But she didn’t remember ever writing anything about hating Lucas or wishing him harm. Plus, one of her college diaries had gone missing. She stopped keeping a diary after that.

“You read my diary? Tell me, what did I write that made you think so poorly of

Even after all these years, thankan

your word say ng me my deny and let’s

Chloe suspected the moong day was with Latias

The atmosphere paw needy tempe. The ad was thick with angin

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A shadow fellarmit is Lunas agere,

Han

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the See the soulé

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Gaudreamak Hany Self wighloul”

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war aydung but chhourfi

hard pliant and not to wait

Chise ambient maning in is give him e qua, susirting good on the loos. Tomy

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Choẻ noudet felhor who he wore in

Well over these three years may now and then het doplay such paljenja,

bana Curent had

wonder he was to alight

Chloe decided to explain. “Lucas was drunk, and I was just taking him home.”

“He was drunk, and you had to be the one to escort him? Chloe, what exactly is your relationship with him now?”

“I only helped out of gratitude to his family.”

Connor laughed sarcastically. “Are you really moved by your gratitude to the Moncada family, or are there still lingering feelings for Lucas?”

Yesterday, he heard the words Chloe had uttered while holding Lucas all too clearly. She tenderly called him Luca, saying she would never leave him

behind. She took care of him like a child..

A sarcastic smirk appeared on Connor’s lips. “Your skills in appeasing men are truly masterful.”

He pinched Chloe’s chin. “Am I not enough to satisfy you? Why were you so quick to reconcile with Lucas?”

Chloe’s gaze turned frosty, yet her lips still bore a slight smile. “Mr. Connor,

that’s out of line.”

Connor’s eyebrows furrowed, his dark eyes stormy with emotion.

Chloe’s signature radiant smile remained, her voice enchantingly persuasive. “Our relationship doesn’t warrant such explanations from me, so please, don’t act like you’re interrogating a criminal. We’re simply in this for mutual benefits, seeking happiness in each other’s company.”

“We’re neither married nor lovers. I must say, I haven’t breached our agreement. As for my heart, my thoughts, you have no right to interfere.”

“Of course, if you are tired of this arrangement, feel free to end it anytime. I’ll move out immediately.”

Connor stared at the stunning girl before him. Her message was clear. She hadn’t slept with Lucas, but her heart still harbored feelings for him, thus telling Connor to back off.

Connor even suspected that if he chose to end things, she would leave eagerly. and perhaps even celebrate with champagne.