While the two women were cozying up to Chloe, Noel wasn't idle on his end.Offering Lionel a cigarette, Noel was met with a raised hand as Lionel declined. Embarrassed, Noel retracted his offer, knowing Lionel would never touch such low-quality tobacco.Still, he braved his unease and spoke up. Glancing at Lionel's indifferent expression, Noel got to the point."I dabble in small construction projects. With such a big family to feed, it's tough to make ends meet. I've been out of work lately, and I was wondering if you might have something suitable to recommend to me?"Lionel gave Noel a sidelong glance. Though Noel's attire wasn't luxurious or high-end, he didn't exactly look like someone on the brink of destitution.Understanding Noel's intentions, Lionel didn't want to put Chloe in an awkward position. With a flat tone, he responded, "I'll keep it in mind. If anything comes up, I'll let you know.""Really?" Noel's face lit up with excitement. His voice rose a notch as he grabbed Li
As the cars in front of her drove out of the community one by one, Flora quickly hailed a taxi and followed. Watching the vehicles gradually head toward the outskirts and up a hill, Flora immediately understood—they were heading to the cemetery.Her eyes burned with anger. Flora had no idea why Lionel and Chloe were going there. She got out of the taxi early, keeping her distance and observing from afar. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but she didn't dare get closer.When Chloe's tombstone came into view, murmurs began to spread among the group.Everyone was speculating about the reason behind Chloe faking her death and wondering what Lionel intended to do by bringing them here. Despite their curiosity, no one dared voice their questions aloud.Chloe glanced at her father's tombstone beside her own and felt a wave of desolation wash over her. Her eyes reddened with unshed tears.Lionel's sharp, narrow eyes dangerously narrowed, his expression deep and inscrutable. His perfect
When Chloe returned home and stepped into the living room, she immediately noticed Florence sitting with her head hanging low, looking utterly dejected. The scene brought to mind Florence's earlier attempt to chase after Alex. Born into a wealthy family, Florence had grown up surrounded by privilege, accustomed to taking what she wanted without question.Yet, here she was, failing even to win a man's affection, reduced to running after him like a child chasing a kite. Chloe sighed softly. Florence looked so pitiful that Chloe couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. Remembering how Lionel had helped her in the past, she decided to return the favor by helping his sister. With that thought, Chloe approached Florence. "Let's talk." "Why should I talk to you?" Florence's mood was dreadful, her nose and eyes red, clear signs that she had been crying. "If you really don't want to, then fine. I'll leave, and you can keep chasing Alex for the rest of your life." Chloe's tone was
"Don't leave me." Lionel turned and pulled Chloe into his arms. He kissed her smooth forehead, delicate eyebrows, rounded nose, and then lightly brushed her soft lips. He wasn't sure why, but the thought of her leaving terrified him. He needed her promise.Staring intently into Chloe's eyes, he waited for her answer."I..." Chloe seemed hypnotized by Lionel's deep gaze. "I won't leave." She leaned gently against his chest."No matter what happens, you are not allowed to leave without my permission!" Lionel declared domineeringly, pushing his advantage.Deep down, he knew no one, not even his grandfather, could take her away from him. Yet, an inexplicable restlessness and unease churned in his heart.Chloe noticed Lionel's strange behavior today. As sharp as she was, she guessed it likely had something to do with that phone call earlier."Be good. Answer me." Lionel gently touched Chloe's lips, his strong hands almost melting into her slender waist."No matter what happens, I won't lea
"How could it be you? Where's Cynthia? Didn't she come? Eamonn, what did you do to her?" Chloe asked sharply, her voice trembling with agitation as soon as she saw only Eamonn sitting at the table.Her stunning eyes instantly flickered with a bone-chilling coldness—a frigid aura that radiated from deep within. Her sharp gaze bore into Eamonn as though it could pierce him with invisible daggers.Eamonn leisurely sipped his coffee before slowly looking at Chloe. It had been some time since he'd last seen her, and he couldn't help but notice how she seemed even more captivating now.Even with her icy expression, he thought her aloofness was precisely what made her so alluring.Squinting slightly, Eamonn spoke with unhurried composure. "Chloe, have a seat.""Hmph!" Chloe snorted disdainfully, her expression filled with contempt. "Despicable!"He must have coerced Cynthia into making that phone call! The thought made Chloe's body stiffen with anger. She turned back to face Eamonn directly.
Eamonn knew Cynthia had received her paycheck yesterday and insisted on taking money from her this morning. She lied, saying she had already given the money to her mother. Furious, Eamonn grabbed her arm and yanked her, spewing curses."Useless idiot! If you don't have money, can't you ask Chloe to lend you some? She's Lionel's mistress now—she has mountains of gold at her disposal!""You... What did you just say? No way!" Lionel was Chloe's brother-in-law, wasn't he? How could Chloe now be his mistress?She refused to believe it.She recalled how she and Chloe once ran into Lionel and Moira at a hotel, and Chloe had acted like Lionel was a complete stranger.Cynthia knew Chloe's character—there was no way she'd do something like that.But, thinking back to Lionel and Chloe's odd expressions during that encounter, doubts began to creep in. Could something have been going on between them even then?Still, she didn't want to believe it.But then she remembered Chloe's recent appearances
When Cynthia returned home and pushed open the door, she was met with the sight of Eamonn sitting on the sofa, his face dark and brooding.As she stepped inside, Eamonn sneered, a mocking smile tugging at his lips. "So? Do you believe it now?"Cynthia's face remained cold, not sparing him a single glance. Her heart clenched painfully as she tossed her bag aside and collapsed onto the bed.Still fuming from having coffee spilled on him by Chloe earlier, Eamonn's anger was further stoked by Cynthia's indifference.His expression twisted into one of scorn, and his words turned vicious."Bitch, who do you think you're showing that face to? Weren't you the one who couldn't stop drooling over me? What's wrong now? Did Chloe show off her man to you? Are you jealous, or just finally disappointed in me?"Cynthia's lips twitched, but she didn't respond. Turning her back to him, she faced the wall and covered her ears with her hands.This only e
The moment Lionel heard Chloe crying, his mind went blank as if a bomb had gone off in his head.What happened to her? Her sobs were trembling, filled with despair!Frozen for barely a second, Lionel shot up from the conference table. In a blur of motion, he vanished, leaving only a shadow behind.The attendees were stunned. Barton, quickly regaining his composure, declared the meeting adjourned and bolted after Lionel like an arrow.In the narrow hallway of the old rental building, Chloe, though panicked, knew one thing—Cynthia needed immediate medical attention."Somebody! Help!" she called out twice, her voice trembling with desperation. But she knew the truth: in this dilapidated neighborhood, especially during working hours, no one would come.No, she couldn't wait any longer.Clenching her teeth, Chloe crouched in front of Cynthia and hoisted her onto her back with great effort."Cynthia, wake up!" she yelled, her v
For the sake of her child, she didn't want to leave. But… she couldn't let her child be born a bastard, facing the criticism and judgment that came with such a status. She wouldn't let her child live with such a shameful identity. She had to take her child and leave his life behind.Lionel felt a sharp pain in his chest. This time, he had really hurt her."No! I won't agree to this!" He growled fiercely, his cold lips trembling slightly."Heh…" Chloe let out a bitter laugh. "Lionel, even now, you still say no? What right do you have to say that? Will your future wife allow my existence? Even if she does, I won't shamelessly cling to you here. I won't share a man with another woman. Let's part on good terms. You marry Joanna, and I'll find a man who wants only me and get married. Let's wish each other well!"On the surface, her smile was small, but inside, her heart felt like it had been pierced open, bleeding profusely.At this point, Lionel still wanted to command her so arrogantly?
The gaze of both men turned sharply toward Chloe, but they could only see the cold, distant silhouette of her back.Hearing Chloe's hoarse voice, both men seemed frozen, as if struck by lightning. They were momentarily immobilized, like they had been enchanted. By the time they snapped out of it, Chloe had already walked several meters away."Chloe…" Geoffrey quickly turned and chased after her.Lionel's face darkened, his long legs making it easy to overtake Geoffrey, whose injured leg slowed him down. In just a couple of steps, Lionel was already right behind Chloe.Without a word, Lionel reached out and pulled Chloe into his arms."Let go! Lionel, I've become a joke. Are you trying to make it impossible for me to live here anymore?" Chloe said coldly, her eyes never meeting Lionel's. She suppressed the pain in her heart and spoke with an icy detachment."Chloe, please don't be angry. It will hurt you. I can't bear to see you suffer like this. I want to live with you, I want to be w
Chloe instinctively pulled her hand away and reached out to Geoffrey. "Geoffrey, I want to marry you. Will you marry me?""Ah?" Geoffrey was taken aback, but as soon as he caught the murderous look in Lionel's eyes, he smirked. "I've been waiting for this." He grabbed Chloe's hand, pulling her close to him."Chloe..." Lionel's hand reached out to grab air, his heart aching with a sharp pain. "Come home with me. I'll explain everything."Chloe acted as if nothing was wrong, forcing a faint smile. "No need. There's nothing for you to explain. A woman like me doesn't deserve your respect."Turning her head, she looked away. Though her heart ached painfully, her blood rushed, and she longed to throw herself into his arms, to tell him everything—her fears, her sadness, and that they were having a child. But she couldn't. He was already engaged to another woman.Even though she was of low status, she would never share a man with another woman!She clenched her fist, forcing back the bittern
After receiving Lionel's call, Grace deliberately walked over to Chloe's room and listened carefully. There was no sound coming from inside.Hmph, she's really able to sleep through everything!Grace curled her lips into a mocking smile, feeling quite pleased with herself.She went downstairs to direct the servants on their tasks.By the time daylight broke and breakfast was ready, Chloe still hadn't come downstairs. Grace found herself looking back at the stairs over and over, but there was still no sign of her.Eventually, feeling something was off, Grace walked to Chloe's door, knocked, and called out, "Madam, breakfast is ready. If you don't come out soon, it will get cold."Still, silence.She raised her voice and called again, "Madam, Master will be home soon."No response. Could something have happened?Thinking this, Grace lost her composure. She nervously twisted the door handle, opening the door and quickly stepping inside. But the room was empty.Her heart sank.Grace's fac
"Geoffrey, take me to my mom's." Chloe finally looked at Geoffrey for the first time.Since getting into Geoffrey's car, she had been lost in her thoughts, completely unaware of Geoffrey's gaze as he scrutinized her."Did you two argue?" Geoffrey's voice was low and hoarse, filled with a deep, painful concern as he looked at Chloe.Seeing the redness around her eyes made his heart ache, as if thousands of needles were running through his veins, causing him sharp, excruciating pain."No." Chloe took a deep breath and answered calmly."Don't lie to me. Chloe, you don't lie." Geoffrey grabbed Chloe's hand and said, "I've told you before, Lionel isn't the best choice for you. His background is too complicated, he's really not right for you. Chloe, come with me. I promise I'll marry you immediately, and you won't suffer one bit."A passionate man, a passionate gaze, and passionate words, but Chloe's heart remained unmoved.After her heart was broken by the past, giving it to Lionel had bec
AstralisThe Williams estate remained brightly lit through the night.As the last guests departed, the household staff moved efficiently, tidying up the courtyard and clearing away the remnants of the celebration.Earl, filled with joy and having indulged in a few too many drinks, had retired early for the evening.Only his immediate family remained in the grand hall—his sons, daughters, and grandchildren all gathered together."Lion, congratulations on rekindling things with Joanna," Lewis, Lionel's cousin, remarked with a grin.Lionel shot him a frosty glare. "Thank you," he replied curtly, rising from his seat. He turned to address the elders. "I'm feeling a bit tired. If you'll excuse me, I'll head to my room now.""Go get some rest. It's been a long day for you!"His aunt Hannah forced a smile and waved dismissively, hiding her envy behind a facade of politeness. Beneath her outward cheer, her heart burned with jealousy. Earl was clearly playing favorites again. Even though Joann
Just as she sat up in bed, she heard footsteps outside the door. Her heart leaped with excitement. She jumped out of bed, rushed to the door, and flung it open, calling out, "Lion—" But the person standing before her was Grace."Madam, it's me. The Master won't be coming home tonight." Grace stepped inside, carefully balancing a tray of food, a bright smile plastered on her face as if something delightful had happened. "Before he left, he made it clear that I must take good care of you. I wouldn't dare neglect his orders. I saw you were asleep during dinner and didn't want to disturb you, but I figured you'd be awake by now, so I brought your meal upstairs.""Thank you," Chloe murmured, disappointment flashing across her face as she followed Grace back inside.She sat down to eat, but every bite felt like a lump in her throat. The food refused to go down smoothly. She glanced at her flat belly, clenched her teeth, and forced herself to eat a bit more before giving up entirely.When Gr
Joanna's face flushed with a hint of redness. She glanced at Lionel, who was not far away, her eyes flashing with a mischievous, almost mocking glint. She said, "Lion has always been great, and... I'm willing to marry him!""Good! Good!" The guests erupted in applause and cheers.The atmosphere in the room reached its peak, with everyone smiling and congratulating Earl and Samuel.Earl and Samuel, unable to hide their joy, raised their glasses to toast to their friends and relatives, their eyes moist with emotion.Both families were prominent in the business world, and this union was a powerful alliance. Everyone could foresee that the future of the business world would belong to them. Lionel, the head of K International Group, would see his value soar to an unprecedented level.He was like a god standing on a cloud, commanding the world. With a snap of his fingers, he could send financial storms across half the globe.Such a deity, who coul
"You, I...fine, it's my fault. I was wrong. Now that things have come to this point, we must take responsibility for what needs to be handled. An important guest is arriving today. Get yourselves ready and come out quickly. They might already be on their way."Knowing that if he softened his tone, the young man would only grow more defiant, Earl—proud as he had been all his life—was ultimately forced to bow his head before his grandson."Ha…" Lionel let out a cold laugh. "Responsibility? If anyone has to take responsibility, it's you. Every consequence of this mess stems from your decisions. What does any of it have to do with me?""You—you—what nonsense are you spouting?" Earl bristled, his anger making his mustache quiver. "Oh, I see. This must be because of that woman! But let me tell you, your wife can only be Joanna, no one else! If you take a step back and marry Joanna, everything will be negotiable. Love as many women as you