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
A group of people hurriedly wheeled Chloe into the examination room, with Lionel staying by her side the entire time.The examination was completed quickly, and both the doctor and nurses breathed a sigh of relief."Your wife isn't injured; she was just badly frightened," the doctor informed Lionel."That's good!" Lionel finally felt the weight in his heart lift.A faint smile of self-mockery crept onto his face. Moments ago, his usual composure, self-control, sharp thinking, and even his cold demeanor—all of it—had crumbled in her presence.He removed Chloe's blood-stained jacket and draped his own suit jacket over her shoulders."I... I want to see Cynthia," Chloe whispered hesitantly, her long eyelashes trembling with unease.Lionel nodded gently.Earlier, despite her fear and panic, Chloe had summoned all her strength to carry Cynthia downstairs.Now, her legs felt weak, and she could barely walk without
Slap!A sharp, crisp sound echoed as Joanna's face was harshly turned to the side, blood beginning to seep from her lips.Samuel shook with anger. After such a scandal, how could he face everyone here?"From now on, I sever all ties with her!" Samuel spat out, his voice filled with fury. He staggered back, nearly collapsing, but his subordinates rushed forward to steady him.Chloe stood frozen, stunned by the scene, when suddenly someone pulled her from behind, dragging her into a nearby makeshift lounge."Hahaha..." Joanna's laughter suddenly broke out, manic and unhinged.Her laugh was chilling, and the little boy next to her shrank back in fear. "Mommy, what's happening?""Shut up! Get away, bastard!" Joanna screamed, causing the boy to burst into loud sobs."Joanna... you've gone too far!" The blonde man hurried over, his face cold as he scooped the child into his arms and left the venue."Haha..." Joanna continued to laugh, swaying back and forth. She looked at Lionel, his cold,
"I'll cry if I want to. What's the matter? You can't stand it? If you don't like it, I'll go back to my mom's!" Chloe threatened, her hands on her hips, showing her teeth.Lionel raised an eyebrow. In the whole world, there was only one person who dared to threaten him—her! He quickly pulled Chloe into his arms, coaxing, "Alright, you can do whatever you want, I'll follow your lead. But please, don't make me worry so much. And from now on, you're not leaving my sight for a single second."What a joke—if she left, what would he do at night? He'd already gotten used to having her by his side. He couldn't function without her.A wave of worry washed over him. She now had her real father. Today, she was using her mom to threaten him—would she use her dad to threaten him tomorrow? What about her brother the day after?No! No! Anyone, but not her brother! Thinking of how Geoffrey once doted on her, Lionel's face darkened. From now on, he couldn't let Geoffrey anywhere near her—even if he we
Lionel watched as the people quickly fled, his narrow eyes darkening. He turned to Barton beside him and said, "Take care of this."With that, his tall figure swiftly moved towards the restroom.For some reason, he had felt uneasy all day.When he heard "someone's been killed," his heart was pierced with a sharp sting. The unease inside him deepened; he needed to see it for himself.As someone's face turned ashen, they quietly slipped out of the venue while Barton was busy calming the crowd."Lion..."Chloe's voice broke the silence, and Lionel froze. He looked up to see the familiar face, and her voice, thick with emotion, caused tears to well up in her eyes, which then fell, trembling.She had been so strong just moments ago, but the moment she saw Lionel, her heart felt fragile, as if it could shatter with a single breath.Seeing Chloe like this, Lionel was horrified. Blood was everywhere on her lips, and it sent a sharp pain through his chest. Without a second thought, he rushed t
Eamonn had been salivating over Chloe for a long time.To get to her, he had even used his proximity to Cynthia as a stepping stone, but little did he know, Lionel had beaten him to the punch.Even though Eamonn had the desire, he lacked the courage to act on it. He harbored those thoughts but never dared to lay a hand on Chloe.But when he was assigned a task—to torment Chloe, with the promise of a bright future and wealth beyond measure—he found himself going all in.As a man, there are always those few moments of madness in life. This was his chance. If he completed his task, not only would he rise in rank, but he would also fulfill his deepest desires."Monster!" Chloe broke free from one of his hands and slapped him across the face.Eamonn's face instantly bore five red marks from her fingers.He sneered, his voice cold and menacing. "Bitch! Still playing the innocent virgin? I'll make sure you regret this today."The devilish tone in his voice, combined with the devilish look on
"Chloe... long time no see." Eamonn shamelessly stood only a few steps away from Chloe, his body inching closer with each passing moment.Ever since Cynthia's accident, he had disappeared without a trace, and Chloe couldn't understand why he'd suddenly reappeared now."What are you doing here?" Chloe's voice was icy, and she showed no sign of warmth towards him.The mere sight of him reminded her of poor Cynthia, and the anger within her grew even stronger. Seeing him advance with that sinister glint in his eyes set off alarm bells in her mind."Stop!" Chloe took a large step back, not caring that her dress was still wet. She hurriedly wrapped a coat around herself.Eamonn ignored her words, his face still twisted with a smirk, taking a few more steps forward."Chloe, don't be like this. I'm not a virus. Why are you so afraid of me getting closer? It's been so long, and I have so much to say to you."He raised his hand, trying to grab Chloe's.Chloe swung her arm out to the side, evad
In the morning, Chloe and Lionel walked downstairs to find Joanna already seated at the dining table."Good morning, Lion, Chloe," Joanna greeted them with a graceful smile, delicately sipping her milk.Her gaze involuntarily shifted to Chloe's neck, and as expected, the marks from last night's kiss were still clearly visible.The sounds she overheard at the door yesterday flashed through Joanna's mind. Bitch! she cursed silently.Lionel ignored Joanna's greeting, and Chloe merely snorted in response. They both sat down to breakfast. As usual, Lionel fussed over Chloe, fetching this and that for her, while Joanna seemed to vanish into thin air, like a mere background figure.Since Lionel had ordered Lumina to be blacklisted, all those who once courted favor with K Group had severed ties with the company, leaving Lumina on the brink of collapse.While Lionel was listening to Barton's report, his phone rang.It was his father. Immediately, Lionel's face darkened."What is it?" he asked,
"Joanna, you're drunk! Calm down." Heather's voice was low and firm as he grabbed Joanna's wrist without hesitation, stopping her just as she lunged at him.Was she really drunk? Or just pretending?Heather's sharp tone, coupled with the pain shooting through her wrist, made Joanna freeze. Her dewy eyes instantly filled with tears."You yelled at me? You never raise your voice at me. You never refuse me. What's wrong with you? Don't tell me… your love for me was a lie?"Her lips trembled, and—plop—a single tear slid down her cheek. Joanna's delicate face was full of grievance as she accused Heather of turning against her.She really had gone mad.He had loved her. He had sincerely begged her to stop chasing after Lionel and to stay with him instead. He had been willing to take responsibility for their one-time mistake, promising to make her happy.But she had refused to even look at him, discarding him like a worthless rag.And now, after failing to win another man's love, after feelin
Joanna burned with jealousy, seething with anger as she stormed in. She grabbed Chloe off the bed and dragged her out, ready to feed her to the wolves.Bitch!Normally, Joanna could let things slide, but not now. What the hell was this? She'd just had a miscarriage a week ago, barely gotten back home, and now she was back in bed with a man?!Joanna cursed Chloe fiercely in her mind, but then, oddly, a sense of satisfaction crept in. She knew that a woman who had just miscarried shouldn't be anywhere near a man in bed. That was basic knowledge. But the fact that Lionel didn't care about Chloe's condition, that he was dragging her into bed as soon as he got home—well, that only proved one thing: he saw her as nothing more than a tool.If he truly loved her, he would have been more considerate!This meant that in Lionel's eyes, Chloe was nothing special either!Ha! What was there to be angry about now?Let them have their fun, let them wreck her completely, turn her into trash.Joanna fe
Chloe lost her child, and Joanna couldn't contain her delight. She hummed a cheerful tune, suddenly finding everyone pleasant to look at and treating everyone with uncharacteristic warmth and kindness.Mandy, on the other hand, was seething with resentment, while Grace spent her days on edge, terrified of Lionel's return and the punishment that might await her.A week passed, and Chloe finally returned from the hospital.Joanna, who had been all smiles for days, found her grin vanishing the moment she laid eyes on Chloe.In her mind, Chloe had tried to use the child in her womb to secure her place, and now that she had lost the baby, her bargaining chip was gone. Even if she didn't take her own life, she should at least be devastated—frail, despondent, a step away from death.Yet, after a week, Chloe looked radiant, her complexion even more glowing than before!There was no sign of grief over losing her child—she was laughing and