"What?"Earl and Jacob shouted in unison, springing to their feet.They stared at Flora, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. Although their eyes betrayed their uncertainty, they were sure they hadn't misheard."I'm pregnant," Flora replied, feigning a timid tone as she lightly rested her hand on her still-flat stomach. Her quick glance took in the shifting emotions on Earl and Jacob's faces.They were stunned, but beneath the initial shock, she could clearly see fleeting traces of delight.With a touch of melancholy, she added, "I know that no matter what I say now, it won't matter. I'm not worthy of giving birth to Lionel's child. But all I'm asking is…"Thud!To everyone's surprise, Flora dropped to her knees at Earl's feet, sobbing. "Grandpa, I beg you—please spare my child! I may be worthless, but the child is innocent. I thought about hiding this and giving birth in secret, but I know with your influence, no matter where I run, you'd find out eventually…"Flora's grie
Chloe really didn't expect Lionel to actually get so worked up over a child, her lips twitching as she tried to explain, "Actually, I was just trying to pacify him…""Pacify?" Lionel couldn't stop himself from nitpicking, "Seems like you've forgotten your place. Do you want me to remind you? Is your back still sore?"Chloe's face flushed, and she hit his chest with her fist, "You jerk! How dare you say that!"She pouted, turning her head away in a huff.Lionel's gaze softened, and his voice became gentler, "You're mine, and no one else is allowed to have you!" He still spoke possessively, turning Chloe's face to face him before lowering his head and capturing her lips in a kiss."Mmm... you... jerk..." Chloe's muffled protests were swallowed up by Lionel's kiss.At first, she struggled a little, but soon she lost herself in the kiss, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck, her body hanging against him."Chloe... you're mine..." After the kiss ended, Lionel, his voice rough, s
Lionel sped home and found not only his grandfather but also his father, Jacob, and Madge standing in the yard.What the hell was going on? Lionel's lips curled into a mocking smile. What could be so important that they had to come together like this?His estranged father was here too—what a miracle!His face darkened, and Lionel got out of the car, giving Barton a few orders before he left.Walking up behind the group, Lionel coldly sneered, "What's going on here? What brings you all here?"Hearing this, everyone turned around to face him.It was then that Lionel saw, to his surprise, a face that looked exactly like hers. At first, he only saw her back and thought she was his father's latest mistress.It was Flora Miller. She had the audacity to come to his house!He hadn't yet gotten around to confronting her for the things she did, drugging his drink and all the filthy things that followed, but now she had the nerve to show up at his door!She must have a death wish!His face darke
A mocking grin curled on Lionel's lips as he coldly spoke. "Grandfather, are you joking? You say she's pregnant with my child—do you have any proof? I've never touched a hair on her head!""Is that the truth?" This time, both Earl and Jacob could no longer stay quiet. They shot furious looks at Flora.If she was lying, she was in deep trouble.Flora's eyes reddened, and under the harsh gaze of the men, she quickly stood up and fell to her knees with a thud."Grandfather, I swear, the child in my belly is really Lionel's! I'm not lying!" Her face turned pale, and tears streamed down her face in a torrential flood. Her sobs were so genuine, they sounded like pearls falling from a string.Earl and Jacob exchanged another glance before looking back at Lionel.Actually, they had already suspected Flora's words back when they were at Astralis. They weren't fools who could be easily deceived. But considering everything, there was still a high possibility that she was telling the truth, which
The scene before them, with Lionel holding Chloe in his arms and doting on her, was utterly arrogant!In front of everyone, Lionel treated Chloe like a precious gem, holding her close as the entire room stared at the couple. Their gaze was filled with envy and resentment, an inevitable reaction.Suddenly, Flora kneeled and crawled toward Chloe, clutching her legs, crying, "Chloe, I beg you, please... It doesn't matter if Lionel doesn't admit it, but he cannot deny his child... I know he loves you most of all... He listens to you more than anyone, please talk to him. If he admits to the child, I'm willing to divorce him. After the baby is born, I'll disappear and never disturb you again... Chloe... Please, I beg you... Whatever our grievances are, the child is innocent..."Her tragic cries, the desperate pleas, moved everyone who heard them!Chloe was completely confused by Flora's actions, her heart numb. She took a step back, trying to shake off Flora's arms.But Flora held on tightl
"No!" Lionel protested sharply, "Grandpa, you have no idea how malicious she is!""Lion!" Chloe suddenly interrupted Lionel. She had regained her composure and was now staring at Flora's belly coldly. "Flora, you told me yourself that you couldn't get pregnant. And now you're claiming to be carrying a child?"Chloe fixed her gaze on Flora, trying to spot any signs of deceit in her face.Meeting Chloe's eyes, Flora remained unfazed. "Doctors can make mistakes. I can go with you to the hospital right now and get checked to see if I'm really pregnant.""You..." Chloe was shaken again, her body swaying a little. Lionel quickly stepped forward and supported her.At that moment, she felt extremely uncomfortable with Lionel's hand around her waist. She was impulsively tempted to brush it off, but she gritted her teeth and held back.She then turned to Flora and said, "I trust Lionel won't do something like that. We'll wait until the fourth month for a paternity test with amniotic fluid.""Ch
With Barton's reassurance, Chloe's lips curled into a faint smile.Suddenly, she felt the urge to drink, to calm the anxious turmoil inside her. She instructed Barton to take her to a bar.Sipping on red wine, Chloe felt herself growing calmer. A warm flush crept onto her cheeks, and her furrowed brow loosened as the tension in her face eased.As several hungry, admiring gazes floated her way, Barton began to sweat. Chloe's slight, tipsy allure was undeniably captivating. If Lionel were here, he would likely be ready to kill someone!"Madam, let's go home," Barton suggested."No, not yet!" Chloe refilled her glass, waved him off, and took a delicate sip of wine. Her long lashes fluttered as she subtly flirted, her expression full of charm."Madam!" Barton was close to tears. This was getting out of hand. He understood she was upset, but this place was a mix of all sorts of people, and her beauty was causing quite a stir. Men were practically drilling holes in his back with their eyes.
Lionel held Chloe as they stepped through the front door. Flora, who had been waiting in the hallway, immediately stood up, her face bright with a gentle smile as she walked towards them.Chloe's eyes turned icy the moment they met Flora's warm, sweet expression."I've been waiting for you both to have dinner!" Flora said, her false warmth making Chloe flinch.She looked at Lionel with such eagerness, as if they were indeed a loving couple, and then turned to Chloe with an expression that made it seem as though they were nothing but doting sisters. It was almost as if they had no history of discord.How could anyone play the roles of both an angel and a devil so flawlessly? Chloe wondered whether she should feel proud of having such a talented actress for a sister.Frowning, Chloe gave Flora an icy look and walked past her, heading straight upstairs.Lionel snorted coldly, not sparing Flora a single glance, and followed Chloe upstairs.Flora's face twisted in an instant, turning from
A marriage certificate?The sound of Chloe's mind exploding rang out, leaving her dizzy and disoriented. Her legs almost gave way beneath her.Just a moment ago, he had confessed his love for her. While she couldn't quite believe it, it still struck her like a bolt of lightning. And now, a marriage certificate appeared in front of her, leaving her utterly stunned!Her body felt as if it had lost all strength. Her lips trembled, and she suddenly couldn't find her voice.Shaking hands reached out to take the paper from Lionel's hands, bringing it up to her face. The name on it was truly hers, but now it read Chloe Miler Williams, her name followed by his surname.But how could this be?The last time she had left home, she had asked Lionel for proof of his divorce from Flora, but he had refused to give it to her. Now, without any divorce papers, he was presenting her with their marriage certificate?"Chloe, now do you believe me?" Lionel
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