"No... it's just that my phone ran out of battery." Listening to Lionel's voice, though slightly fiery, Chloe couldn't help but smile. Leaning against the headboard, she lazily imagined the expression on Lionel's face at that moment."Ran out of battery? Is it really that simple?" Lionel's lips twitched. Had he been worrying for nothing? "But it's so late, why aren't you asleep? Where did you go wandering around?"He didn't seem to catch that Chloe had just woken up from sleep."Uh?" Chloe quickly thought of an answer. "I... missed you and couldn't sleep." She didn't try to hide how much she missed him.She knew that Lionel had been working hard during his business trip. She didn't want to complain and make him worry. If he knew, he'd probably rush back immediately. She'd wait for him to come back and talk things through then."Mm..." That was more like it! Lionel's mood immediately lightened, and he smiled into the phone. He blew a kiss into the receiver. "I miss you too. I want to s
On the other side, Flora was in high spirits after sending Chloe away yesterday. She felt a sense of satisfaction, barely stopping herself from laughing out loud like a madwoman.All the servants were now three times more afraid of Flora than before.Chloe's expulsion was a vivid example to them. They understood now: as long as they flattered Flora, they'd be fine; otherwise, they'd end up like Chloe—mercilessly kicked out of the house.Mandy and several of the servants were heartbroken by Chloe's departure, and even Grace felt somewhat unsettled.Although Grace didn't like Chloe, she disliked Flora even more. Watching Flora's seductive gaze and her condescending attitude as she bossed everyone around made Grace grind her teeth in silent disdain."My breakfast?!" Flora demanded, rubbing her stomach as she called out to Grace."It's already prepared! You can eat now!" Grace lowered her head, and the other servants did the same, unwilling to look at Flora's smug expression."Mm..." Flor
Flora, having been slapped twice across the face, was fuming. She grabbed Donna and shoved her aside. "You bitch, are you out of your mind?"Donna, no match for Flora, was pushed to the ground after a few shoves and pulls.Chloe couldn't stay calm anymore. It was her mother and her sister who had caused her to be in this situation. She should have felt some satisfaction, but instead, she felt neither joy nor relief, and she couldn't bear to watch.No matter how many mistakes her mother had made, Donna was still the one who had given her life!"Flora, aren't you afraid of retribution?" Chloe yelled, shoving Flora aside and helping Donna up from the floor."You dare push me? I've never liked you, and now I'm going to tear you apart!"It seemed Flora had forgotten how Chloe had responded the day before. Did she think Chloe would still be the same easy target she once was?Flora grabbed Chloe by the collar and made a vicious attempt to scratch Chloe's face. This was the face that had ensn
"Amos, please!" At this moment, Flora didn't care about where they were or who was watching. She suddenly dropped to her knees in front of him. "I was wrong! Please, spare my child. I promise, I'll never come here again, no—no matter where I am, I won't go near her again, I swear!"As she spoke, her eyes widened in horror, and tears streamed down her face."I don't believe you!" Amos growled."No!" Flora screamed in panic. "You have to believe me! I swear I'll keep my word! My child is innocent. If you harm my child, then just kill me now!"She collapsed on the floor, crying uncontrollably, refusing to let Amos drag her out.She knew this time Amos was serious. If she left this building, her child would be finished."You!" The people in the hall stared at the scene, and even those passing by outside paused out of curiosity.Amos's face twisted in anger, but, aware of his current position, he yanked his hand away from Flora, his voice low but filled with threat. "If I catch you doing t
In the blink of an eye, Lionel had been away on a business trip for an entire week.Although Chloe diligently called Lionel every day and even initiated video calls during her lunch breaks at the art center, this short week felt like an eternity. She felt as if she could no longer bear it. Every cell in her body screamed for him, driving her to the brink of madness with longing.Today at noon, when she tried to video call Lionel, his phone was unexpectedly turned off. Was he too busy, or had something happened to him? Chloe couldn't help but let her thoughts spiral.Barely making it through the morning, she tried calling again for the Nth time in the afternoon, only to be met with the same result—his phone was still off. Her unease grew. Thoughts of something terrible happening to Lionel flooded her mind, making her restless. Her eyelid twitched uncontrollably, and she struggled to suppress the tears welling up in her eyes.After work, Chloe returne
Chloe suppressed the wild excitement surging in her heart, straining her ears to listen carefully to the commotion outside the door."Chloe, open the door!" Lionel's voice sounded again.It really was him! The voice outside the door unmistakably belonged to Lionel!Chloe's lips twitched. She leaped off the bed, not even bothering to put on her shoes, and dashed to the door.The moment she pulled it open and Lionel's handsome face appeared before her eyes, a lump formed in her throat. Unable to utter a word, she threw herself into his arms.Fortunately, Lionel was strong and steady, catching her without faltering.Their warm bodies clung tightly together, as if neither of them wanted to let go.Not far away, Donna observed the two embracing at the door, a faint smile of relief gracing her lips. It was the first moment of solace she'd felt in a week.At least, he didn't seem like someone who only wanted to toy with Chloe. But whe
The morning light had long filled the room, and the two people lying in bed remained in each other's embrace.The man was handsome, the woman enchanting—a perfect picture of warmth and happiness.Finally, Lionel's sleepy eyes fluttered open, and the sight of Chloe's flushed, peaceful face filled his vision. His heart swelled instantly, full to the brim with affection.He didn't need to check the time; he already knew it was late. The man who usually calculated every second and treated time like gold now only wished to hold his Chloe and drift back into this blissful sleep.Closing his eyes greedily, he inhaled her warm, intoxicating breath.Chloe was awake, too. No matter how tired she had been the night before, she had long since rested enough. Yet, like Lionel, she was content to stay in his arms, reluctant to let the moment end.Finally, their eyes met, and without hesitation, Lionel pulled her into a deep kiss. Their lips lingered
Feeling exhilarated, Lionel sped all the way to the Art Center in his car.Once there, he dragged Chloe into his office and passionately tangled with her, leaving him in an even better mood as he waited for her to finish work.At noon, the two of them emerged from a restaurant, arm in arm. The moment Lionel looked up, he saw Geoffrey leaning against the hood of his car, his face stiff as he stared at them."Wait for me in the car," Lionel said, planting a kiss on Chloe's hair before ushering her into the car. He had no intention of giving Geoffrey even the slightest chance to covet her.Still not giving up, huh?The gentleness Lionel reserved for Chloe disappeared as his eyes turned cold and merciless. He strode toward Geoffrey with an icy demeanor."Still not ready to quit?" Lionel sneered mockingly.Geoffrey chuckled darkly. "You think you're so smart? Smart enough to lose billions? Smart enough to get played by women over and over?
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