Chloe jolted from her daydream and swiftly closed the web browser with a guilty conscience."Coming," she replied.On the first floor in the living room, Joseph had also changed into his home attire. His navy blue long-sleeved shirt and long pants softened his demeanor, making him appear less distant and more approachable. However, his scrutinizing gaze in his eyes seemed unfriendly."What were you doing holed up in your room?" he inquired."I was just changing," Chloe replied, her gaze on his clear but distant face. She recalled Jane’s remarks, but she suppressed the sudden surge of sourness and kept a composed smile. "Different rules for the mighty, right?"Chloe and Joseph shared something in common. Upon returning home, they would change, taking off the ones they had worn outside for the day. Wearing outside clothes indoors felt unclean to them.Joseph smirked and responded, "It only takes five minutes to change. You've been in there for forty-two minutes."His sarcastic and
Ava was dressed in a delicate white dress, laughing and joking with a stranger. Her enchanting demeanor made the man next to her blush."I'm relying on you for this case.""No problem. It's just a small matter. But can you handle your alcohol? You don’t look like a wild one...""I can handle some. Lawyers like you must have a challenging time in their daily work. Today is a good opportunity for you to unwind.""Then I'll follow your lead. Thanks to the timely rain outside, it has created this chance. It's an honor to have your company, Ms. Ava."In just a few sentences, Chloe grasped the situation at hand. Without hesitation, she boldly approached the pair, a sneer on her face.As soon as Ava caught sight of Chloe, her previously joyful expression turned serious. The man beside her observed the sudden change and inquired, "What's the matter?"Ava’s lips tightened into a line and whispered, "I just saw my sister."The man paused, following her gaze, and his eyes landed on Chloe,
Upon hearing these words, a surge of anger coursed through Chloe's entire being.Her voice turned cold as she roared, "You dare to do such a thing?!""You'll find out soon enough." Ava's eyes darted around, and a sudden idea sparked in her mind. "Daddy’s birthday party is in a few days. If you attend, I’ll permanently destroy all of Emily's photos, and we can have a proper discussion about this. Seeing as we’re sisters, I truly don't want to take this to court.""Aren’t you afraid I'll report you to the authorities?" Chloe suppressed her anger, her eyes burning with an intense fire."Yes, I am. But I’ll advise you not to ruin Emily's life for your temporary satisfaction. A girl who experiences such a blow may have suicidal thoughts."Chloe's eyes turned red, and her pupils contracted. She knew. She knew it all too well.She understood the devastating impact those photos would have on Emily. Other than her mother, Emily was closest to her—her oldest and dearest friend. Furthermore
"If you refuse to obey me, who else would you listen to?" Joseph disregarded the first part of her sentence, gripping her chin tightly as he questioned her coldly.According to customs from the olden days, a husband was traditionally regarded as the center of a wife's world, and it was expected of her to obey him dutifully.Joseph's intensity instantly grew, causing Chloe to gulp nervously. "I mean, our relationship is somewhat unequal. We should treat each other with respect.""Fine, as long as our capabilities match.""But even if I don't match, there should still be some humanity. I cook for you every day and even have to flatter you as Toto does. I’m a living, breathing person, and I deserve to be treated with dignity!""What's wrong with being like Toto?" Joseph raised his chin slightly. "Do you know that many people in the world envy Toto's life?”Chloe gazed at the Border Collie lying by the door, its luxurious bed imported from abroad and costing tens of thousands. A mere
Hearing Lucas’ words, Chloe felt a warmth in her heart, although she was aware that it stemmed from Joseph's possessiveness. Nevertheless, she could not deny that he was being attentive to her needs this time."Well, I'm grateful to him," she replied.Lucas smiled and nodded in response.Inside the banquet hall, everyone was elegantly dressed. Benjamin and Ava stood at the entrance, welcoming the arriving guests. It appeared that the dissolution of Ava’s marriage to the Coopers had little impact on their attitude.As soon as Ava spotted Chloe, she rushed over and embraced her affectionately. "Coco, you're here. Let me walk you inside."Chloe discreetly shrugged Ava off, maintaining an expressionless face. "I can go in on my own."Ava paused, concealing her hidden malice behind a gentle smile. "All right, Jake is inside too. You can sit with him."Chloe ignored Ava’s instructions and found an empty seat, choosing to sit alone. It had been challenging to distance herself from Jake
Pursing her lips, Chloe said, "I guess so. He has helped me a lot, and there's no turning back now."With the contract signed, resisting was meaningless. It was better to go along with it and avoid unnecessary trouble. Besides, she could not win against that guy in an argument anyway.Hearing her response, Icarus looked at her with tender eyes and said, "You can tell me. I'll help you. I don't want to see you suffer.""No, no, it’s fine. I'll work hard on my own," she replied.Three years was not a short time. However, she was young and still had much time ahead of her."You don't have to treat me like an outsider. I may not be as wealthy as Mr. Joseph, but I do have some assets. If you ever face difficulties, I can help you anytime, anywhere, as long as you don't..."'As long as you don't degrade yourself like this.'Chloe was deeply moved, and a relieved smile appeared on her fair face. "I really am okay. You should focus your energy on your own matters. I'm not someone who fu
Benjamin took a square box from Karen and handed it to Chloe."These are the assets your mother entrusted to me for you. It consists of liquid assets worth 70 grand and jewelry worth 300 grand. I didn't give it to you earlier because I was concerned that you might spend it recklessly due to your young age. However, circumstances have changed now. You’ve grown up and developed your own thoughts. I believe I can trust you completely.""Coco, don't be angry with your father," Karen added."Yeah, Coco. It's better for our family to stand together. I'll take care of Daddy. All you have to do is try not to make him angry," Ava said.At that moment, the media rushed in, capturing the scene of a "family reunion” as their cameras clicked away. The intense glare of the flashing lights blinded Chloe, causing her to take a step back involuntarily. At that very moment, she noticed the diamond necklace around Ava's neck.Chloe could not help but laugh at their audacity. She had not expected the
When Joseph called Lucas, Lucas was still waiting outside of the restaurant."Sir, Ms. Chloe hasn't come out yet. Have you finished your business? Are you coming over?" Lucas asked."Why aren't you keeping an eye on her? What have you been doing?" Joseph's cold voice cut through the phone, carrying a palpable sense of oppression and undeniable anger."Sir..." Lucas keenly sensed Joseph’s anger, and it was particularly intense. The hairs on his arms stood on end. "I've been waiting right outside the restaurant. I haven't moved an inch.""Who told you to wait outside? What are you supposed to see by waiting there?"Lucas was tongue-tied.'It was you who told me to wait outside!' he shouted inwardly."Should I go in now?" he asked."Don't let her stay inside for too long," Joseph commanded.He was annoyed seeing that woman talking to another man.Ending the call, Joseph swiftly wrapped up the video conference, smoothly uttering a few sentences in a foreign language before briskl