"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
Joseph propped up his chin with one hand, his gaze icy and piercing as it landed on Chloe's face.His tone brooked no opposition as he commanded, "From now on, stay away from Icarus."Confused, Chloe protested, "But why? Nothing happened between us, and I don't have any feelings for him.""You might not, but I can see clearly that he has feelings for you." Joseph furrowed his brow, his gaze bereft of emotion. "Or do you simply enjoy being admired by others?""If you can see that I have no such feelings for Icarus, why can't you trust me?""Hah!" Joseph sneered, his nostrils flaring with disdain. "If there truly is nothing between you, then you should maintain your distance from him. Don't think for a moment that I'm unaware of your intentions. You're keeping him as a backup plan, ready to go to him as soon as you leave me. Those occasional dates with him only serve to reinforce that fact."Chloe met Joseph's cold gaze, her frustration was evident as she explained, "No, that's not
Chloe stood there, her mouth agape, as she watched the man in front of the computer fully immerse himself in his work.With a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her, she picked up the scattered documents from the floor and slammed the door shut as she left.In the marketing department, there were only a few people remaining, including Wendy. However, she was already packing up. She glanced at the Estrenian documents in Chloe's hands, and a perplexed expression appeared on her face."Do you need to translate these?" she asked."Yes, Ms. Wendy," Chloe replied."But isn't that Translations’ job? Who assigned you this task?" Wendy questioned.Chloe clenched her teeth and forced a smile on her face. "Apart from Mr. Joseph, who else has the authority to do so?"Still perplexed, Wendy asked, "Doesn't Mr. Joseph know that you belong to Marketing? It must have been a misunderstanding. Just explain it to him.""He knows." Chloe sighed, not wanting to delve further into the matter. "Ms
Hearing the pleading voice on the other end of the phone, Chloe hesitated for a moment before agreeing to the delivery man.Following the instructions he gave her, Chloe stepped out of Fairlight, only to be instantly assaulted by a gust of cold and damp wind. The icy tendrils cut through her clothing, causing a shiver to run down her spine.After walking about half a mile, she arrived at a residential building. Despite the inviting glow, a sense of unease washed over her. With a flicker of wariness crossing her beautiful face, she made a quick and decisive decision. She halted in her tracks and, trusting her instincts, hung up the phone. Without wasting another moment, she turned around and doubled back to Fairlight.Chloe quickened her pace, her high heels splashing up water from puddles on the road. In her haste, a misstep threatened to send her tumbling to the ground, but she managed to regain her balance just in time.Yet, as if guided by an unseen force, she inexplicably turne
After Chloe calmed herself, she realized that the place she was in resembled the villa she lived in while overseas five years ago. However, upon closer inspection, the exterior scenery was different. She realized something and froze."Did you build a villa identical to the one I stayed in five years ago?" she asked.Noah was busy bandaging himself. Upon hearing her question, he replied, "Yeah, doesn't it look almost identical?"Chloe's gaze swept over every item in the room, and she admitted that she was touched. She turned back to Noah and looked at him gently as if she had returned to the time when she simply treated him as a little brother."How did you convince Tiffany to cooperate with you?"Tiffany had made her move while Noah distracted Desmond."I just told her about it, and she agreed."Chloe asked, "Do you think you’re treating her fairly?"Noah said flatly, "I’ll compensate her."Compensate? How? Chloe thought that youth was the most precious thing in the world, but
In the Whitman family home, Joseph went to deal with a bunch of urgent company matters after putting Jasper to sleep. By the time he finished, it was already past three in the morning. He contemplated calling Chloe to ask about Noah's situation, but thinking it might disrupt her sleep, he abandoned the idea.When Joseph woke up the next day, it was already half past six. He recalled Chloe mentioning that Exotic Star had a new product launching today and that she would have to wake up early. He reached for his phone on the table, intending to call her.However, his hand slipped and the phone fell to the floor. The loud thud caused his heart to tremble. He stared at the shattered phone screen as he got a bad feeling. He grabbed his spare phone and quickly dialed Chloe's number. After ringing for some time, a cold, mechanical voice informed him that there was no one available to answer at the moment. Without hesitation, he immediately headed to the Sullivan Manor. When Joseph got ther
“Yes, Grandpa, and I hope you won't stop me when the time comes," Noah said. "You're not discussing this with me. You're just informing me!" Desmond said exasperatedly. "I'm sorry, Grandpa.”Desmond hemmed and hawed for a long while, at a loss for words. He seemed to age ten years as he stared into the distance through the window. After a while, he said, "I've already had someone contact doctors abroad regarding your condition, so don't worry. All you have to do now is just focus on recovering. Don't give up so soon."Sensing Desmond's determination, Noah's eyes filled with tears. He too wished to spend a few more years with his grandfather.When they arrived at the Sullivan manor, the foreign doctors had replied. Upon learning that the renowned healer, Z, had treated Noah but only achieved limited success, they decided not to intervene.Noah was not discouraged by this. He comforted Desmond and said, "Grandpa, I would like to go abroad for a few days. It's been a long time sin
Half an hour later, Desmond and Noah walked out of the ward together.Desmond said, "The doctor told you to stay in the hospital for a few more days, so why don't you just listen? If something happens to you again, they can treat you immediately."Noah smiled warmly and said, "It's okay. The medical equipment at home is sufficient."Desmond sighed. It would be good if Noah stayed at home as well. At least there would be more pairs of eyes on him.Desmond instructed the driver to come to the hospital’s basement car park. When he hung up the phone, he looked around the corridor and wondered, "Wasn't Chloe just sitting here? Where is she?"Noah did not say anything and just lowered his head."And where's Tiffany too? Call her. We need to go home," Desmond said as he took his phone out to call Chloe.However, Chloe did not answer his call. Noah did not call Tiffany. Instead, he said, "Her brother had something to discuss with her, so he came by and brought her home. Maybe Chloe ha
Chloe looked at Tiffany and said sarcastically, "Not everyone is willing to contribute their entire life knowing that the other person doesn't like them."Tiffany had a heart problem. She might die at any moment, yet she chose to live around someone who did not love her back. Chloe often marveled at the greatness of love, but she would never possess such a sacrificial spirit.Tiffany laughed coldly. "It’s because I have compassion and you don't. When Xavia died before your eyes, you just coldly stared at her body."Chloe raised her head sharply, glared at Tiffany, and shouted at the top of her lungs, "Xavia took my child, stole my man, and wrecked my marriage! She nearly got me killed several times! If she hadn’t died, it might have been me! I should've celebrated her death with fireworks! None of you know what I've been through, so stop pointing fingers at me!"At first, she had felt responsible for Xavia's death, but she had since come to her senses. Xavia's death had nothing to
Desmond was taken aback that he even forgot his cane and almost tripped on the carpet. He quickly got back up and headed for the second floor. The butler immediately called for an ambulance while the other housekeepers guided the panicked guests away.Chloe furrowed her brows, following Desmond into Noah's bedroom. The curtains were drawn tightly, blocking out all light. But just standing at the door, one could detect the strong scent of rust from inside.A helper flipped a switch, and the room was flooded with light. The wooden furniture was neatly arranged while neatly folded clothes sat on the sofa.Chloe looked around but did not see Noah. She then looked toward the bathroom and her face sank.Tiffany pointed to the bathroom and said, "He's in there."Desmond trembled as he pushed open the bathroom door. Inside was a mess, with red stains covering the floor. Noah was in the bathtub, his wet clothes clinging to his body. His arms hung limply over the tub's edge, and his head sl
Chloe did not know how to answer."Say something. You wanted her dead, right? Are you happy now that she is dead?!” Kenneth shouted angrily at her, his eyes bloodshot and his gaze piercing.He was so loud that it drew the attention of many nearby. Callum and Joseph rushed over, and Joseph shielded Chloe behind him. He pushed Kenneth back several steps and said sternly, "Never speak of that woman in front of Chloe again. Otherwise, there'll be consequences!""Hah! Are you protecting a murderer?" Kenneth laughed. "Oh yeah, you’re both responsible for Xavia's death after all."Smack!Callum slapped Kenneth across the face, instantly silencing him. "Get a grip, Ken! Xavia deserved to die. Stop embarrassing yourself in front of Chloe.”Kenneth held his face as he muttered, "Yeah, you're right… Xavia should’ve died. She was evil. She deceived and took advantage of me… She should die..."Then why was he so tormented over her death? He could not sleep or eat. He knew Xavia deserved th
Joseph frowned. "Of course not. Her death has nothing to do with you. Promise me you won’t think such thoughts."The unexpected turn of events caught both Chloe and him off guard. Xavia clearly wanted to haunt Chloe forever by killing herself in front of her. Although he felt shocked, he was not deeply shaken. After all, he had not witnessed Xavia's jump, and Xavia probably thought that the third floor was not enough to kill her. After all, being in the hospital for treatment was better than being detained by the police.Chloe looked at Joseph with vacant eyes and smiled bitterly. "You're right. It’s good that she's finally dead. She got what she deserved, and I should be happy," she said."Exactly. Even if she didn't jump, the police would’ve arrested her," Joseph said gently, "It's my fault for asking you to buy us some time. If she comes back as a ghost to haunt you, I'll stop her."Joseph, Tyson, and a few officers had arrived just moments after Xavia jumped. He had brought a g
Everyone erupted into gasps. As a deafening crash came from below, the staff scattered. Some ran downstairs to try and rescue Iris. Some who had rushed to the windows shouted anxiously, "She's still alive!"Everyone around Chloe was running as her mind was filled with an endless ringing. The whole world became a blur. She never imagined that things would end like this. The meeting hall was on the third floor. It was not too high, but it could be fatal if one were to land on their head. Everyone's accusatory gaze fell on Chloe, and the crowd started to murmur."Damn, how could she do this to Iris? Do you think she’ll be haunted by nightmares tonight?""Yeah, why does she insist that Iris is Xavia?""What if Iris dies? Won’t Ms. Chloe indirectly become a murderer?""Do you think Iris will come for revenge in the middle of the night when she dies?"Something inside Chloe snapped, and she shouted, "It wasn't me! What she did has nothing to do with me!"Her outburst silenced the ro