"I don’t want to go. I don't know her," Chloe protested, feeling uncomfortable with the idea, especially with Joseph present."It's fine, she's quite easy to get along with. Let's go. I just helped you drive away that old man, so you can't turn me down now," Adam insisted, half pulling and half dragging Chloe with him.Alexander and Joseph had just concluded their conversation. Seated beside them was a meaty girl with fair skin, standing about 165 centimeters tall and weighing about 55 kilograms. Her complexion radiated a noble elegance and refinement, characteristic of a privileged upbringing.Eleanor became nervous when she saw Chloe returning with Adam, intertwining her small hands together tightly and showing a vigilant expression.There were two available seats in the room, one next to Adam and the other next to Joseph. To avoid arousing suspicion, Chloe opted for the latter. As she settled down beside him, he cast a glance at her, his deep eyes seemingly bottomless, piercing
"Sir, it's not what you think. The weather today is simply too hot, and I've been sweating a lot," the staff nervously explained."That's your problem.""Y-Yes... I apologize, sir."Joseph firmly held onto Chloe's hand and started walking away. Chloe glanced down at their intertwined fingers, her confusion growing as she wondered, 'He completely ignored me all afternoon, and now he's acting all strange again?'Attempting to free her hand, Chloe pulled with all her strength, but Joseph's grip remained unyielding."What are you doing?""Escorting you.""...I don't need you to escort me.""Shut up."Chloe was on the verge of speaking, but suddenly her stomach churned, and she immediately covered her mouth and began to retch.Joseph's face darkened instantly. "Do I disgust you?""No, it's not that. I just feel a bit nauseous."His expression softened slightly, and he asked coldly, "Is it an upset stomach?""It's not that. I'm not sure what's wrong."After fully moving out of
Chloe froze for a few moments before realizing what he was saying. She proudly tilted her chin up and asked, "Well, am I clever or what?"Her almond eyes had just shed tears, giving them a slight redness. However, her mischievous and spirited nature remained evident, unable to be hidden.A suffocating sensation gripped Joseph's chest as he observed her. ‘She shouldn't have to worry about her safety in life. She should live carefree, just like the shameless little vixen she used to be.’"Let me find you a bodyguard.”A peculiar expression flickered across Chloe's innocent face. "Are you worried about me?" she asked."Mh-mm."She was taken aback, her eyes brimming with joy. But before she could fully embrace the moment, Joseph interjected with a sobering remark. "If something happens to you, no one will be able to handle the old man for me.""...There’s no need for that!"Joseph leaned in, cupping her cheeks with both hands, teasingly saying, "Do you really think I'm worried abou
Chloe agreed and quickly freshened up before heading out. Strangely, Tyson did not ask her to meet at the police station but instead suggested meeting at a nearby park.As soon as she saw him, she got straight to the point, "How’s the investigation going? Did the perpetrator confess?"The man who had attempted to harm her had been severely injured by Noah's intervention and had lost a significant amount of blood. When he was apprehended, he had already lost consciousness. After receiving medical treatment, he had only regained consciousness yesterday.Tyson shook his head, "He didn't confess. In fact, he even attempted suicide. But we will continue to follow up on the case until we obtain a confession."Chloe let out a sigh. She had not anticipated the criminal's unwavering loyalty, willing to resort to suicide rather than disclose his accomplices."It's not what you might think. His suicide attempt is likely driven by a sense of shame and disgrace as a man. Moreover, our investig
The doctor's words echoed in her ears, but she did not absorb them in the slightest. She muttered to herself, "But I took contraceptives. I took them every time.""Contraceptive pills are not 100% effective," the doctor kindly reminded her as he observed her expression. "About the child, it's no doubt a significant decision, and it's important that you consider all your options. If you decide not to continue with the pregnancy, we can arrange for hospitalization and schedule an abortion as soon as possible. Just remember that time is of the essence as you may not be able to terminate the pregnancy later on.""I don't know...""Take your time to think about it."In a daze, Chloe walked out of the hospital. She absentmindedly raised her hand and gently touched her still-flat belly, her mind engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions. Instead of hailing a cab, she opted to slowly walk back home. She began to ponder her situation, ‘Being one month pregnant means that it isn’t from the time at
"Hehe, you've figured it out." Emily playfully twirled a strand of her hair before adopting a serious tone. "Actually, you can look at this matter from a multifaceted perspective. For example, you own a small company now. While you may not be filthy rich, you don’t have to worry about your basic needs and you can afford to hire help and provide for your children. But now, imagine an ordinary working woman from an average family background, education, and job skills, who’s in the midst of building her career. For her, being a single mother presents a tremendous challenge. Besides, don't you find nurturing a baby into an adult incredibly rewarding?"Chloe's heart softened as she listened, and her eyes gleamed. "It's not just about finding fulfillment. It's about finding redemption."With Emily's support, Chloe suddenly saw things in a new light. Since she could not bear to let go, then she would stay. After all, she had the means to provide for the child. Joseph was Joseph, and she was
Chloe grew flustered, her face alternating between shades of red and white. "No, it's not.""There can't be anyone else but him." Noah shook his head determinately. "You don't have feelings for Icarus."Being with Icarus was an act of gratitude and appreciation, but it was not love. He would not have resorted to such despicable means to hold onto her if she truly had feelings for him."How did you know?""So I was right." Noah concealed his emotions, burying them deep within his eyes. Taking on the role of an observer, curiosity tinged with heartache seeped into his voice. "You and Joseph were already divorced a month ago. Did he force himself on you?"Chloe's body tensed. "Please don't ask. I don't want to talk about it.""I'm sorry. I shouldn't interfere with your personal affairs. Some of the things I'm about to say may not be pleasant to hear, but as a friend, I don't want you to be trapped in this situation. I must say my piece," Noah said sincerely."Xavia has been taken t
Joseph's anger transformed into a mocking smile, his lips curling with derision. "Yes, of course. I'm your senior."Noah's expression stiffened, and he remained silent."What’s the relationship between Ava and Calvin?" Joseph asked, his eyes seemingly capable of peering into the depths of all things.Noah found this amusing and said, "If you want to know, why don't you ask Calvin directly? What does it have to do with me?""Whether it's Calvin, Ava, or even you, or perhaps the Sullivans, there must be a definite connection," Joseph said, his tone brimming with certainty.Setting his jaw tightly, Noah replied, "Then go ahead and investigate."Joseph's smile turned enigmatic, and a glimmer of confidence flickered across his handsome face. "I will."He realized that Noah was hiding something and that this situation was more complex than it seemed. It was crucial to conduct an investigation and warn Chloe. After all, a polished facade could be misleading, and he suspected that Noah
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