"No, I swear that’s not what I meant." She simply smiled in return, not believing in him in the slightest.Callum felt helpless and turned to look at Joseph. Chloe was overly cautious. She was nothing like her mother, and he had no idea how to get close to her.Joseph did not want to get involved. His own relationship with Chloe was strained. If she learned of his true connection to Callum, she might resent him even more. However, he found it difficult to ignore Callum's cue.After a few seconds of contemplation, he said, "In terms of blood relations, you are Mr. Callum’s daughter. But morally speaking, he never raised you or fulfilled his fatherly responsibilities. However, you can look at the bigger picture.”Meeting Joseph's gaze, Chloe said calmly, "So you want me to compromise and gain benefits from the relationship?"Joseph did not respond or refute. Instead, he took a puff of his cigarette and listened attentively.Chloe took a deep breath. She did not want to waste time
The housekeeper did not know what happened, but seeing how angry Callum was, he nodded respectfully and went to do his bidding.At half past ten in the evening, Kenneth drove into the garage. "Mr. Callum seems to be in a bad mood. be careful and choose your words wisely, Mr. Kenneth," the housekeeper advised him.Kenneth paused in his tracks and asked, "Is it because of my sister again?" His sister was spoiled and stubborn, Even the most harmless of comments from others would upset her."Mr. Callum didn't mention anything. I think it’d be best if you talked to him.""All right."In the living room, Callum’s face sank when he saw Kenneth. He asked, "I heard you found yourself a girlfriend?" "Yes, I planned to tell you and Mom next week," Kenneth replied."Her name is Xavia?""Yes. Vee is a very gentle woman. Although we’ve only known each other for less than a month and know that she has a child, surely everyone makes mistakes. I'm not someone who cares about other people's
Blinking, Chloe asked, "A man's lover? You mean the kind I'm thinking of?""Yes. A man," Noah replied calmly. Her lips twitched, and she seemed puzzled. "Seriously? He doesn't strike me as that kind of person. How could he..."She had read some reports about Michael. He came from a wealthy family, and his journey to fame was inspirational. It was hard to believe that he would compromise himself like that.Sensing Chloe's doubt, Noah continued, "Some people are like that. You can't judge a book by its cover.""Maybe you're right." Chloe shrugged. "Xavia’s that way too." She did not hold much attachment to Michael and was simply curious about it. He was just Exotic Star's cooperative partner. If things did not work out with him, they could replace him.Noah watched Chloe return to her bedroom before heading to the bathroom to freshen up. The large mirror reflected a sophisticated and gentle young man with impeccable features and a warm, amiable demeanor. But upon closer scrutiny
Michael was attending a variety show when this news came out. His agent urgently halted the filming and pulled him backstage. "Have you offended anyone recently? Someone is out to get you.""No, I get along well with people. You know that. Who would want to target me? Are you sure you've got the right person?""Bullshit! It's all over the Internet right now!" his agent retorted. Michael was taken aback. "Let me see."He showed Michael the blurry photos and the article. Michael took a closer look and said, "Damn it! That guy isn't me!""I know it isn’t, but the guy in the photos looks similar to you. That's why I said someone has deliberately set you up. Can you remember who you offended? We need to visit and apologize to them to resolve this scandal."Dumbfounded, Michael said, "I really haven't offended anyone. Who should I apologize to?""I'll give you some time to think while I investigate who’s behind this. This news was released by several major entertainment companies sim
Chloe glanced at Lucas and then checked the time. "It's too late. I won't be going."She was unsure if Callum would be waiting there again, and she had no time to accompany him in another repentance session."There's no one else at the house. Only Mr. Harold and Mr. Jasper," Lucas said as if he knew what she was thinking. "Mr. Joseph promised that it won't be like last time."Still, Chloe insisted, "No, please make sure to schedule the cooking in advance next time. I'm busy, and I'm the Whitmans hired cook.”Lucas hesitated, knowing Joseph would punish him severely if he gave up.Refusing to waste her time, Chloe yawned and walked away."Wait, Ms. Chloe.""I already said that I won't go.""It's not about that. I just want to know if you're still in touch with Emily. If yes, can you please share with me her new number?”Chloe stopped in her tracks. She looked at Lucas curiously and asked, "Do you like Em?"Lucas was stunned for a few seconds. He had not expected such a direct
Shaking his head, Timothy said, "No, we can't do that! We can't enter my parents' room without my mommy's permission."Jasper crossed his arms in front of his chest and said, "Then I won't let you copy my answers in the final test.""What? But…my mommy’s really fierce. I'm scared.""Fine," Jasper cocked an eyebrow. "Then I’ll tell Christy tomorrow that you like her and that you've been hiding her hair ties."This tactic worked like a charm, and Timothy's face turned bright red. He stuttered, "No! Please don't tell Christy! Fine, let’s go…"With his goal achieved, Jasper’s expression softened. He patted Timothy on the shoulder and said, "I’m just curious about the drink. I won't take it without permission. We're still good friends, and you can copy my homework. I'll help you pursue Christy too."Timothy breathed a sigh of relief and patted his chest. "That's good. If my mom finds anything missing, she'll punish me. But how do we get to my house?"Jasper looked around and pulled T
Joseph turned his head and met Jasper's gaze. Seeing the gleam of expectancy in his eyes, he said, "No."Refusing to back down, Jasper pushed the glass of orange juice toward him. "It's freshly squeezed and very delicious. It'll replenish your Vitamin C."Joseph leaned back on the sofa and crossed his arms over his chest. "You’ve never been such a good son before."Jasper was stumped. He began to suspect that Joseph had noticed something. But to Chloe, she felt that Joseph was being unappreciative. After all, Jasper was offering him orange juice. All he had to do was drink it. Why make things difficult for the kid? "It's okay, Jasper. If he doesn't want to drink it, I will," she said, taking the glass from Jasper and boldly taking a few big gulps. It tasted sweet and sour, but there was an unknown flavor that lingered on her tongue. Jasper was stunned. "Ms. Chloe…"Joseph immediately stood up and took the glass from Chloe. He frowned coldly and said, "Why did you drink it?""W
Harold froze, and Chloe caught the fleeting expression of shock that flitted across his eyes. Chloe took a deep breath and clenched her fists. "Is Xavia working for Duskfall?"Harold remained silent. After a long while, he sighed wearily and said, "Chloe, please don't concern yourself with this anymore. Duskfall is a force to be reckoned with. Both you and Joseph are still young. Xavia won't bug him anymore, so you can rest assured. You still have a long life ahead, and since it's already over, you shouldn't get involved again." He had always charged ahead while serving in the military in his younger days. But after an unforeseen family incident, he came to appreciate the value of a peaceful and ordinary life. He understood that things beyond his control were best left untouched. It was not about cowardice. He just did not want to lose those he held dear anymore. "So we're going to do nothing and let them bully us?" Chloe looked at Harold in a daze. "They caused harm and cost us
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