After parting ways with Michael, Chloe spent some time alone. The essence of the matter was not a big deal for her, but it all became different once deception was involved, especially when Joseph used that all-knowing gaze of his to openly remind her all the time. It made her uncomfortable.Clutching the business card Michael had given her, she hesitated for a moment before decisively crumpling it and tossing it into the nearby trash bin. She did not need to rely on others to learn about Noah. She was determined to uncover the truth herself.The company's accounts and Noah's private accounts were kept entirely separate, but Noah had always been open with Chloe about his financial matters. Accessing his bank account was a straightforward task.Sitting in her car, Chloe retrieved the laptop from the back seat and placed it on her lap. Her fingers danced across the keyboard as she logged in to Noah’s account. His expenses appeared to be simple and minimal, which made it easy for her to
Noah gazed at her, his eyes flickering with sadness as he sighed, "Don't you trust me?"Chloe shook her head. "It's not that. I just find it too coincidental."Both sides held their ground. Under normal circumstances, she would not even entertain the thought of doubting Noah. To her, Michael was an insignificant figure. Noah was different. He had been a constant pillar of support, rescuing her from the most difficult of situations. She was not sure if she could have made it through that tough period without him. But having endured numerous hardships, from an unfortunate family background to an ill-fated relationship, Chloe had become increasingly sensitive to such matters.The atmosphere was delicate, akin to thin ice on the verge of shattering with the slightest touch."Coco…" Noah gently held her shoulders, his eyes showing a hint of restrained bitterness. "Rumors are dreadful. After all this time we've spent together, don't you know what kind of person I am?"Chloe met his gaze
Ophelia's gaze also fell on Chloe. Their eyes met, and Ophelia boldly scanned Chloe up and down. Unfazed by the scrutiny, Chloe held up her gown with elegance and continued walking gracefully toward the crowd.Kenneth noticed Chloe as well. His gentle and indulgent expression instantly turned gloomy. He swiftly positioned himself to shield Ophelia, as if he were afraid of Chloe going off the rails. Chloe caught his actions in her peripheral vision and smiled in slight amusement. She was aware of Xavia's tendencies to act pitiful, and it seemed like she had done it again.Noah immediately put down his wine glass and approached Chloe as she stepped out, taking her hand as his eyes displayed tenderness and affection. "You took pretty long to get ready. Are you hungry? Sit down and have something to eat first.""I'm a little hungry, but also tired," Chloe replied. She had spent three long hours sitting still in front of the mirror, getting her makeup and hair done. And that was discou
"Get lost before I lose my temper. And stop embarrassing your father," Chloe retorted, her demeanor cold as ice.Ophelia chuckled tauntingly, "You're so naive. I'm the delicate flower your father has pampered for over twenty years. Do you really think he'll take your side? That’s never going to happen."Chloe's jaw tightened as she picked up the wine glass from the table and splashed its contents on Ophelia.Ophelia froze for a moment, her eyes narrowing with anger as she looked down at her expensive dress now stained with wine. "How dare you splash wine on me!"Were commoners not supposed to be subservient and obedient? How was this woman so audacious? Does her father secretly support her from behind?"What else am I supposed to do? Tolerate you?" Chloe's voice remained composed. She stood tall, exuding an unwavering aura. "Is it standard practice for royals to cause trouble at other’s engagement banquet?”Ophelia felt her throat tightening, unable to refute yet unwilling to bac
Upon realizing what Joseph meant, Chloe blushed with embarrassment and glared at him irritably. "No thanks."She did not realize that her anger appeared more like shyness. Joseph was only intending to tease her, but her reaction reminded him of the intensity of their encounter that night. He gulped, suppressing the urge to dominate her, and returned to the topic at hand. "I'm serious. This medication will speed up your recovery. The nether region is a delicate area, regardless of whether it's a man or woman."It had been years since he had been with anyone, and combined with Chloe taking the initiative, he had not been able to control his strength properly. He wondered why Chloe did not ask the doctor for some medication.Chloe took a deep breath and willed her embarrassment away. "Didn’t I pay you enough? Have you come to ask for more?"Without giving him a chance to respond, she sized him up languidly and added, "You're right. With a body like yours, it must cost an arm a night,
Upon hearing this, Chloe fell silent for a moment. "I may not be able to handle Duskfall."That organization was too dangerous, and even though she knew their objectives, she dared not to provoke them easily."I'll be by your side." Joseph paused, then added, "By the way, Vanya’s still alive."The image of a sinister fox mask took shape in Chloe’s mind, sending shivers down her spine. Her nerves tightened as she asked, "What?"Joseph briefly explained Vanya’s capture and the deal she made with Cyrus. Chloe was shocked to discover that Joseph had kept Vanya captive all these years, and even more shocked to learn that the Sinclairs had so heartlessly abandoned Vanya."I don't need you to do anything. I have my plans, and they’ll eventually pay for their transgressions," Joseph said calmly, but Chloe could sense the raging hatred beneath his surface composure.She pursed her lips. "Is Vanya important to your plan?""Yes, she's well-informed of Duskfall's secrets.""Then ask her ab
"Leah, how could you be like Father and not take my side?""Why did you insist on marrying a controversial woman?" Ophelia retorted, "Ordinary people would have reservations about marrying divorcees, let alone an actress. Besides being pretty, she doesn't have any other merits. She’s ill-suited for you, and she's not up to our standards.""If she's controversial, it only means that people are jealous of her. If Vee wasn't outstanding, why would people be discussing her?" Kenneth said in Xavia’s defense. "You're still young and don't understand these things."Ophelia, who was originally upset with her father, now directed her anger at her brother. She stared at Kenneth as if he were an idiot and said, "I can't believe how stupid you become when in love.""How could you say that to me, Leah? I’ve never said such words to you when you were dating someone." Although he disliked Otto, he had not stopped his sister from getting to know him. Why was it different now that he was in a relat
Noah chuckled softly. His voice was somewhat hoarse as he said, "You're criticizing me because of an outsider? If it were Joseph, would you call off the engagement?"Clenching her jaw, Chloe said, "It doesn't matter who it is. Let's focus on the issue at hand. I’ve promised to be with you, so please stop bringing up his name.""Sure, I’ll stop, but why did you go and see him in secret?"Chloe was stunned. As their eyes met, she noted the restrained anger in his gaze.Noah took a few determined strides forward, closing the distance between them. "You said you were with Emily, but the truth is you spent the whole night with Joseph. Even then, I forgave you and pretended like nothing happened. But now, after just a few words from Joseph, you turn the tables and criticize me? Chloe, I've treated you well all these years, can't you see that? In the end, who should be questioning whom?"Chloe was stunned and her heart hitched in her throat. "You knew about that night..."Noah took a de