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
Noah's eyes turned red and a twisted smile spread across his face. "No, I don’t. We’re the perfect couple. You and Joseph were just a mistake." He added silently, ‘A mistake to be erased.’Chloe froze and sighed inwardly. "I'm tired. Let’s go to bed," she said.Noah slowly regained his composure and gently cupped her face. "Can you promise me not to see Joseph anymore? I don't want any trouble.""Not for now," Chloe replied in a serious tone, "Vanya’s still alive, and maybe my child too. Duskfall might be hiding him somewhere."Though the possibility was slim, she did not want to give up. She had woken up on countless nights, blaming herself, preferring she was the one who had died rather than her child.Noah frowned as he said in a low voice, "Joseph’s trying to trick you. Vanya’s a core member of Duskfall. Even if she falls into his hands, Duskfall will make sure that she never says a word.""Regardless, we have to try. By the way, you know Dr. Z, right? Will you please get Dr.
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