Chloe quickly withdrew her hand and smiled dryly. "It's just kind of cold. I'm fine."As if she heard a joke, Zoelle chuckled. “Cold weather doesn’t cause your heart to beat faster.""Is something bothering you?" Noah asked in concern.Chloe hung her head and clutched at the photo in her pocket. "No. Must be because of the red light I ran while making my way here."Zoelle and Noah exchanged glances but did not press further.Inside the car, Zoelle took a selfie in her new faux fur coat after applying some red lipstick. She exuded the charm of a mature woman with every curve of her lips. "Thank you for the coat. I really like it," she said."You're welcome," Chloe replied politely.She looked Zoelle up and down, wondering how she and Noah knew each other. Zoelle reminded her of Xavia. Xavia appeared to be a gentlewoman on the surface, but unfortunately, it was all an act.Since Cyrus had approached her, did that mean that she was currently more valuable to him than Xavia? Could
Joseph was not surprised by Noah's condition. On the contrary, he simply raised an eyebrow and asked, "If she goes with you, can I visit her anytime?"He saw this as an opportunity to improve his relationship with Chloe. Since the chance had presented itself, he would not refuse.Noah hesitated and pondered for a moment. "All right, sure."He knew that only by keeping Vanya close to him could he have complete control over the situation and prevent her from leaking unnecessary information. He could also guess what Joseph was thinking."Okay, let’s do it then," Joseph agreed. Vince then got two men to take Vanya to the location Noah had arranged for.Zoelle took out a diamond-encrusted business card from her designer handbag and handed it to Joseph. "Would you like a new friend, handsome?""No thanks," Joseph replied calmly. "How about a new wife then?" she flirted boldly. A little-known fact about Zoelle was that she liked collecting handsome men from around the globe. Once sh
Chad was skeptical of her enthusiasm. "Since when did you become so helpful?"He recalled her always giving him the cold shoulder as if he had mistreated her. To him, what happened between them back then had been consensual, and he never made any promises to be responsible for her. There was no way he would marry the child of a mere chauffeur and become the subject of ridicule.Smirking, Clara replied, "I've always been helpful.” She leaned into Chad's ear and whispered something to him.*Seated side by side, Joseph and Chloe could catch each other's familiar scent. Their close proximity created an ambiguous atmosphere.A waiter brought two cocktails and placed them before the pair. Joseph glanced at them and said in a deep voice, "Replace them with fruit juice. She doesn't drink alcohol.""Right away, sir."Chloe chuckled and rested her cheek on her hand. "Are you pretending to be a caring soul now?"All men were the same. They only regretted the things they had after losing
Since Chloe had yet to agree to join the royal family, Carolina had not publicly disclosed her identity. Many people were meeting Chloe for the first time, but they recognized Joseph. And since they were seated together, everyone assumed that she was Joseph's plus one.She charmed the wealthy women effortlessly, creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere. One of the women complimented, "Chloe, the necklace you're wearing is quite exquisite."Chloe's eyes lit up as she clasped her hands. She grabbed Joseph, who was visibly annoyed, and said, "It's pretty, isn’t it? I absolutely agree with you. I have other designs too."Joseph stood tall and without expression. He wore a men’s necklace around his neck, showcasing its unique craftsmanship and its longer-than-usual style. Chloe intentionally pulled down his collar to reveal a glimpse of his well-sculpted collarbones.The wealthy women's eyes glowed as they looked Joseph up and down. "The design is beautiful. What brand are these neck
Chloe abruptly looked up. "Are you already planning to reveal her identity?""Not yet. It's not the right time, and neither does my mother want that right now. She’s enjoying her current life and identity."His mother was occupied by her sense of accomplishment. "Aren't you afraid of Duskfall finding out if you introduce her to me?""It’ll be fine as long as we keep it on the low," Joseph said mysteriously, "You might have even met her before."Chloe's heart beat faster. Cyrus was truly capable of having guessed all this. The answer was now right in front of her, but she hesitated. She was stuck between her child and her principles.Joseph noticed something was off with Chloe. Frowning, he asked, "What's wrong?"Chloe weighed her words thoughtfully. "I’ve met your mother before?" "Maybe.""Are you sure?""I’ll never hide anything from you anymore.”Chloe gazed at the serious expression on his face. What was the most valuable thing in the world? Sincerity, of course. She wa
Clara echoed his words, saying sarcastically, "Yeah, just a woman. Well, enjoy yourself. I’ll get out of your hair." Chad ignored her. As he reached the last stall, he gulped."Pretty lady, you're in here, aren't you?"When he opened the door, Chloe stabbed him in the eye with her heels. "Aagh!" He covered his eyes as he staggered backward. Barefooted, Chloe exited the stall and glared at him. "Get lost. Otherwise, you're going to suffer."She had overheard their conversation, and she had been right. The royal family was full of schemes and evil. If a driver’s daughter had the galls to set her up, what more of the royal children? She now realized that she should accept Callum's suggestion.Chad steadied himself and stared at the stubborn Chloe. He said defensively, "Come on, we're alone now. Play with me, won’t you? Stop pretending to be all pure.""Go play with your mommy. If not, I'm going to scream." Chad's beaten eye was bloodshot, which made him look frightening and h
Callum gripped Carolina's hand, signaling to her not to meddle. Chad had ruined the reputation of the royal. Making him pay the price would set an example to others.At last, Carolina turned away and ignored Chad's pleading look. When Chad realized that he was about to be abandoned, he tried to crawl forward to plead for help, but the strong Vince dragged him away without much struggle.Vince and the royal family guards carried out the task. Vince waved a sharp scalpel at Chad and said wickedly, "This is going to hurt, just like what the eunuchs went through during ancient times."Chad soiled himself. He trembled and pleaded, "No! Please let me go!""It's too late. You offended someone you shouldn't have."Vince then made the cut."Aaaaaahhhh!"It all happened so fast. As Chad screamed in anguish, the pain overwhelmed him and he fainted. Filled with hatred toward Joseph, he swore he would get his revenge.The party soon resumed. As Chad was just a branch member of the royal fam
Joseph leaned back into the seat, leisurely controlling the steering wheel. But his grip tightened when he heard Chloe's words and snorted. "I look forward to the day that you find out the truth.""What else do you know?""A little. Vanya told me some other things when she was conscious."Her heart skipped a beat. "Did she tell you anything about our child?""No." Joseph paused. He stepped on the brakes before turning toward her. "The child is gone.""No, they’re still alive." Chloe became agitated and stubborn."Did you hear something from somewhere?"Chloe was stunned. "No, it's just a gut feeling."Joseph stared at her with an unfathomable gaze. He stopped asking for fear of giving her a harsh blow. He then started the car again."Could I meet your mother sometime?" Chloe said out of the blue as she grabbed her seatbelt.Joseph’s eyes narrowed. When he stopped at the red light of the next intersection, he said, "Okay, let's meet her this weekend. She's busy with work durin