"Pfft..." Chloe inhaled sharply, struggling to contain her glee.Was Clara not supposed to be Xavia's lackey? Yet, it seemed like she had been playing two roles—one for the public eye and another behind the scenes.At that moment, Xavia quivered as if she had been struck by an intense force. She appeared as delicate as a sheet of paper on the brink of crumbling. She swiftly bolted out of the door, fleeing as if desperate to escape the scene.As the crowd grew larger, Chloe was struck with an idea. She subtly nudged Zoelle with her elbow, and the latter instantly grasped her thoughts. As Xavia rushed past them, Zoelle extended her foot. Consumed by anger, Xavia failed to notice this subtle motion and tripped. As she headed face-first to the ground, Zoelle quickly caught her by the waist."Oww, are you okay? You should watch where you’re going.”Xavia, not wanting to be here, swiftly shook Zoelle off and continued running without a word in response."So? Did you manage to feel anyt
Zoelle flashed a mischievous smile and playfully inquired, "What do you think? Are you hoping that she is?""I think she is. She and Kenneth seem like a good match."Most importantly, even if Xavia were pregnant, Callum would not let her truly marry into the royal family.Zoelle smiled and nodded. "Nah, wrong. I think you shouldn’t play guessing games.""Xavia isn't pregnant?""Nope."Chloe narrowed her eyes in contemplation, murmuring to herself, "So how did she deceive them?"The royal family possesses a dedicated medical team and the most advanced medical equipment. Kenneth must have brought Xavia to the royal castle for examination. The chances of Xavia hatching a plan with the medical staff within a month seemed unlikely.Zoelle shrugged and responded, “I don't know, but I can confirm she shows no signs of pregnancy."On top of that, Xavia’s period had just ended."Colluding with the medical staff is unlikely, but she might’ve colluded with someone else," Noah said as he
Chloe could not argue with that statement as it was true. She was no longer the naive and trusting girl she once was, no longer willing to leave herself vulnerable to others. It seemed wiser to deceive others than to be deceived herself. However, she genuinely did not believe this to be a big deal. If Zoelle cared that much, she would be honest about it.Observing that Chloe had no intention of elaborating, Zoelle let out a heavy snort and pressed on, "I don't know what happened between you and Joseph, but you're engaged to Noah now, who happens to be my good friend. I won't tolerate any betrayal from your end. If I get so much as a whiff, I won't be so quick to forgive you then.""I don't—""Enough. I’m going to engage the company of some handsome men.""Shall we go to the bonfire or head home?" Noah asked flatly as he watched Zoelle walk away.Chloe looked toward him, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "The bonfire," she replied. She had yet to inform Ophelia about Xavia's fa
The enraged Noah threw himself at Joseph.Joseph, knowing Noah was well-versed in fighting, knew that simply dodging would not work. He chose the right moment and delivered a powerful punch.They quickly broke out into a full-on fistfight.Chloe watched as her heart pounded. For a moment, she forgot her own pain and hobbled forward, wanting to find someone to pull Joseph and Noah apart. But there was no one within their vicinity, so hoping someone to pass them was hopeless.Noah and Joseph started sporting bruises as they threw punches at each other.With determination, Chloe spread her arms apart as she positioned herself in between them. She shouted angrily, "Stop fighting!"At that moment, Joseph had already thrown his punch and could not retract it. He quickly changed direction, and the punch that was headed for her landed on the wooden column of a pavilion. The impact between flesh and wood produced a loud thud, sounding rather painful.Chloe's face turned pale with fright
On the road, Noah threw glances at Chloe seated in the passenger seat. He seemed deaf and blind to everything else around him as he mechanically turned the steering wheel. His mind was filled with images of Chloe worrying over Joseph. It was like an enlarged photo constantly flashing before him, and he felt as if his heart was tearing into two.He could not understand why Chloe still chose Joseph over him after everything he had done. Was his five years of feelings for her worth nothing?Noah had never felt this miserable before. Throughout his life, things he worked hard for would eventually yield results. Achieving excellence in his academic endeavors, devoting himself to Exotic Star, diligently preparing for his graduate exams… He thought it would be the same with Chloe. He thought that by being by her side day after day, bringing her favorite foods, buying delicious candies, and building their careers together, she would come to like him one day.But today, he realized how pathe
Ophelia searched around the bonfire but could not find Chloe anywhere. She handed her wine glass to Otto and said, "I'm going to make a call."He wrapped his arm around her waist and smiled. "Who are you calling?""Chloe. We made plans to deal with Xavia today, but Chloe’s nowhere to be found."Otto narrowed his eyes slightly. "Don't bother looking for her. Once we're married, I'll take care of Xavia for you."Ophelia pushed him away and sneered. "You? I'll be grateful as long as you don’t turn our family upside down.""I’d never do that to you," Otto said affectionately, but there was a hint of cunning in his eyes. "Darling, what's mine is yours. Once I take over Duskfall, you can handle Xavia however you want."The roles were well-defined in Duskfall, and nobody was to interfere with each other's tasks. Although he was not very clear on what tasks had been assigned to Xavia, he would not help Xavia, nor would he stop Ophelia. If Ophelia was willing to use the royal family's pow
Chloe was taken aback. Her thoughts were still foggy from just waking up. She recalled only drinking a glass of water that a helper had brought over last night, so how had she slept so soundly? If someone had entered her room, she should not have been completely oblivious to it.She pondered over the matter, and an answer slowly formed in her mind. Someone must have spiked her water. And other than Noah, she could not think of anyone else who would have done so. Chloe’s anger surged, and she pounded on the door with all her might. "Open the door!" The palms of her hands turned red from the force.After a few minutes, a helper came by. She cautiously approached the door and said, "I'm sorry, Ms. Chloe, but I don't have the key. I can't open the door.""Get me Noah then!" Chloe shouted."Mr. Noah isn't here. He went to work." "What about Grandpa?""Mr. Desmond left for an overseas trip this morning as arranged by Mr. Noah. He's not here either..."Chloe's pupils contracted. She
Blocking the doorway, Noah said as he stared at her, "Coco, please don’t provoke me. The consequences could be severe.""Putting sleeping pills in my water, taking my phone, locking me up, and sending my grandfather away… Who’s the one provoking whom?!""And do I not have reasons to do all this?" Despite his soft chuckle, Noah’s teeth clenched tightly. "Do you want me to say out loud the things you and Joseph were up to last night? Don't you find it embarrassing and disgraceful, or are you just used to it already?"Noah and Chloe had publicly acknowledged their relationship. Even before their engagement, they were already known as a couple. And while in that role, she maintained a questionable relationship with her ex-husband, causing him embarrassment on multiple occasions. The first time he discovered them doing such things, he believed she was forced and forgave her. But what about the second time? And the third? Did she not know how to say no? Why would she refuse to cut off con