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
At Fairlight, Ophelia stormed into Joseph's office. Ignoring Lucas, she shouted, "Where’s Chloe? I have a few choice words for her!"Chloe disappeared last night, and Ophelia could not reach her. Chloe did not answer her calls, nor did she reply to any of her messages. They had agreed to cooperate, but Chloe suddenly went off the grid.Ophelia could not tolerate the frustration, especially after watching Xavia preen like a peacock and play the violin all night. It annoyed her to no end. The worst part was that the uncultured commoners around her thought that Xavia had played well. Even after calling again today, Ophelia’s calls still went unanswered. She did not want to lose her temper, but she could not hold back anymore. She would not tolerate such disrespect. Joseph lifted his gaze from the pile of documents on his desk. His expression was calm as he asked, "Why are you looking for her?""Something urgent, of course. Just tell me where she is.""Don't you have her number?"
As soon as he had finished speaking, the helpers surrounded Chloe and unceremoniously pushed her into a room, leaving her with no opportunity to think or resist. This time, Noah had decided to lock her up in his room.Chloe felt perplexed as she stared at the helpers standing before her. As they followed Noah’s orders in such a respectful manner, she wondered if they had been brainwashed. She felt like an intruder in her own house."Coco, the fact that I managed to save you five years ago means that I have the power to lock you up again," Noah said. He sat next to her and tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear. His movements were gentle, yet the words that came out of his mouth chilled Chloe to the bone.A wave of unprecedented nausea washed over Chloe. She pushed him away and said, "Have you finally decided to shed your pretense?" Hearing the word "pretense," Noah's face sank. "You see my kindness toward you as an act? Coco, I'm disappointed in you.""Was killing my child