Otto put his coffee aside. "You can't hold onto something forever. You need to let go. Are you seeking revenge on Chloe or are you unwilling to accept the fact that Joseph abandoned you?"Xavia bit her lip as her temples throbbed. "Yes! I can't accept it! Why should Chloe easily attain something that took me five years to achieve?! She has a happy family and a fulfilling life. Even that little brat treats her well while giving me the same cold shoulder as Joseph does. If Chloe hadn't shown up, everything could’ve been mine. I may have even become part of the Sullivans. How could I accept any of this?!""Stop dwelling on it. Just focus on Kenneth, and you'll soon be the queen. And then, you can get whatever you want. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?"Otto could not fathom Xavia's jealousy. He felt that she was making a big deal out of nothing. He had only been willing to talk to her today because he was in a good mood."What about Noah? Can you help me deal with him?" Xavia asked."Noah
Chloe nodded.As the doctor dangled a pocket watch before Chloe, the latter’s eyelids gradually grew heavy and she soon fell into a drowsy state. After an unknown amount of time, she was awakened, greeted by the doctor's serious and complex expression."I can't handle your condition. To get yourself cured, you should consult someone more specialized," the doctor said.Chloe was left stunned. The doctor she was consulting with was well-known in the field of psychology within Docwood. If even this doctor could not handle her case, did that mean she truly had a mental illness?The term "mental illness" felt distant to Chloe. It was so far removed from her reality that she had never considered herself susceptible to such a thing. When she came out of the examination room, Emily asked, "What did the doctor say?""She said she couldn't diagnose me and recommended I visit a psychology research institute," Chloe replied, her eyes vacant. She walked forward in silence, her lowered head c
Without turning around, Noah answered sarcastically, "You got what you wanted, so why are you asking such a meaningless question?" It seemed like he had no idea what had happened.Sighing, Chloe said, "I know you resent me, but this is important. Before he gets any conclusive evidence, Grandfather will keep you locked up to protect me.""That's unnecessary because I am guilty." Noah stood up and faced her. "Yes, I instructed Eustance to kidnap Jasper. What are you going to do about it? Are you going to call the police on me? Are you going to kick me out of the Sullivan manor to avenge your son?"Chloe stood stock-still and stared at him with unconcealable bewilderment, disbelief, and pain. She could not control the expressions flitting across her face. But strangely, she did not find these feelings unfamiliar as she had experienced them before. Noah inched closer toward her. Biting back the pain he felt, he asked, "Are you thrilled about getting back together with Joseph?""Wh-Wh
She never expected Noah to do something so irrational.Noah’s face bore the red marks of the slap as silence hung in the air."Are you done?" He looked away from her as his sinister and fierce attitude melted under Chloe’s gentle gaze.Chloe trembled. She yearned to get rid of him. "Did you do anything else to me? Why did you take me to the psychology research institute that one time? Why does my head hurt for no reason? I feel I've forgotten a lot of things..."Noah narrowed his eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about, and I've already told you everything. There's nothing else I can say.""Don't… Don’t let Grandfather down, Noach." She hoped that he would repent.But Noah’s only response was to sneer. The real battle had just begun, and he would never lose to Joseph. Besides, without Desmond’s shackles, he could be unscrupulous now.This suffocating and oppressive atmosphere the two men created was unbearable for Chloe. They were constantly at each other’s throats and plo
When Chloe stepped out of the building and got closer to Xavia, she found Xavia putting on a charity performance to collect money for those living in the rural mountain areas. "Growing up in the mountains made me understand how desperate and lonely the kids there are. I hope everyone will contribute to helping them achieve a better future. I myself will be donating 100 thousand dollars. Although it's nothing compared to the big shots who own millions, this is my many years of savings. I want to do what I can to help those kids.“And, of course, I'll keep doing charity after marrying into the royal family. In fact, I'll have more power to help them after. I can build new schools and roads for them..."After an excellent speech, Xavia stuffed a cheque worth 100 thousand dollars into the charity box. Thunderous applause broke out among the audience. "I knew I wasn't wrong about Vee. Fuck those people who say she's immoral." "She's marrying a prince, so of course, she's virtuous. T
Chloe asked the crowd, "Is it that easy for you to earn a few million? Why do you make it sound like it’s just a snap of the fingers?""It isn't easy for us, but it’s easy for you,” a man said."I'm sorry, but my money was hard to come by too. I won't stop you if you want to support your idol. Oh, I see you have a ring on your ring finger. You must be married. You really should choose the right platform if you want to do charity and not be fooled. Your wife will get mad at you if your joint property goes to waste.""Why you..." The man was struck speechless, and his expression was hideous.Xavia looked angry too. Gripping the microphone hard, she asked, "Are you saying I'm cheating everyone out of their money?""No, that’s not what I meant.""Then what do you mean?" "Well..." Chloe grinned and casually pointed at the stage set up nearby. "Don't forget to pay for the venue."Xavia had to pay for this spot as it was land owned by the Sullivans.Thinking that victory was on her
“You met Chloe?" Noah went straight to the point.Stella was speechless as he had always been gentle and friendly to everyone. She assumed he was dispirited after being bullied by the Sullivans and losing his career. "Yeah, I did. She wants to see Professor Alfred but it won’t be easy for her to get an appointment," Stella spoke arrogantly, feeling a sense of superiority after having worked for Alfred for a long time.Noah fell silent."Noah?""I'm listening. Does Professor Alfred have any free slots this month?" "No, but I’ll tell him if you wish to see him. I’m sure he'll say yes to you.""Not at the moment," Noah added, "Tell me if Chloe goes to the institute.""I will.” Like a love-struck fool, Stella immediately agreed. But she added in a worried tone, "Did you have a fall out with the Sullivan—”"Don't worry. I can handle it." "Pull yourself together, all right? I believe in you."Her words of encouragement made Noah sneer. "Sure."After the call, Stella felt that
Chloe carried the dishes to Joseph's bedroom and knocked on the door. She said curtly, "It's me. I have food. Open up." The only response she got was silence. It was as if the room was vacant.Patiently, she knocked on the door again. She knew Joseph must have heard her. "I'll give the food to Toto and Oreo if you don't want it."Creak...Joseph opened the door and stared at her. The hollowness in his eyes made them more deep-set, and his stubble had grown out. He looked haggard from not having shaved for some time. Even so, he still looked pretty handsome. Chloe was so amused by Joseph's current handsome hobo-look that she burst out laughing. The sounds of her laughter lit up the gloomy corridor.Joseph was confused by her laughter, but the dishes in her hands made his belly growl. He accepted them and said grumpily, "You're so ungrateful. You’ve finally come to see me after so long.""Don’t get any ideas. We're divorced. I came to see you because of Jas and the fact that I'm kin
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