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Seeing lan’s face getting gloomier, Chloe pouted and teased, “Didn’t I tell you already? If we split up, I’ll trust you. I’m giving you a golden chance to actually chase me for once–is it really that hard for you?”
The waiter finished serving their food and quietly stepped away, while Simon Foster buried himself in his meal, acting as if the tension brewing at the table had nothing to do with him.
Ian pushed the plate of sliced steak toward Chloe, his face livid. “Don’t think I can’t see right through you,” he said, glaring at her.
He’d swallow his pride and chase after her for once–if that’s what it took.
But as for divorce? That was absolutely out of the question.
Chloe stared at Ian for a long moment and just deflated completely.
Growing up, she’d only ever seen the best parts of Ian.
He was tall, built like a model, ridiculously handsome, smart as hell, and always carried himself with that smooth, refined charm.
Sure, he was cold, not much of a talker, and not exactly easy to get close to, but that was exactly what had her hooked–his cool, aristocratic vibe.
It wasn’t until now that Chloe realized how extremely stubborn Ian could get–almost to the point of being
scary.
And he only acted this way when it came to relationships.
He’d go to great lengths just to protect Andrea.
And he was just as intense when it came to their marriage.
Noticing Chloe had gone quiet for a while, Ian finally softened his voice and tried to lighten the mood: “I’m flying out to Marlovia tomorrow for a business deal. Want me to treat you to something special? Just name it.”
Chloe locked eyes with him and said firmly, “Honestly, the only thing I want from you is a divorce certificate.”
Their eyes met at close range, and Ian’s expression turned icy once more.
Ian said, “We’re still married, after all. It’s really not convenient for you to keep staying with your family. Once I’m back from my business trip and finish up with the shareholders‘ meeting, I’ll bring you home.”
Chloe set down her fork and knife. “No need to go through all that trouble. I’m going to start the divorce proceedings next week.”
Ian stared at Chloe, silent and brooding, his eyes never leaving hers for a long stretch.
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Finally, his attention slid over to Simon, who sat close by, and Ian’s gaze grew colder as he sized him up.
Ian said, his voice low and edged, “So Philip’s the one backing you now? Is that where this new confidence comes from?”
Their eyes met, but Chloe just held his stare, lips pressed together, refusing to utter a single word.
She honestly had no idea if Philip could really help her win this divorce battle.
But she had to give it a shot.
Out of nowhere, Andrea Sherman strode into the restaurant with little Clint trailing beside her. The moment Clint caught sight of Ian, he piped up, “Hey Mom, that’s-”
Andrea didn’t miss a beat–she slapped a hand over Clint’s mouth and whisked him out of the restaurant in a panic.
Andrea grumbled inwardly, ‘He claims his bank account is frozen, but then drops over ten million on a jade pendant just to butter up that bitch Chloe.‘
I keep calling his assistant all week, and he tells me he’s swamped with work, yet he’s always got time to wine and dine that bitch Chloe.’
‘If he never really meant to divorce that bitch Chloe from the start.‘
‘Ever since he got back, he hasn’t wanted to patch things up with me, won’t even sleep with me, and now he’s not giving me a dime.
He already gave me a twenty–million–dollar check so I’d leave Kingsford for good–so why’s he suddenly changing his mind now?‘
He’s even willing to go against Edward again just to let her stay–so what is his real intention?
Could it be…
Andrea shuddered.
She couldn’t just let her mind wander; she needed a backup plan.
She had to find out what Ian was really thinking and figure out her own way out.
A few days later, Philip came back from his business trip and stopped by the Irvine family’s place to pick up
his son.
Philip returned from his trip and headed to the Irvine family home to pick up his little boy.
He found his son snuggled in Jill Spencer’s arms, happily munching on snacks and glued to his cartoons, and Philip couldn’t help but look at him with gentle, doting affection.
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Philip set down the gifts and said, “Thanks so much for taking care of Simon these past few days, Uncle and
Auntie.”
Jill held Simon’s hand with a loving smile. “Mr. Foster, there’s no need to be so polite! Whenever you’re away for work, just drop Simon off with us–we’d love to look after him.”
Philip grinned and nodded. “Alright, I’ll hold you to that!”
After Philip got Simon settled in the car, he called Chloe. “Thanks, Dr. Irvine. I’ve picked up Simon and we’re heading off now.”
On the other end, Chloe sounded a little reluctant to let him go. “It’s getting chilly out. Did you remember to grab the jacket my mom bought for Simon?”
Philip chuckled. “Got everything. His uncle’s toys are in the bag, and his grandpa’s chess set too.”
Philip was a natural charmer–he always knew exactly what to say.
On the other end of the line, Chloe found herself getting a bit flustered.
Philip said, “Dr. Irvine, if you trust me, you can leave everything about your divorce with Mr. Hamilton to
me.”
Chloe was only too glad. “Thanks, Mr. Foster. I owe you one.”
After hanging up, Philip turned to Simon and asked, “So, Simon, how did you like staying at your mom’s place these past few days?”
Simon looked up and said, “Dad, other kids‘ parents all live together. I wish you and Mom could actually be together with me every day.”
Philip paused for a second, then ruffled his son’s hair and said, “Well, that’s up to you. See if you can sweet- talk Mom into making it happen.”
Simon just scratched his head, looking totally stumped.
Ian had just gotten back from his business trip when Shane called him back to The Old Hamilton Manor.
Shane asked, “How’s everything coming along for the shareholders‘ meeting in three days?”
Ian replied with conviction, “The deal I landed for Hamilton Group is basically set–the minute we sign, it’s going to pump serious cash into the company for more than ten years straight. Compared to that, all the gossip swirling about me doesn’t even matter.”
Shane didn’t bother hiding his pride. “Ian, a man should always put his career first. Nothing else matters.”
After leaving The Old Hamilton Manor, Jan drove himself over to Chloe’s new place. It was already well past nine by the time he pulled up, the night feeling especially quiet and heavy,
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He sat there for what felt like ages, nerves all twisted up, before finally giving up on knocking at the door. Instead, he just shot Chloe two quick texts.
A few minutes later, Chloe emerged from the villa.
Ian hesitated a moment, then handed Chloe a small, elegant box. “Saw this and thought of you, so I bought it.”
Chloe peeked inside and found a sparkling diamond necklace–it was obviously worth a fortune.
She closed the box with a quick motion and handed it back to Ian. “You should save it for someone who’d actually appreciate it.”
Ian didn’t take the necklace. Instead, without a second thought, he wrapped Chloe up in his arms.
Chloe squirmed against his chest, but Ian just hugged her tighter, his voice thick with emotion as he whispered, “I’m really missing you. Once the shareholders‘ meeting is done, let me bring you home. Please?”
Sometimes, Chloe just had to admit–Ian was seriously impressive.
He had this almost magical way of tuning out anything he didn’t want to see, hear, or believe, and just zeroed in on whatever he set his mind to.
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