Marriage Lies and a Dangerous Obsession novel Chapter 220

pter 220

Chapter 220

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After Benjamin finished introducing everyone, Margaret’s gaze landed on Chloe.

Her eyes lit up with surprise. “Mr. Sterling, who’s this gorgeous lady?”

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Chloe introduced herself with a friendly smile. “Hello, Miss Goodwin. Just Chloe–I keep it simple.”

The two women locked eyes, both seeing calmness in each other’s gaze.

Chloe lowered her eyes first, breaking the eye contact.

It was clear that Margaret already recognized Chloe.

Ian kept his gaze fixed on Chloe, watching every tiny change in her expression and not letting a single reaction slip by.

Chloe took Simon’s hand and said to the group, “You guys keep chatting. I’m gonna take this little guy to grab

a bite.”

Just as Chloe turned to leave with Simon, a waiter carrying a tray of drinks walked past.

When the tray nearly collided with Chloe, Philip moved on instinct–his arm wrapped protectively around her as he turned, putting himself between her and any danger.

Once Chloe found her footing, it hit her: she was pressed close against Philip, the situation feeling almost teasingly intimate.

Ian stood there, momentarily stunned.

He was the first to react, but the distance between him and Chloe was just too far–while Philip was right next to her, close enough to shield her without a second thought.

Seeing Chloe so protectively held by another man, Ian’s eyes narrowed, and he clenched his fists harder by his side.

The rest of the group watched Ian closely, their faces shifting with varying emotions.

Philip let go of Chloe and apologized in front of everyone, “Sorry, Dr. Irvine. I didn’t mean to get so close–I just acted on instinct.”

Chloe just waved it off. “Seriously, thank you, Philip.”

They were still being formal, but there was an easy, natural vibe between them–nothing stiff or awkward at

all.

Margaret watched as Chloe and Philip walked away together, then casually strolled over to lan. “Looks like your ex–wife’s quite the catch these days.”

Ian lowered his eyes, doing his best to keep his feelings under wraps.

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Chapter 220

Without even glancing at Margaret, he turned and walked away.

Margaret watched Ian leave, a faint, knowing smile tugging at her lips.

While Chloe and Philip were chatting, Eric, Patrick, Mia, and Sophie walked over together.

Sophie sidled up to Chloe and asked, “Chloe, do you know where Arthur lives?”

‘Wait–Arthur?‘ Chloe blinked in surprise.

She couldn’t help but glance at Eric.

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Eric just shook his head helplessly. “This girl’s been a handful since she was little. Give her an inch and she’ll take a mile. Seriously, don’t spoil her.”

Chloe just smiled.

She turned to Sophie and said, “I really can’t just give you Arthur’s address unless he says it’s okay, but you can totally come hang out at my place.”

Sophie clung to Chloe’s arm, acting all cute. “You have to keep your word, Chloe!”

As Sophie and her girls walked away, Chloe couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy.

Eighteen.

That was the age when life burned bright, when you loved hard and hated just as fiercely.

If only the Irvine family hadn’t gone bankrupt.

If only she’d had a few brothers to look out for her.

Maybe she wouldn’t have been so hurt by Ian.

After Sophie left, Patrick couldn’t help but tease Mia. “Look at Sophie–she’s already chasing after cute guys at her age. And you? What’s your excuse?”

Mia stared at Patrick, totally lost. “What did I do?”

Patrick let out a dramatic sigh. “You’re thick as a log–still half–baked when it comes to understanding guys.”

‘Did he really just call me clueless?‘ Mia blinked in disbelief.

She’d always thought of herself as smart and quick on the uptake, but this was literally the first time anyone had ever called her dense.

While everyone was chatting downstairs, Chloe headed up to the second floor to use the restroom.

As she stepped out, she ran into Margaret.

Chloe gave a polite nod and walked out.

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Chapter 220

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Margaret tidied her short hair in front of the mirror, then called after Chloe, “Got a minute to talk, Dr. Irvine?”

Chloe paused and glanced back. “Miss Goodwin, we hardly know each other.”

Margaret strolled right up to her. “That’s alright. Spend a bit more time together, we’ll be plenty familiar.”

Margaret kept things polite, even friendly, but there was a certain pushiness in her tone–nothing she said was exactly wrong, yet Chloe couldn’t shake this invisible pressure that made her uncomfortable.

“Dr. Irvine, allow me to properly introduce myself,” Margaret said, her tone both polite and assertive. “I’m the manager of the Goodwin Group, and there’s a chance I could become Mr. Hamilton’s fiancée.”

Margaret chose her words with care, deliberately using “could” to keep things uncertain.

Chloe just replied coolly, “Congratulations.”

Margaret was genuinely surprised. “You’re not curious at all?”

Chloe shook her head.

Margaret couldn’t help but praise her. “No wonder Mr. Hamilton insisted on marrying you back then. There’s just something about you–can’t blame him, really.”

Chloe shot back, “Miss Goodwin, you’ve got it all wrong. His marrying me wasn’t about any personal feelings.”

Margaret didn’t even flinch at that.

Margaret unapologetically declared her interest in Ian right in front of Chloe.

Margaret said, “Mr. Hamilton’s got the looks, the family, the brains, and the skills. Honestly, he’s exactly my type.”

Chloe glanced at Margaret and thought to herself, ‘For some reason, these two really do seem like they’re made for each other.‘

Honestly, if Ian hadn’t put Andrea up on that pedestal because she was his first love and the one who saved his life, she wouldn’t have stuck around this long.

Margaret caught Chloe lost in thought and chuckled. “Don’t give me that look, Dr. Irvine. Maybe I’m a few years ahead of you–no wonder we see marriage so differently.”

She added, “People like us, we’re in it for the benefits. As long as the marriage stays solid, I couldn’t care less if he’s got other women outside.”

Chloe really had to hand it to Margaret for being so straightforward.

If Chloe had been that clear–eyed back then, maybe she wouldn’t have gotten hurt so badly.

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