He Cheated I Rose: Making Him Regret Everything (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22 Bonds and Betrayals

“I understand, Mom,” Arthur replied, his voice heavy with suppressed irritation.

B

Finished

Just then, his phone rang, prompting him to step away to take the call. Simultaneously. Madilyn’s phone began vibrating–the lawyer was calling.

“I have matters to attend to. I’ll be going now.” After casting a brief, appraising glance at Jennifer, Madilyn turned and left. As she walked out, she answered the call and immediately launched into sharp tones. “If she’s choosing to leave with nothing, then she gets nothing. I don’t care if it was from her father or her mother–once those funds entered our family accounts, they became ours. She’s eaten our food, used our resources–every penny she ever spent came from us. Did she really think she could walk away and still benefit? Absolutely not…”

Jennifer stood silently, watching Madilyn’s retreating figure until she disappeared from view, her own eyes gradually cooling.

Arthur’s mother was clearly going to be a difficult woman to handle.

But as long as Madilyn didn’t stand between her and Arthur, they could be temporary allies. After all, the enemy of one’s enemy was a friend. If Madilyn despised Chloe, then she was a useful asset.

And if the situation changed… well, the same principle would apply.

Jenarth watched Madilyn depart before looking up at Jennifer.

“Mommy, we need to get on that old woman’s good side, right?”

Jennifer smiled faintly. “Yes, and not just win her over–you need to make her completely adore you.”

“Understood.” A sly little smile curled Jenarth’s lips. Moments earlier, he had been sweetly calling her “pretty“, but now his eyes held a calculating chill that seemed far too mature for a five–year–old.

A minute later, Arthur returned after finishing his call. Noticing Madilyn was gone and only Jennifer and Jenarth remained, he asked casually, “Where’s my mom?”

“Daddy Arthur, the pretty madam had to leave for something,” Jenarth said with earnest innocence. “She told you to rest well–she said there’s a lot of work waiting at the company, and you shouldn’t let pointless things affect your mood.”

Arthur couldn’t help but feel slightly soothed by the message. He noticed Jenarth was still in his pajamas and remembered the boy had already been in bed–their conversation must have drawn him downstairs.

“Jenarth, you should go back to sleep. It’s late.”

Jenarth looked up at Arthur, shyly lowering his gaze. “Daddy Arthur, can I make a small request?”

“What is it?” Arthur crouched down to his eye level, embracing him as he asked.

“Daddy Arthur… could I sleep in your room tonight?” Jenarth whispered, almost inaudibly. “This house is so big, and when the lights go out, I’m scared there might be monsters. If I sleep near you, they wouldn’t dare come close–you’re so strong!”

11:50 pm DWMO

Chapter 22 Bonds and Betrayals

Finished

A pang of guilt struck Arthur. All these years, he had known nothing about Jennifer’s situation. If he had found her earlier, he could have helped them much sooner.

Jennifer had once mentioned that during her performances, she often had to leave Jenarth alone in hotel rooms. Such a young child, facing the darkness by himself–he had endured far too much.

Arthur held Jenarth a little tighter. “Jenarth, anytime you want to sleep in my room, you’re welcome.”

“Daddy Arthur, you’re the best! I really, really like you. You’re my most favorite grown–up ever.” Jenarth threw his small arms around Arthur’s neck and planted a soft kiss on his forehead.

“Arthur, I’m sorry,” Jennifer interjected gently. “He’s never had a father figure before, so please excuse his behavior.”

Arthur stopped her before she could continue. “Jennifer, don’t apologize. The fact that Jenarth trusts me so much means a lot. He’s a wonderful boy, and from now on, he won’t have to go through those hardships anymore.” His gaze was firm, as though making a silent vow.

Hearing this, Jennifer gave a soft nod. “Arthur, thank you. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you for everything you’ve done.”

Arthur looked at her seriously. “Jennifer, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t even be here today.”

“I understand.”

“Get some rest now.”

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