Marriage Lies and a Dangerous Obsession novel Chapter 216

hapter 216

Chapter 216

“Ian!” Chloe shouted.

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She tossed her umbrella aside, frantically pounding on the locked car door, trying to force it open.

Ever since Andrea ended up in prison, Ian had been totally off.

Even if the world was ending, he’d keep his cool before–but lately he was losing his temper over anything.

‘Such a pain in the ass,‘ Chloe muttered to herself.

‘If I’d known things would be like this, I never should’ve agreed to hypnotize Andrea. I should’ve just let him be blissfully in love with that murderer and kept out of it, she grumbled inwardly.

‘What a freak,‘ Chloe cursed under her breath.

Arthur literally rolled out from the other side of the car.

Chloe hurried around the back of the car and helped him up. “Let me see. Are you hurt anywhere?”

Arthur quickly pulled out a compact mirror from his pocket and fussed over his hair. “Chloe, he rubbed off all my primer and sunscreen. This is a disaster!”

Chloe was speechless.

Clutching his chest and dramatically grabbing Chloe’s hand, Arthur whined, “Seriously, Chloe, he almost murdered me!”

Hearing the car door open behind her, Chloe turned around.

Ian straightened his tie and walked over to her.

Chloe gave him a stern look. “Mr. Logan didn’t even do anything to you. Why’d you hit him?”

Ian’s eyes narrowed, fixing on Chloe. “He took a swing at me first. We were both throwing punches.”

Arthur nearly exploded with rage. “What, you wanted me to just sit there and take it? I’m not your grandson!”

Chloe, worried they’d throw down again, grabbed Arthur and dragged him away.

Jan took the umbrella from the driver and held it over Chloe’s head. “It’s pouring. Let me walk you to your

car.

Arthur snorted, then threw his jacket over Chloe’s head.

Ian stood there in the rain, holding the umbrella, watching as Chloe stuck close to Arthur and the two of them dashed to the car.

Not far off, a sleek luxury car rolled to a stop.

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Chapter 216

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Thomas Quinn, the butler from Hamilton Manor, got out and approached Ian. He spoke respectfully, “Ian, Mr. Edward wants you back at the manor right now.”

Ian didn’t show a hint of emotion as he turned away and climbed into the car.

Inside Arthur’s sports car, Chloe leaned over and double–checked, concern thick in her voice. “Are you sure you’re really okay? No hidden injuries?”

Arthur shot her a sly grin. “C’mon, I know he’s got moves. I wasn’t stupid enough to actually fight him–I just toyed with him a bit.”

Chloe finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She cautioned Arthur, “Mr. Logan, this is Kingsford–his stomping ground. Even the top dogs here treat him like royalty. If we can take him, go for it; if not, just bail. Don’t go picking fights if you can’t win.”

Arthur muttered, still sounding pissed. “I just can’t let it go. He hurt you, ditched you, and now he just acts like he owns the place, walking around like nothing ever happened?”

Chloe let out a helpless sigh. “Because he’s just trash.”

–

More than an hour later, Ian arrived at Hamilton Manor.

As soon as he stepped into the living room, the suffocating tension hit him like a wall, making him frown.

Edward sat at the head of the room, his face stern. Shane looked furious, while his mother’s brows were tightly knit. Mia was trying hard not to cry, her eyes red with suppressed emotion.

Ian took a deep breath and stepped up in front of his grandfather and father.

Edward’s voice was sharp and cold. “So, you think you’re all grown up now? Too important to come back when we ask?”

Ian didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Grandpa, it’s late–what’s so urgent that you needed me here?”

Edward glanced at his son, Shane.

Shane spoke up, “This is all for you and Mia–your marriage prospects.”

Before Shane could finish, Ian cut in, “Dad, Mia and I will make our own decisions about who we marry.”

Shane jabbed a finger at fan, his voice sharp with anger. “You were so stubborn before–wasted years on Chloe. And how did that end up? Everyone in Kingsford knows about your messy public divorce. I won’t bring up the past, but this time, it’s not up to you!”

Miranda tried to reason with him. “lan, you and Chloe are already over. Just start thinking about your own life

from now on.”

Ian stood in the center of the living room, his face unreadable. “I’ll figure out my own life. Stop trying to

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Chapter 216

control me.”

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Edward’s face turned gloomy, his voice filled with complaint. “If you hadn’t insisted on marrying that Chloe girl, you and the Goodwin heiress would’ve already tied the knot. You might’ve even had a bunch of kids by

now.”

Edward suddenly brought up the Goodwin heiress.

Ian couldn’t help but frown.

Edward added, “I had someone check with the Goodwins. Ever since you turned them down, their heiress kept her head in her career and never got married. She’s always thought highly of you, and she doesn’t care that you’ve already been married once.”

Ian cut him off, frustration edging his voice. “Grandpa, I told you—just stop trying to force me!”

Edward was resolute, not taking no for an answer. “I’ve already discussed this with the Goodwin family elders. We’ll find a good day soon, and you two will get engaged.”

Ian felt a suffocating weight pressing on his chest.

“Grandpa, I’m not agreeing to this engagement!” Ian shot back.

With that, Ian turned and walked out.

Behind him, Shane’s furious shouts mixed with the sound of a teacup shattering on the floor, but Ian didn’t

look back.

‘I get it now–why Chloe hated coming to The Old Hamilton Manor so much,‘ Ian thought to himself.

‘Why she couldn’t stand this family,’ Ian murmured inwardly.

Late that night, at the Royal Court Club.

Patrick stepped into the room, the place reeking of booze–he wrinkled his nose in disgust.

He scooped up a couple of unopened bottles from the coffee table and plopped down beside lan.

Patrick stared at fan for a long moment before finally saying, “Mia told me what’s going on. Even if you disagree, you can’t do anything to stop it.”

lan sat slouched on the couch in black pants and a white shirt, his suit jacket and tie tossed carelessly next to him.

Leaning forward with his elbows braced on his knees, his eyes bloodshot, he pinched the bridge of his nose, exhausted.

His voice came out low and hard to read. “Nobody tells me who I can or can’t marry.”

Patrick gave lan a long look. “Don’t tell me you’re actually thinking about getting back with Chloe.”

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Chapter 216

When Ian just stayed silent, Patrick couldn’t help but sigh.

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Patrick pressed on, “Ian, when you first chose Chloe, I told you–two Scorpios together is either a match made in heaven or an absolute train wreck. You tore Chloe apart because of Andrea, nearly cost her life. Can you own up to that?”

Ian lowered his head, burying his hands deep in his hair, the gesture heavy with frustration and defeat.

Patrick went on, “You and Chloe are both ruthless in your own ways, and honestly, you’re both clean freaks too. You’re stubborn as hell, and so is she. If she hadn’t found the strength to stand up to you and file for divorce, you’d still be living it up, juggling two women and never thinking you’d done anything wrong.”

Patrick continued, “Ian, what you’re feeling right now–it’s just you clinging to old habits. Maybe it’s guilt, maybe it’s a need to make amends, but let’s be real: you have to admit it. You don’t love Chloe.”

Patrick added, “Chloe’s got a bunch of amazing guys lining up for her now, all wanting a shot. What reason does she have to even look your way again?”

Patrick pressed, “Honestly, what do you have going for you that should make her turn around and pick you?”

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