The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 109

Chapter 109

Jan strode up to Edward, grabbed Chloe by the wrist, and hauled her to her feet.

“Grandpa, I’m standing by Andrea–I’ll never agree to a divorce?” lan declared.

Miranda jumped in, her voice sharp, “If you’re really taking Andrea and her son’s side, then you have t divorce Chloe!”

Jan’s emotions were starting to get the better of him. “Mom!”

Andrea lowered her head, awkwardness written all over her face.

Ian couldn’t shake the guilt he felt toward her; standing up for Andrea was his way of making sure Edward wouldn’t hurt her again like he had six years ago,

But his heart belonged to Chloe–no amount of pressure from everyone else could force him to let her

go

Andrea couldn’t help but feel a chill run down her spine.

She was glad, honestly, that when Chloe asked her earlier, she hadn’t blurted out her real feelings for lan or admitted she wanted to be with him.

Otherwise, even if that stubborn old Edward actually cut her some slack, Ian would have frozen her out completely–no way he’d ever take her back.

Edward didn’t mince words. “Ian, you’re the Hunter Heir. Andrea’s always stirring up trouble, and Chloe’s just not cut out for the role of Mrs. Hamilton–she’s too soft, too naive. She’ll never be able to hold that position.”

Ian stood his ground. “Grandpa, Andrea’s innocent. If you’ve got a problem, take it out on me–just let her go

Miranda shot back, “Andrea’s innocent? And what about Chloe? Isn’t she innocent too?”

Edward pressed on, “If you really want to protect Andrea and her son, then you need to divorce Chloe and marry a proper heiress from a good family.”

Ian blurted out, “No matter what you say, I’m not divorcing Chloe!”

Andrea kept her head down, fists clenched so hard at her sides her knuckles went white.

‘Why does it always have to be me?‘ Andrea grumbled to herself, frustration simmering beneath her calm.

‘Why should I always get the short end of the stick–even if lan remarried me, I’d still have to be the one in the shadows?‘ she fumed, her resentment building.

‘And how dare that old fossil humiliate me like this?‘ Andrea seethed, barely able to hold it all in.

After going over everything in her mind, Andrea finally found the courage to step forward.

She said, “Edward, please don’t worry. Yes, Ian and I have a child, but I’ve never wanted to get back together

19:02 Fri, Oct 3

Chapter 109

8080

with him. The only reason I’m here is my child. Tonight, everything was my fault–if you think I should be punished, I’ll accept it without complaint.”

Chloe closed her eyes, exhaustion washing over her.

lan was putting it all on the line for Andrea, but she didn’t even have the nerve to respond.

Looks like I’ll have to come up with another plan, Chloe thought to herself.

Edward shot a look at Thomas, and the butler quickly motioned for several bodyguards to come forward

“Dump Andrea on the island,” Edward barked.

As soon as his words landed, a bunch of bodyguards rushed in. Scared out of her wits, Andrea nearly tripped over herself scrambling behind Ian.

Ian stepped protectively in front of her and warned, “Grandpa, don’t push me, or I won’t hold back.”

Edward scoffed. “Useless brat!”

Chloe saw Ian about to get into a fight with the manor bodyguards and acted instantly–without a second thought, she slipped in front of him, shielding him from harm.

Now it was obvious: if she really wanted to break things off with Ian, she’d have to prove to Andrea she was truly sincere–maybe even team up with her.

Chloe urged Ian and Andrea toward the exit. “You two go–I’ll hold back the guards!”

Ian glared at Chloe, his eyes stormy with suspicion and fury, barely able to hold back his frustration.

He snapped, “Chloe, I don’t care what game you’re playing–you’re leaving the manor with me. Now!”

Chloe stood her ground at the living room door, using her own body to keep lan and Andrea separated outside and block anyone from getting through.

She said, “I promised you when we came here–I wouldn’t let the woman you care about get hurt. I meant every word.”

Chloe and Ian locked eyes for a long moment, then she closed the door, leaving lan and Andrea on the other side.

Ian could barely breathe, so he cracked open both windows and let the cool night air fill the car.

Ian looked at Andrea, his expression complicated and difficult to read.

He said, “Everything I said tonight was just to stop Grandpa from putting you and your son through any more pain. Don’t let it bother you.”

Andrea’s hands tightened at her sides, but she managed a small smile. “lan, you really don’t have to remind me all the time. Whatever people think, we’re clean–I’ve got nothing to be ashamed of.”

Ian nodded. “You should go get some rest.”

19:02 Fri, Oct

Chapter 109

Andrea stared after lan’s car as it slid onto the fast lane, the smile on her lips twisting into a cold, vicious

sneer.

Tonight made everything brutally clear–lan might shield her from harm, but he’d never open his heart to her. She was someone to protect, not someone he’d ever truly choose.

He was stubbornly clinging to his marriage–even if Chloe herself stepped aside and handed him his freedom, Ian would still refuse to let her go.

And those crusty old relics in the Hamilton family? They’d rather force lan into marrying someone else than ever let her through their doors.

‘What did I ever do to deserve this?‘ Andrea wondered, bitterness clawing at her heart.

‘Why am I always the one nobody wants?‘ Andrea thought bitterly, her heart twisting with frustration

‘What am I supposed to do now?‘ she wondered helplessly, a sense of desperation settling over her.

It was late at night when Ian got back to Blue Cove Residences.

By now, Chloe should’ve been home.

After all, she was his wife–Mrs. Hamilton—and Edward probably wouldn’t make things too difficult for her

But the image of Chloe’s pale face and her gentle smile kept flashing through Ian’s mind, leaving him restless and uneasy.

Just as Ian was about to step into the elevator, Patrick came rushing out.

Their eyes met for a split second before Ian quickly stepped in front of Patrick, blocking his path.

Patrick shoved Ian aside, urgency thick in his voice. “Chloe’s in trouble–move!”