The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 118

Chapter 118

In the bathroom next door, lan stood under the cold spray of the shower, turning the water colder and colder in a futile attempt to numb his emotions.

He pressed his palms hard against the tiled wall, head bowed, shoulders sagging, every inch of him weighted with crushing exhaustion and frustration.

Chloe hated him.

She hated his threats, his manipulation, his betrayal.

Ian stood under the cold water for a long time, trying to calm himself.

When he finally stepped out of the bathroom, towel around his waist, the gift box in hand, Chloe was already

in bed.

Their

eyes met in silence. Ian set the gift on the nightstand and climbed into bed without a word.

Chloe could sense how agitated Ian was.

She asked, “What about the meds I prepared for you today?”

“Forgot them at the office,” Ian muttered.

“Oh,” Chloe said, turning off her phone before curling up in bed. “Just make do with a sleeping pill tonight.”

Ian just stayed silent..

With strained patience, Ian reached for the gift box and turned to face Chloe.

Chloe rolled over, deliberately turning her back to him. “I have to get up early tomorrow. I’m going to sleep

now.”

Ian stood there stiffly, still clutching the gift, his eyes fixed on Chloe’s back, not moving an inch.

As Chloe’s breathing grew steady, Ian’s face grew darker, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

With a sharp thud, lan tossed the gift onto the nightstand,

With her eyes still closed, Chloe reminded him, “If you’re going to throw something away, at least use the trash can. Cora’s getting older, and it’s not fair to make her clean up after you.”

Ian just stayed silent.

All night, Ian lay awake, tossing and turning, feeling like he wasn’t even himself anymore.

Chloe slept soundly beside him, totally unaware, and slept right through until morning.

*****

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Chapter 118

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Later that morning, in the hospital’s treatment room, Chloe was giving Arthur a physical therapy session.

The spacious room was filled with the calming aroma of Chloe’s signature blend of herbal incense, and the deep, soothing hum of a singing bowl filled the air, helping Arthur unwind completely,

Arthur had just showered and changed into clean, loose–fitting pajamas before lying down on the treatment table.

While getting everything ready for the treatment, Chloe asked Arthur, “When you bought that place, were there any other floors in our unit still up for sale?”

“Just the eighteenth floor was empty,” Arthur said.

Chloe nodded. “As long as you’re good and work with me during therapy, I’ll cook for you at my place this weekend.”

On the weekend, Chloe and Cora made a run to the farmer’s market and came back loaded with groceries.

Ian leaned against the kitchen doorway, dressed in dark comfy clothes.

Chloe called out to him, “Go get changed. I’ve got people coming over soon.”

Ian’s face was stormy. “Chloe, come here. I need to talk to you.”

With that, he turned and walked into the living room.

Chloe exchanged a look with Cora before setting down what she was doing and heading after him.

Ian stared straight into Chloe’s eyes. “Why did you buy the apartment upstairs on the eighteenth floor? What are you planning?”

Chloe lowered her gaze.

She’d used Ian’s card to buy the apartment, so he should’ve gotten a notification three days ago.

She thought, ‘I can’t believe he held out for three days before bringing it up.

Chloe flashed Ian a secretive smile. “It’s a surprise I’ve been working on for you. You’ll see soon enough.”

She turned to head back to the kitchen, but lan stepped in front of her, his face dark and unreadable.

They stared at each other in silence for a moment before Chloe let out a sigh.

She coaxed and nudged lan toward the bedroom. “For now, you’re still my husband. My friends are coming over today, so try to look sharp. Just humor me, alright?”

Ian paused at the bedroom door, his gaze intense, full of unspoken questions as he looked at Chloe. “Do you really mean that?”

19:05 Fri, Oct 3

Patrick shot Ian a look of annoyance, took a sip, and complained, “Mr. Hamilton, tea only tastes good when

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Chapter 118

you actually take some care with it. This stuff is way too bitter.”

lan felt a wave of irritation wash over him, glaring at Patrick in silence and refusing to engage.

The doorbell rang again, and Cora went to open it.

Arthur strode in, standing a striking 6’3” in head–turning streetwear. His mullet hairstyle was tipped with pale wisteria–purple, and paired with sharp, biracial features and smoky brown–grey eyes, he looked every bit the fashion–forward heartthrob.

Even Cora couldn’t help but gush, “Wow, this young man is so handsome!”

Arthur swaggered right up to Ian, chin lifted and smug as ever. “Meh, I’m only just a tad better–looking than you, Mr. Hamilton. No big deal.”

Ian replied with a cold snort. “Try washing off all that foundation before you talk about looks with me.”

Arthur got right up in Chloe’s face, grinning. “Chloe, tell me–between me and him, who’s the real heartthrob?”

Chloe shot Ian a glance, then shoved Arthur’s handsome face out of the way. “Honestly, my taste is terrible. I’m not qualified to answer that.”

Patrick gave

Chloe a smug look. “It’s not just your taste, Chloe–your eyes are way off too. You’re basically a

ended up with Ian.” clueless small–town girl picking scraps, and somehow you

The three guys together were turning the living room into a live reality show.

Chloe was starting to feel seriously out of her depth. ‘How did things get so chaotic?‘

Ian walked over to Chloe. “Looks like everyone’s here. Can we get this started?”

Just as Chloe was about to answer, the doorbell rang again.

Arthur blinked at Chloe in surprise. “Seriously? There’s even more people?”

Patrick, clearly enjoying the drama, cleared his throat. “Cora, go open the door.”

Cora hurried over to open

1. it.

Andrea showed up dressed to impress, her son’s little hand firmly in hers as they walked in.

The kid spotted lan and practically launched himself at him, his face lighting up. “Daddy!”

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