The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124

Andrea walked up to Chloe, holding out the property deed in her hand.

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“Mrs. Hamilton, I’m returning the house to you. Whenever you’re free, I’ll go with you to get the transfer paperwork done,” Andrea said.

Chloe didn’t reach for the deed. She said, “Andrea, here’s a friendly piece of advice–women are better off being practical.”

Andrea’s gaze wavered unsteadily.

Then she pressed the deed firmly into Chloe’s hand.

Andrea said, “Mrs. Hamilton, it’s tough constantly moving from place to place with my baby. I’d rather stay in that house for the time being. Just let me know how much the rent is per month, and I’ll pay you.”

Andrea insisted, and Chloe decided not to argue anymore, taking the deed.

Chloe said, “Andrea, you can accept Ian buying you a house, but you can’t accept me giving you one. So, in the end, you still don’t really trust me.”

Andrea replied firmly, “Mrs. Hamilton, I’m not like you. You and Ian don’t have any genuine feelings between you–you’re only in it for the benefits. But Ian and I truly love each other, and we have a child together. What we have can’t be measured by money.”

‘Forcing herself to sound sincere, Andrea said, “I know bringing my child back caused you pain, but you can’t force feelings. No matter what, you and Ian are still married and your finances are shared. I won’t spend another dime of yours from now on!”

Chloe looked at Andrea and couldn’t quite put her finger on what she was feeling.

In terms of scheming, she just didn’t have what it takes.

As for real capability, women like Andrea were everywhere–making it to the Hamilton family’s top spot would be a tough climb.

Chloe thought, ‘Even if she and lan are genuinely in love…

…trying so hard to put on a persona, only to make life harder for herself? That really isn’t a smart choice.

Chloe weighed the deed in her hand and said, “If you’ve got nothing pressing, let me treat you to dinner.”

Andrea nodded without hesitation.

Just as they were about to leave, a black Bentley pulled up slowly at the hospital entrance.

Chloe and Andrea spotted Jan stepping out of the car and heading their way. Both women shot each other a quick, tense glance.

11:52 Sat, Oct 4

Chapter 124

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Chloe couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous.

‘Tan should be at the office at this hour. Why is he suddenly here?‘ she thought.

Andrea’s heart skipped a beat when she saw Ian–she instantly felt both guilty and flustered.

Before lan could say a word, Andrea quickly explained, “Ian, I just came to give the property deed back to Mrs. Hamilton.”

Ian’s gaze landed on the deed in Chloe’s hand, and he gave a brief nod in response.

He walked up to Chloe and asked, “Are you done talking?”

Chloe glanced at Andrea and said, “I was just about to treat Andrea to dinner.”

Ian’s expression darkened. “I need to talk to you.”

Chloe lowered her gaze, masking her emotions.

Arthur had promised her that Ian would never find out.

‘Ian showing up here at noon–he probably isn’t here for that reason,‘ Chloe thought to herself.

Chloe shot Andrea a discreet look.

Andrea hesitated briefly, then mustered up her courage and said, “Ian, am I not even good enough to have dinner with Mrs. Hamilton?”

Ian looked at each of them in turn, his gaze lingering between Chloe and Andrea.

Though his face was still dark, he didn’t push it any further.

Chloe quickly chimed in, “We’ve already made plans, and since you’re here, come join us.”

The three of them made their way to the restaurant.

Jan made sure Chloe sat right beside him, while Andrea took the seat across from them.

Chloe had just picked up the menu to order, when she spotted a couple of women making their way toward their table from across the room.

The three women respectfully greeted lan, and only then did Chloe realize they worked for the Hamilton Group.

“Hello, Mrs. Hamilton,” one of the women said, mistaking Andrea for Chloe and clearly trying a bit too hard to impress her.

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He took several deep breaths, then asked Chloe, “You seriously don’t care at all?”

Chloe thumped her chest and shot back, “If you told me right now to wait on your precious woman hand and foot during her postpartum, I’d do it–no problem.”

Jan huffed loudly and paced in circles, visibly annoyed.

11:52 Sat, Oct 4

Chapter 124

He clenched his jaw, staring hard at Chloe, and stayed silent for a long moment.

Finally, he asked, “Did you mess with my computer?”

Chloe was caught off guard.

Wow, he switched topics so fast, I barely managed to follow,‘ Chloe thought, a little dazed.

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Faced with Ian’s sudden interrogation, Chloe owned up right away. “I left my laptop at the office, so I just used yours for a bit.”

‘Arthur, I knew I couldn’t count on you,‘ Chloe thought to herself.

Ian pressed her, his words slow and icy. “Decrypting the encrypted files on my computer–that’s what you mean by just using it for a bit?”

They stared each other down.

Chloe hesitated for a second, then laid it all out: “Ian, your threats have worn me down. I just can’t trust you anymore.”

Ian’s eyes narrowed sharply as he tried to catch every shift in Chloe’s expression.

He said, “The agreement is gone. The evidence I could’ve used to get you arrested–it’s gone, too. You’ve hacked into my computer and seen it for yourself. There’s nothing left in my hand to threaten you. So–do you believe me now?”

Chloe shot back, cool as ever, “Ian, I know better than anyone how heartless you can be. Trust is something you’ll never get from me again.”

If lan ever wanted to play her or back her into a corner, he’d have endless ways to pull it off.

All those things he got rid of–they were only gone for now, nothing truly permanent.

Jan gripped Chloe’s hands, his voice tense. “You gave me your word. Why are you still doing this?”

Chloe tilted her head up to meet his eyes. “Saying yes is one thing. Making it happen is another.”