The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 144

Ian turned to glance at the two people sitting in the dining room.

A

85

5 vouchers

Julian raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Hamilton, if you want to stay for dinner, you’re more than welcome.”

Ian’s gaze lingered on Chloe.

Chloe sat quietly at the table, her eyes drifting now and then to the phone that kept buzzing in Ian’s hand.

The three of them sat in a heavy silence for a few seconds before Ian finally turned and walked out.

After Ian left, Julian turned to Chloe. “Do you really want a divorce?”

Chloe sidled up to Julian with a flattering grin. “Uncle Julian, would you help me out?”

They locked eyes at close range, and Julian tapped her forehead with his elegant fingers, coolly nudging her head away.

Julian picked up his spoon again.

“If you can cure my insomnia for good, I’ll consider helping you get that divorce,” he said.

Hope sparked in Chloe’s eyes once more.

She was nothing like Ian–when it came to family and abilities, they were worlds apart.

She wasn’t even sure if she could really pull off this divorce.

But she was sure she could fix Julian’s trauma–induced insomnia.

Now that Julian had made his offer, there was no way she was letting this opportunity slip through her fingers.

It was late at night, and Chloe was in a guest room on the first floor of the Rowe Estate.

She stood quietly by the floor–to–ceiling window, dressed in a pale pink satin nightgown.

Ever since lan had used a business trip as an excuse to return to the country with his first love, Andrea, and her son, Chloe had been completely devastated.

She’d been through hell in this marriage, almost losing her life just to reach the mental state she had now.

But Ian still wouldn’t let her go.

Even so, he could no longer hold her back.

Her chat with Julian tonight had really hammered home one thing for her–connections were all about the give and take.

She was determined to build her own network and double down on her expertise.

12:05 Sat, Oct 4 O

Chapter 144

៩ (85

6 vouchers

She wasn’t afraid to let go–and she had zero fear of taking the leap when it was time to fight for what was hers.

Meanwhile, at Hamilton Manor.

Miranda said, “Chloe’s been going over to the Rowe Estate every day to help Sir Julian with his illness. That’s a big deal–why did you keep it from us?”

Ian sat across from his parents, looking pretty grim.

He said, “The Rowes and the Weasleys may have their issues, but the Hamiltons have never done anything to offend him. Julian himself gave Chloe the go–ahead to be his doctor, so there’s no need to worry.”

Edward said, “It’s always better to make peace than leave old grudges festering. Since Sir Julian trusts Chloe, this is the perfect chance for her to help ease the tensions between the Rowes and the Weasleys.”

Ian stood up. “Grandpa, the feud between those two families has been simmering for years. Chloe’s just not in any position to handle something like this.”

Edward replied, “You’ll never know unless you let her try, will you?”

Ian shot back, “If even you couldn’t sort it out, what chance does Chloe have?”

Shane spoke up. “The Weasleys say Sir Julian’s so bad off now he can’t even get out of his wheelchair. If he had any options left, he sure wouldn’t have come all the way back here just to get treated by some newbie doctor with zero experience.”

Edward chimed in, “From what I hear, Chloe’s got a real knack for handling the worst insomnia cases. But if Sir Julian won’t sit down and make peace with the Weasleys, then honestly, Chloe’s got no reason to keep helping him.”

Ian stood in front of Edward and his parents, looking grim.

He said, “Grandpa, Mom, Dad, I’ll find a way to fix things between the Rowes and the Weasleys. But whatever you do, stay out of Chloe’s business!”

It was late at night when Ian finally got home, all by himself.

The empty house was so quiet, it was almost unsettling.

He walked into the master bedroom.

Standing in front of the huge wedding photo, Ian stared at Chloe in her white wedding dress, looking so happy as she leaned into his arms.

Chloe used to smile so easily.

She was easily satisfied.

His long, elegant fingers couldn’t help but gently brush over her smiling face in the photo.

12:05 Sat, Oct 4 O

He couldn’t stand to see her give up anything else because of him.

12:05 Sat, Oct 4

Chapter 144

85

5 vouchers

The next morning, in the clinic.

Chloe was finishing up Arthur’s treatment, talking him through a few last details to keep in mind.

Joanna knocked and came in. “Dr. Irvine, there’s a woman named Sherman out front. She’s been waiting over half an hour to see you.”

Chloe and Arthur shared a glance. Chloe said, “Tell her I’m not available.”

Arthur patted his chest. “Chloe, want me to go handle her for you?”

Chloe let out a sigh. “She’s Mr. Hamilton’s darling–you break her, and he’ll have your head.”

Arthur flashed Chloe a conspiratorial look, squared his shoulders, and confidently strode out of the clinic.

Chloe didn’t bother stopping him and simply kept calling in the next patient, getting right back to her work.

She had zero interest in dealing with Andrea, but if that woman dared to mess with her work, Chloe definitely wouldn’t let her off easy.

Arthur showed up in a pink button–down, crisp white pants, a chunky metal chain around his neck, and a dark jacket tossed carelessly over one shoulder. His hair was styled in a bold, messy fringe, dyed ash lavender -he was absolutely oozing style and money.

He threw a sideways glance at Andrea standing nearby, then walked straight over to her.

As soon as Andrea saw Arthur, her guard was instantly up.

She was quick to greet him. “Mr. Logan.”

Arthur raised an eyebrow at the bouquet in Andrea’s hands. “Chloe’s tied up right now. If you’ve got business with her, tell me instead.”

Andrea looked a little embarrassed. “Mr. Logan, I’m here to apologize to Dr. Irvine.”

Arthur pulled out three white chrysanthemums from the bouquet, looking amused. “So, are you apologizing or here to pay your respects to the dead?”

Andrea’s gaze dropped to the three white blooms, her eyes darting anxiously.

She’d slipped those white chrysanthemums into the mix on purpose, thinking no one would catch on. But this troublemaker had exposed her trick right away.

Andrea tried to play it off, mumbling, “Maybe it was a mistake by the florist.”

Arthur held out the three white chrysanthemums to Andrea with a playful smirk. “Go ahead, eat these flowers for me–do that, and maybe I’ll spare you this time.”