The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 182

Seeing lan’s face getting gloomier, Chloe pouted and teased, “Didn’t I tell you already? If we split up, I’ll trust you. I’m giving you a golden chance to actually chase me for once–is it really that hard for you?”

The waiter finished serving their food and quietly stepped away, while Simon Foster buried himself in his meal, acting as if the tension brewing at the table had nothing to do with him.

Ian pushed the plate of sliced steak toward Chloe, his face livid. “Don’t think I can’t see right through you,” he said, glaring at her.

He’d swallow his pride and chase after her for once–if that’s what it took.

But as for divorce? That was absolutely out of the question.

Chloe stared at Ian for a long moment and just deflated completely.

Growing up, she’d only ever seen the best parts of Ian.

He was tall, built like a model, ridiculously handsome, smart as hell, and always carried himself with that smooth, refined charm.

Sure, he was cold, not much of a talker, and not exactly easy to get close to, but that was exactly what had her hooked–his cool, aristocratic vibe.

It wasn’t until now that Chloe realized how extremely stubborn Ian could get–almost to the point of being

scary.

And he only acted this way when it came to relationships.

He’d go to great lengths just to protect Andrea.

And he was just as intense when it came to their marriage.

Noticing Chloe had gone quiet for a while, Ian finally softened his voice and tried to lighten the mood: “I’m flying out to Marlovia tomorrow for a business deal. Want me to treat you to something special? Just name it.”

Chloe locked eyes with him and said firmly, “Honestly, the only thing I want from you is a divorce certificate.”

Their eyes met at close range, and Ian’s expression turned icy once more.

Ian said, “We’re still married, after all. It’s really not convenient for you to keep staying with your family. Once I’m back from my business trip and finish up with the shareholders‘ meeting, I’ll bring you home.”

Chloe set down her fork and knife. “No need to go through all that trouble. I’m going to start the divorce proceedings next week.”

Ian stared at Chloe, silent and brooding, his eyes never leaving hers for a long stretch.

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Finally, his attention slid over to Simon, who sat close by, and Ian’s gaze grew colder as he sized him up.

Ian said, his voice low and edged, “So Philip’s the one backing you now? Is that where this new confidence comes from?”

Their eyes met, but Chloe just held his stare, lips pressed together, refusing to utter a single word.

She honestly had no idea if Philip could really help her win this divorce battle.

But she had to give it a shot.

Out of nowhere, Andrea Sherman strode into the restaurant with little Clint trailing beside her. The moment Clint caught sight of Ian, he piped up, “Hey Mom, that’s-”

Andrea didn’t miss a beat–she slapped a hand over Clint’s mouth and whisked him out of the restaurant in a panic.

Andrea grumbled inwardly, ‘He claims his bank account is frozen, but then drops over ten million on a jade pendant just to butter up that bitch Chloe.‘

I keep calling his assistant all week, and he tells me he’s swamped with work, yet he’s always got time to wine and dine that bitch Chloe.’

‘If he never really meant to divorce that bitch Chloe from the start.‘

‘Ever since he got back, he hasn’t wanted to patch things up with me, won’t even sleep with me, and now he’s not giving me a dime.

He already gave me a twenty–million–dollar check so I’d leave Kingsford for good–so why’s he suddenly changing his mind now?‘

He’s even willing to go against Edward again just to let her stay–so what is his real intention?

Could it be…

Andrea shuddered.

She couldn’t just let her mind wander; she needed a backup plan.

She had to find out what Ian was really thinking and figure out her own way out.

A few days later, Philip came back from his business trip and stopped by the Irvine family’s place to pick up

his son.

Philip returned from his trip and headed to the Irvine family home to pick up his little boy.

He found his son snuggled in Jill Spencer’s arms, happily munching on snacks and glued to his cartoons, and Philip couldn’t help but look at him with gentle, doting affection.

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Philip set down the gifts and said, “Thanks so much for taking care of Simon these past few days, Uncle and

Auntie.”

Jill held Simon’s hand with a loving smile. “Mr. Foster, there’s no need to be so polite! Whenever you’re away for work, just drop Simon off with us–we’d love to look after him.”

Philip grinned and nodded. “Alright, I’ll hold you to that!”

Shane asked, “How’s everything coming along for the shareholders‘ meeting in three days?”

He had this almost magical way of tuning out anything he didn’t want to see, hear, or believe, and just zeroed in on whatever he set his mind to.

Chloe said, “Ian, my parents really don’t want to see you right now. If you’ve got something to say, let’s just handle it tomorrow.”

Realizing how much Chloe was resisting, Ian reluctantly released her, frustration written all over his face.

He said, “Just take the gift, then I’ll leave.”

Chloe, with a resigned look, took the box, and only then did Ian finally get in his car.

Ian watched Chloe in silence, lost in thought as she dashed into the house clutching his gift. His Adam’s apple bobbed with emotion, unable to hide how much her leaving affected him.

He just couldn’t stand the idea of her living with her family any longer.

Once the shareholders‘ meeting was over, he was bringing her home–no matter what.

Three days later, it was time for the Hamilton Group’s shareholders‘ meeting.

Ian stood tall and commanding, his tailored black suit fitting him perfectly, radiating an air of cold, aristocratic authority.

He stepped out of the elevator side by side with his father, surrounded by a crowd of people as they made their way into the conference room.

Amid a chorus of shareholder doubts about his private life, lan strode right up to the stage, totally unfazed.

With his dominating logic and the multi–billion–dollar deal he’d landed for Hamilton Group, the whole room was soon erupting in applause.

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Shane stood up and said, “Everyone here knows Ian is a force in the business world. And in his personal life, he’s a man of integrity–a true family man and devoted husband. Don’t pay any attention to those outside

rumors.”

The board members all nodded in agreement.

“Mr. Hamilton’s got it right. With a successor as exceptional as Ian, he sets the standard for all of us, no matter the field. He’s truly an inspiration,” one board member chimed in.

Just then, an assistant burst in and handed Ian a folder. “Mr. Hamilton, this is urgent.”

Ian’s gaze sharpened. He passed the file to Mitchell. “Take it to my office.”

Shane snapped, “What’s so urgent? Hand it over–let me see.”

Before Ian could react, Shane just snatched the file from Mitchell’s hands.

With all the board members looking on in curiosity, Shane wasted no time ripping open the envelope.

In an instant, every gaze shot over to Ian. “Wait, are those… divorce papers?” someone sputtered in disbelief.