The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 187

Chapter 187

Chloe said, “No need to hold grudges. It’s better to let things go–I just want what’s best for both of you.”

Ian kept a frosty expression, shooting her a doubtful look.

Chloe added, “Mr. Logan’s insomnia came back. He’s got a killer headache and he’s barely awake–it really wasn’t intentional.”

Before Chloe could finish, Ian jolted upright from the bed.

He barked, “Chloe, and you call yourself a doctor? There are records at the rehab center–Arthur’s got nothing wrong

with him. If he’s not sick, then he did this on purpose. This was attempted murder!”

Chloe knew Ian wasn’t about to let this go that easily.

She said, “Mr. Logan’s condition has relapsed more than once. I’m his attending doctor–I know him better than you do.”

Right now, she couldn’t think of a better way to explain Arthur’s actions.

Arthur’s got a lot going for him, but when his temper blows up, he just snaps and goes off the rails.

Chloe hesitated for a second.

She turned to Ian and said, “So–are you in or out on making peace?”

Ian stared hard at Chloe, his lips drawn tight in a straight line.

Seeing that Ian was in no mood to let things go, Chloe warned, “Ian, you know what kind of influence the Logan family has in Europe. They’re not like the Irvine family–they won’t let you push them around.”

Ian clenched his jaw against the pain in his leg and stood before Chloe.

He said, “Chloe, the Logan family isn’t easy to mess with–sure. But do you really think the Hamilton family is some kind of paper tiger? That just anyone can come and challenge us?”

Chloe knew that when Arthur crashed into Ian, it totally shattered his ego.

Since the hard approach wasn’t getting her anywhere, Chloe had to switch things up and try the softer touch.

She paused for a moment, then gently advised Ian, “Hamilton Group has investments in Europe too. Don’t let this small thing spiral into something huge. Trust me, I’m really thinking about what’s best for you.”

Their gazes tangled in the air, but Ian just kept staring at Chloe, not saying a word.

Chloe had no idea what lan was planning–her mind spun, totally unsure.

She reached for her phone, already set on calling Philip. She needed backup.

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He was a lawyer–if anyone could figure a way out of this mess, it’d be him.

Chloe had just pulled out her phone and was about to turn away when Ian suddenly grabbed her wrist.

Ian shot her a look and said, “You thinking of calling Philip for backup?”

With lan seeing straight through her, Chloe lowered her eyes, doing her best to hide how she really felt.

Ian kept a firm grip on Chloe’s wrist as he backed up and sat down on the edge of the bed.

His

eyes stayed locked on her face, not missing a single expression.

Ian said, “Chloe, he slammed into me on purpose–that’s attempted murder, plain and simple. The whole thing’s caught on more than ten high–def cameras. With Hamilton Group’s legal team backing me up, even if Philip’s some genius lawyer, there’s no way this is getting swept under the rug.”

Chloe yanked her hand back.

She

gave Ian a fierce look and fired back, “If you press charges against Mr. Logan for attempted murder, I swear I’ll blow every secret wide open–your dad’s affair and his lovechild, your own cheating scandals… I’ll make sure every dirty detail hits the headlines!”

Ian was practically fuming, his chest heaving. “So you’d really cross me just to protect him?”

Chloe turned her face away, refusing to meet his eyes.

They stood there, locked in a tense standoff for what felt like forever.

Finally, Ian relented. “Fine, I won’t press charges–but I’ve got conditions.”

Chloe fixed Ian with a guarded stare. “What exactly are your terms?”

Ian met her gaze and said, “I want Arthur to come o

ver and apologize. And you–you’re going to look after me until I’m discharged.”

Chloe raised her brows. “Is that all?”

Ian nodded. “He ran into me, but I’ll let it go for your sake. Still, an apology is non–negotiable. I’m injured, and you’re my wife–it’s only fair you take care of me until I get out of here, right?”

Chloe hesitated for a moment.

Arthur had crashed into Ian, but if you really thought about it, she was the reason this whole mess started.

Ian was an old fox, and Arthur? That fresh blood didn’t even know what he was up against.

Sometimes you need to bite the bullet or play it smart–just never walk away with a loss.

Chloe said, “Arthur will show up and apologize, and I’ll look after you. But you’ve got to put it in writing–we need a formal agreement.”

Ian’s face went cold. “Chloe, you’re my wife. I’m only letting this slide because of you, so don’t take it too far.”

Chloe shot back, “And whose fault is it that I don’t trust you anymore? You lied to me for Andrea–so the blame’s on you, not me.”

Arthur just crossed his arms, refusing to budge.

Chloe teased him, “If you keep acting stubborn, I’ll leave you out next time.”

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Chloe said to lan, “You seem fine for now, so I’m heading to my mom’s for a bit. I’ll be back around noon- want me to bring you anything?”

Ian shot right back, “Lunch is coming from the Old Hamilton Manor anyway. You’re eating with me.”

Chloe paused but nodded.

As she pulled Arthur out of the room, something suddenly popped into Chloe’s head.

She told Arthur to wait for her in the hallway.

She turned back and asked Ian, “I’ve got time today and tomorrow since it’s the weekend, but come Monday, work’s going to be crazy. I’m worried I won’t be able to keep up. Want me to call Andrea over to help out?”

“Get out!” Ian barked, shutting her down before she could finish.

Chloe didn’t even get the rest of her words out before Ian cut her off with a huff.

Chloe made a face and left the room.

Once they walked out of the hospital, Chloe pulled Arthur aside again and reminded him-“Just lay low and behave while Ian’s in recovery, alright? Don’t go poking the bear and make things worse.”

After sending Arthur on his way, Chloe made a quick detour back to her family home to catch her breath.

Right around noon, Chloe showed up at Ian’s hospital room on the dot.

Thomas and the servants had already set out lunch on the small table and left.

Seeing Ian sitting motionless by the bed, Chloe walked over and helped him over to the table.

They shared a quiet meal in the hospital room.

Ian kept his eyes on Chloe, serving her some food. “Once you’re done eating, go take a nap. If I need anything, I’ll just call you.”

Ian’s sudden gentleness felt strangely unfamiliar to Chloe–she didn’t quite know how to react.

When Chloe didn’t respond, Ian set his fork down and reached over, trying to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Chloe quickly turned away, dodging his gesture, leaving Ian’s hand paused mid–air.

He was about to say something when a knock sounded at the door.

Before Chloe could get up, Arthur slipped halfway into the room–half hanging in the doorway with a grin. “Anyone up for some roast duck?”