The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 217

Chapter 217

Patrick’s words stabbed into lan’s heart like needles–it hurt so much he could barely stay on his feet.

Without saying a word, he grabbed his coat and stumbled out of the private room.

He knew he owed Chloe, that he was in the wrong.

But letting her go? That was something he just couldn’t do.

lan had no idea how he even made it home.

When he opened the front door, he saw the living room lights were on.

His heart tightened. He tossed his coat aside and hurried into the living room.

In a daze, he thought he saw Chloe in her cartoon pajamas, tossing her pillow aside and running toward him.

“Honey,” Ian called out, his voice trembling.

He opened his arms wide, ready to embrace her.

But his arms closed around nothing–just empty air. There was no one there.

Eyes bloodshot, he slowly looked up. Chloe had disappeared.

Ian instinctively clutched at his shirt over his heart, staggering before he finally dropped onto the sofa.

His eyes were hollow as he stared blankly at the ceiling. Then he pulled out the crystal pendant Chloe had left him, squeezing it in his fist like it was the only thing tethering him to her.

Out of nowhere, a wrenching pain twisted deep in Ian’s chest.

His gut burned so fiercely it felt like he was being gutted alive. He doubled over, hugging himself tight, trying to withstand the agony.

His hands moved automatically, fumbling for his phone. Ian kept tapping Chloe’s contact, over and over, until finally, with a shaky breath, he forced himself to hit call.

Finally, after what felt like forever, she picked up. Jan gritted his teeth, ignoring the pain as he sat up straighter.

Even at this hour, she’s willing to answer my call, lan thought, hope flickering in his heart.

‘I knew it. She’s not really that heartless, he muttered to himself.

He swallowed, struggling to keep the desperation out of his voice. “Chloe, my stomach really hurts.”

Chloe’s voice on the other end was cold as ice. “lan, if you’re really not feeling well, call 911.”

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Chapter 217

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She paused for a beat before continuing, “lan, let me remind you one last time–we’re divorced. The only reason I haven’t blocked your number is out of respect for your mom and your sister. I’m just trying to spare everyone some dignity.”

She added sharply, “If you call me again over something that isn’t important, don’t blame me when I put you on my blocklist.”

With that, Chloe hung up on him without a hint of hesitation.

The pain in Ian’s body and the agony in his heart crashed together, reaching their breaking point all at once.

His phone slipped from his numb fingers and hit the floor with a thud. Ian squeezed his eyes shut, as if that could block out the burning tears gathering there.

A few days later in the morning, Ian arrived at Carl’s school clutching a bright bouquet of sunflowers.

It was the first day of the SAT, and the school gate was swarming with anxious parents seeing their kids off.

Even in the sea of people, Ian’s eyes locked onto Chloe instantly.

Today, Chloe was rocking a stunning red qipao that hugged her every curve, making her look drop–dead gorgeous and seriously turning heads.

Ian’s gaze zeroed in on Arthur Logan standing right next to Chloe. Instantly, his eyes narrowed, jealousy creeping in beneath his cool facade.

He straightened his tie, drew a steady breath, and walked over to Chloe.

“Uncle, you’re definitely gonna crush the SAT!” Simon piped up, his little face lighting up as he struggled to hold a huge bunch of sunflowers for Carl.

Simon’s tiny arms wrapped around the oversized bouquet, nearly toppling over as he handed the sunflowers to Carl.

Ian’s steps faltered as he saw the sunflowers in Carl’s hands.

His gaze dropped to the bouquet in his own hands, and his face went stiff.

Now, even the flowers in his hands felt like an afterthought–completely unnecessary.

After watching Carl walk into the test hall, Chloe turned back and happened to spot someone familiar in the crowd.

She turned to Arthur, blurting out, “Did I just see Mr. Hamilton?”

Arthur quickly moved to block Chloe’s line of sight, even going up on his tiptoes to make sure she couldn’t see a thing.

He grinned and teased, “Must be your eyes acting up. You definitely saw wrong.”

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Chapter 217

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12:53 Sat, Oct 4

Chapter 217

Chloe couldn’t help but tease Philip, “Philip, your kid’s got some real charm!”

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Philip gave her a serious look and replied, “Kids don’t lie, you know. Dr. Irvine, you and your brother- whether it’s looks or personality–honestly, no one holds a candle to you two.”

Chloe winked playfully. “Thanks for the hype, Philip! Honestly, my brother and I are kind of a power duo.”

Bantering and laughing, the group strolled right into the grand hall together.

Chloe showed up in a stunning off–the–shoulder evening gown, ashy apricot in color and perfectly cinched at the waist–understated, classy, and absolutely radiant.

She walked in alongside Philip and Arthur, and the three of them instantly stole the spotlight–everyone’s eyes followed them from the moment they entered.

“Isn’t that Mr. Hamilton’s ex–wife? She’s absolutely stunning!” someone whispered.

“Who are those two guys with Dr. Irvine? I’ve never seen them before,” another person murmured.

“And who’s that young guy holding the kid?” someone else chimed in.

“She just ditched Mr. Hamilton and now she’s already flirting with other men? Pretty girls are always trouble,” someone sneered.

“Don’t be ridiculous. That’s Philip–a real big shot in international law. He’s super low–key, and honestly, only a top–tier family like the Jordans could get him to show up,” someone else corrected.

“That guy to her right? I totally know him–Arthur Logan, youngest son of the Logan family. Word is, he’s rich, he’s a total bad boy, and he’s ridiculously good–looking,” someone whispered with envy.

Ian stood on the balcony of the second floor, watching everything that was happening in the grand hall below -unable to tear his eyes away.

His gaze was locked with hunger and longing on Chloe’s radiant smile as she chatted with Philip. Unaware, his hand gripped the railing so tightly his knuckles went white, the tension in his body betraying just how much she still got under his skin.

Benjamin arched his brow at Jan, shooting him a sly glance. “Don’t tell me you’re getting jealous, Mr. Hamilton?”

Standing on lan’s other side, Patrick couldn’t help but toss out his own comment.

Patrick teased with a smirk, “Jealousy isn’t something to mess with, lan–too much and it might just kill you if you’re not careful,”

Jan looked like he was about to murder someone, his face was that gloomy.

Benjamin clapped Jan on the shoulder with a smirk. “Come on, man. You’re here, aren’t you? Go say hi at least.”

12:54 Sat, Oct 4