The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 220

pter 220

Chapter 220

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After Benjamin finished introducing everyone, Margaret’s gaze landed on Chloe.

Her eyes lit up with surprise. “Mr. Sterling, who’s this gorgeous lady?”

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Chloe introduced herself with a friendly smile. “Hello, Miss Goodwin. Just Chloe–I keep it simple.”

The two women locked eyes, both seeing calmness in each other’s gaze.

Chloe lowered her eyes first, breaking the eye contact.

It was clear that Margaret already recognized Chloe.

Ian kept his gaze fixed on Chloe, watching every tiny change in her expression and not letting a single reaction slip by.

Chloe took Simon’s hand and said to the group, “You guys keep chatting. I’m gonna take this little guy to grab

a bite.”

Just as Chloe turned to leave with Simon, a waiter carrying a tray of drinks walked past.

When the tray nearly collided with Chloe, Philip moved on instinct–his arm wrapped protectively around her as he turned, putting himself between her and any danger.

Once Chloe found her footing, it hit her: she was pressed close against Philip, the situation feeling almost teasingly intimate.

Ian stood there, momentarily stunned.

He was the first to react, but the distance between him and Chloe was just too far–while Philip was right next to her, close enough to shield her without a second thought.

Seeing Chloe so protectively held by another man, Ian’s eyes narrowed, and he clenched his fists harder by his side.

The rest of the group watched Ian closely, their faces shifting with varying emotions.

Philip let go of Chloe and apologized in front of everyone, “Sorry, Dr. Irvine. I didn’t mean to get so close–I just acted on instinct.”

Chloe just waved it off. “Seriously, thank you, Philip.”

They were still being formal, but there was an easy, natural vibe between them–nothing stiff or awkward at

all.

Margaret watched as Chloe and Philip walked away together, then casually strolled over to lan. “Looks like your ex–wife’s quite the catch these days.”

Ian lowered his eyes, doing his best to keep his feelings under wraps.

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Chapter 220

Without even glancing at Margaret, he turned and walked away.

Margaret watched Ian leave, a faint, knowing smile tugging at her lips.

While Chloe and Philip were chatting, Eric, Patrick, Mia, and Sophie walked over together.

Sophie sidled up to Chloe and asked, “Chloe, do you know where Arthur lives?”

‘Wait–Arthur?‘ Chloe blinked in surprise.

She couldn’t help but glance at Eric.

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Eric just shook his head helplessly. “This girl’s been a handful since she was little. Give her an inch and she’ll take a mile. Seriously, don’t spoil her.”

Chloe just smiled.

She turned to Sophie and said, “I really can’t just give you Arthur’s address unless he says it’s okay, but you can totally come hang out at my place.”

Sophie clung to Chloe’s arm, acting all cute. “You have to keep your word, Chloe!”

As Sophie and her girls walked away, Chloe couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy.

Eighteen.

That was the age when life burned bright, when you loved hard and hated just as fiercely.

If only the Irvine family hadn’t gone bankrupt.

If only she’d had a few brothers to look out for her.

Maybe she wouldn’t have been so hurt by Ian.

After Sophie left, Patrick couldn’t help but tease Mia. “Look at Sophie–she’s already chasing after cute guys at her age. And you? What’s your excuse?”

Mia stared at Patrick, totally lost. “What did I do?”

Patrick let out a dramatic sigh. “You’re thick as a log–still half–baked when it comes to understanding guys.”

‘Did he really just call me clueless?‘ Mia blinked in disbelief.

She’d always thought of herself as smart and quick on the uptake, but this was literally the first time anyone had ever called her dense.

While everyone was chatting downstairs, Chloe headed up to the second floor to use the restroom.

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Margaret tidied her short hair in front of the mirror, then called after Chloe, “Got a minute to talk, Dr. Irvine?”

Margaret was genuinely surprised. “You’re not curious at all?”

Chloe paused for a long while, then finally spoke up. “Well, Miss Goodwin, I really do hope all your wishes.

come true.”

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Chapter 220

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Margaret watched Chloe walk away with that unwavering stride, her expression growing colder by the second. “You’ve been listening in long enough. Come out already.”

Vivian awkwardly stepped out of the restroom.

She walked up to Margaret and said, “Miss Goodwin, don’t let that bitch Chloe fool you.”

Margaret frowned. “Just say what you mean.”

Vivian spat out, “Chloe’s nothing but a two–faced bitch. Sure, she’s divorced from Mr. Hamilton, but she never really lets go–always finding excuses to hang around him. She’s sneakier than anyone realizes and always scheming behind people’s backs.”

She leaned in and lowered her voice, “Honestly, she’s obsessed with the Hamilton family’s money and status, and she still can’t get over Mr. Hamilton. I heard it straight from her own lips. Miss Goodwin, seriously, don’t fall for her tricks.”

Margaret eyed Vivian from head to toe. “So, you want me to do your dirty work for you?”

Vivian’s face went pale and she stammered, “No, no, that’s not what I meant! I was just trying to look out for you. If you think I’m causing trouble, just pretend I didn’t say anything, okay?”

Before Margaret could respond, Vivian bolted, barely hiding her panic.

At the end of the hallway, just as Chloe was about to head toward the stairs, someone suddenly seized her arm with force and pulled her straight into a nearby room.

She heard the sharp click of a lock behind her. As she spun around, Ian was already standing inches from her, blocking any way out.

Ian’s eyes burned with intensity as he stared at her. “What exactly did Margaret say to you?” he demanded.

Chloe shook off his hand, her tone sharp with annoyance. “Just some polite small talk, that’s all. If you don’t believe me, go ask her yourself.”

Ian fell silent for a beat, then said, “No matter what she tells you, don’t pay her any attention–I’m never marrying her.”

Chloe replied coldly, “Tan, I don’t care to hear anything about you. Get out of the way. I want to leave!”

Chloe’s icy attitude only made lan more agitated.

He gripped her by the shoulders, hauling her in front of him.

His face dark, voice nearly cracking with emotion, lan demanded, “Chloe, why did you allow Philip to get that close to you? Why did you let him hold you in his arms like that?”

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