The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 228

Chapter 228

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The Goodwins had first gone to the hospital, and now they’d shown up unannounced at the Hamilton residence.

It was obvious they weren’t leaving until they saw lan in person.

Miranda quickly told the staff to clean up the floor.

Ian insisted on leaving, but Edward rebuked him and told him to stay.

Shane warned Ian, “Say only what’s necessary in front of the Goodwins. Don’t mention anything you shouldn’t.”

Patrick, with a helpless sigh, helped Ian back onto the couch.

Once everything was tidied up, Edward waved at Thomas to let the guests in.

Margaret’s parents were middle–aged, but they looked impressively youthful, clearly taking excellent care of themselves.

Margaret wore a beige professional pantsuit, her cool brown bob neatly tucked behind one ear. A designer watch gleamed on her left wrist, giving her an air of modern style and efficiency.

After the elders exchanged pleasantries, Margaret walked straight up to Ian.

Margaret said, “We heard Mr. Hamilton was injured while saving his ex–wife and had to be hospitalized, so my parents and I came by to see how you were doing.”

Ian stayed seated on the couch, not bothering to get up.

He asked Margaret, “How’d you hear about that?”

Margaret’s father interjected, “Sir Julian was kind enough to tip us off. Otherwise, The Goodwins would’ve been left completely in the dark about this.”

His tone carried both accusation and thinly veiled irritation.

Ian glanced at Patrick, and Patrick got the message, helping him up from the couch.

lan said, “I’ll head back to the hospital. You guys go ahead and talk.”

The Goodwins had barely settled in when lan immediately tried to leave, and the air suddenly turned awkward.

Margaret’s mother said, “Mr. Hamilton, it seems like you’re not exactly happy to see us.”

Shane hurried to break the tension. “Mrs. Goodwin, you’re just teasing! This troublemaker was arguing with me, and I had to give him a talking–to–that’s all.”

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Chapter 228

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Patrick jumped in, catching the moment. “Uncle Shane, Ian’s pretty banged up and he’s been out way longer than he should. He really needs to get back to the hospital soon. You all go ahead and chat–I’ll run Ian over

now.”

Patrick was just about to help Ian leave when Margaret got up.

She smiled and said, “I was actually going to the hospital to pick up some medicine for my grandma. Why don’t I drive Mr. Hamilton over?”

Ian looked at her and asked, “Miss Goodwin, when you visited me at the hospital, didn’t you pick up the medicine while you were there?”

Margaret remained perfectly calm. “I meant to, but after hearing you’d left the hospital injured, my parents and I were so worried about you that it completely slipped our minds.”

Margaret’s mother frowned, her voice tinged with annoyance. “Mr. Hamilton, what’s that supposed to mean?”

Ian just shrugged, “Just asking.”

The tension in the room suddenly spiked.

Patrick jumped in to smooth things over. “Come on, Miss Goodwin, don’t fight me on this. I’m the muscle around here–it’ll be way easier if I take Ian.”

Patrick had barely finished speaking when Edward’s commanding voice interrupted, “Patrick, you stay here. Just let Miss Goodwin take Ian back to the hospital.”

Since Edward had spoken, Patrick–being just a guest here—could only let go of Ian, knowing there was no

room to argue.

Margaret walked up to Ian, but he just stood his ground, refusing to move.

Ian swept his gaze across everyone in the living room, then locked eyes with Margaret. His voice was firm, cutting through the tension. “Miss Goodwin, that engagement thing—that was all my grandfather and my dad. I never wanted it, not for a second.”

As soon as Ian said that, both Edward and Shane’s faces instantly darkened, looking caught off guard and

angry.

Margaret’s parents also went pale, their expressions turning stiff and shocked.

Margaret’s father slammed his hand on the table and shot to his feet, voice sharp with anger. “Both our families agreed to this engagement! If you never wanted it, why the hell didn’t you speak up sooner?”

Margaret’s mother retorted with her chin held high. “Sure, the Hamiltons are Kingsford’s top dogs, but everyone knows Mr. Hamilton cheated on his wife and the whole thing ended in divorce. My daughter’s spent these years grinding hard, staying on the straight and narrow, keeping her reputation spotless. The Goodwins never once griped about Mr. Hamilton being divorced, but now he wants to act like he’s too good for my girl?”

Shane and Miranda quickly apologized, trying to smooth things over, but Edward just sat there in silence, his

face unreadable.

12:58 Sat, Oct 4

Chapter 228

The air was thick with tension, making it hard to breathe.

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Chances were, this whole engagement would end up going nowhere.

Margaret slid back into the car, purse in hand.

Ian just spared her a glance, then leaned his head back and shut his eyes, clearly ignoring her.

Margaret only smiled, not taking his chilly vibe to heart.

With calm confidence, Margaret smiled and said to Ian, “Mr. Hamilton, don’t worry about it. If you’re not up for this engagement, I’m not going to push you into it.”

Ian opened his eyes slowly, his gaze sharp and cool as he looked Margaret over, sizing her up in silence.

Margaret met Ian’s eyes and said, “Just lay it out for me, Mr. Hamilton–are you planning on getting back together with your ex–wife?”

Ian’s voice was unwavering. “It’s not just something I’m considering. I will marry her again–no matter what.”

Margaret didn’t miss a beat. “Honestly, Mr. Hamilton, it’s not every day you run into someone who actually listens to their heart. I get where you’re coming from.”

She switched gears, her tone cool and businesslike. “But just like you, I grew up knowing my real job is carrying my family’s legacy. To folks like us, the family’s interests always come first. So if you really think you can find that middle ground between what’s best for your family and what matters to you–well, go ahead and try. See if it works.”

Ian didn’t even pause. “No need for trial runs–I’m putting everything I’ve got into this.”

Margaret hesitated briefly, then gave a crisp nod. “Since the engagement’s off the table, from now on, let’s keep our relationship strictly about business.”

Jan nodded. “Thanks.”

The mood in the car lightened.

Margaret couldn’t help but shake her head, sounding resigned. “You know how it goes–if your family isn’t on good terms, nothing ever works out. If you’re set on getting back with your ex–wife, take your time. But going and breaking with your closest family? Trust me, that’s never the wisest move”

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Chapter 228

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Thinking about that whole mess his grandpa and dad stirred up at the Irvines, Ian’s expression turned ice- cold in an instant.

Margaret noticed lan’s mood shift and decided to keep her mouth shut.

They made the drive in heavy silence, neither saying a word. Once they reached the hospital, Margaret stuck close to lan as they waited together for the elevator.

The elevator doors slid open, and as Margaret was helping Ian step inside, Chloe and her assistant Joanna walked out from inside, coming face–to–face with them.

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