The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 256

Chapter 256

Chapter 256

Back then, that kind of smile from Chloe was something only he would ever get to see.

She’d look at him just the way she looked at Julian, her eyes twinkling, calling him the most handsome guy in the world.

Mitchell saw lan’s mood take an ugly turn, so he hurriedly opened the car door and reminded him that the folks at The Old Hamilton Manor had called, pushing him to head back ASAP. Ian slowly snapped out of his daze, his face numb as he got into the car and left.

The next morning.

Chloe’s car was still in the shop, so Arthur, wearing his pajamas, drove her to the hospital.

The receptionist spotted Chloe and called out, “Ms. Irvine, your breakfast!”

Right then, as Chloe stopped in her tracks, her phone buzzed with a new message.

It was Philip, texting to say he’d swung by the hospital that morning, grabbed breakfast for her, and dropped it off at the front desk.

Chloe carried the breakfast back to her office, and Joanna, her assistant, immediately sidled over, eyes brimming with gossip. “Ms. Irvine, which handsome guy is showing you some love again this morning?”

Chloe smiled as she unpacked the breakfast and handed Joanna a portion. “You’re definitely the biggest gossip in our department.”

Joanna leaned in, her curiosity bubbling over. “Ms. Irvine, with all those amazing guys around you, which one have you got your eye on!”

Chloe rolled her eyes at Joanna and headed into the locker room.

Joanna lingered by the door, grinning. “Philip’s such a gentleman, Sir Julian is a charming rogue, and Arthur? He’s honestly so good–looking and adorable.”

Chloe’s voice floated out from the locker room. “Don’t get any wild ideas. Philip is a proper gentleman, Sir Julian is my ex–husband’s uncle, and Arthur–he’s adorable, but way too young for me. I’d rather treat him like my little brother.”

Joanna whispered, “Then what about Mr. Jordan?”

Chloe swung the door open and gave Joanna a pointed look. “Mr. Jordan is my mentor and my lucky charm. There’s no way I’d dare mess with him.”

She’d just escaped a failed marriage–there was no way she’d be crazy enough to jump into another relationship or marriage anytime soon.

No matter how amazing they seemed, every person had their flaws and made mistakes.

16:04 Mon, Oct 6

Chapter 256

Just like how things used to be between her and lan

55 Crouchero.

To outsiders, lan was calm, sharp, and always in control. He was good–looking, came from a powerful family, and was humble, polite, and never lost his cool.

But who could’ve guessed that the guy everyone thought was so perfect would cheat on his wife of over twenty years–the girl he’d grown up with–leaving her completely broken?

With Philip, Julian, and the others, Chloe kept the perfect distance–close enough to help each other out whenever needed, but never so close she’d lose her own freedom.

She wasn’t about to make the same mistake again and get tangled up in love or try to manage a relationship.

For now, her career and her wealth were all the security she needed.

Around nine in the morning. Chloe headed over to the inpatient department and ran into Violet and Melody at the elevator.

Chloe shot them a cool look, then turned and walked toward another elevator.

“Dr. Irvine!” Violet called out, panic in her voice.

She hurried over and blocked Chloe’s way.

Chloe glanced down at Violet’s belly, her voice icy. “Mrs. Quinn, there’s a high–def camera just above your left shoulder. I’d suggest you don’t push your luck.”

Violet rushed to clarify, almost anxious now. “Dr. Irvine, please don’t misunderstand me. I know I was wrong before I let Andrea fool me and ended up making trouble for you. But I’ve finally come to my senses. Andrea brought this on herself, she honestly had it coming.”

Violet humbled herself, her voice softer. “Dr. Irvine, I promise I’ll never bother you again. Could you please talk to Mr. Hamilton for me? Maybe ask him not to cut ties with Quinn Enterprises?”

Chloe’s face stayed cold as she cut her off, I’m no longer connected to Mr. Hamilton, so there’s nothing I can do for you.

With that, Chloe walked straight into the elevator.

On the weekend, Chloe invited Eric and Sophie over to her place.

Sophie walked in and caught Arthur chilling out on Chloe’s couch. He was so freaked out, he scrambled back to his apartment next door, still wearing only one slipper.

Eric just shrugged helplessly at his sister. “Chloe, maybe it’d be better if Sophie didn’t come over so much next time. She’s a handful wherever she goes–anyone would get a headache.”

But Chloe just found Sophie lively and adorable. “Come on, Eric, don’t be so harsh. Sophie’s really sweet and outgoing.”

As soon as Eric agreed, Chloe whipped out her phone and started texting people to join the party,

Chloe chuckled, “It’s the weekend–I figured he’d help spice things up.”

Simon comforted her. “Godmother, you really ought to work on your card game. Next time, I’ll get my dad to coach you.”

Arthur, looking envious, chimed in, “Simon, how about you be my godson? If I lose, you can make your dad cover it for me.”

amusement.

He thought, ‘Philip doesn’t even need to lift a finger–Simon alone could wrap Chloe around his little finger

Patrick pulled out his phone and grinned, “Alright, everyone, act natural–I’m posting this online.”

He snapped a quick video and shared it on his Instagram.

16:04 Mon, Oct 6

Chapter 256

Just a few minutes later, lan scrolled across Patrick’s Instagram post.

365 VOUCHE

區

In the video, Chloe’s parents were slicing fruit together in the open kitchen, while Chloe, Eric, and the others were huddled around the mahjong table. Simon was sitting right next to Chloe, handing her snacks one after another.

No one knew what Simon said, but it made Chloe laugh happier than ever.

Ian kept replaying the video, watching it over and over again.

Back then, every time he visited the Irvine family, it was just as warm and lively as this.

He’d hang out with Chloe and Carl in the living room, while Chloe’s parents would head to the kitchen to whip up something delicious for everyone.

Most of the time, he’d just sit there quietly, but Chloe’s parents would treat him like one of their own, always fussing over him and making sure he was comfortable,

Carl used to idolize him, always hanging on his every word. “Brother–in–law was practically Carl’s nickname for him, and he’d ask lan for advice before doing anything.

The Irvine household was still just as lively and full of warmth, bustling with happiness like always

But that warmth–the laughter, the family he used to be part of–was something he no longer belonged to.

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