The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 270

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The necklace around Chloe’s neck was put on her by lan himself when they got divorced.

She’d taken it off once. Whatever it was that triggered Ian, he stormed into the hospital, dragged her back home, and didn’t settle down until he’d clasped that necklace around her neck himself.

Since then, Chloe had kept wearing it, just so Ian wouldn’t lose it on her again. But that day, the necklace. snapped and slipped straight down the drain before she even had time to react.

Chloe turned off the faucet and stood there in a daze, uneasy and restless.

At the exact same moment, Ian stood at his own bathroom sink, mirroring Chloe’s posture. He’d just finished showering, wearing a dark bathrobe, water droplets still trickling from his damp bangs.

lan shaved with careful precision, his hair styled in a flawless side part, every strand meticulously in place. Just yesterday, he’d gotten a haircut–his temples now cleanly trimmed, looking a lot sharper than before.

He stepped into his dressing room, where a long table was laid out with an array of beautifully wrapped

presents.

Today was Chloe’s birthday. Even though he had no right to show up at her party, he still wanted to look his best.

Chloe used to tease him, saying all his suits were way too businesslike and made him look ancient.

After they got married, she went out of her way to pick up all sorts of casual suits for him. Ian picked out one of those casual suits and changed into it.

Standing in front of the mirror, he carefully fastened his cufflinks, slipped on his watch, and tied his tie. Then he tucked the crystal pendant Chloe had given him into his pocket.

As he turned, he accidentally knocked a gift box off the table. Almost on reflex, Ian reached out to grab the gift box, but in his haste, the crystal pendant slipped right out of his pocket and hit the floor.

Before he even realized it, his foot came down hard on it. The sound of crystal cracking was faint, but lan heard it clear as day. He froze, then quickly pulled his foot back.

The crystal glass protecting that baby photo inside had shattered, splintering into pieces. lan stood there, completely stunned, his eyes glued to the fragments of the crystal pendant. It felt like his heart had shattered along with it, piece by piece.

A searing pain suddenly tore through Jan’s heart, leaving him breathless. Ian doubled over and grabbed the edge of the table to steady himself.

The taste of blood hit his tongue, and before he knew it he was coughing up a mouthful of red. His whole body shuddered, blood spilling from his lips nonstop,

A wave of dizziness crashed over him, his strength draining all at once. With a dull thud, Ian slumped to one knee on the floor. He was so out of it, he couldn’t even tell where the pain in his body was coming from

anymore.

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Chapter 270

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His hands trembled as he scooped up the shattered crystal pendant. With bloodshot eyes, looking almost deranged, he tried desperately to piece them together.

Ian kept trying for what felt like forever. The more he struggled, the more panicked and heartbroken he became, until it all just twisted into utter helplessness.

But in the end, no matter how many times he tried, he couldn’t put the pendant back to the way it was before.

Ian slumped against the table leg, a complete wreck. He tipped his head back, and tears streamed down his face–silent, unstoppable.

He thought. ‘Even the universe has had enough of me screwing things up. It wanted to punish me, to take away the only thing Chloe ever left me.’

Ian’s eyes, filled with pain, became hollow and lifeless. He picked up his phone and started calling people one by one.

He told Mia he wasn’t coming in today and she’d need to handle things herself at work. He told Miranda not to worry, he just wanted to take a break and rest for a while.

Finally, he called Patrick. “When you get to Chloe’s birthday party, don’t forget to show me a picture, alright?”

“Bet she’s in a dress tonight,‘ Ian thought, ‘she must look absolutely stunning!’

*****

It was just before seven in the evening. Arthur had gone all out, personally arranging Chloe’s birthday party.

Chloe had no idea why she felt so scatterbrained today. No matter what she did, she just couldn’t seem to

concentrate.

When it came time for her birthday party, she didn’t go overboard. She simply picked a stylish V–neck mesh dress, fitted black top paired with a smoky gray chiffon skirt.

It struck the perfect balance–subtle charm, a touch of allure, with hints of both romance and elegance.

Her makeup was minimal, almost invisible, and she let her long hair down, naturally loose and softly wavy without any extra styling. Whether it was her clothes or her whole vibe, everything about Chloe tonight was refreshingly understated.

Arthur, dressed to impress–seriously, he looked like he just stepped out of a magazine–totally stole the spotlight standing next to Chloe.

Chloe was more than familiar with Julian’s recklessly bold fashion sense. She slipped the gift out from under his arm. “Thanks, Sir Julian.”

Arthur snickered. “Not afraid of catching a whiff, Chloe? You must be braver than me.”

Julian shot Arthur a dramatic eye roll. “Buddy, I’m so fresh, even my leg hair smells expensive.”

Chloe just looked at them, totally at a loss for words.

Just then, Maria walked in. “Chloe,”

Julian shot the Venn family a look of pure disdain, then headed straight for Philip.

Chloe couldn’t believe Maria actually showed up at her party, especially with all that drama about Dustin barely behind them. She snapped out of her daze and quickly rushed forward to greet Maria.

To top it off, there were total strangers at Chloe’s party. She had no clue who half these people were. Chloe leaned in and asked Arthur, “Did you invite all these people?”

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Chapter 270

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Arthur shook his head. “Nope, they’re just here because you’ve got some powerful connections now–sucking up, hoping you’ll notice them.”

Chloe didn’t bother arguing. People in this circle were pros at kissing up to whoever was on top. Friendships. here were all about rank and power.

These folks came to her birthday party just to show off in front of guys like Julian and Philip, hoping to ride their coattails and latch onto the big names.

If Chloe didn’t have those connections backing her up, these people wouldn’t hesitate to throw her under the

bus.

As it neared eight, Jill and Frank reminded Chloe that most of the guests had arrived and it was time to cut

the cake.

Chloe kept her eyes fixed on the revolving glass doors, her gaze hesitant. “Mom, just wait a bit longer.”