The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29

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Jan swept Chloe up from the floor, holding her tightly against his chest.

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He couldn’t bear to look at her broken expression. “We’ll talk at home,” he said, voice strained.

But Chloe was beyond reason. She screamed, twisting away from him. “I’m not going with you! I want a divorce!”

Ignoring her struggles, Ian carried her out of the study.

“What’s going on?” Miranda asked anxiously, rushing forward with Mia when she saw Ian carrying a sobbing Chloe.

“We’re leaving,” Ian said shortly, not letting Chloe speak as he moved toward the door.

Miranda knew something was wrong. She hurried into the study.

Edward finally broke his silence when she entered. “Go see that Sherman woman. Whether the child is Ian’s or not, he is not divorcing Chloe.”

Miranda nodded silently.

She knew Edward valued family stability and reputation above all else.

Even if the boy was Ian’s, he would never be acknowledged.

Shane frowned. “The Irvines are finished. Chloe’s been married to Ian for three years–no child, no career. She’s no better than that Sherman woman. We can find Ian a new match.”

Edward sat back in his chair. “Andrea Sherman is common and ambitious. Even if the child is lan’s, she will never be a Hamilton.”

Miranda spoke softly. “You’re only keeping Chloe to block Ian from bringing that woman and child home. But it isn’t fair to Chloe.”

Shane snorted. “A fallen daughter like her should be grateful she married into this family. What fairness does she deserve?”

Edward’s voice was calm but firm. “Chloe may come from a ruined family, but she was raised with the best education, the finest manners, and the highest social connections. Her intellect, vision, and breeding are far beyond that Sherman woman’s. It’s just that these years with lan… he spoiled her. Made her soft.”

Edward turned to Miranda. “Until we resolve this Sherman situation, Chloe stays with lan. As her mother–in- law, it’s your duty to guide her. Teach her how to behave like a Hamilton–not some common girl who forgot her upbringing.”

Miranda left the study feeling heavy.

She couldn’t approach her son’s marriage like her husband and father–in–law did, as a business deal where

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Chapter 29

only profit mattered.

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She never expected the woman Ian once loved would return after six years… with a child.

Until she knew for sure whether that boy was her grandson, she couldn’t face Andrea.

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She turned to her daughter. “Mia, your brother’s marriage is in trouble. Stay close to Chloe these days. Comfort her. Be there for her.”

Mia had overheard everything from the hallway. “I will, Mom.”

Back in her room, Mia couldn’t calm down.

What if Ian really lost his mind? What if he divorced Chloe and brought that woman home?

Worried, she called Chloe.

The cashier took one look at her–disheveled, eyes swollen, visibly upset–and whispered, “Do you need me to call someone? The police?”

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But before she could swallow, lan gripped her jaw, forced her mouth open, and made her spit the pill out.

His face was stormy, but his hands were gentle as he patted her back, handed her water, and wiped her mouth -all without saying a word.

Chloe coughed and choked, her throat burning as she struggled to catch her breath.

When she finally could, she launched herself at Ian, hitting his chest with her fists. “Give it back! Give me the pill!”

He caught her wrists, forcing her to look at him. “Is the idea of having my child really that terrible?”

He knew the chances were high–last night, he hadn’t held back.

Maybe a child would give her something to hold onto. Something to calm the storm inside her.

She ripped her hands free, ignoring the pain. “Stop pretending, Ian! Just stop! The woman you love already gave you a son. You cherish them–I heard you. So don’t stand here and act like you want me. I can’t take it anymore!”

He watched her fall apart, frustration and helplessness twisting inside him.

“It’s not what you think,” he said, voice low.

Tears streamed down her face, but she let out a broken laugh. “Then what is it, Ian? Enlighten me.”

“Did I imagine you saying you wanted to marry Andrea–not me?”

“Did I dream you blaming your grandfather for keeping you from happiness?”

“Was I hallucinating when you admitted that boy is your son?”

“Did I invent the part where you threatened to burn down Hamilton Group to protect them?”

By the end, she was shaking, on the verge of breaking completely. “I don’t want this marriage, lan. I don’t want a husband who belongs to someone else, I can’t do this!”

He pulled her tightly against his chest, one hand steady on her back. “Chloe,” he said, his voice rough but firm. “Forget everything you heard outside that study.”

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