The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Chapter 43

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Ian’s coldness cut Chloe’s heart like a knife. She pushed him away, her voice trembling, with rage. “Why? You’re the one who cheated. Why should I be the one to put up with it?”

Ian grabbed her wrists tightly. “Because you’re Mrs. Hamilton. You have to put up with it.”

Chloe screamed, her emotions in tatters. “I don’t want to be Mrs. Hamilton anymore, Ian. I don’t want you. I want a divorce. What part of that don’t you get?”

Ian’s voice was cold and steady. “Chloe, without my approval, no auction house in Kingsford will touch your jewelry, and no hospital will hire you.”

Chloe, completely out of control, started pounding on him. “You bastard, Ian!”

Ian’s grip tightened. “Chloe, I know you don’t want a divorce. Even if you did, I’ve already told you that you can’t afford to leave me.”

His tone was icy, devoid of any warmth.

They locked eyes, and the despair in Chloe’s gaze twisted slowly into hate.

Unable to break free, she suddenly leaned in and sank her teeth hard into Ian’s shoulder.

Ian let out a muffled grunt of pain, but instead of pulling away, he held her even tighter, refusing to let go.

The cramped luxury car was filled with tense silence for a long while.

It wasn’t until the taste of blood flooded Chloe’s mouth that she finally let go.

Her lips were stained with fresh blood, and her eyes were rimmed red, burning with anger. Her lips quivered. as she stared Ian down, hatred flooding her gaze.

Chloe stared at Ian, her voice steady and fierce. “The day you married me, I made a vow. I would rather give up my own life than ever leave you, Ian.”

Her lips trembling, Chloe’s voice broke. “But now? I regret everything. Even if I lose everything, even if it destroys me, I’m leaving you.”

With that, Chloe threw open the car door and walked away without a second glance.

Ian gently rubbed his aching shoulder, peering through the window as Chloe, completely falling apart, sobbed and bolted across the street.

This was the second time Chloe said she regretted it.

But he was sick of her constantly using death to threaten and test him.

Frustrated, Ian drove straight to the Royal Court Club.

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Chapter 43

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Patrick gave lan a gentle nudge. Have you ever thought that maybe Chloe isn’t just threatening you? Maybe the really does want a divorce. Maybe you’re just too sure of yourself.

Jan’s voice was firm, unwavering, ‘She went to see Andrea today, called her a homewrecker, threatened to take back the house, and tried to force her to leave Kingsford with Clint. See? She doesn’t actually want a divorce”

Patrick fell silent. Chloe wasn’t that once radiant and proud heiress of the Irvine family anymore.

But deep down, her pride was still intact. There was no way she’d lower herself to mess with Andrea and her

kid.

Patrick finally broke the silence. “Even if Chloe did go to her, it’s only because you guys pushed her over the edge. It’s not Chloe’s fault.”

Ian massaged his temples, looking exhausted. I’m heading out on a business trip this week. Keep an eye on things for me, will you? I don’t want Chloe causing more trouble with Andrea.”

Patrick rolled his eyes. “Why don’t you just take Andrea and her kid with you?”

Ian frowned.

Patrick shrugged. “Or you could always get rid of Chloe for good”

Ian shot him a look.

Patrick spread his hands, his voice dripping with dry humor. “Or you could just die, Ian. Problem solved, and both women get some peace.

Ian headed straight for the door.

As he reached the doorway, he stopped. “Chloe is out of a job now. I’m worried she might lose control and go confront my grandpa. I’ll ask Mia to keep him company more often. If anything comes up, call me immediately.

On the third day after lan’s departure, things started to shift. Chloe’s jewelry was finally sold.

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That evening, Frank got back from work, and Carl was home for the weekend. Chloe beamed, soaking in a laughter–filled family dinner.

Chloe glanced over her shoulder and saw Carl standing silently in his bedroom doorway, eyes puffy and red. fingers hooked around the edge, lips pressed tight as he stared at Chloe without saying a word.

Later that night, Chloe went into Carl’s room.

She saw him quietly playing his game in a beanbag chair, not saying a word. Chloe walked over, gently ruffled his short hair, and then took off his headphones.

Her voice trembled slightly as she said, “Carl, while I’m away studying abroad, try to help Mom and Dad more when you’re home on weekends, okay? When I get back, I’ll bring you something really nice.

Carl quit his game, sounding frustrated. “Chloe, are you going abroad because of lan?”

Even now, Carl still couldn’t stop referring to lan so familiarly. Just like Chloe couldn’t really get lan out of her heart, no matter how hard she tried.

Chloe shook her head. “Carl, I’m doing this for myself, and for our family. Ian has nothing to do with it.”

She made it sound like a done deal, but deep down, she knew lan had played a part in her escape.

She never wanted to see him again. And she didn’t want to hear anything about him, Andrea, or Clint.

After her family settled, Chloe met Miranda and Mia for lunch the next day.

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Chapter 43

She knew she wouldn’t be back until year’s end.

Miranda had always been like a mother to her since she was a kid.

And Mia was even closer than family.

Of course, Chloe had to treat them to a nice meal before she left.

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Miranda handled her cutlery with her usual grace, but her eyes were fixed on Chloe. “Chloe, be honest. Has lan bullied you again?”

Chloe looked down.

After a moment, she replied calmly, “Miranda, lan is just on a business trip. He hasn’t done anything

Mia barely touched her food, her eyes lingering on the gift Chloe had given her. She couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in her heart.

Mia glanced at Chloe, her voice hushed. “Chloe, are you really planning to divorce lan?”