The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7

B 55 vouchers

Ian’s voice was firm. “If you’ve calmed down, then we can talk properly.” But Chloe was utterly devastated, barely able to move or respond.

She lay with her eyes closed, drained of all strength. Ian hesitated, then stood up to clean the bathroom.

They had argued before, but Chloe had never thrown things in anger. She never even waited for him to calm her down. Once she cooled off, she always came to him first to make things right.

Deep down, he believed, ‘She just loves me too much. I missed our third anniversary, and now she’s so upset that she won’t even accept the gift I brought to make it up to her.

After showering and changing into pajamas, Ian went downstairs and brought a bowl of broth back to the bedroom. He placed it on the nightstand and gently tried to wake Chloe. “Come on, sit up and have some of this.”

Chloe rolled over, turning her back to him. Ian sat on the edge of the bed, pulled her up firmly against his chest, and said, “Be good and finish the broth. Do that, and I’ll let go of you faking a faint and complaining to my mother.”

Chloe’s voice was hoarse, her expression numb, “Ian,” she asked quietly, “if I died, would you still think I was faking it?”

Before her family went bankrupt, she had indeed been willful and spoiled. But after three years of marriage to lan, she was no longer the same Irvine princess she once was.

Ian turned her to face him, his gaze steady and uncompromising. “It seems you’re still not calm enough,” he said, his voice low and controlled.

Chloe met his gaze, her eyes tired but unwavering. “I can’t stay calm when I’m with you,” she replied.

Ian released her and stood up. “If that’s how you feel, I’ll stay somewhere else for a few days,” he said flatly. “We can talk when you’re ready to be reasonable.”

With that, he turned and went to the walk–in closet to change. A few minutes later, he emerged, fully dressed and ready to leave.

Ian paused at the foot of the bed, standing in silence for a long moment. Seeing Chloe still lying there, motionless and drained of spirit, he turned and left without a backward glance, leaving her alone to drown in the weight of her despair.

**

The next morning, Mia came to see Chloe, who still hadn’t gotten out of bed. Feeling sorry for her but not daring to say too much, Mia helped her up, joined her for breakfast, and took her out for a walk.

Ian had always been strict with Mia. If she dared to gossip, Mia knew he wouldn’t hesitate to cut off her allowance.

The fresh air lifted Chloe’s spirits a little. Mia led her into the Hamilton luxury mall. “Chloe,” she asked cautiously, “have you said anything to lan about that woman yet?”

Chloe felt a wave of exhaustion at the very thought. “Mia, I’m in a terrible state right now,” she said quietly. “I need some time to clear my head and think straight.”

If I tell Mia that I want to divorce lan, her big mouth will make the whole Hamilton family know it in minutes. And if they find out, my parents will hear about it too. Mom’s still in the hospital. Lcan’t cause any more trouble right now, Chloe thought.

Mia quickly changed the subject. “It’s okay, Chloe. Let’s go shopping in our mall, You can pick out anything you want, and Ian will cover it.” Chloe nodded numbly. She had lost all interest in everything, let alone shopping.

When they reached the mall entrance, a security guard stepped forward and stopped them. “I’m sorry, ladies, but the mall has been privately booked for the day,” he explained politely but firmly. “It’s closed to the public.”

Mia was stunned. “Who in Kingsford would dare to book our family’s top luxury mall?” she demanded, her voice a mix of disbelief and

irritation.

Chloe gently pulled her back. “Just leave it, Mia. We can walk somewhere else. It’s all the same to me.” She had only come out for some fresh air. Shopping was the last thing on her mind.

But Mia refused to back down. “Go and find out who booked the entire mall,” she insisted, her tone growing more defiant. “I want to know who’s behind this.”

1/3

T

Chapter 7

55 vouchers

The guard, taking in their elegant appearance, chose his words carefully. “I’m sorry, ladies, but we’re not authorized to share that information.”

Mia fixed the guards with a sharp glare. “This mall belongs to Hamilton Group,” she stated coldly. “I am Mia Hamilton. If you continue to block us, I will have you fired immediately.”

Intimidated, the guards quickly stepped aside. Seizing the opportunity, Mia pulled Chloe inside and guided her toward the elevator. “Come on, Chloe,” she urged, “let’s go up to the third floor. They have the best shoes there.”

As they stepped off the elevator, they froze. There was Ian, kneeling before a woman, helping her try on a pair of shoes.

Ian pushed Mia back firmly. “Enough,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. Then he shot her a sharp warning look. “Take Chloe home

Jan spoke slowly, each word deliberately sharp. “Will you leave on your own? Or do I need to call security to have you escorted out? The choice is yours.”

Their eyes locked in a tense silence. Tears of despair streamed down Chloe’s face. “Fine,” she whispered bitterly. “I’d love to see what

youll do to me for your

precious woman, Mr

lan’s voice lowered, thick with impatience and

deliberate. “Walk away now, for your own sake.”

2/3

“Chloe, don’t make me regret ever marrying you,” he said, each word cold and

2:55 PM

Chapter 7

B 55 vouchers

Chloe stared blankly at his face, biting her lower lip until she tasted blood. Regret? He must have regretted it long ago. The next second, she turned and fled, humiliated, broken, and utterly pathetic.

Ian watched her desperate retreat, an unfamiliar tightness gripping his chest. Mia burst into angry tears. “Ian, if Chloe ever really leaves you, I’ll throw a city–wide party to celebrate,” she shouted bitterly before running off after Chloe.

Ian stood silently by the fitting room door for over a minute before finally unlocking it. Andrea stepped out, taken aback by his grim expression.

“Ian,” she said guiltily, “why wouldn’t you let me meet your wife? The more you hide this, the more she’ll misunderstand us.”

Ian rubbed his temples wearily. “She has a quick temper, and Mia is even more impulsive,” he explained, his voice heavy with exhaustion. “I was worried they might do something that would hurt you.”

AD