The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 81

Chapter 81

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Chloe stood in the doorway, her face burning with shame, yet she held back and endured it all.

Thinking of her mother still lying in that hospital bed, Chloe pressed her lips together, summoned all her willpower, and finally managed to step inside.

When Chloe came in of her own accord, Ian smoothly drew her close, his arm wrapping possessively around her shoulders.

Ian didn’t bother closing the door just yet. He simply asked, “Have you made up your mind?”

Her emotions churned inside, but Chloe held herself back. She didn’t push Ian away.

With a satisfied glance at Chloe, Ian shut the door and brought her to the kitchen doorway. “Cora heard you were coming back tonight, so she steamed some fish especially for you,” he announced.

Cora, busy in the kitchen, quickly wiped her hands and hurried out. “Chloe, food’s almost ready. Why don’t you just sit back and relax for a bit?”

Chloe glanced up at Ian, trying to read his expression.

Cora had been working at The Old Hamilton Manor for over twenty years. She’d watched both Chloe and Ian

grow up.

‘So lan really does believe I’ll cave in, no matter what. Chloe thought, a bitter twist to her lips.

Chloe couldn’t help but ask, though she already knew the answer herself, “Why are you so sure I’d come back tonight?”

Ian led Chloe into the bedroom and, wordlessly, took her coat and hung it up for her.

He turned back to face her, his voice steady and sure. “I believe you’ll make the wisest choice.”

Chloe stood in front of Ian, looking completely defeated.

She said softly, “I’m back now. Will you contact Professor Sutton for my mom?”

Ian didn’t even pause–he just whipped out his phone and called right in front of Chloe.

When he hung up, lan said, “Turns out Professor Sutton’s in Kingsford visiting family, so he’ll show up at the hospital in just twenty minutes.”

Chloe sneered to herself, cold amusement flickering in her heart.

‘Figures, she mused.

Ian had this move planned from the start, just waiting for her to cave in.

‘Miranda’s got it right.‘ Chloe thought, the words lingering in her mind.

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Chapter 81

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I’m not the one who messed up. Why should I sacrifice my whole future for a guy like lan? she told herself, bitterness rising in her chest.

From now on, this marriage is just a transaction–no love, just interests. Chloe realized, her heart growing colder with each word.

Chloe didn’t hesitate, making her demands clear. “So, when exactly are you planning to withdraw your lawsuit against me?

Ian said nothing and quietly guided her into the bedroom, his grip on her hand never wavering until they were inside.

Once they were there, lan released her hand and said casually, “No rush. We’ll get to that after dinner.”

The way lan stayed so laid–back just got on Chloe’s nerves.

She couldn’t help but raise her voice. “Ian, are you messing with me again or what?”

Ian let out a sigh, pulling her close and gently smoothing her hair with his hand.

His deep eyes brimmed with warmth, waves of tenderness flooding through.

Towering over Chloe, Ian looked down at her flushed, indignant face, his gaze filled with a tenderness so intense it seemed to engulf her entirely.

Ian leaned in, gently drawing Chloe into his embrace. “You’re my wife, Chloe. Why would I ever play games with you?”

His warm hand settled on her back, and he murmured softly, “As long as you’re living in this house–as long as you’re my wife–whatever comes your way, I’ll be the one to bear it all.”

Ian’s tone grew gentle without him meaning to. “Come on, let’s have dinner first. We’ll talk about everything afterward.”

His tone made it sound like a negotiation, but there was no room for disagreement–this was Ian laying down the law.

Chloe simply let Jan take her hand and lead her into the dining room.

‘Ruthless and calculating as ever–classic Ian, Chloe thought, lips curving in a bitter smirk.

‘He plays dirty, but those sweet words could almost fool anyone,‘ she scoffed inwardly.

‘Honestly, if I hadn’t lived it myself, I might’ve actually bought it. Chloe reflected.

Once they sat down, Jan accepted the steaming bowl of soup from Cora, tested it carefully with his fingertips to make sure it wasn’t too hot, then held it out to Chloe, his eyes gentle with concern.

When Chloe didn’t reach for it, Ian quietly set the bowl down right in front of her, not rushing, his patience showing in every movement.

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Chapter 81

Ian said, “If you really can’t handle this, the door’s still open for you.”

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13:32 Thu, Oct 2

The second clause basically said that for as long as they were married, Chloe had to treat Jan just like she did in their honeymoon phase, back when they’d first gotten hitched.

In other words, it wasn’t enough for her to physically come home–Ian was demanding that she bring her heart back, too.

She would have to go back to caring for him, making the first move, loving him–just like she did in those early days, when everything between them felt real.

Chloe held herself together and set the contract down, struggling to keep her emotions in check.

She shot Ian a frustrated look. “You know full well you’re the reason I came back. Does lying to yourself really get you anywhere?”

Ian remained cool and dismissive. “I don’t care about how it happens. The only thing that matters is what we end up with.”

A bitter smile tugged at Chloe’s lips. “Ian, I’m nothing but your fig leaf–the thing you use to save face, the roadblock between you and the woman you actually want. You’ve already backed me into a corner, so do you really need a contract to keep me trapped here?”

Ian slipped back into that cool, detached tone of his. “I’m not forcing you. Sign it or don’t–makes no difference to me.”

Just then, Chloe’s phone buzzed.

She took a quick breath, steadied herself, and picked up the call.

Hearing her mom was out of critical condition and safe in a regular hospital room, Chloe finally let out the breath she’d been holding–the tension draining from her body at last.

Jan snatched the contract from Chloe’s grip, uncapped the pen with a click, and set it down right next to her hand–no room for hesitation.

He said, “As long as you behave yourself and do what a Hamilton wife should, this agreement is your protection. Play your part, Chloe, and nothing will hurt you.”

Chloe’s hands shook as she reached for the pen, her nerves stretched to their breaking point.

She was boxed in–there was nowhere else to go, nothing left to think about. What choice did she really have?

Turning to the final page, Chloe scrawled her name at the bottom, the signature shaky–a silent testament to how defeated she felt inside.

Chapter 81

lan coolly put away the contract, then snatched the pen right out of Chloe’s trembling grasp.

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His hand tightened around Chloe’s arm, and that’s when he realized–she was trembling all over.

lan stepped forward and pulled her gently into his embrace, holding her close.

He stayed like that, silently holding Chloe without another word–just the two of them, wrapped up together, like lovers reunited after years apart.

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