The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88

Chapter 88

lan sighed, trying to explain, “It was an accident.”

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Chloe clenched her fists at her sides. “Why is it always me and my family who end up getting hurt in these so- called accidents?”

Ian’s eyes were unreadable. “So you can’t let this go, can you?”

Chloe said, “I’ll remember this for the rest of my life.”

They stared at each other for a moment, then Ian turned and walked away.

When she heard the front door close, Chloe’s whole body went limp.

‘He couldn’t wait to get out of here. He must be off to look after Andrea and Patrick,’ Chloe thought to herself.

He might not be a good husband, but he was definitely a good father.

If only Andrea had just a bit more status, the three of them could’ve been the happiest little family around.

Chloe took a shower, turned off all the lights, and went to bed.

A husband whose heart had already left wasn’t worth losing sleep over–let alone leaving a light on for him.

A few minutes later, Ian knocked on Patrick’s door upstairs.

When Patrick Lewis saw Ian, he couldn’t help but tease him. “Coming to confess your sins in shame?”

Ian shot Patrick a look and walked in.

Patrick stared at Ian for a moment, dragged himself over with obvious reluctance. “Alright, what sneaky thing have you done this time?”

Ian looked up at Patrick Lewis. “What did she talk to you about last night?”

At Ian’s words, Patrick’s expression turned stormy.

He challenged Ian, tone icy, “Are you seriously trying to control who she talks to now?”

Ian rubbed his temples, clearly frustrated. “That’s not what I meant.”

All he wanted was to know what was really going on in Chloe’s head.

Patrick shot back, “Then what do you mean?”

Ian grabbed his glass and downed a big gulp.

He set the glass down, fell silent for a long moment, then finally said, “I just can’t get through to her anymore.”

13:35 Thu, Oct 2 M…

Chapter 88

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He could tell–Chloe was a whole different person since she came back.

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She always made sure he looked good in public, and at home, she never made a fuss or caused any drama.

The only time she’d actually react was when her family was involved.

And even then, she’d either push back just as hard, throw caution to the wind and stop caring altogether, or just clam up and refuse to say a single word.

Patrick Lewis clapped sarcastically. “Can’t communicate? No problem. You’ve got dirt on her anyway. Just give her orders and she’ll do whatever you say.”

Ian angrily tugged at his collar, frustration written all over his face.

He let out a weary sigh, his voice a bit defeated. “Yeah, I forced her back with those moves… but I was just trying to fix things, not turn into her enemy.”

Patrick stared at him like he’d lost his mind. “With how you played her, if she doesn’t treat you like the bad guy, that’s just messed up.”

Ian’s chest tightened, so he poured himself another shot and knocked it back.

His voice dropped so low it was barely audible. “She’s got a spine like steel. If I hadn’t pushed, she’d never have come back to me.”

They’d been childhood sweethearts for over twenty years, and married for three.

Things were always chill between them; it was all smooth sailing, no drama.

He’d never once thought about divorce.

Not back then, not now, and never would.

She’s just misunderstood his relationship with Andrea Sherman and Patrick.

But there’s no way he can explain it to her right now.

Once she gets used to it–once she moves on–their marriage will get back to the way it was.

Patrick stared him down, eyes wide in disbelief. “You played daddy to Andrea’s kid, did whatever it took for those two–and Chloe paid the price. You even snapped her brother’s hand. When she tried to walk away and give you the divorce you wanted, you went full–on villain: boxed in the whole Irvine family and dragged her back to your side. And it still isn’t enough. Now you expect her to just stand by while you have another woman and a kid outside? If I were Chloe, I’d burn your whole family to the ground.”

Even during their worst fights–after she found out he’d been seeing Andrea–she might not leave a light on anymore, but she’d still stay awake all night, waiting for him.

Back then, she was always fighting with him over Andrea and her son. All he ever wanted was for her to just calm down, to be rational.

Now, she was finally calm.

So calm that she could just calmly tell him to go to Andrea to handle his urges, like it meant absolutely nothing to her.

13:35 Thu, Oct

Chapter 88

But for some reason, his heart just felt empty and restless.

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Early the next morning, Chloe found herself waking up in lan’s arms.

She’d fully expected lan to spend the night at Andrea’s place, so seeing him back here was a surprise.

He was running himself ragged–trying to take care of his precious woman and her kid on one side, while keeping up the act of playing devoted husband on the other. Chloe couldn’t help but think, ‘He must be exhausted living a double life like this.‘

As she tried to get up, Ian woke up.

He sat up and pulled her back by the waist, keeping her in bed. “Why didn’t you leave a light on for me last night?”

Chloe lowered her eyes. “I’ll pay more attention next time, won’t let myself slip up like that again.”

She’d spent half a year in Tecnovia–he had Andrea with him. He definitely didn’t need her waiting up or leaving a light on anymore.

He asked only because he wanted to constantly remind her of every single clause in their marriage contract- to shape Chloe into exactly the kind of Mrs. Hamilton he wanted her to be.

Chloe’s words came out stiff and distant.

Unconsciously, Ian’s expression darkened.

With a frosty look, Ian told her, “Since you’re so clear on where you stand, let’s hear it—recite that marriage contract for me. Word for word.”

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