The Billion-Dollar Divorce (Ian and Chloe) novel Chapter 98

Chapter 98

Chloe stood, calm and composed, right in front of Ian.

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She lifted her chin just a little, catching Ian’s troubled, complicated eyes and giving him a small smile.

Chloe said, her voice soft but steady, “Seriously, don’t look at me like that, Ian. I’m okay. I’ll take a cab myself.”

The harder Chloe smiled, the darker Ian’s face grew.

Chloe handed the meds to Andrea. “His wrist is injured. Just make sure he takes his medicine on time, okay?”

Andrea snuck a glance at Ian’s face before accepting the medicine.

Seeing how stormy Ian’s expression was, Andrea quickly apologized to Chloe. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Hamilton. I should’ve kept a better eye on Clint. I didn’t mean to trouble you.”

Chloe shook her head, smiling. “It’s New Year’s Eve. The three of you should be together as a family. It’s my oversight today. Next time there’s a holiday, I’ll make sure he doesn’t forget.”

Before Chloe could even finish, Ian stepped up and took the medicine right out of Andrea’s hand. “Andrea, go wait for me in the car,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Andrea glanced at Chloe, her expression a mix of apology and worry, before quietly slipping into the car to wait.

Ian closed the car door, then turned and handed the medicine to Chloe–but as he did, he slipped his fingers around hers, holding on tightly.

He murmured, “Don’t let your mind run wild. I’ll come home soon, I promise.”

Chloe smoothly pulled her hand free, unfazed. “If it gets too late, just don’t come back tonight. Spend some real time with them.”

Ian fixed his gaze on Chloe, his eyes heavy with emotion, unable to look away for a single moment.

To him, her calm demeanor and that gentle smile were like a stone crushing his chest, so heavy it almost robbed him of breath.

Noticing Ian still frozen in place, Chloe gave him a little nudge toward the car.

Chloe continued, her tone steady, “If you two aren’t ready to make it official, just be extra careful around the paparazzi. But relax–I remember everything in our marriage agreement. I’m not going to give you any trouble, Ian.”

“Chloe!” Ian suddenly snapped, his voice sharp with emotion.

He felt his emotions spiraling out of control for reasons he couldn’t even name.

He couldn’t risk explaining all of this to Chloe.

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Chapter 98

But at the same time, he couldn’t accept how she was acting.

He felt restless and weighed down, like something was suffocating him inside.

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Inside the car, Andrea kept noticing how Ian was just staring at Chloe, unable to move away.

She popped the door open and called out, “Ian, Clint won’t stop fussing. He keeps saying he wants to get out and find you. Can you hurry?”

Ian shot Andrea a look, then let go of Chloe’s hand.

With his head down, Ian avoided Chloe’s eyes and mumbled, “Make sure you get some rest when you get

home.”

Chloe stood quietly at the curb, silently watching as Ian got into the car and the vehicle pulled away.

The night was late and the cold seeped in, so she hugged her coat closer around herself.

Just then, a flashy sports car rolled up behind her, its horn blaring loud and proud. Chloe

spun around.

Arthur was half–standing in his seat, hands braced against the windshield. “Yo, Chloe! What’s cool to do in Kingsford tonight? Take me out for some fun, will ya?”

Chloe tossed the medicine bag into the trash can without a second glance and hopped into Arthur’s sports car.

Half an hour later, they rolled up to the Royal Court Club.

Chloe led Arthur to a booth near the first–floor dance floor. “Tonight’s all on me. After the New Year, you gotta let me handle your treatment, no slacking off.”

Arthur puffed out his chest, grinning. “No worries, Chloe. You’ll get all the respect you want from me.”

Patrick was coming down from the second floor with a bunch of friends when he instantly noticed Chloe.

He waved his friends away and walked straight over, but kept his gaze fixed on Arthur across from Chloe. “Well, look who’s here! Arthur, never thought I’d see you in Kingsford. What are you up to?”

Chloe was caught off guard, not knowing what to say for a moment.

‘Knew it, Chloe thought to herself. ‘When you’re at the top, everyone’s in each other’s business.

“Take it easy, Patty, don’t forget who’s the boss here,” Arthur shot back, not hiding his annoyance.

He leaned in and asked, “You’re sharp, Chloe, Can’t you figure out a way to beat him at his own pemw?

At the same time, over at Central City Square, Andrea stood outside the car with Clint’s hand in hers.

The park was pretty much empty on New Year’s Eve night.

The driver kept Clint company, helping him light up fireworks.

Andrea saw lan looking so uninterested, and guilt made its way into her voice.

“I’m sorry, lan. Tonight, everything’s my fault,” she said, the regret thick in her tone.

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Chapter 98

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“You went against your grandfather’s wishes for me and Clint, claimed him as your own even if it meant hiding the truth from your wife and dealing with all that pressure. I really am grateful for all you’ve done for us,” she added, her voice growing softer.

“Honestly, I never thought Clint would get so attached to you–he just looks up to you and depends on you for everything.” Andrea admitted, her eyes full of complicated emotion.

“And lately, I don’t know what’s gotten into him–he’s always asking for his dad. When he’s upset, sometimes he won’t eat anything all day. I swear, he’s running me absolutely ragged,” she finished, her voice trembling with exhaustion.

“If back then, when your grandfather tried to force me into marriage, I’d just refused no matter what, or if after all that hurt I hadn’t let my guard down and had Clint… maybe he wouldn’t have to suffer through all this with me,” Andrea murmured, her voice low and thick with guilt.

Ian reached out to comfort her softly, “Andrea, none of this is on you. You’re the good one here–you had Clint because you care. This isn’t your fault.”

Ian glanced at his watch and said, “It’s getting late. Let me drive you two home.”

Ian dropped Andrea and Clint off at the entrance of their apartment complex.

Once the car stopped, Andrea didn’t rush to get out.

She tried to sound casual, her voice tinged with hope. “Ian, Clint’s asleep and I can’t really carry him. Could you walk us upstairs?”

The driver got out and opened the back door. “Ms. Sherman, I can help you carry Clint upstairs.”

Andrea’s little scheme fell flat, so she had no choice but to get out of the car, feeling a bit deflated.

By the time Ian made it home, it was already the early hours of morning.

At this hour, Chloe was probably asleep.

Ian had just keyed in the passcode and was about to step inside when the elevator doors slid open behind him.

Patrick called out, “Don’t bother going in. Chloe’s not back yet.”