Billionaire
Billionaire 61-70

Chapter 61

Chapter 61

Connor continued, “I’ve looked into the person in question–Vivian, your colleague from the news department. She used to host ‘Morning News Express.‘ Do you have any beef with her?”

Chloe’s expression didn’t change a bit. “Yeah, we’ve got a bit of history.”

Watching the figure in the video, Chloe smirked knowingly. “But she’s just a pawn in someone else’s game.”

Still focused on Chloe’s perfect profile, Connor asked, “So, she was put up to this?”

Chloe’s eyes turned icy. “I know exactly who it is.”

Connor’s voice grew serious. “What’s your plan? Do you need my help?”

Chloe thought for a moment, then closed the laptop. Turning to Connor, she cupped his face. “It’s okay, I can handle it myself. Don’t worry about it.”

Chloe leaned in and kissed him, her voice dripping with seduction. “How about coming to my room tonight?”

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Naturally, he couldn’t refuse her invitation.

Chloe felt that he was unusually gentle today as if he was trying his best to lift her spirits and make her happy. She liked it. Her bad mood gradually lifted, and she found herself lost in his tenderness.

But he only kissed and teased her and did not take things further.

Chloe, burning with desire, arched her body, eager for more. “Come on…”

“Say my name,” he whispered seductively in her ear.

“Darling.”

“Not that.”

“Sweetheart…”

“That’s not what I want to hear.”

Chloe’s mind was hazy and b

her crave more. She used to call him that all the time. What did he want to hear?

“Mr. Connor?” she purred, her voice soft and feline.

He still resisted giving her what she wanted. “Chloe, call my name.”

She opened her eyes slightly, her gaze filled with a bewitching mist, her red lips as tempting as blood. Her voice, laden with desire, called out, “Connor…”

Her voice was incredibly alluring as if it had the power to enchant and consume souls.

Connor, too, had reached his limit. They indulged in each other, lost in the bliss of their passion.

The next day, Chloe called Vivian, asking to meet up.

Vivian, still as arrogant as ever, replied, “Sorry, the CEO of Beauté has invited me for an interview today. I’m not as free as you.”

Of course, Vivian knew Chloe had lost her prime–time hosting spot and was even forced on “annual leave” by the director, which was basically a soft way of being sidelined. Chloe probably wouldn’t get to keep her lunchtime news spot now.

Vivian sounded quite smug over the phone. Yet, Chloe’s voice remained calm and elegant. “If you’re busy during the day, how about the evening? Meet me at Cloud Top; it’ll be my treat tonight. How does that sound?”

Cloud Top was one of the top high–end restaurants in Riverbrook.

Vivian hesitated for a few seconds before agreeing. She knew this was likely a setup, that Chloe might have caught wind of something and was seeking retribution. But she wasn’t afraid at all.

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Everyone at the TV station always thought Chloe was one of Riverbrook’s socialites, always dressed in designer wear, exuding nobility and elegance.

They may have disapproved of Chloe hogging the spotlight, but they were always cautious, wondering if she had some powerful family backing her. No one dared to cross her.

Little did they know, her family background was a complete mess.

Even if Chloe knew Vivian was the one who posted those things, what difference would it make?

That evening, Vivian deliberately showed up an hour late.

To her surprise, Chloe was still sitting there, patiently waiting.

Chloe had picked a prime spot, right next to a massive floor–to–ceiling window with a stunning view of the river.

She was gazing out at the water, her elegant and beautiful demeanor catching the attention of everyone around, drawing people over for a chat.

A flash of jealousy flickered in Vivian’s eyes. She marched right over. “Tony is so cold–hearted. You’ve practically snagged all the TV station’s ad contracts this year. And now, just like that, the station turns its back on you. It’s really disheartening.”

Vivian had already taken a seat across from Chloe.

“I just got the editor–in–chief gig at Beauté, and I’ve got an opening for an editorial assistant. How about you quit your job and join me at Beauté? I’ll have your back, even if it’s just an assistant role. Beats sitting on the sidelines at the TV station, right?”

Vivian’s eyes were filled with mockery and contempt. She had slogged at the TV station for five years, while Chloe, who had only been there for one, was overshadowing her in every way. Finally, she had a chance to get some payback.

Chloe responded with a calm, slight smile, “Thanks for the offer, but I’m not planning on switching jobs anytime soon.”

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Vivian’s laugh was dripping with sarcasm. “I’m only looking out for you. Better to resign with some dignity than wait to get fired. Do you really think Tony will keep the daughter of a murderer and risk the TV station’s reputation? Even if he wants to protect you, the station’s director won’t allow it.”

Chloe cut straight to the chase. “Isn’t my predicament all thanks to you?”

Vivian was ready for this. She put on an innocent face. “Chloe, you brought this on yourself. Don’t blame me. If I’d had dirt on you, I wouldn’t have waited until now to use it.”

Chloe pulled out her phone and played a video, placing it in front of Vivian.

Vivian’s face turned pale after watching it. She didn’t expect Chloe to replace the footage of her posting those messages at an internet café. A flash of panic crossed her face, but she quickly composed herself.

“Yeah, I posted those messages. So what? I didn’t lie. Your mother is a murderer. That’s a fact.”

“Vivian, I’m not here to settle scores. You were right about one thing: if you had all this dirt, you wouldn’t have waited until now to use it. I just want to know who gave you the info.”

Chloe had her suspicions but wanted to confirm them.

Vivian had gained a lot from this and wasn’t about to spill the beans. Besides, what was there to fear with Chloe now isolated and disgraced?

“No one gave it to me, Chloe. I’ve been digging into your life. You always act like you’re above everyone else, untainted by the world.

“I thought you were some high–society lady, but it turns out you’re just a regular person. Your designer clothes and bags are all just a front.

“Chloe, you look down on me for having a sugar daddy, but how are you any different? You’re just as fake and just as vain. What right do you have to judge me?”

Chloe furrowed her brow slightly.

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The internet was buzzing about Ann being Chloe’s mom. Everyone was sensationalizing the murder case, but no one mentioned anything about the baby swap with the Meadows family.

Chloe didn’t take the bait, staying cool and collected, ignoring Vivian’s emotional outburst. “I just want to know who gave you those documents,” Chloe said, her calm voice cutting through the tension.

Vivian was taken aback, not expecting Chloe to keep her composure and maintain that air of superiority. “You want to know? Well, I’m not telling you,” Vivian snapped, her anger bubbling over.

“If you tell me now, maybe I won’t hold you accountable,” Chloe replied, still unfazed.

Vivian let out a bitter laugh. “Chloe, do you really think you’ve got any power left? I’d love to see what you can do to me.”

Chloe just smiled, stood up, and dialed a number on her phone. She was calling Connor.

The call connected quickly.

“Can you do me a favor?” Chloe asked.

A few minutes later, Chloe returned to her seat.

Vivian smirked. “Chloe, stop pretending. Do you really think one phone call scares me? Who do you think you are?”

Vivian wasn’t worried. She had already deleted the original post. At worst, she’d face a minor lawsuit and pay a small fee.

But then her phone rang. It was the president of Beauté. “Vivian, I’m afraid we can’t offer you an editor–in–chief position anymore.”

Vivian’s heart sank. “But, we had an agreement!”

“You must’ve pissed someone off. Orders from above. Nothing more I can say.”

Vivian hung up and stared at Chloe in disbelief. She had spent months and a

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lot of money to secure that position.

“What did you do, Chloe? How dare you ruin my career?” Vivian’s voice was frantic.

Chloe’s smile faded. “You should’ve taken the easy way out.”

Vivian tried to keep her composure. “Oh, I forgot. You must be tight with the president. Did you sleep with him? Don’t think you scare me. If I can’t be editor–in–chief at Beauté, so be it. There are plenty of other places that want

me.”

“That won’t happen. You’re blacklisted by all the media companies.”

Vivian didn’t believe it, but Chloe’s confident tone made her uneasy. She quickly made some calls.

Chloe was right. Every major newspaper and magazine had received a ban order. Vivian was completely blacklisted.

Vivian slumped in her seat, staring at Chloe in shock. How did she have such power?

“Who… who are you?” Vivian stammered.

“Pathetic. You don’t even know who you’ve crossed,” A tall figure appeared behind Chloe. Vivian looked up, and her face turned pale with fear.

“Mr. Connor…” she whispered.

Connor stood behind Chloe, a hand resting gently on her shoulder.

Chloe looked up, surprised. “What are you doing here?”

“I told you last night, today’s Devon’s birthday. We have a room at Cloud Top,” Connor replied. “Didn’t expect to see you meeting a friend here.”

Connor’s gaze shifted to Vivian, who shrank back in her seat.

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His gaze turned from tender to icy in a heartbeat.

Vivian’s face went as white as a sheet. From their body language, tone, and conversation, Vivian could see that these two had a special relationship.

Chloe had actually cozied up to the King of Eldridge!

Vivian’s eyes flashed with a fierce mix of jealousy and resentment. But under the man’s steely stare, it turned into a desperate plea. “Mr. Connor, please spare me. It wasn’t me. It was Linda. She gave me the documents. On my last day, she suddenly handed me a folder. To secure her spot as the prime–time show host, she had me post it online on the last day of the voting. I was just a pawn, a tool for Linda.”

Vivian knew all too well what crossing Connor meant.

She went to university in Eldridge City, and the Eldridge Elites had plenty of legendary tales about Connor.

They said he was ruthless, with the face of an angel but the heart of a demon. Those who crossed him either vanished without a trace or met a grisly end.

Connor’s voice was chilling. “Even tools must pay the price. You have three days to leave Riverbrook. If I ever see you again, I guarantee you won’t replace a place to stand anywhere in this country.”

Vivian’s face turned even paler, too stricken to say a word.

Chloe got the answer she was looking for and stood up.

Connor took her hand, his tone soft. “Why are your hands so cold?” After saying that, he took off his suit jacket and draped it over Chloe’s shoulders.

As they walked out of the restaurant, Chloe said, “Thanks for your help. I owe you one.”

Only Connor’s influence could blacklist Vivian from the media industry.

Chloe’s tone was still somewhat distant. It seemed that apart from their intimate moments, she always kept a clear boundary with him.

Connor spoke lightly “Since you

Chice looked up her captivating eyes making his heart race. “What chance?”

“I just mentioned that Devon is having a birthday party here, and everyone else has a date except me it’s quite embarrassing, so why don’t you join me for a drink, and we can head back together later”

Chloe knew that for these high society men, a date was a matter of prestige. like their designer watches, an embellishment. It was just like women’s designer clothes and handbags

Although she disliked the idea, she owed him a favor and naturally had to repay it

“Alright, let’s go

The door to the private room swung open, and the lively atmosphere hit theirs like a wave

The rooms was huge, with people singing, playing poker, lounging on sof drinking and railing dice

The table was piled high with various gifts and a giant cake that had already been cut

“Connot, you’re back. Where did you…

A bubbly gri saw Corner at the door and ran over to him cheerfully like a songbird. But when she saw Chice and Connors surt jacket draped over Chloe’s shoulders, her expression changed dramatically

Her voice also rose filed with hostility “Conner, who is she?”

The others also gradually snapped back to reality, looking towards the decr They saw that Conner had actually brought a woman, and their eyes widened in surprise

She’s my intend” Connor’s

was calm, but it was loud enough

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But everyone’s jaw practically hit the floor in shock. They all knew Connor from the Eldridge Elites wasn’t interested in any socialite lady because his heart was already taken. For this girl, he even lived like a monk, celibate and all.

To dodge an arranged marriage set up by his father, Connor moved all the way to Riverbrook, a small town miles away from Eldridge City. That’s right. Connor had been in Riverbrook for three years, partly for the Paradise Resort project and partly because his father arranged a marriage for him with Eve, the only daughter of one of Eldridge City’s top families, the Nagels.

“How can you have a girlfriend? Are you betraying me?” Eve’s voice trembled with disbelief.

Connor’s lips curled slightly, but his eyes remained cold. “My relationship status has nothing to do with you.”

“Connor, I’m your fiancée.”

“I never acknowledged that,” he replied icily.

“You know Jeffery values me the most. He’s already proposed to my family in private; it just hasn’t been announced publicly.”

Connor’s lips twisted into a bitter smile. “Since he decided this, then you might as well marry him.”

Eve stared at him, her eyes wide with shock. “Connor, you’re so heartless.”

As things were about to explode, Devon stepped in to calm things down. “Eve, your marriage to him wasn’t finalized. Don’t make a fuss.”

Eve was furious. “Devon, whose side are you on? Are you going to let your brother–in–law keep a mistress?”

Brother–in–law? Devon couldn’t even imagine Connor as his brother–in–law. He approached Connor, “Please, she’s my sister. Let’s cool it down.”

Then he turned to Chloe, his eyes lighting up with admiration. “Ms. Chloe, we met at the Royal Golf Club last time.”

Chloe smiled gracefully. “I just happened to be here for dinner. I heard it was your birthday today. I had to come over for a clie

Chapter 65

celebration.”

Devon was pleased. “I’m honored by your presence.”

The room was filled with Connor’s childhood friends, who all eyed Chloe curiously. They wondered why Connor brought her here today. Was it to escape Eve’s harassment, or had he finally moved on from that Miss Gilbert?

Regardless, this girl, whom Connor officially acknowledged as his girlfriend, held the title that guaranteed her a lifetime of glory and wealth.

Meanwhile, Eve was seething. At the last grand banquet, Connor had completely ignored her. She had given up the chance to study abroad and traveled all the way to this small town just to see him. Now, he brought another girl here and openly called her his girlfriend. Such an act was a slap in her face, and if the socialites of Eldridge City found out, Eve would become a laughingstock.

Eve sat on the couch, glaring daggers at Chloe, who was sitting at the table playing cards with a group of men. Chloe was all smiles, charming, and witty from every perspective. Connor sat next to her, staring at her with adoring eyes, even peeling fruit for her. The mighty Mr. Connor, doing such things for a woman? Unthinkable.

Eve’s heart burned with jealousy and rage. Eventually, she couldn’t hold back. While Connor was out answering a call, she grabbed a piece of cake and walked towards Chloe. Everyone in the private room was busy with their own things, and nobody noticed her. Step by step, she approached Chloe from behind, raised her hand, and aimed to smash the cake onto Chloe’s head.

But it was as if Chloe had eyes on the back of her head. She suddenly stood up just as Eve was about to strike. Chloe’s shoulder collided with Eve’s elbow, disrupting the attack.

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Her arm jerked upwards, and the massive slice of cake splattered right onto her face. Eve’s face and hair were a mess, completely covered in cake. Furious, she exploded, “You bitch, you did that on purpose!”

She lunged to grab Chloe’s hair. But Chloe, who had taken self–defense classes, was not easily caught. She purposely dodged left and right, causing Eve to bump into the table and trip over bottles on the ground, ending up in a sorry state.

The men playing cards exchanged glances but didn’t intervene. One was the birthday boy’s sister, and the other was Connor’s girlfriend. Helping one would mean offending the other. Besides, Eve was known for being domineering among the Eldridge Elites. They decided to watch the drama unfold.

It was clear, though, that Eve was no match for Chloe. Although Chloe seemed to be merely dodging, her movements were evidently skilled and even contained a hint of elegance. In contrast, Eve, who was attacking in a frenzy, became increasingly reckless and even bumped her forehead hard enough to form a large bump.

At that moment, Connor entered. Chloe quickly hid behind him, looking all teary–eyed. “Connor, Ms. Eve seems to have had too much to drink.”

Her voice was melodious, with a touch of sweetness. The nearby men couldn’t help but feel their hearts soften at her words. This only infuriated Eve more. “Witch, since when do you get to call Connor like that? Today, I’m going to tear your mouth apart.”

Eve charged forward to slap Chloe, but Connor had caught her arm. “Eve, don’t go too far.”

The atmosphere suddenly chilled. Eve trembled with rage. “Connor, didn’t you see she was bullying me? Look at my face, and here, here.” She pointed to the bump on her forehead and the cut on her knee from the bottle. Tears welled up in her eyes.

Connor, however, only turned to look at Chloe. “Are you hurt?”

Chloe shook her head, meek as a kitten. “I’m scared. I want to go ho

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Connor took Chloe’s hand. “Okay, let’s go home now.”

Connor led Chloe away. Eve sat on the ground, crying bitterly. Devon, sitting on a couch, shook his head. He had deliberately not intervened when Eve struke. But Eve was no match for Chloe. Whether in terms of cunning or physical capability, they were not on the same level–a complete overpowering. It was clear to everyone that Chloe had been toying with Eve as if she were simply playing with a kid. Chloe was absolutely no simple character.

Once out of the room, Chloe flicked her wavy hair, her natural brows arching as she glanced sideways at Connor. “So, are you satisfied with my

performance?”

Connor chuckled, “You turned the birthday boy’s sister into that mess, and you’re asking if I’m satisfied?”

Chloe shook her head, clicking her tongue. “Pretty sneaky, aren’t you? You couldn’t just straight–up end things with the favorite daughter of a well–known family. So, you decided to pin the blame on me for canceling the engagement. At the same time, you broke Miss Eve’s heart enough to make her give up and stop chasing after you.”

The intertwined interests between these prominent families naturally required maintaining a facade. The engagement was already announced, so if Connor wanted to break it off, he needed someone to take the blame. Chloe naturally was the perfect candidate. This way, even if the Nagel family had grievances, they would direct their complaint towards her, rather than Connor, the actual man involved.

Connor laughed softly, saying nothing. She really was thinking too much.

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That night Chloe couldn’t sleep a wink Sleep eluded her even after seeing and turning in bed until she was completely spent. She got up and sat on

wicker chalk watching the night melt into dawn

She was stuck on a decision, wrestling with her thoughts. After all these years. despite all the wrongs Linda had done to her, Chloe had never wished har dead. She had once pulled Linda out of a dark place. But now, Linds, Im going to send you back to that hell. Because that’s where you truly belong Chloe vowed in silence

As the first light of dawn appeared, Chloe picked up her phone and dialed a number. “Aunt Shannon? Did you know Linda is back in the country?

By eight in the morning, the television station was bustling with people Chloe’s car was parked nearby. After a while, she noticed a stooped woman loitering at the entrance–Linda’s mother, Shannon Shannon looked like a beggar, with her tattered clothes and messy hair. But her sharp eyes gleamed with a certain greedy light as she watched people entering the station

Finally, Linda appeared Shannon grabbed her by the arm Linda, a really is your You ungrateful git You’re back in the country and didn’t even bother to tell me ”

At first, Linda didn’t recognize Shannon But once she saw those familiar eyes. panic washed over her “Mom, what are you doing here?”

Suddenly Shannon yanked Linda’s hair and started hitting her Despite her beggarty appearance. Shannon had surprising strength She held onto Linda’s hair tightly causing a scene “Everyone, this is my ungrateful daughter i worked hard to raise her sent her to college, and now she’s living the high life with her boyfriend not caring about her sick father lying bedridden. She’s

heartless*

People gathered around drawn to the commotion. Some recognized Linda and quickly intervened, pulling the two apart. Shannon, however, threw herself on the ground, wailing dramatically “My life is so hard after raising an ungrateful bastard like her She can’t even care for her own parents. Oh Lord,! wars in labor with her for three days and nights. If I’d known it would come to this. nd have drowned her in a bucket

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Linda collapsed on the ground, trembling. Her fear of Shannon was

bone–deep; she couldn’t say a word. Her eyes, filled with terror, also held a deep–seated hatred. Onlookers watched, their mix of sympathy and disdain cutting into Linda like a knife.

Linda screamed hysterically, “I don’t know her! She’s just a crazy woman. I don’t know her at all.”

Chloe watched the chaos from her car, cool and composed. Witnessing Linda’s breakdown, she slipped on her sunglasses and drove away without a second glance.

A couple of hours later, Chloe’s phone rang. It was Lucas. “Chloe, get to the hospital now!”

“What?” Chloe asked, her tone icy.

“Linda’s in critical condition. If our baby doesn’t make it, I’ll never forgive you.”

After hanging up, Chloe felt a wave of irritation. She had only informed Shannon about Linda to give her a taste of her own medicine. She never intended for Linda to lose the baby. Chloe always believed the child was innocent.

Eventually, Chloe drove to the hospital. By the time she arrived, Linda had been moved from the emergency room to a high–end VIP ward,

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Chloe approached the hospital room door. It was slightly ajar, so she could see everything inside.

Linda looked like a scared bunny, sobbing in Lucas‘ arms. “Only Chloe knows about my family. We don’t even have a TV at home. My mom can’t read a single word and never watches the news. It must have been Chloe who told her.”

*She knew my mom was a tyrant. I’ve been controlled and tormented by her since I was little. I nearly died at her hands.

“Now she’s made a scene at the TV station, and everyone knows my mom is a lunatic. I can’t face my colleagues anymore..

“Tony also called, telling me to rest and not to worry about hosting tonight’s show.

“I worked so hard to get that hosting gig. Why would Chloe do this?

“Her heart is so cruel…”

Lucas held her tightly, trying to soothe her. “It’s okay, you still have me. Even if you don’t work, I’ll take care of you forever.”

Chloe knocked on the door.

Both of them looked over. Lucas saw Chloe, and his anger flared instantly. “Chloe, you actually dared to show up.”

Chloe remained calm. “I asked the doctor. Your child is fine.”

Lucas scoffed. “You seem disappointed. Do you really want to see my child dead, you monster?”

Chloe’s expression darkened. “I never intended to harm your child.”

Linda looked at her with teary, innocent eyes. “Did you tell my mom about my situation?”

Chloe didn’t deny it. “Yes.”

Linda burst into tears. “Chloe, why would you do this? You know my mom is a devil. Why push me back to hell? Why are you doing this to me?”

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Chloe spoke indifferently. “We’re in the same boat now.”

Linda was stunned. Then, crying, she said, “I know, you must think that I made those posts online. I didn’t, I really didn’t. I wouldn’t do such a thing. I swear on the baby in my belly…”

“Don’t.” Chloe interrupted her. “I fear the retribution meant for you would fall on your child.”

Linda turned pale.

Lucas couldn’t contain himself any longer. He stepped forward, raising his hand to slap Chloe.

But Chloe firmly caught Lucas‘ wrist, her smile bewitching yet incredibly cold. “Lucas, have you forgotten? You’ve never been able to beat me in a fight since we were kids.”

Lucas‘ arm hurt from her grip. He knew that Chloe had always been fierce despite her delicate appearance. “Chloe, you’re a lunatic. The biggest regret of my life was looking after you since we were kids, loving you, and spoiling you rotten.”

Chloe’s smile deepened. “Did you ever love me?”

“If you really loved me, you wouldn’t have been swayed by Linda’s few words to stand against me.

“If you really loved me, you wouldn’t have stabbed me in the back when I was most desperate.

“We end up like thua, and you have never doubted Linda all this time?”

Chloe was heartbroken.

They were childhood friends and had played together since they were bare–bottomed toddlers. Even if there wasn’t love between them, there were more than twenty years of friendship.

They used to be friends who could talk about anything and each other’s first love fluttering in their youth, but now they harbored mutual hatred.

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Lucas seemed to freeze for a moment. “Linda is kind–hearted, unlike you–always pretending.”

Chloe let out a sneer. She pulled out a voice recorder and pressed play.

A woman’s voice came through. “It was Linda. She provided all the information. On my last day at work, she handed me a folder out of nowhere. To secure her spot on the prime–time show, she had me release it online on the final day of voting…”

Lucas‘ expression turned serious. He had seen that online post, too. It was filled with defamatory content, glossing over the truth. It was aimed at painting Chloe as the daughter of a murderer, twisted and broken.

Linda’s face turned pale as she listened to the recording. “It wasn’t me. This is fake. It’s Vivian framing me. Chloe, how could you do this to me?”

Chloe’s lips curled into a sly smile. “This recording is fake. I had someone recreate it. It’s not Vivian’s voice at all. But how did you know it was Vivian who made those posts?”

Linda went white as a sheet, momentarily speechless.

Chloe approached Linda’s bedside and grasped her chin. “Linda, remember, this is just the beginning. If I replace out you were behind the other incidents, you’ll pay dearly.”

Chloe walked away.

Lucas stared at the frail Linda on the bed, for the first time not moving to comfort her.

me,

Linda sobbed, tears streaming down her face. “Luca, you believe me, right? It’s Chloe framing me. She hates me so much. She wants to ruin

ruin our baby. You know how hard it was to conceive this child, how many injections I had, how much medication I took… it hurts, it hurts so much…”

Suddenly, Linda clutched her stomach. Lucas rushed to her side, urgently calling for a doctor.

Their child was conceived through IVF, indeed hard–won, and possibly the only

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child he would ever have.

Lucas grabbed Linda’s hand. “I believe you, don’t get worked up, Linda. I’ve always believed you.”

Linda finally let out a sigh of relief, sobbing in Lucas‘ arms.

However, once doubt is planted, it grows wild. Lucas wasn’t a fool. Linda only claimed Chloe framed her but couldn’t refute the evidence Chloe had shown.

That evening, Lucas returned to the apartment he shared with Linda to pack some clothes for her. All day, Chloe’s words echoed in his mind.

“Lucas, have you never doubted Linda?”

As he reached the door of the study, Lucas suddenly stopped. Linda’s laptop was on the desk. For the first time, he opened it. The computer was password–protected.

Lucas tried a few passwords: Linda’s birthday, his birthday, and the date they went abroad together–none worked. He was about to give up when something clicked in his mind. He entered a series of numbers.

The computer unlocked. The password was Chloe’s birthday.

How much must Linda resent Chloe to use her birthday as the password?

Lucas frowned as he navigated the laptop. It didn’t take long to replace a folder. Inside were the original images from the recent online incident, identical to those on the post. But the photos had been stored on her laptop over a year ago, back when they were still abroad.

It was clear. Linda had collected these images to give to someone else

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While abroad, Linda had been scheming, gathering dirt on Chloe. But that wasn’t the half of it. Lucas found several other folders on Linda’s computer, all filled with damaging information about Chloe that could ruin her reputation. Most of it was twisted out of context, outright lies. They included things like Chloe being a bully in high school and a troubled girl who had an abortion.

Lucas knew better. They had spent their high school years together, and Chloe was never a bully or a troubled girl. In fact, she was bright, straightforward, sincere, and excelled academically. Everyone, from teachers to students, adored her. Clearly, these were malicious fabrications. If exposed, any one of them could drag Chloe into an abyss.

The room was dark, with flickering light casting shadows on Lucas‘ expressionless face, making him look even more enigmatic.

Chloe was enjoying a rare break these days. She’d been working non–stop for a year, hardly taking any days off because of her daily noon news broadcasts. Now, with some free time, she found herself a bit at loose ends.

She slept in until the sun was high, then got to work on her jewelry designs. Her friend had been hounding her for new pieces, so she took the chance to send him two sets

Connor had been on a business trip to Japan for three days and just got back today. At noon, Chloe received a message from him inviting her to lunch in the CEO’s office at CNR. With nothing better to do, she decided to go. She kinda loved the special meals Connor’s chef prepared just for him. She drove straight into CNR Tower’s underground parking and took Connor’s private elevator up to his office, which opened into his personal lounge. Chloe thought this setup was perfect for secret meetings

The lounge was empty, so she headed straight for Connor’s office area. As soon as she opened the door, she ran into Connor’s personal secretary, Teddy, making the atmosphere instantly awkward. Teddy, unfazed, adjusted his rimless glasses and said politely. “Ms. Chloe, Mr. Connor is on his way. He’ll be here in about ten minutes.”

Chloe nodded. “Okay, got it”

She sat in Cormor

office

glanced at a stack of documents on the

desk spotting a familiar photo. It was Lisa in the photo Unable to resist, Chloe picked up the document to take a closer look. It was a job application

of Lisa was applying for the position of Executive Assistant to the CEO

A chill passed through Chloe’s eyes. Back in her sophomore year. Lisa had stormed into the Meadows family home with a stack of DNA test papers, turning their lives upside down. Lisa’s adoptive mother, who was actually Chloe’s biological mother Ann, had swapped two babies at birth twenty years ago to get back at the Meadows family.

According to Lisa, she had been mistreated her whole life. This pushed Leah’s guilt over her biological daughter and her hatred toward Ann to the brink. Ann was later sentenced to life for murder.

Leah, consumed by rage and guilt, turned her anger on Chloe. The mother who had once adored her suddenly wanted her dead, something Chloe couldn’t fathom. At that moment, she wondered if her death would rekindle even a spark of her mother’s old love.

So, she attempted suicide. But in the end, it didn’t work.