Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover
Chapter 599

At this moment, she'd waited for what felt like an eternity. Linda had jumped through hoops and plotted against so many people, even turning her own life upside down, all to get just a little closer to Chloe. It was like something straight out of a dream.

Linda watched as the light seemed to wrap around Chloe, and she was instantly transported back to the first time she went to Chloe's house. Back then, it was over something as trivial as a broken bowl. Shannon had lost her cool, yelling at Linda and forbidding her from returning to school. Linda had just kept her head down, cleaned up the mess, and tried to ignore the hurtful words that bombarded her ears.

She felt like a weed, struggling to survive in the mud, caught in a storm, and about to be washed away in a filthy gutter. Her world was a constant storm, with no break in the clouds, no glimpse of sunlight. Until that one day, when Chloe showed up.

Chloe had barged in just as Shannon was about to hit Linda, grabbing her hand and dragging her outside. They ran, and ran, and ran. Linda could only focus on Chloe's back, which seemed to shine with a light of its own. She can still recall how the clouds finally parted that day, letting the sun blaze down, and the wind whipped past her ears, carrying the scent of fresh grass from the roadside. It was the smell of freedom, like a bird breaking free from its cage.

Over the years, Linda often replayed that day in her mind. It was the most pivotal day of her life. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she wondered when she had fallen for Chloe. She couldn't pinpoint the exact moment. Maybe it was when Chloe started dating Lucas, sparking a jealousy she couldn't shake. Or when Chloe took a blade meant for her. Perhaps it was each time Chloe stood up for her, putting bullies in their place. Or maybe it was even earlier, on just another ordinary afternoon when a ray of light pierced through the gloom of her life.

No one knew this secret she carried.

Pels

For years, it was her burden alone. She kept it hidden deep inside, afraid of what might happen if it ever came out. Would Chloe see her as a monster, as something twisted? Would she turn away and never speak to her again?

But the jealousy was intense. Linda envied everyone who surrounded Chloe. Chloe was like the sun, but she didn't shine just for Linda alone. Her brilliance drew people in, just like it had drawn Linda. There were too many who admired her, secretly loved her. Linda swore to herself that she would clear them all away, whether they were friends or lovers. She wanted to be the only one Chloe saw, the only one in her heart.

But Chloe's light was too bright. No matter what Linda did, she couldn't chase everyone away. There would always be someone drawn to that light, someone who couldn't resist getting close. Linda was exhausted.

So, a darker thought crossed her mind. Maybe she could dim Chloe's light. Maybe if Chloe fell from grace, if her treasures shattered and her shine dulled, those people would vanish. Then, Linda wouldn't have to worry about losing her.

With that in mind, she started

plotting. Cassie, Chloe's best friend,

was always by her side. Linda's jealousy flared strongest around her. She tried to drive a wedge between them a few times but failed. But then she learned about Cassie's background-the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy family in Eldridge City. Linda set her sights on Cassie, orchestrating situations that led to school trouble and fights, events that got Cassie's parents involved. Eventually, they had enough and sent her abroad.

Rumors swirled that the Gilbert family had no heirs, and maybe that's why Jeffrey acknowledged Cassie. But whatever the reason, Cassie was out of the picture.