Loved You Once But He's My Forever (Chloe)
Billionaire Is 160

Chapter 160 A Lesson Learned

Carter gazed at me with such tenderness, as if his eyes carried an infinite depth of affection.

"You'll replace out in time," he said softly, leaving the question unanswered and my heart feeling hollow.

After a day of negotiations, the families finally came to an agreement.

Anna and Ashley's engagement was settled, but the Hudsons had their reservations.

They agreed to cover the betrothal gift and the wedding expenses, but they refused to register the marriage. It was a clear sign that this arrangement was only for show.

Once Anna lost her value, they could discard her without hesitation.

The Sanders, who had thought this marriage was a step up for them, were deeply humiliated by the Hudsons' blatant distrust..

"What is the meaning of marrying without registration? Are you treating my daughter like some disposable object?" Kate snapped.

Fiona Hudson, impeccably dressed and perfectly poised, sat across from her. Compared to Kate, who had aged significantly after her recent loss, Fiona looked at least a decade younger despite being around the same age.

Her high-end tailored dress, diamond bracelet, and flawless complexion all exuded an air of superiority.

She stirred her coffee leisurely with a hint of disdain flashing across her delicate features.

"Do I really need to spell out what your daughter is worth? I assumed we all understood," she sounded like an evil mother-in-law,

Setting her spoon down, Fiona continued, "Kate, we both know how this engagement came about. Given your recent loss, we're already being more than generous. Registering the marriage would tie our families" interests together. If they genuinely loved each other, we wouldn't object. But since there's no emotional foundation here, why should the Hudsons shoulder unnecessary risks?

rsona

"Of course, if your daughter manages to build a real connection with our son and gives us a grandchild or two, the marriage certificate won't be out of the question."

At the mention of children, the Sanders family visibly tensed.

For now, only the Boltons and the Sanders knew about Anna's pregnaney. If the Hudsons found out, the marriage would fall apart in an instant.

Having just received a substantial hush payment, the Sanders were naturally

union.

inclined to push for this

From start to finish, Anna was treated like a commodity She had no right to state her opinions.

This time, she had no choice but to marry Ashley.

Both families set the wedding date for the 15th of next month, leaving little time for preparations.

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08:23 Tue, Dec 10

Chapter 160 A Lesson Learned

our Ashley showed no kindness toward Anna. Before leaving, he coldly instructed, "Son on your wedding dress yourself. Make sure it's decent enough not to embarrass the Hudsons"

Anna boarded the car with a cold expression, completely ignoring Ashley from start to finish.

Then, Ashley kicked the car hard and spat, "D'mn it! What are you so smug about?

I crossed my arms and watched the drama unfold in amusement. Who knows what kind of sparks this pair of resentful lovers would ignite.

Judging by Ashley's contorted expression, he seemed the type with severe psychological issues.

He was the weakest and least favored at home. His years of pent-up resentment were simmering beneath the surface While he seemed manageable most of the time, the smallest issue could trigger violen outbursts against his family.

In contrast, things appeared much more harmonious between Alisa and Luke. Alisa, with her graceful and gentle demeanor, willingly agreed to forgo a wedding ceremony, content with simply registering their marriage.

Her intelligence and tact won her favor within the Boltons.

The two decided to register their marriage the next morning.

In private, Alisa pulled me aside and thanked me profusely.

I know she's not as gentle as she seems, so I kept the conversation polite and superficial.

"Alisa, you've thrown yourself into this without hesitation. You must know Luke doesn't love you. Are you

sure you

won't regret marrying someone who doesn't return your feelings?"

"Zoey, I've finally gotten the chance to marry the man I love. How could I regret it?"

It was then I realized that marriage truly was like a wall,

Those outside were desperate to get in, while those inside longed to escape.

After Alisa left, I began overseeing preparations for their marriage.

Now that Jeffrey had acknowledged my place in the family, I had to take charge of various matters.

Luke, too, understood that he was no match for Carter either in ability or health.

For now, he could only follow Carter's arrangements.

One lesson wayall it took.

He seemed calmer, perhaps waiting for the right moment.

After all, Carter had played him masterfully, and someone like Luke would never let such a slight go unanswered.

However, he was also keenly aware of the power gap and had chosen to lie low for now.

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Chapter 160 A Lesson Learned

I was sitting in the tea room. The aroma of brewing te afted through the air an team curled upwards.

Luke approached and greeted me, "Aunt Zoey

Carter, busy reading nearby, glanced up briefly, Reluctantly, Luke added, "Uncle Carter

I smiled warmly at him. "Luke, you're here. Your healthn't greats sit down and rest while we chat

My words, though kindly delivered, struck a nerve.

Luke frowned but said nothing

"Luke, Dad has asked me to handle your wedding arrangements. Although you're not having a formal ceremony, the Hudsons are still a distinguished family We can't afford to be negligent, so we need to ensure everything is done properly. About the marital home-do you want to use the one you shared with Chloe, or should we prepare a new property?"

I hadn't expected to arrange my ex-husband's marriage. It was ridiculous!

Luke's voice was low as he replied, "A new property. The house was decorated entirely by Chloe. I won't let anyone else desecrate it."

I smirked. "Luke, you do love playing the devoted man. Weren't you already rolling in the sheets with Anna in that very house on your wedding night? If that wasn't enough to defile it, what difference does it make now? Chloe's dead, after all. She won't mind." Bang!

Luke slammed his hand against the table and stood abruptly. "How do you know we were in the new house?" he asked while glaring at me.