He actually looked through this sketchbook, saw my fantasies about being with him, and then left this message? Is he mocking me or just testing how foolish I am?” he cou
May
could?” Chloe muttered to herself, her self-deprecating laughter mingling with a whirlwind of emotions.
She sat on the edge of the bed for a long while before finally picking up the sketchbook. After a moment of hesitation, she placed it on the nightstand, deciding not to take it with her. As she packed I her clothes, sweat streamed down her back.
Freshly showered. showered, Chloe heard I her phone ringing with an unfamiliar number.
“Hello, Ms. Nelson. There seems to be an issue with the Mamaica visa you applied for. It’s currently unable to be processed.”
Chloe
asked, “Una “Unable to be processed?
“Why? I’ve provided all the required documents and proof of assets. What’s the problem?”
“There are various reasons for a visa rejection, all depending on Mamaica’s standards. You might want to try again later.” Chloe was not in the mood to wait. She was set to leave on Monday.
“If the tourist visa isn’t possible, what about a work visa?”
She thought, “With James’ Bright Moon International’s endorsement, surely a business trip visa would be feasible, right?” visa, but we can’t guarantee it will be approved.”
Chloe’s frustration grew.
You can try for a wow. She had handed over her passport and documents to this visa agency, thinking it would simplify things.
Now, she was deal with this mess.
“Where’s your office? I’m coming over now.”
Hanging up, Chloe dialed James, saying, “James, there’s a problem with my visa.”
James was taken a aback. “What What do you mean?”
He couldn’t t understand why Chloe’s visa was in trouble.
He cou
Chloe
a brief explanation, and James’ irritation was palpable.This belongs to C_Häp/Te_Rsf_lóW-cóm – ©.
“Why didn’t you let me or someone from Smith’s team handle this? Getting a visa should be a piece of cake with us. Why did you go to a visa agency?”
Chloe s
e sighed, “I didn’t know they’d be so unreliable.”
“Get your passport and documents back. I’ll sort it out for you.”
At the agency, the staff greeted her warmly, ushering her to a seat and offering water. “Ms. Nelson, please hold on a moment.”
The manager approached with her passport and documents. “Ms. Nelson, we’re truly sorry for the inconvenience. It seems the issue might be with the stringent requirements from the other side, but we can certainly try again.” Chloe shook her head. “No, thanks. Just give me my documents back. I’ll handle it myself.”
so she didn’t have time to waste with this agency.
She had to leave on Monday: Ms. Nelson, please don’t rush. I assure you, a second attempt will surely succeed. Our agency is very professional,”
The manager looked I worried.
Chloe thought, “Professional enough to fail with complete documentation?”
“I said I don’t need your help.”
She gathered her passport and documents, stuffing them into her bag. “According to your policy, if the visa isn’t approved, I get a full refund.” Leaving the agency, Chloe felt foolish.
She thought, “I should have asked James for help from the start instead of trying to manage it on my own.”
With her documents in hand, she made her way to Bright Moon International.
James watched Chloe enter, a smirk appearing on his face as he casually swung his legs. “Well, well, look who’s here.”
Chloe braced herself for his usual teasing. “Here’s my stuff. Thanks for dealing with this mess.”
“Chloe, with your tech skills and all, how come you’re so clueless in other areas?” James raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the opportunity to tease her.
If it had been about anything else, Chloe would have given him a lecture.
But in this case, she couldn’t really argue; she had been a bit of an idiot.
Okay, okay, I get it. I’m the fool here. How else would you shine so brightly? Thanks a lot, Mr. Dale!”
handed over her passport with a playful grin.
James seemed quite pleased with her flattery. “Don’t worry, it’ll be sorted before Monday.”
Relief washed over Chloe.
James suddenly said, “Great. By the way, can you come with me to a place tonight?”
James shot her a glare. “If you can’t say something useful, just keep quiet.”
Chloe shrugged. Remembering the things Maggie had said last time, she hesitated for a moment and said, “James, have you ever considered that Ms. Xander might still have feelings for you?” James didn’t stop his fiddling. “She’s married.” “So what? People get divorced all the time!”
James finally looked at her and, after a brief silence, replied, “Yeah, that’s exactly the kind of thing you’d say.”
“Hey, watch your language!” Chloe retorted, surprised by the harshness.
James pulled out the family heirloom emerald ring again, pushing it towards her. “You don’t mind coming with me to the charity gala tonight, do you? After all, you’re my employee.” “Why not ask Harold?”
Chloe wondered
“I’m not gay, Jam he’d want her to attend when Harold was his assistant.
James said flatly.
Chloe was momentarily stunned. “Then why should I wear that ring this time?”
She thought, “Wasn’t it just to make Maggie jealous?”
“Just wear it. Is it not pretty enough or not expensive enough for you?”
rolled
d her eyes, thinking, “Is this really about aesthetics or cost?”
Chloe rolle
had
dressed appropriately after seeing the emerald ring, so she looked presentable.
Fortunately, that night, Chloe
Standing beside James, she murmured, “I don’t have anything to donate.”
Since her divorce from Michael, she hadn’t bought any new jewelry. She usually attended these events empty-handed. The only diamond liamond necklace she owned had already been donated, and the rest of her collection remained at the Shawn Manor.
I’ll make a donation on your behalf.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll mak
At the entrance, Chloe and James wrote their names in the same column. As they were about to enter, Maggie walked in from outside. She was alone, wearing a flowing silver gown that made her look like a mermaid emerging from the sea.
“Ms. Nelson, what a coincidence.”
Though Maggie addressed Chloe, her gaze was fixed on James, who ignored her completely and kept his attention on the venue. “Ms. Xander, are you alone tonight?”
Chloe thought, “Her husband doesn’t come with her?”
join me today.”
“He has work, so he coulling that Maggie’s tone carried a hint of smugness.
Chloe couldn’t shake the
But she thought maybe it was just her i imagination.
James leaned in to whisper in Chloe’s ear, “Shall we head in?”
It made them appear quite intimate to anyone watching.
Maggie’s smile faltered slightly, but she kept her composure. “Let’s go in together.”This belongs to c.Häp/t.ERsflôW..cóm – ©.
Without waiting for their response, Maggie walked to the other side of James.
Once inside, James glanced at Maggie. “It seems your seat isn’t here.”
Charity galas generally had fixed seating arrangements based on status.
With Maggie’s lack of prominence and her time spent abroad, she was unlikely to be seated with the General Manager of Bright Moon International. Maggie looked disappointed, took a deep breath, and said, “James, after the dinner, could you wait for me? I have something I need to tell you.” Maggie looked at James with a pitiful expression as if she might burst into tears if he refused.
“I’ll make sure to remind him after the event. Don’t worry, Ms. Xander!” Chloe said, stepping in to agree to Maggie’s request.
Maggie’s eyes widened in surprise, but the dominant emotion was relief.
Once Maggie had left, James turned to Chloe with a frosty glare. “Since when did you become the boss?”
He was baffled that Chloe felt entitled to make promises on his behalf without even consulting him first.
Chloe gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
“I’m doing this for you. You’re heading off to Mamaica soon, and there’s a chance you might not come back. Don’t you think it’s better to clear the air now? Use tonight as your last chance to say what needs to be said.” James stared at her, seemingly lost in thought. After a long pause, he finally asked, “So why don’t you go and have a chat with Michael, then?”
She said, “I don’t have anything left to discuss with him. It’s all over. Unlike you, who’s still fixated on the past even after returning home.” Her words made James reflect deeply.
He wondered, “I admit, when I first came back, I was still hung up on Maggie. Learning about her marriage was almost unbearable.
But ever since her wedding, it feels like I’ve truly moved on.
Why should I cling to the past when she’s already someone else’s wife?
It seems marriage really can help someone let go completely.”
James said with a smirk, “Speak of the devil. Looks like your ex is here.”
He glanced sideways and saw Michael entering the venue.
Chloe followed his gaze and spotted Michael alone-a rare sight indeed, as he usually had a companion at such events.
Michael seemed to have some sort of sixth sense, immediately spotting Chloe. Michael’s company was as renowned as Bright Moon International in the domestic market, so it was no surprise that his seat wasn’t far from Chloe’s. He took a seat beside Chloe, his demeanor as calm and collected as ever.
The guests were waiting for the charity gala to begin. When the lights dimmed, Chloe saw Victoria and Cathy approaching, accompanied by an unfamiliar woman.
“Zooey, come and sit here,” Victoria called out.
As the auction commenced, it featured a series of high-end luxury items that Chloe had no interest in.Text © 2024 C_hàPTêrSf-lOW/COM.
They claimed the proceeds would go to the Red Cross, but she had her doubts about how much would actually be donated.
Chloe sat in her chair, feeling drowsy. She had no interest in the auction, and with her pregnancy making her unusually sleepy, being in the front row didn’t stop her from dozing off.
Just as her eyelids were on the verge of closing completely, she felt a warm coat draped over her shoulders.
Chloe barely registered it and fell into a deep sleep.
When the auction wrapped up and the upper-crust guests moved outside for drinks and socializing, Chloe was stirred awake by the sound of people leaving.
As she opened her eyes, the coat had slipped to her knees and fell to the floor. She picked it up and handed it to James. “Thanks for the coat.” James barely glanced at it. “Who says it’s my coat?”
Chloe was taken aback. “It isn’t?”
James raised an eyebrow, smirking. “I didn’t realize you drooled in your sleep. I wouldn’t use my coat as a napkin.”
His blunt mockery made Chloe blush. She glanced at the coat and saw no trace of drool.
“Well, the owner is here now. You can take it.”
James, needing to discuss something with Maggie, left Chloe momentarily. Just then, Michael approached from behind her. “Didn’t get much rest last night?”
Realizing the coat belonged to him, Chloe handed it over. “It fell on the floor. If you find it dirty, I can clean it and return it to you.”
It was autumn, and he wore a dark shirt underneath his jacket. With the banquet hall’s large windows open, the breeze might have made it chilly. But Michael shook his head. “Keep it. You’re only in a sleeveless dress. It’s quite cold outside.”
Chloe didn’t protest, draping the coat over her arm.
Standing outside the banquet hall, she nibbled on a pastry she’d grabbed to stave off hunger.
Just as Chloe was about to turn around, someone shoved her shoulder roughly.
Chloe shot her a sharp look, thinking, “Didn’t notice?
Really? With me standing here, you’d have to be blind not to see me.”
She glanced at the heavily made-up woman in front of her, thinking, “Isn’t this woman the one standing next to Victoria at the auction?”
“Ms. Nelson, I’m genuinely sorry. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. I believe you won’t make a fuss over this?” Zooey Landry preemptively tried to dismiss Chloe’s potential complaint as trivial.This belongs to CHap_t-ē.RsfLoW-com – ©.
Seeing Chloe remain silent, Zooey gave her a once-over and said, “Ms. Nelson, I assume you’re here representing Bright Moon International. Why aren’t you with your boss? Wandering off like this doesn’t reflect well on your professionalism.” Chloe recalled that Victoria had a friend named Zooey, who was also Monica’s stepmother and shared the same last name.
She had been abroad for the past year, so her sudden appearance was a surprise.
Spotting Victoria and Cathy nearby, Chloe understood Zooey was deliberately looking for trouble.
She smirked slightly and said, “Mrs. Landry, it’s rather unbecoming for someone your age to play petty games and form cliques like a high schooler.”
Zooey, in her youth, had indeed been notorious as a school troublemaker.
She used her privileged background to bully classmates and form alliances, which was no secret.
Monica had been imprisoned previously for intentional injury, and the Landry family had used all their connections to get her out. This incident had undoubtedly fueled Monica’s resentment toward Chloe.
At a high-profile event like this, it was no surprise Zooey was targeting Chloe.
“Ms. Nelson, now that you don’t have the Shawn family backing you, you should be careful with what you say and do. With so many enemies, you never know what might happen. I heard you were even kidnapped recently. Looks like luck isn’t on your side.” Zooey posed with a certain smugness. Despite her age, she showed her attempts to appear flirtatious, which made Chloe understand why Monica’s father married her.
Chloe replied coolly, “Mrs. Landry, if I were you, I’d be more concerned with your own husband. His infidelities are hardly a secret. You seem to be quite the tolerant spouse.”
The Landry family had always been chaotic, with Monica’s father notorious for his numerous affairs.
Although he seemed to have settled down recently, partly due to Zooey’s strong personality, old habits died hard.
Zooey had been away for a year, unable to keep tabs on her unfaithful husband, which Chloe highlighted with a touch of sarcasm.
Zooey’s face darkened instantly.
“Don’t speak out of turn. The Landry family’s affairs are none of your business!”
Chloe smiled, “Landry family matters are well-known within our circles. If you don’t want people talking, don’t give them reasons to. If the deeds are done, why worry about what others say?”
Zooey’s expression hardened. Though she knew the Landry family’s scandals were common knowledge, Chloe’s audacity still shocked her.
“Mrs. Landry, do you remember your goddaughter’s favorite massage parlor?” Chloe’s voice carried a sharp edge.
Given Victoria’s close relationship with Zooey, Cathy had become her goddaughter, though Zooey didn’t seem to have done much for her. But the massage parlor in question was well-known.
Cathy’s scandalous choice of a male masseur had made headlines, so there was no way Zooey didn’t know about it.
“What’s your point?” Zooey asked, her tone icy.
She wasn’t one for many standards, but she lived by a simple rule-if others didn’t bother her, she wouldn’t bother others.
If Zooey was foolish enough to provoke her, she couldn’t complain if Chloe decided to rip the Landry family’s already fragile cover to shreds.
“That massage parlor doesn’t just have male therapists, you know. I’ve heard the female therapists are top-notch too,” Chloe said with a hint of mockery. Chloe happened to know about this, quite by chance.
When Cathy tried to set her up, Lucy had exposed Cathy’s visits to the massage parlor. Chloe had discreetly sent Candy there, and no one had been the wiser.
Originally, Chloe was just trying to investigate Cathy’s affair, but she stumbled upon something unexpected-the Landry family’s little scandal.
Candy, being the gossip lover she was, took over a hundred photos from all angles. The images were so explicit that even sharing them too widely could land someone in trouble. Chloe hadn’t planned on using them; after all, Monica had been no match for her, and there was no need to blackmail Aaron Landry.
Those photos had remained in a file on her phone, untouched for a long time.This belongs to châPtER$f-LöW.COM – ©.
Zooey’s face shifted from pale to red as she glared at Chloe. “Chloe, don’t try to pull the wool over my eyes. I’m not buying it.”
Chloe couldn’t decide whether to call Zooey cautious or just plain naive. “Mrs. Landry, have you ever wondered why? Monica is the only daughter the Landry family treasures so much. Yet after her arrest, Aaron never once reached out to me?” She thought, “Aaron isn’t the type to back down easily. Anyone who can make it big in this city isn’t a pushover.
Even though I am not part of the Shawn family anymore, Aaron has never sought revenge.
Shouldn’t Zooey be able to piece this together?”
Zooey sneered, saying, “You’re just someone who needs to rely on Michael, aren’t you? Without the Shawn family, you’d be finished in our circles. You’re nothing but a woman who lives off men-first Michael, now the head of Bright Moon International. “Everywhere you go, you’re surrounded by men.”
“You could always ask him yourself if Aaron is aware of the situation,” Chloe said, her gaze dripping with disdain.
For some people, the more they had to say, the less they actually had. Chloe was certain Zooey knew better than anyone who was the woman relying on men. Chloe pulled out her phone and opened a long-neglected album.
With a single tap, she shared the contents. She didn’t need Zooey’s number; with a few keystrokes, she had access to everyone’s phones here.
Suddenly, the sound of notification chimes filled the room as everyone’s phones buzzed simultaneously.
People quickly began checking their screens. Zooey’s face turned ashen as she seemed to guess what was coming.
Many had already seen the photos and were now looking at Zooey in shock.
“Mrs. Landry, aren’t you going to take a look at your phone?” Chloe taunted.
Chloe thought to herself, “These are the photos I carefully selected. They are definitely going to make the headlines tomorrow.
It seems like our circle hasn’t had any fresh news for a while.
Aaron’s scandal should provide some juicy gossip for everyone to talk about over meals. Maybe it’ll even stay on the entertainment news for a few days.
With just a few taps on my phone, Zooey’s life is going to be a mess for the rest of the year.”
Zooey shot Chloe a glare and pulled out her phone. The photos displayed were not explicit, but they made it clear what had happened.
In one photo, Aaron was seen cozying up to a young model, while in another, he was with a different woman.
In short, Aaron was pictured with a different woman in every photo.
This kind of behavior was not unusual among their social circle, but the Landry family was different. Zooey had previously boasted to a group of wealthy wives that her husband was completely obedient to her and would never stray. In her words, he had “settled down”.
But these photos were a blatant slap in the face.
Candy had snapped Aaron entering a room at a massage parlor, his arms around a female therapist, caught in the act. Zooey gripped her phone tightly, her eyes fixed on the screen, her teeth clenched.
Despite the low murmurs of gossip around her, the whispers still pricked at her ears, amplifying her embarrassment. Finally, she put her phone down and glared at Chloe. “These photos can be doctored. Why should I believe you?” With the prevalence of celebrity scandal pics and Al-generated images online, she questioned the authenticity of it all. “Chloe, what’s your angle in creating these fakes?”
Zooey’s voice rose deliberately, aiming to let everyone overhear that the photos were fabricated, hoping to salvage what little dignity she had left.
Chloe shook her head, seeing the absurdity in Zooey’s defense. “If I were fabricating these, I would’ve approached you or Aaron for a payoff right after making them. Why wait until now to release them?”
Chloe observed Zooey, who could barely muster a response and smirked. “If you hadn’t tried to provoke me, I would’ve kept these photos hidden forever.”
Zooey fell silent, her face reflecting the dawning realization. She finally waved her hand dismissively. “So what if there are photos? All men cheat. Michael was with other women during your marriage. Men are like that; it’s no big deal.” Chloe was torn between calling her magnanimous or foolish.
But it made sense-Zooey had always relied on Aaron and wasn’t ready to face the truth.
“Chloe, don’t think I don’t see through you. You’re doing this because you dislike Cathy and Victoria, and since I’m Victoria’s friend, you’re targeting me!”
Chloe chuckled, “Sorry, but that sounds like your issue, not mine. Though you’re not entirely wrong, this mess does involve Cathy and Victoria. You remember this club, don’t you? Cathy’s been here before.”
Zooey was initially confused, but then it clicked.
Chloe’s smile widened as she continued, “Cathy and your husband were at this massage parlor on the same day. Do you think Cathy didn’t know about it?”
If Cathy knew, then Victoria must have, too.Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
She might even have known this a long time ago.
This meant Victoria, Zooey’s good friend, had been aware of her husband’s infidelity all along and never said a word.
Zooey was stunned. “Don’t try to drive a wedge between us!”
“I didn’t, Mrs. Landry. But if you want to know more, ask your friend about the goings-on at Kuangmaid Port,” Chloe said smoothly.
Kuangmaid Port had always been a hub for import-export trade, dealing in all kinds of goods sent overseas.
Aaron’s company was involved in this trade, and several of the Landry family’s cruise ships were docked there.
Zooey was aware that the ships from Kuangmaid Port had previously been used to smuggle alcohol and cigarettes.
Aaron had always barred her from visiting, and even if she tried to sneak a look, the port staff would catch her and send her back.
Over the years, she had remained oblivious to the exact nature of the shady dealings happening there.
Chloe said coolly, “Mrs. Landry, I’m giving you a chance. I won’t leak any more of your husband’s dirty secrets, but if you keep being snide with me, don’t blame me for sending everything I have to everyone here.” If that happened, the Landry family would truly be left in ruins.
With that, Chloe sent all the incriminating photos of Kuangmaid Port directly to Zooey’s phone.
After scanning through them, Zooey, visibly dazed, walked away from Chloe and headed towards Victoria.
Victoria, who had just received a text with the same photos, now felt a pang of guilt as she faced Zooey.
“Zooey…”
Zooey interrupted, her voice steely, “So you’ve known all along that Aaron was seeing other women, haven’t you?”
Zooey nodded with a tight smile. “Alright, let’s put that aside for now. What about Kuangmaid Port? Anything you want to share with me?” The mention of Kuangmaid Port drained the color from Victoria’s face.Text © 2024 c/h-ãptërsF_LO.w_Com.
“I… I don’t know anything about Kuangmaid Port, Zooey. Don’t listen to Chloe’s nonsense. I swear, I’m completely in the dark.”
“Enough! How long are you going to keep lying to me?” Zooey’s disbelief was palpable.
She thought bitterly, “I married Aaron, and we never had children. On the surface, it seems like he protects me in the Landry family, but in reality, my position has always been low.
I’ve been trying to get involved in Aaron’s business, whether it’s the port trade or anything else, just to truly integrate into this family.
I’ve told Victoria more than once that Aaron has business at Kuangmaid Port, but he’s never willing to share anything with me. Even a brief visit to the port would make him incredibly anxious. Victoria promised to look into it and get back to me with any useful information.
But what’s the reality now?
Victoria has been working with Aaron all along. The ships at Kuangmaid Port aren’t just used for smuggling alcohol and cigarettes; they’re involved in other illicit activities as well. And Victoria? She’s known all along and might even be a participant.
After all these years of being by Aaron’s side, how much have I really gained?
Has Victoria been laughing at me all this time when I complained to her?
I’ve maintained a glamorous facade, becoming Aaron’s new wife, and everyone praised me for ‘winning’ him.
But in the end, it’s all just an illusion.
Even my closest friends know more about my husband than I do.”
The Landry family was once a huge deal in the upper circles, with Aaron’s father having multiple concubines in addition to his wife.
When monogamy laws were enforced, those concubines had to become unofficial lovers, living with Aaron’s father without any formal recognition.
Since Aaron’s childhood, his father had always been surrounded by numerous women.
Over time, Aaron grew accustomed to and continued this pattern.
Before Zooey’s rise, Monica’s mother had been Aaron’s only officially recognized wife.
But fate was cruel; she died shortly after giving birth to Monica.
Aaron spent several years single, with his number of companions only increasing.
It was only when Zooey became pregnant that Aaron agreed to marry her. Unfortunately, the baby didn’t survive.
Aaron, disinterested in further complications, didn’t bring up divorce.
As the years went by, Zooey told him to stop his philandering. Aaron, who had genuine affection for her, promised to comply each time.
That was why Zooey publicly emphasized their ‘true love’ and Aaron’s fidelity.
In reality, she clung to these claims because she had nothing to show for them.
Zooey had hoped to solidify her place in the Landry family, believing her friends would stand by her. However, she could never imagine it would come to this.
Victoria, noticing Zooey’s pale and distraught expression, felt a pang of anxiety. “Zooey, I’m sorry about your husband’s visits to the massage parlor. But regarding Kuangmaid Port, I genuinely don’t know anything!” She was still playing the act even now.
Zooey gave a cold, tight-lipped smile. After taking several deep breaths with her head lowered, she finally looked up again.
“I was too worked up just now. You’re my good friend; how could I not trust you? I know you must be completely in the dark.”
Victoria studied Zooey intently for a while, only relaxing once she was sure Zooey really believed her.
Meanwhile, after Zooey walked away, Chloe had no interest in pursuing the matter further.
She had only wanted some peace and quiet.
Michael approached, holding a glass of juice and offering it to her. “Where did you get the photo of Aaron?”
“That’s my private collection. Like it? I can send you all of it tonight. There are several gigabytes of it,” Chloe said with a sly smile. Michael’s face twisted in disgust, as if he’d swallowed a fly.
He thought, “How many more of these photos does she have on her phone?”
“Seriously? You actually find Aaron’s body appealing?”
In Michael’s eyes, Aaron might as well be a pig.Text © 2024 cH_ãp/T_Er/s-f-l/òW_cøm.
Chloe nonchalantly nibbled on a pastry. “It’s called art appreciation. Every body type has its own kind of art. Get it?”
Despite her bluff, Michael seemed convinced. He regarded her thoughtfully, then finally said, “You should delete them. It’s not good to look at these things too much. If you’re into that kind of stuff, I can record something for you.” Chloe agreed with the first part but was baffled by the second.
“If you’re thinking of prostitution, I can hook you up.”
Michael, who had been deliberately tilting his head back to seem more imposing, suddenly choked on his drink.
Chloe shot him a look. “Never mind. With your stamina, you’d probably be done in a day.”
Michael, stung by her remark, retorted, “Who says I lack stamina?”
“Oh, right. You’re just perfect for the job!” Chloe said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
As Michael realized he had been caught in her teasing, he felt like he was falling into a trap.
Chloe finished the last bite of her dry pastry and washed it down with most of her juice.
A splash of wine from earlier had left a stain on her clothes, and despite her efforts to ignore it, her attention kept drifting back to the unsightly spot.
With a sigh, Chloe dusted off the remaining crumbs from her hands and headed toward James.
As she passed Zooey, who was still looking unsettled, Chloe deliberately wiped the last of the pastry crumbs on Zooey’s clothes.
“James, I’m heading out now.”
James, engaged in conversation with a business partner, turned his attention to her. “Who’s giving you a ride?”
“I didn’t drink. I’ll go on my own.”
She thought, “I’m not a child.”
“Alright, wait for me by the curb. I’ll drive you.”
Chloe was momentarily speechless, realizing he hadn’t heard a word she said.
As she walked toward the exit of the banquet hall, Michael sidled up next to her. “You’re leaving?”
Ever since Michael learned she was going to Mamaica, he felt like their chances to see each other were dwindling.
Now, just as he barely had a moment with her, she was about to leave.
Chloe didn’t respond, her attention caught by someone coming in from outside.
As she moved to make way, she thought it wasn’t someone she knew. But when the person reached her and Michael, his steps halted. Looking up, Chloe saw Lucy standing with an older man who could easily be her father.
Lucy turned to Michael with a faint smile. “Michael, what a coincidence.”
Chloe knew Lucy wasn’t addressing her and intended to continue walking.
But then the older man suddenly called out to her, “Ms. Nelson, you’re the spokesperson for the Opal Group next quarter, aren’t you?” Chloe was momentarily taken aback.
She thought, “This old man knows about my deal with the Opal Group? He must have quite a background.”
Michael watched Lucy with a frown, thinking, “What on earth is she doing? To sink this low? If Owen saw this, he’d be heartbroken.” Sometimes, when one thought something, it just happened.
And sure enough, Owen appeared not far from them, his eyes immediately locking onto Lucy.
His expression was one of disbelief as if he couldn’t fathom Lucy being with this old man.
Lucy had come today hoping to see Michael. She thought that seeing her so close to someone else might stir something in him, even if it was just a few harsh words-it would mean Michael still cared. But to Lucy’s surprise, he didn’t say a word before walking off.
Her eyes were filled with disappointment. Owen approached her, his face a picture of anguish. “Lucy, who is this person?”
Lucy turned her gaze back to him. “He’s my new boss.”
Michael didn’t want her to return to Shawn Heavy Industries, so she had to find other options.
This old man might be a bit older, but a few sweet words were enough to make him forget his bearings. He was even willing to throw money into negotiations with Shawn Heavy Industries. Owen frowned at at her response. “What kind of boss?”Text © 2024 ChåPtêr$f/lóW_cóm.
Lucy, feeling a a bit t irritated, snapped, “Owen, if you don’t have anything else, I need to join my boss for the party. We can’t chat right now.”
She
walked past him, leaving Owen standing alone, feeling cold and betrayed.
He had never imagined Lucy would end up with an old man like this after their breakup.
could she degrade herself like this?”
He thought, “How could sha
Chloe stepped out of the ballroom. Suddenly, there was a loud bang overhead as fireworks exploded.
She paused and I looked up, the fireworks showering the sky, filling the air with the scent of sulfur.
She wondered if it was some kind of festival, but then she noticed a girl in a white veil throwing herself into the arms of a young man nearby. Chloe watched the affectionate scene, a smile appearing on her face.
She thought, “So “So it’s sa proposal. No wonder it’s so romantic.
It’s a nice stroke of luck Stroke of luck to
I haven’t en’t seen
get a
a free fireworks show.
fireworks in ages.”
Michael stopped next to t to her, following her gaze to the couple in the distance.
His expression was a mix of something-perhaps nostalgia or another emotion she couldn’t quite place.
When the fireworks finally died down, Chloe was about to move on.
Michael blurted out, “There’s a fireworks festival coming up in a few days. Would you like to go?”
Chloe paused. “A fireworks festival? I haven’t heard of that before.”
Michael stood beside her, matching her stride.
“It’s an event organized by the tourism bureau to attract visitors. It’s still under wraps, not many people know about it. If you’re interested, I can get us some tickets.” had outgrown her fascination with fireworks.
Chloe
But since she would soon be leaving for abroad, maybe catching one last fireworks show in this city wasn’t such a bad idea.
Chloe always knew that Raimond had a summer fireworks festival, and she’d once invited Michael to go with her.
But back then, he had been so disgusted with her that he never agreed to her request.
Without his company, Chloe wouldn’t gone alone, even if her flight had taken her to Raimond.
Now, she thought she should have gone by herself.
Even without company, there was something uniquely enjoyable about appreciating beauty alone.
Chloe mulled it over and said, “If possible, could you get a few extra tickets? I’ll transfer the money to you.”
She was thinking that if time permitted, she’d use the festival to say goodbye to Candy, Quinn, and Jessica.
“Sure, no problem,” Michael agreed without asking who the additional tickets were for.
After leaving the party, Michael returned to the office, where he sat behind his desk, speaking on the phone. It was unclear who he was negotiating with. Ethan had been called in for a last-minute task.
“Order a batch of high-quality fireworks. They need to be delivered within two days.”
Ethan was taken aback. “Mr. Shawn, why the sudden order for fireworks?
“How many do you need, sir? Twenty boxes or fifty?”
Given that it might be for a company event, fifty boxes seemed more than sufficient.
Each box could contain a hundred shots, so fifty boxes would be five thousand shots-plenty for any celebration.
Michael furrowed his brow and said, “Make it 100 thousand shots.”
Ethan thought, “Excuse me? 100 thousand?”
Your neck would get sore just watching them.”
“Mr. Shawn, 100 thousand fireworks… That might be difficult to order,” Ethan ventured.
Ethan thought, “Let’s just leave aside the question of how many fireworks there actually are. There is the issue of transporting such a vast quantity in just two days!” Michael frowned slightly at this remark.c/Háptë/Rs-FL_ōw.Com owns © this.
“Order as many as you can. Make sure they’re high-quality and have a variety of colors,” Michael instructed.
Ethan nodded vigorously, accepting this daunting task.
The next day, Chloe received a same-city delivery-four tickets to the fireworks festival.
She thanked the delivery person and took the tickets inside.
Sitting on the couch, she scanned the QR code on the ticket with her phone.
But the result didn’t show up.
Chloe thought she might have missed the code and scanned it again, but the result was the same.
She couldn’t help but start to doubt, thinking, “Could these tickets be fake? Has Michael been scammed?”
Chloe turned on her computer and searched online, but there was still no information about the fireworks festival.
However, with the address indicating a large square near Urban Lane, just a ten-minute walk away, she thought, “Well, I’ll just go for a walk. There’s no loss anyway.” Chloe distributed the tickets to the other three. Candy looked at the ticket in her hand, turning to Wesley, who was sitting beside her.
“Have you heard of this fireworks festival?” Candy asked.
Wesley glanced at the ticket and replied, “Yeah, I’ve heard of it.”
Candy was surprised. “You’ve heard of it and didn’t tell me? Don’t you want to take me to see it?”
Wesley remained calm as always. “I was afraid you wouldn’t be interested.”
Candy was taken aback, thinking, “Who said I’m not interested? A fireworks festival sounds exciting just from the name.”
“You just don’t want to pay attention to me. Don’t deny it.” Candy pointed at him, her tone serious.
Wesley easily pinned her down on the couch.
“What are you doing, you jerk!” Candy exclaimed, feeling that Wesley was up to no good.
“You said I don’t pay attention to you, so now I’ll show you if I’m paying attention or not,” Wesley said as he made his move.
Candy was left momentarily speechless. Before she could react, Wesley had pinned her down on the bed, and their desire quickly took over.
Afterward, lying on the bed breathlessly, Candy wanted to scold this cunning man.
She thought, “Paying attention to my body is not the same as paying attention to my feelings!”
“Do you really know about this festival? Why haven’t I heard of it?” Čandy asked, puzzled that such a large-scale event would have gone unnoticed by her. Wesley turned to look at her. “Were you not satisfied? Shall we go again?”
He moved towards Candy once more.
Wesley felt helpless inside. The ticket design clearly showed the work of a man like Michael, who didn’t understand women, and Candy had mentioned that Chloe gave it to her.
It was hard for him not to guess the truth. Clearly, this fireworks festival was something Michael had arranged specifically for Chloe.
He thought, “To avoid raising Candy’s suspicions, what else can I do besides sacrificing my own body?
Well, I enjoy it anyway.”
Later that night, Candy texted Chloe: [Why did you decide to go to the fireworks festival?]
Chloe replied: [I’m going abroad soon, so I wanted to get together with you guys.]
She figured her friends would find out about her move to Mamaica sooner or later.
[Are you really not coming back after you go?]
Candy hoped Chloe would return. After all, they had grown up here.
Chloe explained: [I’m just going with James to check things out first.] [Does Quinn know about this?]
