Chapter 120
Chapter 120
As soon as Arthur spoke, Andrea immediately looked flustered.
St. Vouenerf
She shot Chloe an awkward look and said, “Mrs. Hamilton, your friend really knows how to joke p>
Arthur muttered under his breath, “Like I’d joke around with someone who’s ugly p>
Chloe gave Arthur a warning look. “Mr. Logan, Ian’s the real deal, so don’t go stirring things up p>
After Chloe finished speaking, she shot Andrea a look, and Andrea leaned in to whisper something in her sont Clint’s ear.
Clint immediately pointed at Ian and said, “I want this dad. He’s the best–he always buys me tons of toys p>
Ian clenched the lighter in his hand, his face looking even more tense.
Seeing that, Patrick shot Arthur a look. “Dude, what’s wrong with you? You’re even trying to snatch someone else’s kid? That boy is Mr. Hamilton’s whole world. Quit messing around p>
Everyone’s face showed something different, but Ian looked downright scary with that stormy expression.
The atmosphere seemed friendly enough, but there was this awkward tension underneath it all.
Chloe could feel Ian’s anger practically rolling off him, but honestly, she couldn’t care less.
She knew deep down, he was totally thrilled.
He was still holding back, calculating the risks, refusing to let that last mask slip.
Chloe cleared her throat, half–joking as she said to Ian, “Honey, don’t let other people’s opinions get to you. Clint is your own kid–he’s gonna be the one looking after you when you’re old. If you break his heart now, just wait till he grows up–who knows, maybe he’ll be the one to yank out your oxygen tube p>
With everyone watching, Chloe and Ian locked eyes for a long, meaningful moment.
Ian stared at Chloe, something dark and dangerous flickering in his
gaze.
He held himself back, standing up with forced restraint. “I’m stepping out for a smoke p>
With that, Ian left the restaurant.
The rest of the group looked at each other, not sure what to say.
Chloe grinned, “Well, since my husband didn’t say no, that’s basically a yes! Come on, let’s toast to that! ”
Even though lan could be a real jerk sometimes, his upbringing wouldn’t actually let him snap in public.
No matter how far Chloe pushed things, he still wouldn’t give in. Guess his feelings for Andrea and Clint ran way deeper than anyone realized.
19:06 Fri, Oct 3
Chapter 120
He was being this careful, just for Andrea and Clint.
Chloe glanced at Andrea, and this time she couldn’t help the look of annoyance that flashed across her face.
‘Andrea’s just dead weight, Chloe thought.
lan was head over heels for her, and she’d already given birth to the next Hamilton heir–she had all the aces in her hand, yet somehow managed to play them all wrong.
It was clear now: if Chloe wanted that divorce from lan to go smoothly, she was going to have to really pull out all the stops.
Andrea lowered her head, staring at the half–picked crab on her plate, biting her lip and steeling herself to hold back her feelings.
When she first came back, Ian had been so attentive, always looking out for her.
‘When did he get so cold toward me?‘ Andrea wondered.
‘Could it really be like Chloe said? Maybe he’s only pushing me away because his grandfather’s putting too much pressure on him?‘ Andrea thought.
But honestly, even if he kept his distance, that didn’t really bother her.
After today, Chloe would officially become her son’s godmother.
From now on, Clint could call Ian “Dad” loud and proud, wherever they were.
Give it some time, and her relationship with Ian would be totally out in the open.
“I’m gonna step out for a smoke too,” Patrick said.
He shot Chloe a look, set down his fork, and headed out of the restaurant.
Out on the open–air balcony, Patrick strolled up behind Ian. “So, having your wife and mistress getting along -feeling pretty good about that, huh p>
Ian leaned forward, elbows resting on the railing.
He held a cigarette between his fingers, his gaze drifting off into the distance.
He glanced back at Patrick, but didn’t say a word.
Ian kept quiet, but Patrick wasn’t about to let him off the hook.
Patrick lit up a cigarette and stood shoulder to shoulder with lan on the balcony. “Never thought Chloe had what it takes to be the lady of the house. You really lucked out p>
Ian muttered, “She’s lost her mind p>
Patrick shot back, “If she’s lost her mind, it’s because of you p>
19:06 Fri, Oct
Chapter 120
Ian closed his eyes, utterly exhausted, and took several deep breaths.
He finally spoke, his voice quiet and slow. “This isn’t the ending I wanted.
Patrick turned to face lan. “lan, whether you want to admit it or not, Chloe doesn’t love you anymore?
When lan stayed silent, Patrick went on. “You’re the one who killed that confident, radiant Ms. Chloe Irvine- the Chloe who once had eyes only for you p>
Ian stood there, emotionless and grim, his back stiff as a board.
He stared blankly into the distance, perfectly still, yet the cigarette pinched between his fingers shook uncontrollably.
After a long, heavy silence, Ian finally forced out the words, voice rough with pain. “What we have–it’s way too deep. Things aren’t as simple as her saying she can move on and being able to do it p>
He only ended up taking responsibility for Clint and keeping the truth about his real father under wraps out of gratitude for everything Andrea had sacrificed for him.
Even if he’d made mistakes, the thought of ever giving up on his marriage or leaving Chloe had never crossed his mind.
Patrick stared at Ian like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “Chloe’s loved you for so many years. Do you really think walking away was ever her choice p>
Patrick continued, “She married you with pure joy, but you spent every single day glued to Andrea and Clint. You forced her to hang on to this marriage that looks shiny on the surface but is rotten underneath. She never got to be your exception, never got your loyalty or respect. You gave her no sense of security, no hope for the future. She suffered for you until her heart was worn out, cried until there were no tears left p>
Patrick said, “No matter how wide a man’s embrace, there’s only room for one. The moment you swore you’d protect Andrea and Clint with your life, that’s when you threw Chloe out in the cold p>
Patrick looked Ian in the eye. “Face it, Ian–there’s no turning back for you and Chloe. It’s time to end it. Get a divorce p>
After Patrick left, Ian lingered on the balcony for a long while, alone with his thoughts.
When he found out Chloe had made Clint her godson, gifted him the apartment upstairs, and even tiptoed over to whisper “it’s for your own good” in his ear, that’s when it hit him.
He knew, plain as day, that Chloe was ready to walk away from this home.
Just like she said–she was doing her best to help him get what he wanted.
Back then, by putting all his effort into caring for Andrea and Clint, he didn’t even notice how far he was pushing Chloe out of his life.
Now, Chloe was pulling out all the stops just to steer him closer to Andrea and Clint–doing everything in her power to set him free, and herself along with him.
19:07 Fri, Oct 3
Chapter 120
When lan closed his eyes, all he could see was Chloe from back when she loved him–her face, her smile, everything.
Back then, Chloe was always smiling, young and gorgeous, full of confidence and warmth. She was the kind of girl who never held back, always reaching out first.
She was like the most passionate red rose, blooming only for him.
Now, Chloe seemed so withdrawn, always wary and silent–and in her eyes, there was nothing left but quiet emptiness, all the light and life gone for good.
When he heard those familiar footsteps, Ian turned around.
Meeting Chloe’s smiling eyes, Ian managed a strained smile. “Everyone’s gone p>
Chloe grumbled, “It’s not every day Andrea and Clint get to come over. Can’t you at least hang out with your kid? Seriously, what kind of dad are you p>
Ian’s chest felt so tight, he could barely breathe.
He grabbed Chloe’s hands and pulled her close. “Chloe, can we just sit down and have a real, calm talk? Just once p>
AD