Chapter 74
Chapter 74
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From the shadowed corner of the second–floor balcony, Ian watched her resolute departure. He made no move to follow.
Patrick stepped up beside him, his voice low. “Ian, the divorce hearing is in three days. She just called you out in front of everyone. That’s the second time she’s thrown your ring. She’s done. You need to let her go p>
Ian’s expression remained unreadable. He simply accepted the ring that Mia handed him, pocketing it without a word before turning and walking away without a backward glance.
As the saying goes, bad news travels fast.
By the next morning, whispers of Ian’s alleged affair, his secret child, and the impending, scandalous divorce had spread like wildfire through every elite social circle in the city.
Ian was urgently summoned back to the family estate.
In the grand living room, not only were his grandfather and parents present, but his two uncles had also gathered.
His father, Shane, was fuming. “I told you to end this long ago–hesitate now, and just look at the mess you’re
in p>
He continued, his voice rising, “Now the whole city is talking. Everyone’s waiting to see us make fools of ourselves p>
His uncles were quick to offer their counsel. “Ian, you’re at the helm of the Hamilton Group. A scandal like this threatens not just your reputation, but the stability of the entire corporation. Don’t let your personal affairs jeopardize what generations have built p>
Miranda sighed, gently urging her son, “It’s still not too late. Before the hearing, go and talk to Chloe. Settle this divorce cleanly p>
Ian sat quietly across from his elders, his voice steady and cold. “This is my marriage. Whether I or not isn’t for anyone else to decide. Not even you p>
get
divorced
Edward’s cane thudded hard against the floor, the sound cracking through the tension in the room.
He glared at Ian. “The Hamilton Group is the proud legacy of this family. You’re the heir–scandal is the one thing you can’t afford. If you can’t settle this mess and break it off with Chloe, don’t blame me if I take matters into my own hands regarding the Irvine family p>
Ian, Miranda, and Mia all shot to their feet at once.
“Grandpa, the Irvine family is innocent in all of this,” Mia pleaded. “You can’t target them p>
Miranda added, “Edward, no matter what, Chloe is still Ian’s wife. Show them mercy, if not for her, then for Ian’s sake p>
Edward remained unmoved. “This isn’t your place to speak p>
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Ian’s eyes narrowed, his tone dropping to an icy warning, “Grandpa, if you involve the Irvine family, you will
regret it p>
Edward rose to his feet, leaning on his butler, Thomas, for support.
The old man and his grandson locked eyes, neither backing down.
Edward’s voice grew colder, more uncompromising. “Anyone who stands in your way or threatens the Hamilton Group’s future will be removed. It doesn’t matter if she’s a Sherman or an Irvine.
Ian’s fists tightened at his sides.
“Before that court date, you clean this up–leave no loose ends,” Edward said grimly. “If you don’t, mark my words, Ian, you will be the one to regret it p>
They stared each other down for a few more seconds before Ian turned and walked out without another word.
Late that night, Blue Cove Residences were wrapped in silence and shadow.
Ian stood draped in a dark bathrobe, the belt hanging loose. The open collar revealed the hard lines of his chest, and as he moved, the outline of his abs was visible in the dim light.
In his bedroom, he gripped a glass of whiskey, his eyes locked on the wedding photo on the wall
In it, Chloe leaned against him in her white dress, smiling radiantly, utterly blissful.
His phone lay on the bed, speaker on.
Patrick’s voice filled the room. “Ian, you know how ruthless your grandfather can be. If you keep this up, you’re not just endangering Chloe–you’ll drag her family down too. Part ways on good terms. Don’t let her hate you p>
The call ended. Silence returned.
Ian stood there a long moment, staring at the photo.
He lifted his glass slightly toward it. “Mrs. Hamilton,” he murmured, “welcome home p>
The next morning, Chloe’s phone rang–it was Mitchell.
He told her to meet at the specified location that afternoon to sign the divorce papers, and made a point to remind her to bring her lawyer.
Chloe didn’t hesitate; she called her attorney right away.
Ian had clearly put Mitchell up to arranging this–treating it like nothing more than a routine business transaction between them.
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‘Guess my threat the other day actually got through to him,’ Chloe thought. ‘For his reputation, the Hamilton family’s interests, and to protect Andrea and her son… he’s finally willing to let me go for good.
By two o’clock, Chloe and her lawyer had arrived at the agreed spot.
She stepped into the meeting room to find Ian already waiting.
Dressed in a sharp dark suit, he sat quiet, his deep gaze locking onto her the second she walked in.
Chloe flicked a quick, barely noticeable glance at the two attorneys flanking him, then settled calmly into the chair across the table.
Ian said nothing–just kept his eyes fixed on her, steady and unblinking.
Chloe’s lawyer pulled out the prepped divorce agreement and laid it flat on the table.
Mitchell signaled to Ian’s two attorneys and handed the agreement over for them to review.
Once they gave a silent okay, Ian finally spoke, his tone slow, calm, and measured. “We can end this marriage. But first–you hand over every last thing you have that could hurt my reputation p>
Chloe met his eyes, steady and guarded. “Sign the papers, and none of that will ever threaten you again p>
Ian stood up slowly, deliberately, and circled the conference table. He stopped right in front of Chloe, leaning in close—one hand planted firmly on the table’s surface—until their faces were barely a breath apart.
His calm felt intense, almost suffocating, as he held her gaze. “Hand over the evidence first,” he said, his voice cold, no trace of emotion. “Or we’re done here p>
Chloe snapped. Anger flared hot in her chest as she shot to her feet. “Ian, don’t push me too far p>
Those documents–they were her only leverage over him. If she handed them over now, she knew exactly how ruthless, how calculating Ian could be. She’d be left defenceless, with no way to stop whatever he had planned next.
Ian straightened, his tone lazy, like he couldn’t care less. “Then we’re done talking p>
Chloe lost it.
She’d rushed here with every document ready, sat through his half–hearted attempt to intimidate her–only for him to turn and walk away like it was nothing?
She reached out and grabbed his arm, frustration boiling over. “You think this is a joke? Messing with me for fun, Ian p>
Ian didn’t even glance at her. Instead, he shot Mitchell a cool, measured look.
Mitchell hurried over, hands raised in a placating gesture. “Mrs. Hamilton, please–let’s not get upset. We can
work this out p>
Chloe let
go
of Ian’s arm, ready to storm out–but Ian moved fast, catching her wrist in one swift, unyielding
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grip.
She wrenched herself free, her elbow slamming into Mitchell by accident.
His phone and insulated tumbler crashed to the floor, the clatter echoing in the quiet room.
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Chloe froze, then bent down quickly to pick up the phone–only to see the screen spiderwebbed with cracks.
Guilt twinged in her chest. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Garrison. That was my fault. How much is a replacement? I‘ cover it.
Mitchell flicked a quick look at Ian before answering.
“Mrs. Hamilton, it’s a company phone–been using it for years. No need for a new one, just a repair. As long as it works, that’s all that matters p>
Chloe hesitated, then nodded. “I’ll make sure it’s fixed right away and sent back to you p>
Mitchell’s eyes darted to Ian again, like he was checking for permission.
He braced himself, then added, “Mrs. Hamilton, I’m Mr. Hamilton’s assistant—this phone’s full of sensitive company documents. Nothing can leak. Just… please take it to a trusted shop, alright p>