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Chapter 106 Setting a Bad Example
Although I was no longer fond of the Murphys, Grace hadn’t mistreated me for the past few years. I could also forgive her for giving me the cold shoulder that day because she only tried to protect her interests.She asked me to return to their house, but I declined because that place traumatized me. Instead, I chose to meet her at a cafe near her house. I softened my attitude when I saw her. After all, I couldn’t be mean to an older woman.Grace looked worn out and conflicted when she saw me. I understood her feelings and ordered her some hot milk. I waited for her to speak, and her lips twitched as she asked, “How’s Ava?”Immediately after, she burst into tears. I had to admit she doted on my daughter.“She’s okay but not as perky as before,” I spoke blandly despite myself. I noticed her sad expression and added, “You’re welcome to visit her anytime.”My words encouraged Grace, and she held my hand, “Can you reconsider the divorce?”I wanted to pull away but refrained. I somehow
Chapter 107 Guilt-Tripping
Grace’s sudden action startled me and the other customers as they looked at us in puzzlement. I tried to pull her hands off me, but she wouldn’t let go. “Chlo, you have to promise me, okay?”I was upset and straightened up, saying, “I’m sorry, but I’m not you. I can’t accept Matthew’s rotten behavior, so go home. Your son can always marry someone else. Besides, Melanie’s pregnant with his child, isn’t he?”“Chloe, you can’t do this to us!” Grace held onto me. “You can leave after all these years. You’re being irresponsible!”I scoffed, wondering how I was the one being irresponsible. However, what Grace said next made my jaw drop, “It’s enough that you took Ava. How could you also take Matthew’s hard-earned money? Worse, you’re taking him to court over it.”Grace looked at me resentfully as she continued, “You can’t take all the money. It’s fine if you want to get a divorce, and we can let you keep your old place. The apartment belongs to Matthew!”She spoke as if I was someone wh
Chapter 108 A Heavy Task
I went to ATL Empire the following day. However, I didn’t see Atlas, but Nick signed the contract with me instead. He shook my hand and said, “We’re looking forward to working with you.”“Keep your projects coming, all right?” I said with a smile.With the contract signing, I officially launched my company, Hartz Construction. Although I had Urban Builders’ support, I felt nervous about taking on such a massive project as my first. However, I was thrilled because I could provide for myself and Ava.Soon, the news spread throughout the industry, and everyone wondered who was behind Hartz Construction.As I stepped out of ATL Empire, I hesitantly called Atlas. After all, I couldn’t have signed the contract without him. The phone rang for a while before he answered huskily, “Yes?”He always spoke little and bossily, so I lost my mood to speak. Suddenly, he grew anxious and asked, “Chloe?”“I-I…just wanted to tell you that I signed the contract with ATL Empire,” I tried to sound spir
Chapter 109 A New Method
I was angry and resentful the moment I saw Matthew. How could he stoop to doing this? He smiled and said, “Honey, I know you miss your parents, so I fetched them to our new apartment.”He shamelessly brought my parents in as he spoke. My parents looked around the house, saying, “The place looks great! Your hard work has finally paid off.”As they entered, Ava exclaimed, “Grandma! Grandpa!”She wanted to run to them but saw Matthew. After some hesitation, she threw herself into my mother’s arms. Meanwhile, Matthew attended to my parents’ needs and acted like a good son-in-law.He didn’t even tell my parents what happened between us.“Honey, I didn’t get to eat anything on the plane. Why don’t you keep me company while I whip up something?” Matthew rolled his sleeves and headed toward the kitchen.I gritted my teeth but didn’t dare to scold him. After all, my dad’s condition had just stabilized, and I couldn’t afford to agitate him. I reluctantly sat down as my mom looked me up and
Chapter 110 This Is Just the Beginning
When I saw Matthew in the master bedroom, I grabbed my pajamas from the walk-in closet to sleep in one of the guest rooms. However, Matthew stopped me from leaving. “Where do you think you’re going, honey?”I whispered in exasperation, “Step aside, or you’ll be sorry.”He smiled. “We haven’t had sex for quite some time, right? Come on, I’m sure you don’t want your parents to know about what’s happening. Don’t forget your dad is still recovering from a stroke.”“You’re sick!” I tried to slap him, but he grabbed my wrist and stepped closer.“So feisty. I like it!”I tried to knee his groin as he leaned closer, but he blocked my leg with his hand. “The same old trick? Do you think I’m going to fall for it again?”I was furious. “What the fuck do you want?”“If you think you can take everything and leave me, you have another thing coming. Go on. Scream. I wonder what your dad will think.” He grinned as he tried to grope me. “Just stop thinking about other men, okay? You belong to me
Chapter 111 The Appointment
Before Grace could reply, Melanie sat on the sofa’s armrest and put an arm around her. “My dad is visiting his younger brother, so we decided to stay with you.” What? Did she just say that they were also moving in?Melanie gave me a smug look. "You see, we don’t get to spend much time with Chloe."I restrained my rage and acted aloof. “Gee, that’s so thoughtful of you.” My dad stared at my face silently. My mother seemed to sense that the mood was off. She tried to lighten it up, saying, “Mel, you’re looking prettier by the day. Are you seeing anyone?”Melanie announced shamelessly, “Yes, and we’re finally getting married after many years.”I wanted to rip her tongue out. “That’s wonderful news! Don’t forget to invite us to your wedding.” My mom smiled warmly. “You’ll be the first on my list!” Melanie looked at me as she chuckled tauntingly. Gritting my teeth, I silently swore at the bitch."We would’ve married sooner if my boyfriend's ex-wife hadn’t been such a pain,"
Chapter 112 An Unpleasant Inquiry
I looked at him baffled.“Wasn't the divorce trial scheduled for today? Why wasn't there a hearing today? Why’d you cancel it?” He stared at me impassively, but his tone showed displeasure. Had he gone to the courthouse? No one knew we had postponed the trial. The only logical explanation was that he had been there.“Something came up, so I had to reschedule it at the last minute,” I explained. “Are you having second thoughts again?” His face grew stern. "How could you even consider it after what he’s done?"I was much calmer than he was. I took a few sips of my glass of lemonade and said, "I might not be able to get a divorce anytime soon." He fixed his eyes on my face. “Why not?” “There’s nothing I can do. Matthew is using my parents to blackmail me,” I said helplessly. “I didn’t expect him to stoop so low.”"Do you plan to let him manipulate you forever?" “My hands are tied, okay? My father just had a stroke. I'd rather be humiliated than risk upsetting him." We fell
Chapter 113 A Dangerous Warning
I knew she was up to no good, likely trying to provoke me. I chose not to react and started the car.She looked at me and asked, “What’s the matter, Chloe? Are you upset?” “What do you think? I feel like throwing up when I see you,” I said plainly. “I feel the same about you!” She glared at me. “Listen carefully. You better move out of the apartment, or you’ll regret it.”I didn’t even glance in her direction. “Dream on! Don’t forget what happened to Henry. I can send you to jail, too, since I have proof of everything." She lost her composure. "Don't push it, Chloe!""You’re the ones pushing it! How dare you come to my house? Do you think I'm scared of you?" I looked straight at her. "You're a slut like your real mom!"Then I added with a snort, “Are you even good enough to stay in that apartment?” “Chloe, don’t forget what I can do to your parents and Ava!” she said maliciously. I stiffened, knowing well that my family was my weakness. She and Matthew would stop at nothi