Chapter 4

At that moment, I was enjoying tea at Chloe's house.

Her parents had chatted with me for most of the day, looking at me as if I were their prospective son-in-law, and growing increasingly pleased with what they saw.

Earlier that morning, when I was blocked at the villa community gate, Chloe happened to be driving home. After she understood the situation, she didn't say a word and brought me straight to her place.

To be precise, she practically dragged me into her house.

Chloe and Vivian were classmates and best friends, and their families were in similar financial situations.

When Vivian's parents died in the car accident, Chloe had also lent a helping hand. Otherwise, even with my efforts, Vivian Corp wouldn't have stabilized so quickly.

Chloe and Vivian used to be inseparable, sharing everything. When did their friendship fall apart?

It must have been about six months ago.

At that time, I was working day and night on those two critical transformation projects for Vivian Corp and didn't have much time to spend with Vivian.

Coincidentally, Jason joined Vivian Corp and became Vivian's assistant. Their flirtatious behavior became obvious to many.

Chloe stood up for me and argued with Vivian, who, in her anger, accused Chloe of having ulterior motives for me.

After that, the two best friends who had been inseparable for years cut ties!

Thinking back, it was all quite poignant.

Chloe's parents tactfully left us after dinner. I was about to excuse myself, but Chloe insisted I stay for tea.

She smiled playfully. "What's the rush? Afraid I'll eat you alive?"

"You've already divorced Vivian, and you have nowhere to go. What's wrong with staying here and chatting with me?"

I shot Chloe an exasperated look.

She didn't want me to stay and chat.

She just wanted Vivian to come knocking on her door so she could enjoy the show.

Before I could speak, Chloe softly said, "My parents want you to consider becoming the CEO of our Chloe Industries! You should really think about it."

"My parents haven't been in the best health these past few years, and they've been looking for a capable assistant for me."

"If you hadn't married Vivian back then, my family would have poached you years ago..."

Before she could finish, a dull roar came from outside the villa. Both Chloe and I jumped.

Looking through the French windows towards the gate, we saw Vivian's car had crashed right through Chloe's garden gate.

Watching Jason and Vivian storm out of the car, Chloe smiled sweetly at me. "Looks like your ex-wife is pretty mad, huh?"

Chloe's smile left me speechless.

How could she still smile at a time like this?

Soon, Jason and Vivian walked into the villa.

Seeing Chloe and me sitting calmly over tea, Vivian's fury only burned hotter.

She turned on me first. "Ryan, I told you not to contact her. Have you forgotten already?"

"You-"

Before she could finish, Chloe cut in, her voice cool. "Vivian, you've already signed the divorce papers with Ryan, haven't you?"

"Where he goes and who he sees is no longer any of your concern, is it?"

Vivian's expression stiffened, and the words died in her throat.

Jason quickly stepped in. "Chloe, it's not that simple. Vivian and Ryan haven't filed the divorce papers officially yet..."

Chloe tossed her teacup directly at him. Jason, unable to dodge, was hit, and tea splattered all over him.

Chloe glared at Jason, her face devoid of emotion. "Do I know you? Do you have the right to speak here? You parasitic leech, your little act only fools an idiot like Vivian!"

"Bastard! Who do you think you are? Say one more word, and you won't live to regret it!"

Chloe's outburst turned Jason's face green.

However, he dared not retort. After all, Chloe's status and connections were far beyond his.

If Chloe truly wanted to target him with malicious intent, even with Vivian's protection, his life wouldn't be easy.

Vivian, however, snapped at Chloe, "Chloe, you've gone too far! Jason is our schoolmate, how can you humiliate him like that?"

Chloe let out a cold laugh. "Vivian, I really can't tell if you're actually this foolish, or just playing the part. "

"What is Jason, really, to you?"

"For him, you cut off our friendship of nearly ten years."

"For him, you divorced Ryan without a second thought and handed his VP position straight over."

"Did he put some kind of spell on you? Or have you finally found your soulmate, planning to spend the rest of your life with this...boy toy?"

"I'm just baffled. Since you chose that freeloading pretty boy, why are you so furious when you find out Ryan is at my house?"

"I get it. You want to have your cake and eat it too?"

"That's just shameless!"

I had to admit, Chloe's tongue was sharp, leaving Vivian trembling with rage.

Vivian, knowing she couldn't win the argument, glared at me furiously. "Ryan, don't play dumb!"

"You're coming with me right now, or I'll never forgive you!"

I calmly replied, "You've already signed the divorce papers, and I've already walked away with nothing. We have no relationship anymore!"

The moment I finished speaking, Vivian erupted. "I don't care! You're coming with me! You can't stay here!"

"Ryan, I'm carrying your child! If you don't listen to me, I'll go to the hospital right now and end this pregnancy!"

Hearing her use the child as leverage, I smiled.

But there was no warmth in it.

I held her gaze and spoke, each word slow and clear. "Are you sure the child you're carrying is mine?"