Billionaire

Chapter 21

Chloe’s eyes widened in surprise. “I had no idea. Kaitlyn didn’t mention anything. She just said this room’s been empty for years.”

Connor raised an eyebrow slightly. “Well, she’s right. I’ve been living at Greenpeace Estate for the past three years.”

Mentioning Greenpeace Estate made things awkward.

Connor noticed a fleeting blush on Chloe’s cheeks, which lifted his spirits. considerably. “You should go ahead and change. We’ll talk in a bit.”

Chloe realized she was still standing there in a state of undress. Changing clothes under such direct scrutiny was quite the test of nerves.

“Mr. Connor, I’m about to change.”

Connor chuckled and walked over, plopping himself down on the couch where her clothes were strewn. His gaze on her became even more brazen. “I’m not much of a gentleman though.”

His blatant misbehavior reminded her of the boy toy she had been supporting for the past three years.

But Chloe wasn’t one to play coy. They had shared countless nights together and seen all there was to see.

With a calm demeanor, Chloe dropped the dress she was holding and reached for the clothes Kaitlyn had prepared on the couch. Beneath the dress, she wore a set of cream lingerie, now fully exposed in front of him.

His pupils dilated sharply.

Chloe’s figure was stunning, and her waist was slender with curves in all the right places. The undulating view before him was like a vivid, heavy oil painting.

The soft and silky touch of her skin haunted his mind. Eventually, he reached out and grabbed Chloe’s arm.

Just as her fingers touched the fabric, she, along with the clothes, fell into his arms. A passionate and wild kiss enveloped her.

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Chloe pushed him twice, but it didn’t make a difference. Then, she stopped resisting. She knew all too well how intoxicating his kisses could be. If she could enjoy it once more for free, why not?

Just as they were making out, Chloe’s phone suddenly rang.

Chloe tried to push him away, “I have a call.”

“Who cares?”

Connor was already lost in passion and had no intention of letting her go so easily. His hand moved along her perfect waistline. He was contemplating his next move, when Chloe said with a smile, “It’s my husband. I have to take it.”

That sentence instantly killed his mood, making him get off her. Chloe took the opportunity to grab the phone.

“Where have you been?” Lucas‘ voice was much clearer but not gentle.

“I spilled some wine on my dress. I’m changing it and will be right there.”

“Always something with you.”

Lucas hung up after his remark. Chloe began to dress. A yellow tank top *paired with dark jeans made her look both casual and sexy. Her face could.

pull off any style.

“Chloe, let’s talk.”

After changing, Chloe looked at Connor. “Talk about what?”

“Leave Lucas. Be with me.”

Chloe laughed.

Connor frowned, “What’s so funny?”

“You want me to give up being Mrs. Moncada to be your secret lover, Mr. Connor?”

“Is being Mrs. Moncada that appealing to you?”

“Of course. The Moncada family might not be as wealthy as the Sartori family, but it certainly beats being your mistress in the shadows.”

“I never intended for you to be a mistress.”

Chapter 22

“Do you think you really want to marry me?” Chloe asked.

Connor frowned, staring at her as she smiled seductively. He said nothing.

Chloe laughed it off and casually tossed her wavy hair over her shoulder. “Mr. Connor, this was all just a game. Why are you taking it so seriously?”

“For the last three years, you’ve had your fun, and so have I. You didn’t hold a grudge for my neglect and frivolity, and I didn’t mind your deceit and pretense. Can we just call it quits on good terms?”

Chloe couldn’t fathom Connor’s mindset. Here was a guy who could have anyone he wanted, yet he willingly let himself be treated like a gigolo.

Reflecting on the past three years, Chloe realized she’d often neglected him–ignoring his calls, standing him up, and even venting her frustrations on him. She treated him like a pet, there for her emotional convenience, to summon and dismiss at will.

However, she admitted that if she had known his real status, she would have never dared to sleep with him.

And yet, even so, he had never revealed his identity over the past three years.

Why was that? Was the King of Eldridge a natural masochist?

His eyes darkened, and his skin made him look like an angry vampire. It was as if he could pounce at any moment, bite open her vein, and drain her blood.

“Chloe, do you love your husband?”

“Of course, otherwise, I wouldn’t have married him.”

“He is having an affair.”

“I know.”

“He doesn’t love you.”

“I know.”

“Then why do you still love him?”

“I grew up with him. We were childhood sweethearts. That kind of bond isn’t something others can understand. Maybe we have misunderstandings now, but I believe that one day, he’ll come back to me.”

Chloe had long stopped loving Lucas and had resolved to leave him. But leaving Lucas would be her choice, not because someone pushed her to do it. By saying this, she hoped she would end things quickly and make Connor give up completely.

“So, his infidelities justify your relationship with me? Am I just a tool for revenge against your husband?”

Chloe was taken aback. She honestly replied, “Indeed.”

After speaking, she added, “But I didn’t know your true identity. Had I known, I would never have crossed you.”

Connor laughed, sarcasm dripping from his smile. “To think that after three years, I am still just a tool for someone’s revenge scheme. Chloe, you’re really something.”

Chloe suddenly had a bad feeling. Sure enough, the next moment, Connor stood up. His towering presence was like a mountain blocking her path.

He gripped Chloe’s chin. “Chloe, no one in the world can use me as a tool and then toss me aside. If anyone’s going to do the leaving, it’ll be me leaving.

you.”

Then, he strode out of the room.

Chloe stood still for a while, then also left the room.

After vomiting, Lucas had sobered up quite a bit. He noticed that Chloe had changed her clothes and didn’t bother to ask what had happened.

Once the banquet ended, Chloe and Lucas bid farewell to the host and left Valley Vista Manor.

Chloe rolled down the car window, feeling inexplicably upset. It seemed she had provoked a formidable figure.

The car entered the city and stopped near a subway entrance. Lucas, eyes closed, didn’t even glance at Chloe. “Chloe, I have things to do tonight and won’t return to the mansion. Take a taxi home.”

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Chapter 23

Lucas was heading somewhere, and Chloe knew exactly where. Without making a fuss, she opened the car door. Chloe then took a taxi back to Moncada Estate.

When Tara saw Chloe retum alone, she had a pretty good idea of what had happened and was about to go fetch Lucas herself. But Chloe stopped her.

“Let it go. His heart’s not here. Even if he came back, he’d just be hopeless. Let him be,” Chloe said before heading upstairs.

Tara rarely saw Chloe look so defeated. She had no clue what had happened that evening

Lucas didn’t come back for a whole week. During that time, Chloe’s routine remained unchanged, except she never once visited Greenpeace Estate. She used to go there two or three times a week.

After Marian’s big birthday bash, Chloe hadn’t seen Connor either. Had he finally let her be?

Life seemed calm, but Chloe couldn’t shake a nagging sense of unease.

The night Lucas finally returned, Tara blew up at the dinner table. “Do you even care about this family anymore? From now on, if you spend another night out, you won’t be my son anymore,” Tara fumed.

Lucas, wary of his mother’s wrath, responded, “Mom, I’ve been at the office these past few days. I just got back and am still getting used to the business. I’ve been working round the clock and sleeping at the office. I came back today because of work.”

Antonio backed him up, “That’s right, I checked with Tyler. Lucas has been staying at the company apartment these past few days.”

Tara’s expression softened, and she changed the subject, “Is work going smoothly?”

Lucas put down his fork, his eyes locking onto Chloe. “Thanks to someone, not at all.”

Joshua frowned. “What happened?”

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Lucas explained, “Today, Sartori Corporation opened bids, inviting hundreds of construction companies to CNR Tower, including several that are a notch below Lucas Construction. Leading Heights was the only company left out. We didn’t even receive the tender documents, and it’s all thanks to your beloved daughter–in–law.”

The CNR Tower was Sartori Corporation’s office building in Riverbrook, right across from the TV station. Chloe remembered once joking with “Trophy Boy” when she saw him leaving the building, asking if he had switched jobs. He had replied, “I own this building.” Chloe had laughed it off, not realizing the implications back then. Now, she regretted getting involved with such a man.

Hearing Lucas‘ words, Tara defended Chloe, “Chloe doesn’t work at Moncada International. How is this her fault?”

“Because she offended Mr. Connor three years ago. She even threw a thousand dollars at him and insulted him,” Lucas retold the incident that was revealed at Marian’s grand birthday celebration.

The atmosphere at the dinner table grew tense. Lucas glanced at Chloe, a hint of schadenfreude in his eyes. “Unless this issue is resolved, Sartori

Corporation will never consider Leading Heights for the resort project. Chloe, ‘you made this mess. Now you clean it up.”

After a moment, Joshua spoke, “If we really can’t secure this project, then so

be it.”

Frustrated, Lucas said, “Grandpa, you said this project is crucial for Moncada International’s survival. Now, that involves Chloe, and you want to let it go. Ist apologizing to them beneath her? Is Moncada International’s survival not as important as Chloe’s pride?”

Chapter 24

Joshua’s favoritism was getting a bit ridiculous.

Joshua had more to say, but Chloe stood up and cut him off. “Grandpa, I’ll take some gifts to CNR Tower tomorrow to apologize to Mr. Connor and make.

sure we get the bidding qualification.”

The resort project had special approval from the central government and had. to go through a public tender. Hundreds of construction companies were after it, and the chances were already slim. Now, without even the qualification to bid, Moncada International had no chance at all.

Since this mess was on her, Chloe wasn’t going to dodge the responsibility.

Lucas smirked. “Fine, I’ll be waiting for Sartori Corporation’s tender document tomorrow. Don’t let me down.”

Lucas didn’t think Chloe could pull it off. He’d already witnessed Mr. Connor’s pettiness and grudge–holding firsthand. If apologies were enough, he wouldn’t be saying this. In fact, he’d already visited several times over the past few days. Connor had outright refused to see him, and at his last visit, Connor even had security kick him out. It was beyond humiliating.

This was all because of Chloe. She also needed to experience the same public humiliation he felt when being thrown out by security.

The next morning, Chloe drove to the CNR Tower. She parked in the terrace lot and looked up at the skyscraper piercing the clouds, its gilded name gleaming in the morning sun. Completed less than three years ago, CNR had. already become an iconic building in Riverbrook. She’d always thought it was some new tech startup, but it turned out to be a branch of Sartori Corporation. CNR must symbolize Connor’s name.

Chloe walked into the lobby and headed straight for the reception desk.

“Hi, could you tell me which floor Mr. Connor’s office is on?” she asked.

The four receptionists, all stunning in their own right, reacted differently to hearing her call Connor by his name. The tallest one with a pointed chin shot back, “You think you can just call our CEO by his name? What’s your relationship with him?”

Chloe almost blurted out that she was his “sugar mummy” but kept her composure. “I’m here on behalf of Moncada International to discuss business with Mr. Connor,” she said with a smile.

The pointed–chin receptionist sneered. “Moncada International is really pulling out all the stops, trying to use a beautiful girl like you to get the job done. Sorry, but our CEO has made it clear–no one from Moncada International is allowed inside CNR.”

Then, she motioned for security.

Before they could escort her out, Chloe said to the security guard, “Sorry, I need to make a call.”

The guard, clearly taken by her looks, couldn’t bring himself to be rough and waited patiently for her to finish her call. The four receptionists watched and whispered among themselves.

“Being pretty definitely has its perks. Look at the way the security guard is drooling over her.”

“Where did Moncada International find such a stunner? She’s even more gorgeous than some movie stars.”

“What’s the use of being beautiful? Moncada International is up to no good. Even after their general manager visited four times, our CEO never gave him the time of day. They’re really desperate, sending a pretty face over. But our CEO is too sharp to fall for that.”

Chloe hung up the phone. The pointed–chin receptionist wasted no time. “What are you standing around for? Get her out!”

Just then, the reception phone rang. The pointed–chin receptionist saw it was from the CEO’s office. In her three years at CNR, she’d never received a call from the CEO’s office. She picked it up cautiously.

A man’s pleasant voice came through, “Let her come up.”

Chapter 25

The secretary hung up the phone, looking a bit dazed like she hadn’t fully processed what just happened.

“Who was that on the line?” someone nearby asked.

“It was the boss,” she replied, still trying to regain her composure.

Connor was notoriously private, never giving interviews or making public appearances. The outside world knew very little about him. However, the receptionist was the company’s most inquisitive and talkative employee, and she naturally had all the inside scoop on the CEO. So, she instantly recognized

his voice.

The envious and curious glances in Chloe’s direction intensified. What kind of relationship did this woman have with the CEO to warrant a personal call from him? Had she really called the CEO just now?

“The CEO’s office is on the 32nd floor,” the envious employee said reluctantly.

“Thanks,” Chloe said, heading straight to the elevator.

*The elevator whisked her up to the 32nd floor in no time. Chloe walked

through a corridor and stopped in front of the CEO’s office door. Without hesitation, she knocked.

A man with gold–rimmed glasses, looking quite sophisticated, opened the door.

“I’m Teddy, the CEO’s secretary. Ms. Chloe, the CEO is still in a meeting. You can wait here for a bit,” he said.

“I think I’ll wait in the lounge,” Chloe responded politely.

“Given your relationship with the CEO, please make yourself at home,” Teddy replied.

Chloe paused, her ears turning a bit red. She managed a gracious smile. “Alright, thanks.”

It seemed Teddy was well aware of her and Connor’s situation. There was no need to play coy, then. After pouring Chloe a glass of water, Teddy left the office.

Chapter 25

Chloe looked around the spacious office, which felt more like a suite with various rooms branching off. The doors were closed, so she couldn’t see inside. What caught her eye was the floor–to–ceiling window behind the desk.

Chloe slowly got up and walked over to it. The panoramic window offered a stunning view of the city below. The traffic on the elevated roads looked like the city’s lifeblood, flowing endlessly.

After taking in the view for a while, Chloe turned her attention to the large desk. It was piled high with neatly arranged documents. Amidst the stacks, a crystal photo frame stood out.

She picked it up and saw a photo of a little girl in a pink tutu with adorable pigtails, holding a stuffed bunny and smiling radiantly. The photo was old and a bit blurry, but the girl’s bright smile was like a ray of sunshine that could brighten a gloomy day.

Although Chloe didn’t recognize the girl, there was something familiar about the photo. Just as she was about to take a closer look, the door opened.

A tall figure stood in the doorway. Their eyes met. He saw Chloe holding the photo, his brow furrowing. But he didn’t come in, waiting for her to say something.

Chloe, holding the photo, smiled and casually asked, “Your daughter?”

The man’s brow furrowed even more. With an exasperated look, he walked over, snatched the photo, and put it back in its place. “Daughter? Not even close.”

“Such language from the King of Eldridge, very classy,” Chloe teased.

Chapter 26

But his words made Chloe feel a lot closer to him. Their conversations had always been so candid before.

He looked at her, his gaze now back to its usual cool detachment. “What are you doing here?” Connor’s words carried a clear chill of indifference and distance.

In truth, over the past three years, Chloe had never thought of him as cold. If anything, she always saw him as passionate, clingy, and insatiable. But now, the man before her was radiating a coolness from head to toe. How could someone’s aura change so much in just a few days? So, which one was the real him? The man in front of her now, or the one she has known for the past three years?

Chloe also shifted to a strictly professional tone. “Can we keep our personal issues separate from Moncada International? It’s one of the top ten

construction firms in the country. Surely, Sartori Corporation can afford to give

us a chance to bid.”

He settled into his office chair, casually picking up a document from the desk. His voice remained indifferent. “So, Lucas sent you?”

“I came on my own. I know I’ve offended you, but I would like to believe the head of a massive business empire is someone who is able to separate personal from professional matters.”

He looked up, a sly smile spreading across his pale face, making him appear somewhat sinister. “You don’t need to flatter me. I’m best at mixing personal interests with business affairs and holding grudges.”

A hint of resignation flickered in Chloe’s eyes. “What will it take for you to give Moncada International a chance?”

He patted his thigh. “Come here.”

Chloe walked over and naturally settled herself on his lap. His eyes darkened suddenly. Countless nights had started just like this. Chloe knew this maneuver worked well on him.

He chuckled, then lifted Chloe’s chin and kissed her. Chloe had never been so

Chante 26

compliant. Before, she always played the part of the one who was pleasured, but today, she was unusually keen to please him. He was clearly getting lost in the moment. Watching his eyes gradually become intoxicated, Chloe moved her lips away. She whispered in his ear, her voice as delicate as an unopened rose, carrying a mesmerizing hint of fragrance. “Could you please issue the tender document to Moncada International?”

His gaze darkened, and as if the fog in his eyes slowly cleared, he became lucid. He had been kissing her for so long, yet her mind was still on this? He held Chloe’s chin, and their eyes locked. His gaze was crystal clear.

“Seduction doesn’t work on me during the day.”

Chloe abruptly got up from his lap. “You could have said it earlier, sparing me the effort of pretending for so long.”

He seemed to hold back a burst of frustration. Chloe was utterly heartless. The moment he was of no use to her, she didn’t hesitate for a second to get off him. Just now, he was nearly swayed, and it turned out she was just pretending.

“Is there really no room for negotiation on this matter?”

He stared at Chloe. Clearly, a hint of resignation had flashed through her beautiful eyes. If he firmly said no now, she would leave without looking back. She only had so much patience for him.

He spoke. “Agree to one condition, and I’ll give Moncada International a chance.”

“What condition?”

“Move out of the Moncada family home and live in Greenpeace Estate.”

Greenpeace Estate belonged to her, but she had given it to Connor a few days ago when they broke up.

Chloe agreed without hesitation. “Okay, then send the tender document to Moncada International now.”

Chapter 27

Chloe agreed so quickly that Connor couldn’t help but feel a twinge of suspicion. But at the moment, he had no way to verify his doubts. Since Chloe had agreed, he kept his word and sent the tender documents to Moncada International.

Meanwhile, Lucas was stuck in yet another company meeting. Half of Moncada International’s dozen or so projects were bleeding money, some with losses through the roof. If they couldn’t snag the resort project, Moncada International might really be in hot water. However, there were thousands of construction firms across the country eyeing this golden goose, and dozens, if not hundreds, were from Riverbrook. It looked next to impossible to land the project–especially since Sartori Corporation hadn’t even invited Moncada International to bid.

For days, they’d been meeting from dawn till dusk, brainstorming ways to get Connor to change his mind, even digging into his personal preferences. But what could they offer a guy who seemed to have it all?

Suddenly, the secretary burst in, clutching a laptop, her face lit with .excitement. “Mr. Moncada, Mr. Moncada…”

Irritated, Lucas snapped, “What’s so urgent? Can’t you see we’re in a meeting?”

“Sartori Corporation just sent us a tender document!”

Lucas froze for a second, then jumped up in excitement. “Really? Let me see.”

He checked the email, and sure enough, it was an official tender document from Sartori Corporation. This meant Leading Heights finally had a chance to compete with other construction companies. Lucas breathed a sigh of relief but couldn’t shake his confusion.

“Why did Sartori Corporation suddenly change their mind?”

The secretary, still buzzing with excitement, said, “I have no idea. Maybe Mr. Connor was moved by your sincerity, sir.”

Others quickly chimed in with praise. “Moncada International isn’t in the same league as Sartori Corporation, but you are our General Manager and a

Chapter 27

standout talent. Your persistent personal visits paid off. Mr. Connor might not have met you, but he surely felt your sincerity.”

“Mr. Moncada, you know when to bend and when to stand tall. Your future. achievements might rival those of the so–called King of Eldridge.”

“With you at the helm, Moncada International is bound to thrive.”

Lucas, however, frowned, deep in thought. He had personally visited Sartori Corporation four times without getting them to give his company a shot. Today, after Chloe visited them, Lincoln Heights suddenly received the tender document. Could it be just a coincidence?

After confirming the tender document had been sent, Chloe turned to leave, her strides brisk.

Just as she was about to exit, Connor felt an odd sensation. He called out to her retreating figure, “I’ll be waiting for you at Greenpeace Estate tonight.”

Chloe didn’t acknowledge his words and walked straight out.

Watching her hasty departure, Connor felt something was off.

At nine in the evening, Chloe had just finished her bath at the Moncada estate when she got a call from Connor. His voice was icy, barely contained anger seeping through.

“Chloe, you stood me up!”

Chloe responded with a light–hearted chuckle, “What makes you say that?”

“You agreed to leave the Moncada family house and move to Greenpeace Estate.”

Chloe’s tone was unhurried and measured. Connor could almost picture her lounging comfortably, phone in hand. “I did agree to move from the Moncada family home to Greenpeace Estate, but I never said when. I’m planning to move in five years.”

Five years. By then, the resort project would’ve been long finished. Connor would probably be gone from Riverbrook.

Connor laughed out of sheer frustration. “Five years? Why not make it fifty?” Still cheerful, Chloe replied, “Anything else, Mr. Connor? If not, then

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Chapter 27

goodnight.”

With that, she hung up.

At Greenpeace Estate, a furious Connor stood on the third–floor balcony of the villa and hurled his phone down.

‘Chloe, impressive indeed.‘ Connor never realized she could be so stubborn!

Chapter 28

Chloe wasn’t worried. Her mission was already accomplished.

The resort project had central government approval and had to be publicly tendered. No backroom deals were allowed.

Once Moncada International got its hands on the tender document, everything would go by the book. With government oversight, Sartori Corporation couldn’t pull any sneaky moves to edge Moncada International out.

If Moncada International didn’t win the bid, it was just fate, and it had nothing. to do with her.

Chloe slept like a baby that night.

The next morning, she headed to the TV station bright and early.

Though she was the noon news anchor, the station integrated reporting and editing. Chloe wasn’t just an anchor. She was also a reporter. She often had to dig up stories herself.

Just as she walked into the office, she overheard her colleagues gossiping.

“Did you hear? The new hire graduated from Columbia’s School of Journalism and even interned at NBC. Quite the impressive resume.”

“With credentials like that, they could’ve gone to Eldridge TV. Why come to little old Riverbrook TV Station?”

“Does this mean Chloe’s coveted anchor spot is on the line?”

“If we’re hiring someone this impressive right now, the director must have a plan.”

“Honestly, it’s about time. What’s Chloe got besides a pretty face that pulls in advertisers? She’s only been here a year. When it comes to skill, who here isn’t better than her?”

Chloe strolled to her desk, listening in.

The gossiping women quickly noticed her. Their expressions changed instantly. “Chloe, when did you get here?”

Chloe smiled. “Right when you were complimenting my looks.”

19:16

Chloe was naturally stunning, and her smile was so dazzling it could blind you. Yet, there wasn’t a trace of anger on her face. It was like she genuinely. believed they were praising her.

The women forced awkward smiles but were fuming inside. She always. played the magnanimous card, making everyone else look petty.

Vivian, the morning news anchor, stepped up. “Chloe, we were just joking around. Don’t take it to heart. We’re just worried about you losing your prime anchor spot.”

“You might not know, but we have a new colleague today. She graduated from Columbia’s School of Journalism. The director seems to want her to take over Lynn’s position.”

Another colleague, decked out in Chanel, chimed in, “The director should’ve given that spot to you, Chloe. After all, you’ve brought in so many sponsorships and made the station a ton of money.”

Vivian’s smile was dripping with sarcasm. “But let’s be real, the prime news slot needs a professional anchor, not a sales champion. Chloe, it looks like you’re really in trouble this time.”

Chloe knew they were mocking her.

But she didn’t care. “Being a sales champion is better than being a leech. Besides, the director makes the decisions around here. I heard the morning news ad slots haven’t sold out this month, and he’s pretty unhappy. You might want to worry about yourself.”

“Chloe, who are you calling a leech? And FYI, I anchor the 3 AM news. Of course, ad slots don’t sell out. If you think you’re so great, why don’t you fill all the ad slots for the early morning news? It’s easy to talk big.”

“What’s all this racket so early in the morning?”

The director spoke with authority. His name was Tony, a man in his forties. “We have a new employee joining us today.”

Tony smiled warmly at the woman beside him. “Linda, please introduce yourself.”

“Hello, everyone. My name is Linda.”

Chapter 29

All eyes in the room turned to the woman speaking.

She was dressed in a crisp white blouse paired with a khaki midi skirt and white heels to match. It was classic office wear, but the lace trim on her collar and sleeves gave her a softer, more approachable look. While her face was not striking, she had a delicate charm when all her features came together. Her smile was gentle and non–threatening, like an innocent bunny that would make people instinctively want to protect her.

Chloe’s gaze also landed on Linda, her beautiful eyes filled with coldness.

“I’m new here, just starting out, so I’d appreciate any guidance from you,” Linda said, bowing to everyone. Despite her–impressive resume, she introduced herself humbly.

The people present began to warm up to Linda. After greeting everyone, she approached Chloe.

“Chloe, we’re going to be colleagues now. There’s a lot I don’t know, and I’m counting on your support.”

Surprise flickered through the eyes of those around them..

Vivian spoke up, “You two know each other?”

Linda smiled, “Chloe and I were high school classmates and used to be best friends.”

Chloe smiled, too, but her eyes remained cold. “We were classmates, yes, but I wouldn’t call us ‘best friends.“”

Linda looked somewhat embarrassed and lowered her head. “Right, I don’t deserve to be your friend. My humble beginnings were just wishful thinking on my part.”

The atmosphere instantly quieted. Linda bit her lip. The glimmer of tears in her eyes and her pitiful look could evoke sympathy even from strangers.

Sure enough, Vivian stepped forward. “Chloe, what’s with the attitude? Linda is a top graduate from Columbia. Saying she’s your friend is actually an honor for you. You really don’t know what’s good for you.”

Then, she took Linda’s arm. “Don’t mind her. She’s notoriously unpopular here, but we’re your friends now.”

Tony looked somewhat awkward. “Linda, why don’t you start by following Vivian? She will give you an introductory tour and help you get familiar with things around here. Oh, and there’s a news department meeting at 9.”

As Linda was surrounded and led away by a group, Chloe felt a momentary stir in her heart but quickly regained her composure. Linda was exceptionally good at putting on a facade. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have deceived Chloe during their high school years.

She always displayed her most vulnerable side, arousing everyone’s protective instincts. People were always ready to fend for her when needed, even taking blows on her behalf. By intentionally mentioning her humble origins, Linda made everyone think Chloe looked down on her, prompting Vivian to immediately defend her.

Of course, Chloe could defend herself. But she didn’t want to explain herself in front of a crowd that just wanted to see her fail. Moreover, Chloe knew no matter what she said, it wouldn’t change others‘ prejudices against her.

Indeed, Chloe’s popularity at the TV station was at an all–time low. She had once tried to mend her relationships with her colleagues but eventually realized it was futile. Conflicts of interest meant that any effort she made was construed as manipulative.

So, for the past year, Chloe simply stayed true to herself, regardless of others‘ opinions. Her career had progressed smoothly this year, but the complex social dynamics had left her feeling unhappy. Becoming a news anchor was fulfilling her childhood dream, not a survival necessity.

On the flip side, she had a wide array of interests and a ton of skills, each one enough to set her up for life. That was not even counting the annual dividends from QUEEN, which had already made her financially free.

Chapter 30

Chloe had no clue why Linda was there, but she was long past the point of caring about their rivalry. Maybe leaving this place wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

At nine o’clock, everyone headed to the conference room for a meeting.

Tony said, “Lynn’s wrapping up her handover and leaving the network in a week, so we need to decide on the new prime–time host within this timeframe.”

Vivian chimed in, “Sir, I think Linda would be perfect. I recently saw her work at NBC, and she was amazing. She filled in as NBC’s international host and even smoothly switched between English and Spanish. Her hosting was top–notch.” Tony nodded, “Linda is indeed impressive, but this position was originally meant for Chloe. She has the most advertising contracts and the highest popularity.”

Vivian retorted, “We’re not the advertising department. What matters here is professional ability. If we start focusing on who has the most ads, soon everyone will be more interested in courting sponsors than doing real journalism.”

The words “courting sponsors” were laden with sarcasm and clearly aimed at

someone.

Chloe casually flicked her hair, “At Titan Corporation’s business banquet the other day, I overheard their employees talking about a girl from our station with lip filler who’s been cozying up to Kaden daily. Kaden’s wife Grace saw her sitting on Kaden’s lap, calling him ‘daddy,‘ and slapped her right then and there. Now, Kaden and Grace are getting divorced. I’m really curious. Do we actually have someone like that here?”

Vivian’s face went pale instantly. Furious, she stood up, “Chloe, stop making things up.”

Chloe smiled, “I never said it was you. Our station is big, and you’re not the only one with lip filler

“I just think you’re right. Our focus should be on journalism. Sucking up to

sponsors can backfire badly. Grace is notorious in Riverbrook for being a fierce woman. Once, a secretary from Titan Corporation tried to seduce Kaden, and Grace ended up having her stripped down and thrown out of a mall. Coincidentally, I added Grace on Messenger after the last business dinner, and just yesterday, she was asking me about the mysterious girl with lip filler…”

Vivian’s expression shifted from anger to panic. “What did you tell her…”

Her words betrayed her true intentions, and the atmosphere in the room shifted as everyone eyed her differently.

But right now, Vivian couldn’t afford to care. She knew Grace’s methods all too well. Fortunately, she had fled quickly the last time. She covered her face so Grace couldn’t get a good look. But she hadn’t expected Grace to remember her distinctive lip filler.

Chloe watched Vivian with a smile full of knowing satisfaction.

Just as Vivian was about to be consumed by fear, Chloe began slowly, “This is about our network’s reputation. I haven’t replied yet because I haven’t investigated thoroughly. I had actually forgotten about it until you reminded .me by bringing up the topic of sponsors.”

Vivian let out a sigh of relief. At that moment, her gaze towards Chloe was filled with caution.

Chloe was indeed cunning. She knew Grace was inquiring about Vivian but did not tell her and was using it instead as leverage. Now, Vivian was powerless to do anything about it.

Reluctantly, Vivian sat back down, not daring to utter another word.