“I love Daddy Arthur the most!” Jenarth declared, clinging even tighter.
“Ahem… Excuse me…”
A deep male voice interrupted the warm moment. Arthur looked up to see a man in a suit standing nearby.
His expression instantly cooled. Amid all the drama, he had almost forgotten this man’s presence.
It was the lawyer – Zachary, if he recalled correctly – whom Chloe had hired for the divorce proceedings.
In the divorce agreement Chloe submitted, aside from custody matters concerning Robert, there were no clauses attempting to claim assets from Myers Group or himself. She truly seemed determined to sever all ties, cleanly and completely.
He had even consulted his own legal team to check if there were any loopholes she might exploit later – perhaps leaking to the media that she had been left with nothing after the divorce, potentially damaging the company’s reputation.
But Myers Group’s lawyers confirmed the agreement was airtight. Everything was explicitly stated – Chloe’s demands were clear and limited.
She really only wanted the divorce – not a single cent from him or Myers Group, except for that modest sum her mother had left her.
Zachary adjusted his glasses, a polite smile still in place. “Mr. Myers, now that the divorce is finalized, would you kindly transfer the agreed amount to Ms. Lewis? Otherwise, I’m afraid I’ll have to continue reminding you.”
Before he could respond, Zachary had already produced the relevant documents, presenting them courteously yet firmly. The numbers were impossible to miss – especially the prominent figure of 180 million dollars, exactly as Arthur had committed.
The 180 million dollars had always rightfully belonged to Chloe. It was the entirety of her mother’s inheritance – funds that were legally hers regardless of circumstances.
When Chloe married Arthur, Charles had needed exactly 180 million to acquire a company. Chloe had voluntarily provided the amount, and the money had been absorbed into the Myers family accounts ever since.
Now, in the divorce, all she sought was to reclaim what was originally hers.
“Arthur, you and Chloe are divorced now. Your mother is waiting for you at home. Perhaps you should go speak with her,” Jennifer suggested softly, observing Arthur’s fixed gaze on the documents.
Arthur ignored her. After a moment’s consideration, he made the call without hesitation – instructing the Myers family’s chief financial officer to immediately transfer the full amount to Chloe’s account.
Once the order was given, Arthur shot a glare at the persistent lawyer before him.
“Satisfied?”
Zachary offered a polished smile, leaning slightly forward before stepping back. “On behalf of Ms. Lewis, thank you for your decisiveness, Mr. Myers! You’ve been most generous and efficient. We appreciate it.”
Zachary’s unshakably polite demeanor only stoked Arthur’s irritation. He itched to wipe that artificially pleasant expression off the man’s face.
Choosing to ignore Zachary completely, Arthur took Jenarth’s hand and strode away.
Jennifer lingered briefly, casting a glance toward Zachary before hurriedly following Arthur.
Zachary remained where he was, watching Arthur’s retreating figure until the man was out of sight. His professional smile faded as he retrieved his phone, dialed quickly, and uttered just two words when the call connected. “Payment received.”
At Riverville Prime Residence’s Villa No.8, Chloe stood at the entrance with Robert, taking in the magnificent architecture. An involuntary smile touched her lips.
Riverville Prime was the most exclusive residential area in the city – comprising only eight villas, each identified by number. Ownership details were strictly confidential, inaccessible even to the most determined investigators.
Chloe had acquired Villa No.8, the last available property in the compound.
Her agent had moved with remarkable efficiency, securing the transaction in record time. Now, the keys rested firmly in her palm.
The Myers family’s private villa had been luxurious, but it paled in comparison to Riverville Prime.
She recalled how Madilyn had once dreamed of owning a home here. Madilyn had longed to boast about it among her social circle. Arthur had pulled every string possible, even attempting to contact the reclusive owner behind the scenes – all to no avail. Madilyn had nursed that disappointment for years.
Chloe surveyed the interior layout, feeling thoroughly satisfied. The design aligned perfectly with her taste – with just a few personal touches, it would become ideal.
“Mom, your resume as a designer is completely blank. Are you sure you can get a job to support us like this?” Robert asked, pouting slightly.
Chloe turned to him with a graceful smile. “I believe I’ll manage perfectly well.”
As Robert had pointed out, her resume contained nothing beyond her name and age – no professional experience whatsoever.
Now that she had left the Myers family, employment was expected – at least, that was the public perception. Having always been drawn to design, she had decided to pursue a professional designer position after careful consideration.
She had attached an original sketch to her otherwise empty resume – a completely unique design.
She was confident that any company genuinely seeking creative talent would recognize the value of that single drawing.
Robert wrinkled his nose in mock concern. “Mom, you don’t need to work so hard. If we need money, we could just – “
“Shh!” Chloe gave him a playfully stern look. “We’ve left the Myers family, so we must stand on our own. Many people are watching to see what we’ll do next, aren’t they?”
Robert thought for a moment, then nodded seriously. “Understood! I’ll work hard too!”
“Remember what I told you. And about your computer…”
Before Chloe could finish, Robert chimed in, “I know! I only use it for watching cartoons, Mom. Love you!” With that, he dashed into another room.
Chloe glanced around the spacious interior, a soft smile gracing her features.
From this moment forward, every step she took would be entirely her own.
*****
Arthur’s car was driven back to Myers Manor by a hired driver – arranged by Jennifer – as
Arthur himself was thoroughly intoxicated.
“Careful, Arthur,” Jennifer said, alighting first to support him. His arm lay heavily across her shoulders.
“Chloe… how could you be so oblivious…” Arthur slurred, his weight collapsing onto Jennifer’s shoulders.
Jennifer struggled to maintain her balance. The moment she heard Chloe’s name, her eyes turned to ice.
She understood exactly why Arthur had drowned himself in alcohol.
Earlier at the upscale restaurant, Arthur had invited her and Jenarth for what was supposed to be a celebratory meal. But ever since leaving the Courthouse, Jennifer had noticed his growing agitation. During dinner, he had downed an entire glass of liquor in one go, completely losing control.
Now, even in his drunken stupor, Chloe remained the only name on his lips.
Hadn’t he claimed he felt nothing for Chloe? That he only married her to fulfill Charles’ wishes? Then why was she the only person occupying his thoughts now?
A cold determination settled in Jennifer’s gaze.
Arthur was divorced now. He needed to sever connections with those who didn’t belong in his world.
From this moment forward, there could only be one woman in his heart – her.
“Mr. Myers, how did you end up in this state!” Sarah rushed out upon hearing the commotion. Seeing Arthur’s condition, she immediately moved to help Jennifer support him.
“I’m not drunk,” Arthur insisted stubbornly, though his body leaned completely on the two women.
“Mr. Myers, your mother is here. She’s quite upset and has been waiting for you. If she sees you like this, I can’t imagine…” Sarah sighed helplessly as they guided him inside.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.