Chapter 4

Arthur instantly panicked. "No. I refuse to divorce."

The man who could negotiate billion-dollar deals without blinking finally lost his composure.

His upbringing had taught him to perfectly conceal his emotions, but this was the second time he had lost control.

The first was when he proposed to Chloe and she said yes.

Arthur had been ecstatic then, feeling like he'd been struck by a shooting star.

If that day had been the happiest, most joyful moment of his life, this was now the most painful and helpless.

"Chloe, listen to me. I haven't betrayed you in any way. We've been through so much together over the years to get where we are. Can you bear to throw it all away?"

Arthur finally managed to grasp Chloe's hand.

His chest ached dully.

But wasn't Chloe feeling the same?

Her face was as white as paper as she looked at the man she had loved for so many years.

They had known each other since they were learning to talk!

Two people ostracized by society, finding warmth only in each other, stumbling through life together for all these years.

Though time had flown by, she would never forget all they had experienced together—the love and joy they had shared.

The clearer and sweeter those memories, the more laughable this betrayal felt now.

"Arthur, do you know how I feel right now? Like a clown."

"All that happiness I once bragged about feels like a slap across my face."

Chloe spoke each word deliberately as she slowly but firmly pulled her hand away. Seeing his helpless expression, she stepped back.

Arthur stared at his empty palm, suddenly feeling a void in his chest as well.

"No, Chloe. I can give you anything you want, just don't leave me."

"I gave you a chance when I asked you to choose."

"Arthur, we're adults. Let's be realistic."

Chloe took a deep breath, turned away, and wiped the tear about to fall from the corner of her eye.

"Tomorrow we'll file for divorce. I hope we can end this marriage like adults, but I'm not opposed to taking legal measures if necessary."

With those words, Chloe grabbed her purse from the sofa and walked out without even glancing at Arthur.

"Chloe, stop right there."

Arthur strode after her with his long legs.

The natural difference in their pace meant Arthur caught up quickly.

Chloe quickened her steps, trying to shake him off.

A phone suddenly interrupted.

The man seemed to halt his pursuit.

Chloe had never heard Arthur use that ringtone before. Something made her slow down, curious to hear what he would say.

"What? Something's wrong with the baby? I'll be right there."

That single sentence sent Chloe's heart plummeting into an icy abyss.

That special ringtone must have been set specifically for Avery, and he had stopped chasing her because something had happened with Avery's baby.

Chloe laughed bitterly at herself.

She didn't doubt Arthur's feelings for her. But in his heart, nothing was more important than the company.

As Avery's child became closely linked to the Williams Group succession, he would inevitably give both Avery and the child the same priority he assigned to the heir position.

She was already exhausted from years of forced competition with Avery. All she wanted was a home with someone who had eyes only for her.

Once love became mixed with other agenda, it was like spoiled candy—it only made you sick.

With this thought, she sent a message to her best friend, Adeline Taylor.

[Adeline, do you know of any places for rent?]

Arthur hung up the phone, watching Chloe's silhouette disappear down the hallway, his brow furrowed.

"Jacob White."

The assistant standing nearby stepped forward. "I'll go stop Mrs. Williams right away..."

"No need. Go to Silverwood City and deliver that batch of jewelry I set aside to Chloe."

"But that batch was supposed to go to Ms. Scott first."

The jewelry from Silverwood City was far inferior to what Arthur had purchased abroad. Though all designer brands, they lacked the unique design and rarity of the pieces he'd bought at auction.

"I'll check on the baby myself. You deliver these to Chloe first."

With that, Arthur walked to the elevator.

The cold white light outlined his severe expression.

Chloe would understand eventually. Everything he did was for their future.

Without the inheritance rights, all the hardships he and Chloe had endured over the years would be for nothing.

Meanwhile, Chloe had arrived home.

A servant approached to hand her slippers, but she forgot to take them, standing barefoot on the cold floor.

Perhaps it was an illusion, but the icy surface made her feel warm.

The room before her was filled with memories they had created together. Every place her gaze fell reminded her of tender moments they had shared.

But those sweet memories now felt like needles stabbing her heart.

She walked toward the bedroom.

She wasn't normally one to cling to the past, but because it was Arthur, she had been willing to endure.

Thinking of her unwavering faith just days ago, Chloe laughed until her eyes turned red.

How easily old love changed, yet we were surprised when it did.

The human heart truly was the most unfathomable thing.

With these thoughts, Chloe pulled out a suitcase and packed a few clothes haphazardly.

After a moment's consideration, she added the expensive clothes and jewelry Arthur had bought her. Starting a new life would require money, and she wouldn't let pride lower her or her baby's standard of living.

As she closed the suitcase, she heard the front door open.

Chloe's heart tightened.

Had Arthur returned?

If he came back, she definitely wouldn't be able to leave today.

Having known him for so many years, she understood his temperament well. Though outwardly gentle, he was stubborn and domineering—which was precisely why she had rushed to bring up divorce.

Steeling herself, she walked out of the bedroom but didn't see Arthur.

Standing in the entryway was Jacob.

Seeing the bags in Jacob's hands, she immediately understood.

"Mrs. Williams, Mr. Williams asked me to deliver these jewelry pieces and gifts to you."

Jacob held seven or eight shopping bags, with over a dozen more arranged on the floor, each emblazoned with a massive designer logo. Several were brands that Avery particularly loved.

Chloe laughed coldly to herself.

"Mrs. Williams, Mr. Williams is only thinking of the company and your shared future. Please accept these and don't hold this against him." Jacob extended the designer bags toward Chloe.

Chloe, pulling her suitcase, gave Jacob a long look.

"Jacob, we've known each other for eight years, haven't we?"

Jacob seemed confused but nodded. "I've known you since Mr. Williams first joined Williams Group."

Back then, Arthur had been nothing but a disowned illegitimate son. The family had reluctantly given him a director position just to save face.

"You were an impressive jewelry designer then, and such a perfect match for Mr. Williams."

"Then you should know I'm no clinging vine. Once I make a decision, I don't go back on it," Chloe cut him off.

"Mrs. Williams..."

"Tell Arthur the divorce is non-negotiable."