Billionaire

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She’d spent so much money and effort on her outfit and makeup. Were these people blind? What was so stunning about Chloe in that ragged outfit? But deep down, Lisa knew Chloe was indeed beautiful–so much so that it filled her with a burning jealousy.

Lisa suddenly regretted throwing a birthday party with Chloe. But she quickly adjusted her mood. ‘Fine, Chloe, enjoy your little moment of glory. Because tonight, you’re going to be utterly disgraced.‘

As the three of them made their way down, the hall lights suddenly brightened. Guests gathered around, offering their congratulations to the two birthday girls. Lisa had invited a lot of friends. They all swarmed around her, showering her with compliments. Chloe was quickly pushed out of the central

circle.

On the other side, Leah and Jacob were also entertaining important guests. Chloe, however, found solace away from the crowd. She moved to the buffet area, grabbed a champagne flute from a sparkling tower, and took a delicate sip. Then she picked up a piece of chocolate cake and found a cozy sofa to leisurely enjoy her cake.

Despite being surrounded by people, Lisa’s gaze often drifted toward Chloe. Initially, seeing Chloe isolated and alone brought joy to Lisa. But soon, she noticed people occasionally making their way over to Chloe, either to strike up a conversation or invite her to dance. Moreover, the men approaching Chloe were all young and handsome. Although Chloe declined their invitations, men kept coming, one after another.

Lisa was fuming. She just couldn’t get it. She’s the real deal – the true heiress of the fancy Meadows family and decked out in gear worth millions. How could anyone think she’s less than Chloe, who barely puts any effort into her look?

Lisa hatched a plan. Suddenly, she called out loudly toward Chloe, “Chloe.”

Chloe heard her. She looked toward Lisa, who then flashed Chloe a radiant smile. With an air of innocence, she called out, “Chloe, could you bring me a glass of champagne?”

Chloe put down her piece of cake and casually picked up a flute of

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champagne from the nearby tower before walking over. Before the party started, Leah had specifically instructed them to display sisterly affection today. If Lisa wanted to act, Chloe was willing to play along.

As Chloe approached with the champagne, she heard Lisa mocking her unabashedly to a group of people. One of Lisa’s friends, wearing a mermaid dress, covered her mouth and laughed. “Look, doesn’t her dress look like that discount piece you found at the duty–free shop last time?”

Lisa glanced at Chloe, her eyes filled with arrogance. “Indeed, those kinds of clothes are like street market goods to me, so I just handed it down to her.”

“To think she’d wear something you discarded to such an important event without a hint of shame. Wasn’t she once the daughter of the Meadows family? Doesn’t she own a single decent dress?”

“What daughter of the Meadows family? My parents disowned her long ago. She’s the unwelcome one clinging to our family. She’s less than a maid in our house now.”

The crowd looked at Chloe with disdain.

“She just can’t let go of the luxury and status of the Meadows family, utterly shameless.”

Lisa’s look toward Chloe was full of provocation. “It doesn’t matter. Consider her a pet dog we’ve taken in. Look how obedient she is, doing whatever she’s told.”

Laughter erupted among the people surrounding Lisa. Their voices were loud, seemingly intentional, so Chloe could hear every word.

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Chloe’s face stayed as composed as ever. She held a flute of champagne and walked up to Lisa without missing a beat. Lisa thought, ‘No way Chloe would dare to make a scene today. Leah would tear her apart if she did. So, Lisa felt pretty safe mocking her.

“Chloe, my shoes are filthy. Mind cleaning them for me?” Lisa smirked, sticking a foot out toward Chloe. She even reached for Chloe’s champagne flute and was ready to sip and watch Chloe degrade herself. Lisa winked at someone nearby, hinting at them to record the whole thing.

Chloe didn’t say a word, seemingly ready to hand over the flute. But just as Lisa’s fingers were about to grasp it, Chloe held the flute with both hands and, in a single, deliberate motion, poured the champagne in a straight line on the floor. The liquid quickly soaked into the carpet, splashing all over Lisa’s fancy shoes.

Lisa nearly screamed. Her shoes were custom–made crystal heels from Milan, encrusted with thousands of hand–sewn crystals. A two–month labor of love worth millions was now soaked and ruined.

“Chloe, what the hell are you doing?” Lisa was livid, not believing Chloe had the guts to humiliate her like that in front of everyone. Chloe calmly placed the empty flute on a waiter’s tray. Her movements were so natural and elegant as if she had just been casually toasting with friends.

Chloe tossed her wavy hair back, her demeanor as lazy and nonchalant as a cat that had just woken up. “Just sharing a drink with you, Lisa. Don’t let it go to waste,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of aloofness and indifference. Then she turned and walked away.

For a moment, the crowd was stunned. Then someone beside Lisa whispered, “Hey, what she did looked like some kind of ritual for the dead.”

With that, everyone started to piece it together. Chloe’s movements had indeed resembled those used in memorial services.

“Is she cursing you or something?” The crowd was buzzing with shock and disbelief. Chloe, who everyone thought was just a dependent, had actually pulled something like this on Lisa.

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Lisa’s face turned white with rage. Not only were her million–dollar shoes ruined, but she was also publicly humiliated. “Chloe, you stop right there!” she shouted and quickly caught up to Chloe, blocking her path.

“How dare you! Do you even realize your place? If it wasn’t for me pleading with Mom, you wouldn’t even be allowed to celebrate with us. You’re not even grateful, and you pull this stunt?”

Supporters around Lisa chimed in. “Yeah, Lisa, she should lick your shoes clean.” “On your birthday, no less. She should kneel and apologize.” “Teach her a lesson, Lisa.”

Despite the mounting pressure, Chloe’s smile didn’t waver. She spoke slowly, “Lisa, don’t push it. I can make this even worse for you. Want to test me?”

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Chloe had a smile on her face, but her vibe was icy cold. She stared at them without a hint of fear, her gaze filled with disdain as if they were nothing but a bunch of amateurs. This almost caused an uproar.

The crowd was quick to egg Lisa on, urging her to put Chloe in her place. But Lisa hesitated. She was well aware of Chloe’s skills. Chloe had been training in taekwondo since she was a kid; rumor had it she was a ninth–degree black belt. Lisa had never seen Chloe go all out, but from their previous encounters, she knew enough. She definitely couldn’t take Chloe down, nor could her other friends.

Lisa wasn’t stupid. She wasn’t about to start a fight and ruin her meticulously planned birthday party. Glancing at the clock, she knew her moment had come. Sure enough, she spotted a slim figure not too far away. A cunning smile spread across her face.

Lisa turned to Chloe with an exaggerated grin, “Chloe, if my shoes are spoilt, so be it. I’ve got loads of designer heels worth millions. Why would I ever hold a grudge over something like that?”

The crowd was baffled by Lisa’s sudden change of heart. Then Lisa waved to someone in the distance, “Linda, over here!”

At the mention of Linda’s name, Chloe’s instinctive reaction was to frown, her elegant eyebrows knitting together. Lisa’s heart soared; her plan was working perfectly. Only a fool would confront Chloe head–on. To really get to Chloe, you had to go for the heart, and Linda was the sharpest tool in the shed.

Linda had just arrived. Lisa waltzed past Chloe and quickly linked arms with Linda, guiding her over affectionately. “Let me introduce everyone. This is my dear friend Linda, who is fresh off the plane from studying abroad.”

Clueless about the reality, the crowd mistook Linda for Lisa’s close friend and greeted her warmly. In truth, Linda and Lisa had barely any interaction. This get–together stemmed from a last–minute birthday invite from Lisa.

After a brief chat, Linda and Lisa realized they had a common goal: to see Chloe disgraced and isolated. That made them instant allies. Plus, Linda had her own mission–ensuring Chloe and Lucas got divorced. So, she was more than happy to team up with Lisa.

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Linda played along, greeting everyone amiably, and added a special note for Chloe, “Happy birthday, Chloe.”

Sensing some unusual tension, someone quickly asked, “Linda, you know Chloe?”

Lisa jumped in with a smile. “Oh, they’re more than just acquaintances. They’re actually very close.”

Chloe’s frosty expression delighted Lisa even more. Indeed, only Linda could really get under Chloe’s skin. “The night’s drama has just begun,” Lisa thought, playfully touching Linda’s belly. “Linda, why are you here alone? You’re

pregnant. Where’s your boyfriend?”

Lisa turned to the crowd. “Linda’s boyfriend is Lucas, the heir to Moncada International.”

Everyone’s eyes were on Linda, filled with envy and admiration. Moncada International was one of Riverbrook’s top firms. Its renowned brand, Leading Heights, was known nationwide.

“Wow, the future Mrs. Moncada! Ms. Linda, my grandfather’s company works with Moncada International. We’ll have to ask for your continued support.”

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“Linda looks like someone truly blessed. I’m so envious of her,” someone said, breaking the ice as everyone chimed in with their compliments.

Linda accepted the flattery with a polite smile, though her eyes kept darting towards Chloe.

“By the way, how far along are you, Ms. Linda?” someone asked.

“Almost three months now,” Linda replied.

With a smirk, Lisa added, “Three months is still early days. Linda, you have to take good care of yourself, especially with so many people eyeing your position.” Her glance slid sideways to Chloe, making her point crystal clear.

The crowd picked up on the tension. The Meadows and Moncada families were among the elite in Riverbrook, their ties going back generations. There had been whispers of an arranged marriage between the two families. However, it was clear that the Moncadas wouldn’t accept a faux heiress now.

Chloe, who had been the Meadows‘ darling for twenty years, surely knew Mr. Lucas well and maybe even had feelings for him. But now, this Ms. Linda turned out to be Mr. Lucas‘ girlfriend.

This was shaping up to be quite the spectacle. No wonder Chloe’s expression changed when Linda appeared. The crowd intensified their praise for Linda, hoping to get a rise out of Chloe.

Chloe, uninterested in their charade, turned to leave. Just then, Linda’s voice rang out, “My boyfriend’s here.”

Everyone turned towards the entrance. A man in a sharp suit, handsome and distinguished, walked in. So that was Lucas. He was indeed strikingly good–looking. Too bad he was already taken, leaving others to only admire from afar.

As Lucas reached the entrance, he sensed something was off. He hadn’t known this was Lisa’s birthday party. Although the Meadows and Moncadas were close, Antonio and Tara favored Chloe so much that they usually skipped Lisa’s birthdays to celebrate with Chloe at home.

This year, Chloe had left the Moncada family and when Tara had wanted to

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celebrate her birthday, Chloe had other plans, so Tara didn’t insist. Lucas had heard Tara mention this casually after dinner and hadn’t thought much of it. But now, he was surprised to see Linda, Lisa, and Chloe all at this party.

Linda had called him, asking him to accompany her to a friend’s birthday party. He didn’t think much of it and came along. But he hadn’t realized this

friend was Lisa.

Lucas walked up to the group. Lisa, ever the instigator, pushed Linda towards him. “Lucas, Linda was just talking about you. Speak of the devil, and he doth

appear.”

Lucas‘ face darkened. He frowned at Linda, who looked a bit guilty. She hadn’t told him it was Lisa and Chloe’s birthday party and wondered if he’d be mad.

In the past, Lucas wouldn’t have been upset. In front of everyone, he would have confidently declared Linda as his girlfriend. Compared to Chloe, who lived in the shadows despite being his wife, Linda was always in the spotlight, like at the Royal Golf Course, where he publicly announced that she was the real Mrs. Moncada.

But today, Lucas seemed different. An aura of displeasure surrounded him, and his gaze was cold. After scanning the room, his eyes finally settled on Chloe.

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Linda gently took Lucas‘ arm, her voice soft and a bit hesitant as she called out, “Luca…”

Finally, Lucas‘ gaze shifted away from Chloe. He looked down at Linda, his tone clearly annoyed. “Since when did you and Lisa become friends?”

Linda knew Lucas disliked Chloe, but he really couldn’t stand Lisa. It was just pure, unfiltered dislike.

Quickly, Linda tried to explain, “Luca, I actually came today because there’s something really important.” She turned towards Lisa.

Lisa chimed in, “That’s right, Lucas. Today’s a big day. Linda and I hit it off instantly like we were meant to be friends. So, I’ve decided to ask my mom to take Linda as her goddaughter.”

This was something Lisa had brought up to Leah the night before. However, Lisa had only mentioned that she had a friend in a tough situation who she wanted her mom to take in as a goddaughter. She hadn’t revealed that this friend was Linda.

After much persuading, Leah finally agreed.

When Chloe heard the news, her face darkened completely. Lisa really knew how to get under her skin.

The things Linda had done in the past were well–known to both the Meadows and the Moncadas. Chloe remembered how the Meadows family had betrayed and abandoned her, something they deeply despised.

Chloe knew Leah held a grudge against her, but it was from past grievances. Leah wasn’t someone to judge unfairly. On the contrary, Leah had always been incredibly loving and nurturing towards Chloe, meticulously taking care of her without relying on nannies.

Chloe had grown up very happy and held a deep affection for Leah. This was why she found it so hard to accept reality back then. The Leah of today was vastly different. She remained gentle and understanding towards others, but with Chloe, she turned harsh and over critical.

Yet, deep down, Chloe still held onto a sliver of hope. The woman who had

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only told them about this now. Luckily, Leah wouldn’t blame her, even if she might be a bit upset. Lisa knew Leah would eventually give in because Leah still felt guilty towards her. Though Jacob was the head of the family in name, in reality, he listened to everything Leah said.

Lisa had already grabbed Leah’s arm. She pleaded softly, “Mom, everyone is watching. Please agree. Besides, it’s just an adopted daughter in name. There’s no real loss. Mom, it’s my birthday wish. If you fulfill my wish, I’ll listen to you in everything hereafter.”

Leah felt uneasy. Leah was a smart woman. She could see why Lisa wanted them to adopt Linda as a daughter. It was to make Chloe suffer, wasn’t it? Despite her efforts to make amends to Lisa over these three years, Lisa still viewed Chloe as the enemy who took everything from her.

This wasn’t the first time such a thing had happened. Leah couldn’t attend

Chloe and Lucas‘ wedding because of Lisa’s outburst. In front of Lisa, Leah had to treat Chloe badly to make up for the years of grievances Lisa had

suffered.

In fact, when it came to Chloe, Leah’s heart was also in pain. The daughter she had meticulously raised for twenty years turned out to be Ann’s tool for revenge. Leah was filled with hatred. She hated Ann, and she had also resented Chloe. But once she calmed down, she also clearly understood that Chloe was the most innocent of all. When she found out about the suicide attempt, as a mother, her heart was shattered.

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only told them about this now. Luckily, Leah wouldn’t blame her, even if she might be a bit upset. Lisa knew Leah would eventually give in because Leah still felt guilty towards her. Though Jacob was the head of the family in name, in reality, he listened to everything Leah said.

Lisa had already grabbed Leah’s arm. She pleaded softly, “Mom, everyone is watching. Please agree. Besides, it’s just an adopted daughter in name. There’s no real loss. Mom, it’s my birthday wish. If you fulfill my wish, I’ll listen to you in everything hereafter.”

Leah felt uneasy. Leah was a smart woman. She could see why Lisa wanted them to adopt Linda as a daughter. It was to make Chloe suffer, wasn’t it? Despite her efforts to make amends to Lisa over these three years, Lisa still viewed Chloe as the enemy who took everything from her.

This wasn’t the first time such a thing had happened. Leah couldn’t attend

Chloe and Lucas‘ wedding because of Lisa’s outburst. In front of Lisa, Leah had to treat Chloe badly to make up for the years of grievances Lisa had

suffered.

In fact, when it came to Chloe, Leah’s heart was also in pain. The daughter she had meticulously raised for twenty years turned out to be Ann’s tool for revenge. Leah was filled with hatred. She hated Ann, and she had also resented Chloe. But once she calmed down, she also clearly understood that Chloe was the most innocent of all. When she found out about the suicide attempt, as a mother, her heart was shattered.

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During Chloe’s hospital stay, the doctors warned she couldn’t handle any more stress. So, Leah stayed away, fearing Chloe might relapse. But every night, when Chloe was asleep, she would sneak into the hospital.

After two decades of love, Leah carefully tended her girl like a rose. How could she just cut it off? Yet, she dared not show any emotion in front of Lisa. Ann and her husband had cruelly mistreated Lisa. She felt overwhelming guilt and heartache. She knew Lisa was narrow–minded and lacked proper upbringing, but it wasn’t Lisa’s fault. It was hers for not protecting Lisa, allowing her to be secretly swapped at birth.

Leah’s little princess should have grown up safe and happy, becoming a lady of grace and intelligence like Chloe. But instead, Lisa endured so much pain from a young age. Just thinking about it made Leah’s heart bleed.

She never expected Lisa and Chloe to truly get along as sisters because she knew it was impossible. Her own history with Ann was proof enough. It felt like a curse, the tragedy repeating in the next generation. All she hoped for was that the two could live separate lives, even if it meant never interacting again..

Thus, she tried to fulfill all of Lisa’s demands, hoping that after Lisa’s thirst for revenge was quenched, she would let Chloe be just like she had sought vengeance on Ann before finding peace. Leah knew that one could move on only by releasing all the malice inside.

She had indulged Lisa for three years, and this would be the last time. She would grant her one final request, Leah told herself.

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Leah walked to the center of the stage, standing before the microphone. Before she could speak, her eyes found Chloe in the audience. Chloe stood there; her gaze was on Leah, but her face was blank–no anger, no resentment, just indifference. It was as if she were numb.

Leah clenched her fingers, forcing herself to look away. Then she made the announcement.

“Indeed, Linda and the Meadows family share a special bond. We, the Meadows family, plan to adopt her as our goddaughter.”

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Leah didn’t say more. The audience began to congratulate them. Lisa quickly pulled Linda over, urging her to address them properly. Linda was thrilled and cautiously called out in a sweet voice, “Godfather, Godmother.”

Leah responded reluctantly, while Jacob’s face darkened, offering no reply. Then came the ceremony, which Lisa had meticulously planned.

After all the ceremonies concluded, Leah scanned the audience again and noticed Chloe was gone. She had turned to leave the moment Leah recognized Linda. As Linda sweetly called out, “Godmother, Godfather,” Chloe’s heart felt as if it had been stabbed, leaving a gaping, bleeding wound. Chloe’s eyes were teary, but she stubbornly held back her tears. She wouldn’t cry for them anymore. Chloe walked to the door, intending to leave, but was stopped by the security guard.

“Miss Lisa said you cannot leave on such a joyful day.”

Chloe’s expression turned icy. “Move aside.”

Four bodyguards blocked the door like an impenetrable wall.

“She said you must stay until the end of the birthday party before leaving. She has a gift for you.”

Chloe thought about fighting her way out, but one against four, she stood no chance, especially in a dress. Besides, causing a scene was exactly what Lisa wanted. In the end, Chloe turned back.

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However, she had no interest in witnessing the cheerful scene on the stage. She decided to head to the lounge.

Halfway up the stairs, she heard footsteps behind her. “Chloe, so this is where you’ve been hiding.”

Chloe turned around, and there, climbing the stairs was the last person she

wanted to see–Linda.

Linda had just been accepted as the goddaughter of the Meadows family. Such “good news,” how could she resist sharing it?

In no time, Linda was standing right in front of Chloe, with just one step separating them.

Linda wore her usual innocent, cautious expression. “Chloe, the Meadows family has taken me in as their goddaughter. You’re not upset, are you?”

Chloe nearly chuckled at the sight of Linda’s innocent yet shameless face. From the higher step, she looked down at Linda. “Linda, drop the innocent act. It’s making me sick.”

A flash of complex emotion darted through Linda’s eyes–maybe sadness, maybe relief. But all these emotions were fleeting. When she faced Chloe again, she still looked as innocent as a naive bunny.

“Chloe, I come from a troubled background. You know how my mother is. I’ve been abused and tormented since I was little and never had a single good day. The luckiest thing that happened in my life was meeting you during high school.”

Linda’s expression was so sincere, her eyes shimmering with tears, seemingly revealing deep gratitude.

“Back then, I was transferred to Jefferson High School. Everyone looked down on me, bullied me, harassed me. It was you who reached out to me, pulling me out of the inferno. When I was attacked, you were like a shield in front of me. Chloe, you are the benefactor of my life.”

Chloe’s brows furrowed. She couldn’t understand why Linda was bringing all this up now.

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Back then, it was indeed like what Linda said. Linda was always alone, always walking with her head down, always the target of bullying and venting. The school was like a cruel jungle. Chloe stood at the pinnacle of the pyramid, while Linda was at the very bottom.

When did she start noticing Linda? Maybe it was the day Linda didn’t show up for school, and Chloe accompanied a teacher on a home visit.

In a place akin to a slum, they found Linda’s home. It’s a house so dilapidated it couldn’t be worse, with not a single decent thing inside.

Linda’s parents were arguing. Shannon was cursing at Linda’s father, hurling curses and humiliations, venomous to the core. Jake sat in a wheelchair, lifeless, like the living dead. Everything in the house that could be smashed had been smashed.

Linda was crouched on the floor, numbly tidying up, as if all this were normal.

Later, Chloe found out the reason Linda hadn’t gone to school that day. Jake, in his wheelchair, had stopped in the middle of the road, trying to commit suicide.

“Jake, don’t try that again. I’ll always save you, no matter what. I want you to live; live as miserably as I do.”

Chloe felt a chill down her spine when she heard that. She could still vaguely recall the scene.

After Shannon had cursed enough, she started to take all her emotions out on Linda. She kicked, hit, and even picked up a pair of tongs to strike Linda’s back. The teacher rushed in to intervene. However, Shannon was mad and raged and refused to stop.

While Shannon was entangled with the teacher, Chloe stepped forward, grabbed Linda by the arm, and led her out the door…

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Linda always remembered that first scene vividly. Chloe had dragged her through several narrow alleys, her grip firm and reassuring. Chloe’s scent was intoxicating, like the fresh fragrance of gardenias–both crisp and

overwhelming.

Linda couldn’t take her eyes off Chloe’s profile. Bathed in sunlight, she looked like a golden angel sent from heaven, holding Chloe’s hand tightly felt like a lifeline, pulling her away from a nightmare.

They eventually reached a small square nearby. Chloe treated her to

McDonald’s. It was Linda’s first time ever eating there. She devoured so many apple pies, convinced she’d never tasted anything so delicious. They were so sweet and rich that they brought tears to her eyes.

Chloe watched as Linda finished off an entire box of apple pies, tears streaming down her face. Suddenly, she grabbed Linda’s hand and said, “Linda, don’t be afraid. I’ve got your back from now on.”

Chloe made that promise without hesitation, and she kept it. From that day on, whenever someone at school bullied Linda, Chloe was ready to defend her fiercely. She even helped Linda secure a scholarship for boarding, giving her a break from her unstable mother. Chloe shared everything with Linda, even the expensive gifts she received for her birthday. She gave her heart and soul to Linda, even more than to her childhood friend Cassie.

So, when Chloe found out about Linda’s betrayal, it felt like a knife to the heart. “Linda, what are you trying to say now?” Chloe’s lips curled into a cold, ironic smile. “I still don’t get it. Why? Why did you have to steal Lucas? Why use such underhanded tactics?”

If Linda had genuinely loved Lucas, then a fair competition, or even an open pursuit, wouldn’t have bothered Chloe. But she couldn’t accept being betrayed and schemed against by someone she cared for so deeply.

Linda confessed honestly. “It was jealousy. I envied the way you two strolled hand in hand across the field, the way he lined up every morning to get you breakfast. How you two were insepara and shared everything. You both were like a match made in heaven–one radiant and cheerful, the other bright

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and handsome.”

Linda’s eyes darkened, turning somewhat sinister. “But I was just jealous. You were like leaves and flowers basking in the sunlight, while I was like the root buried in darkness and never saw the light of day, silently enduring the dark and the nibbling of worms and insects. I was going mad with envy night and day.”

Chloe never expected Linda, who had always followed them, to harbor such feelings. She fell silent for a moment before speaking calmly.

“It’s your insecurity and sensitivity at fault. Everyone’s heart is a seed. It’s up to us whether we grow into happy people or remain bitter and sad. Linda, you’ve had it tough, but there are others who’ve had it tougher. Does that mean everyone should succumb to jealousy and betray those who genuinely care for them, like the snake in ‘The Farmer and the Snake?“”

Chloe felt an inexplicable sadness. “Back then, you were doing well academically and got into a prestigious university. You were no longer the helpless girl who was controlled by her mother and unable to fight back. You had already set foot on the path to a brighter future, where you could have proudly basked in the sunlight. Yet, you chose the most despicable and darkest path, betraying friendship and sacrificing sincerity. Your life remains shrouded in darkness and falsehood, but this time, you chose that cold, damp path for yourself.”

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Chloe let out a deep sigh as she watched Linda. “Talking about this now is pointless. I don’t regret being kind to you, but losing me is your loss, not

mine.”

The past was like smoke–Chloe had moved on. She didn’t want to get tangled up with Linda anymore. Whether it was hate or resentment, she didn’t want to waste another second or ounce of energy on her.

Chloe turned to leave, but Linda grabbed her arm suddenly. “Chloe, you can’t escape from me. Never.”

Chloe turned, trying to shake off Linda’s grip, but before she could, Linda stumbled back and fell down the stairs. Linda clutched her stomach and screamed, “It hurts, it hurts so much! My baby… Chloe, why did you push

me?”

A bad feeling surged through Chloe. Almost immediately, a crowd swarmed in, with Lisa at the forefront.

“Chloe, why did you push Linda? She’s pregnant!

“Chloe, I know you have issues with Linda, but you can’t hurt her baby.

“Is it because Linda’s baby is Lucas‘, and you can’t stand it?”

A barrage of questions hit Chloe like a storm. She realized in an instant that she had fallen into a trap set by Linda and Lisa. She had expected Lisa to give her a hard time, but she thought making Linda the adopted daughter of the Meadows family was already the endgame. She hadn’t anticipated this massive pitfall.

Their malice was beyond her imagination.

Chloe was surrounded. Other guests in the banquet hall heard the commotion and gathered around. Lucas, hearing Linda’s cries, rushed over. He saw Linda lying on the ground, clutching her stomach in apparent pain, and Chloe standing at the top of the stairs with a blank expression. The crowd pointed fingers, blaming Chloe for pushing Linda.

Lucas didn’t have time to think. He quickly stepped forward and helped Linda sit up. “Linda, are you okay? I’ll take you to the hospital.”

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Linda, still clutching her stomach, tried to hold back tears. “Lucas, I’m fine. It’s not so painful anymore, but… but…”

She looked at Chloe with teary eyes. “But I don’t know why Chloe would push me. She just can’t accept our child.”

Tears streamed down Linda’s face. “Lucas, if something happened to the baby, I wouldn’t be able to go on. Thank God we’re okay. But I’m so scared, I’m afraid she won’t let me go. This isn’t the first time.”

Linda buried her head in Lucas‘ chest, sobbing quietly. Lucas‘ gaze was filled with fury as he looked at Chloe. He pointed a finger at her and almost yelled, “Chloe, you’re just plain evil!”