Chapter 140
This wasn't how things were supposed to be.
Arthur scratched his hair in some dejection.
He didn't even know what had happened to him, how he suddenly did so many despicable things. Chloe was the person he loved most.
He never wanted this, but it was as if some demon inside him compelled him to act this way.
He only wanted to keep Chloe from leaving, to repair their relationship by any means possible. How had it come to this?
Arthur pulled at his hair forcefully, like a beast who had lost its mate, letting out a mournful cry.
...
Chloe couldn't care less about the outside world's chaos. Nellie immediately published all the evidence she had collected about the harm Chloe had suffered in her marriage and everything that worked in her favor.
Internet users easily took sides, but whoever was in the right would have their voice amplified to the maximum online.
The photos of Arthur caring for Avery caused an immediate uproar when released.
Avery had previously worked as a model but was resting at home during her pregnancy, temporarily without work.
She managed her own social media accounts, and soon, internet users flocked to hers.
Chloe had always been a star jewelry designer, and despite her five-year hiatus, the fans attracted by her talent hadn't abandoned her. On the contrary, after seeing Chloe's work, they all rallied to support her.
On Avery's account, tens of thousands of critical comments appeared within minutes.
[Ms. Scott, I never imagined you'd be so shameless, having a baby with your sister's husband. How could you even think of doing that?]
[Exactly! How did Chloe ever wrong you? You don't even know how to be a decent human being. The child you and Arthur had could never be a legitimate heir anyway.]
[The so-called Scott family princess is nothing but a thief—stealing your sister's position, stealing Chloe's designs. Don't you have anything of your own?]
...
Avery was well aware of these insults. With the Scott family's recent project losses and cash shortages, no matter how much she resented Derek, she needed to earn money.
After all, if the Scott family collapsed, she would face endless mockery—something Avery understood perfectly. She had already contacted her agent to prepare for her comeback and was about to sign with an advertiser when Chloe suddenly pulled this stunt.
Today's advertisers were extremely sensitive to public opinion. Countless celebrities had seen their partnerships result in millions in losses due to negative publicity.
Avery immediately received a call from the advertiser, who was furious, "Ms. Scott, are you making a fool of me? I heard your family's major project has already lost the Williams family funding. Did you know your sister Chloe was going to hold this press conference today? Were you deliberately trying to get something for nothing?"
"Let me tell you, you've breached our contract. If you don't pay the penalty fee as specified and compensate our company for damages, expect to see us in court!"
Avery didn't even get a chance to speak before the caller hung up. She trembled with rage as she glared at her agent.
"Are you secretly gloating too, thinking I'll never beat Chloe? I'm telling you, she's just lucky—I'm no worse than her in any way."
"So what if they cancel the contract? Chloe thinks she can make me bow my head with tactics like these? I will never surrender. From today on, it's either her or me!"
At this moment, Avery's mind was consumed by nothing but hatred.
She dug her nails into her palms.
Chloe, Arthur—just you wait!
...
The public discussion continued. After the press conference, Chloe went straight to negotiate Project Luminary.
She had been diligently connecting with Luminary Group and promptly delivered design drafts and promotional plans.
Luminary Group's director was a polished man in his late thirties or early forties, extremely smooth and impenetrable.
After several meetings, he had subtly rejected Chloe each time.
Chloe wasn't in a rush. She simply suggested he look at her plans and designs first.
After reviewing them, the director was somewhat surprised.
"Ms. Brown, from what I understand, you've been away from this industry for quite some time. Our business relies on freshness and innovation. What makes you so certain your work can align with today's market? You should know this project is our biggest of the year and our most profitable. Countless companies want to partner with us—many with better qualifications and conditions than yours. So what's your advantage?"
"Director, it's true I've been away from the industry for a long time, but I've still been creating during this period. I understand what you're implying—you think these plans and designs aren't my work, that perhaps someone is helping me behind the scenes. That's fair enough."
Chloe spoke with genuine sincerity, being completely straightforward without any beating around the bush.
"Nicho—I believe you know him. I've collaborated with him many times. If you doubt my credentials from these past years, you can ask him."
"Of course, collaboration isn't a one-sided affair. Whenever you make up your mind, feel free to contact me."
With that, Chloe placed her business card down and gracefully left the meeting room.
As she exited the hotel, she noticed Howard's car parked by the roadside. He was leaning against the window, his long index finger casually hanging over the edge, a cigarette between his fingers. He wasn't smoking it, and his eyes were somewhat obscured by the swirling smoke.
Chloe knew Howard was troubled.
Howard was a man of good habits; his smoking addiction wasn't severe. But when he was agitated, he liked to smell the tobacco, just as he was doing now, letting the cigarette slowly burn at his fingertips.
It seemed only this way could he sort through his thoughts.
Chloe walked over.
"Howard."
"Let's talk in the car."
Howard nodded, gesturing for Chloe to get in first, then extinguished the cigarette with his bare fingers.
Chloe noticed his action and was shocked inwardly, though she didn't show much reaction on her face.
Once in the car, she took out a wet wipe and handed it to Howard. "Here, wipe your fingers. That burn must hurt."
Howard raised an eyebrow.
Over the years, he had grown accustomed to being hard on himself. Putting out cigarettes with his bare fingers was as simple as eating or drinking to him.
He just hadn't expected Chloe to care so much.
Howard smiled silently.
"Chlo, it doesn't hurt much."
"How did the negotiations with Luminary Group go?"
Howard changed the subject, getting straight to the point.
Chloe shook her head, not hiding anything.
"The outcome is still uncertain. From what I gathered, their director hasn't agreed yet, but I'll keep trying."
"Of course you won't give up, because this order is very important to you."
Howard picked up a document folder from beside him and handed it to Chloe.
"Open it and take a look. It might help you."
"What is this...?"
"Just look."