Chapter 299

Chapter 299

Seeing Chloe's hesitation, Arthur pressed on. "Chloe, if you leave Riverton with me, I promise I'll give you a comfortable life. You won't have to suffer with me anymore."

"Arthur, the moment you chose Avery, I stopped loving you." Chloe said, looking at him as if he were a joke.

"Chloe, are you really not coming with me?" Arthur's eyes reddened.

When Chloe shook her head decisively, he finally closed his eyes in despair.

"Chloe, I'm sorry!"

"I can't lose you!"

"But I also can't let anyone hurt you!"

Three days later, it was the day of the Miller Group CEO's wedding. Howard, usually low-key, was making a rare high-profile display. The grandest hotel in Riverton, a massive ballroom filled with pale purple roses. Through the enormous glass windows, one could even see the clouds floating in the sky outside. The venue was packed with guests.

"I'm so envious of this Ms. Brown."

"I heard Mr. Miller has been in love with her since college."

"To think there's actually a man in this world who is rich, handsome, and so devoted."

Whispers filled the crowd, all expressing envy for this wedding of the century.

On the top floor of the Martinez Group, Griffin stared at the message on his phone, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Arthur didn't disappoint me after all."

"Mr. Martinez, are we still going?" his assistant asked.

At the question, Griffin's smile widened. "Of course! I have to see how Mr. Miller is going to handle a wedding of the century without a bride."

Griffin arrived fashionably late to Howard's wedding. At that moment, Howard, accompanied by Kelvin, was greeting guests, seemingly oblivious to what was happening with Chloe.

Griffin casually picked up a glass of whiskey and walked toward Howard. "Congratulations, Mr. Miller," he said, taking a small sip.

"Thank you." Howard replied, downing his drink in one gulp before asking, "Why isn't Mr. Sawyer Martinez with you?"

"My grandfather is getting older. He's not fond of such occasions." Griffin had just finished speaking when Sawyer walked over with a smile.

Howard greeted him with a grin. "Mr. Sawyer Martinez, I thought you weren't coming."

"How could I miss your wedding?" Sawyer laughed.

"Well, thank you for gracing us with your presence." Howard said, smiling.

"Your thanks will be to finish that game of chess with me at the Martinez Manor in a few days." Sawyer teased.

"I'll definitely be there." Howard promised, leading Sawyer to his seat.

"Grandfather, I thought you weren't coming." Griffin said, taking a seat beside Sawyer.

"I had to come and see such a joyous occasion." Sawyer replied casually.

As they chatted, the wedding was about to begin. The lights in the hall slowly dimmed, leaving only a long, flower-lined aisle illuminated by spotlights. Howard was already standing at the end of it, waiting for his bride.

'Howard, you must be so happy right now! Soon, you'll know what it feels like to be utterly humiliated.' Griffin thought, his eyes fixed on the closed doors.

As the music began, the doors slowly opened. Chloe stood there, a smile on her face, waiting for Howard to walk toward her.

'This is impossible!'

What Griffin had anticipated didn't happen. Chloe was here, perfectly fine.

'Arthur, you dare to play me!'

Griffin gritted his teeth, his hands clenched into tight fists. A text message alert sounded. It was from Arthur. [Sorry, Mr. Martinez, to have disappointed you!]

By then, Chloe had already taken Howard's arm, and they were slowly walking toward the center of the stage.

In a corner of the hall, a pair of eyes stared at Chloe's receding back, vision blurring with tears. "Chloe, I finally get to see you in a wedding dress." Arthur said, his face weary, but a slight smile played on his lips. "Let Howard protect you for me, then." He slowly stood up and walked out of the hall.

Griffin's sharp eyes caught the familiar back.

On the rooftop terrace outside the hall, Griffin called out to Arthur. "Arthur, you played me?" he stared at him, a half-smile on his face, his eyes burning with a desire to see through him.

Arthur looked at Griffin, amused. "You underestimated my feelings for Chloe."

Three days ago, at the coffee shop entrance, Arthur had indeed been tempted to take Chloe away. But when she told him decisively that she wanted to be with Howard for the rest of her life, he gave up. Perhaps he did love Chloe. But he had also hurt her deeply. Now, he was like a stray dog, cast out by the Williams family. What kind of life would Chloe have with him? It was better to let Howard protect her instead.

Griffin lunged forward, grabbing Arthur's collar. "Arthur, no one plays me! You're nothing but an illegitimate son who can't see the light of day!" His words were like daggers, stabbing into Arthur's heart.

Arthur's lips curled into a slow smile. "It's true, I can't do anything. Perhaps the only thing I can do is drag you down with me, so my Chloe won't be bothered by you in the future."

"What do you mean?" Griffin's face turned cold.

In the distance, several police officers were approaching. "Hello, we're from the Riverton police station. Please come with us." Silver handcuffs snapped shut around Griffin's wrists.

"Arthur, you set me up!" Griffin stared at him. "I won't let you get away with this."

Watching Griffin being led away, Arthur's lips curled into a slight smile. "Griffin, I won't let you, or anyone else, hurt Chloe."

On the brightly lit stage, Chloe and Howard were exchanging rings. The square pink diamond ring sparkled under the lights.

"Chloe, I've finally waited for this day." Howard said, lowering his head to place a gentle kiss on her forehead.

In that moment, Chloe's eyes saw only Howard.

Not far away, Adeline, in her bridesmaid dress, was crying her eyes out. Her Chloe had finally found the one she could entrust her life to. She was truly happy for her.

As Adeline was sobbing, the host continued, "Today's bouquet has a very special mission. Let's all witness it together."

Then, Adeline saw Kelvin take the bouquet from Chloe and walk toward her.

"What's going on?" Adeline was at a loss, caught off guard by this sudden turn of events.

"Adeline, marry me." Kelvin said, getting down on one knee with the bouquet in his hands.