Chapter 31: Give Me Another Chance

The assistant pushed open the door, holding a file in his hand. "Mr. Blake, here's the info you asked for on Ms. Baker."

Donovan opened his eyes and took the file, quickly flipping through it.

The information was detailed, covering everything from Chloe's birth, her education, her meeting Brayden, and her relationship with Andrew, all meticulously listed.

When he reached the part about Chloe's wedding day, where her mother suddenly fell ill and urgently needed $60,000 for surgery, Donovan's fingers tightened around the file.

He looked up at the assistant, his voice low. "She got married that day because of this?"

The assistant nodded. "Yeah, Mr. Blake. Ms. Baker tried to borrow money from everywhere but couldn't get it. In the end..."

He didn't finish, but Donovan understood.

Chloe married him for the money.

Donovan felt an indescribable sense of agitation and disappointment rising within him. He had always thought that Chloe, despite her little schemes, was essentially a simple and kind-hearted girl.

But now, it seemed he had overestimated her, or perhaps he had underestimated the allure of money.

Donovan was silent for a long time before he slowly spoke. "Have we found out what she wants the million dollars for?"

The assistant shook his head. "Ms. Baker is cautious in her actions. We haven't found out yet."

Donovan's frown deepened.

A million dollars was a drop in the bucket for him, but for Chloe, it was a huge sum.

What could she possibly need that much money for?

Could she really be as greedy as Jacob suggested?

Or was there something else she couldn't talk about?

Donovan's mind was filled with questions.

"Keep investigating," he said coldly. "We need to find out."

"Yes, Mr. Blake." The assistant responded and left.

Donovan picked up the file again but couldn't focus on it.

He put the file down, picked up his phone, and dialed Chloe's number.

The phone rang for a long time before it was answered.

"Hello?" Chloe's voice sounded tired.

"Where are you?" Donovan's voice was icy.

"I'm at Sofia's house for dinner." Chloe's voice had a hint of evasion.

Donovan let out a cold laugh. "Really? I heard you're at the hospital with your mom."

Chloe's breathing visibly hitched.

She hadn't expected Donovan to know where she was.

"I..." She stammered, unsure how to explain.

"Chloe, do you think I'm easy to fool?" Donovan's voice grew colder.

"I didn't," Chloe's voice was choked with tears. "I just didn't want you to worry."

"Didn't want me to worry?" Donovan's voice dripped with sarcasm. "When you took the million dollars, did you think about whether I'd worry?"

Chloe's body trembled. She hadn't expected Donovan to bring up that matter.

"I..." She opened her mouth but found herself unable to say anything.

"Chloe, I'm giving you one more chance. Tell me, what do you need the million dollars for?" Donovan's voice carried an undeniable authority.

Chloe bit her lip tightly, struggling inside. She didn't want to tell Donovan the truth because she was afraid he would look down on her and leave her. But she also knew that if she didn't tell the truth now, she might really lose him.

At that moment, she suddenly remembered that Jacob had said he was going to see Donovan. Could Jacob have said something to Donovan?

Thinking of this, anger surged in Chloe's heart. She took a deep breath and said into the phone, "Donovan, did you meet Jacob?"

Donovan didn't answer, just remained silent.

Chloe was already certain her guess was correct. "That bastard Jacob, did he cause trouble for you again?"

Chloe's voice was filled with anger. "What did he say to you? Don't listen to his nonsense!"

"I know whether he's talking nonsense," Donovan said calmly. "Chloe, I just want to hear the truth from you."

Chloe's tears finally couldn't be held back and streamed down her face. She choked up, "Donovan, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to deceive you, I just..."

She wanted to explain but found herself unable to.

She couldn't possibly tell Donovan that she took the million dollars to pay off Jacob's debt, could she? If she did, Donovan would surely look down on her even more.

"What do you mean?" Donovan's voice remained cold.

"I was just too afraid of losing you." Chloe finally mustered the courage to speak her heart. "Donovan, I admit, I approached you initially because of the money, but now it's different, I..."

Before she could finish, Donovan interrupted her. "Enough, Chloe, I don't want to hear this."

Chloe's heart sank to the bottom. She knew that she and Donovan were completely over.

"Donovan, I know you must hate me right now."

Chloe's voice trembled violently. "But I'm begging you, don't push me away. I promise I'll never lie to you again. I'll tell you everything. Please give me another chance."