Chapter 1 The Broken Promise

When Chloe Quall entered her husband Curtis Green's office with a project folder, she stumbled on him fastening a ruby necklace around his first love's neck.

She stared blankly at the necklace. It was the very same one she'd begged him to buy after seeing it in an auction catalog.

Throughout their three years of marriage, she'd never asked him for anything. This necklace was the first thing she'd ever requested from him, and only because it was her mother's last keepsake.

"It's just a necklace, yet you're staring at it like it's the best thing you've ever seen. I always said that orphans have no class," remarked one of Curtis' friends, Luke Hayes, with clear disdain.

Ignoring his mocking words, Chloe stepped forward and reached for the necklace around Sonya Miller's neck, but Curtis caught her wrist.

"I've already given this necklace to Sonya."

"You promised it would be mine!" Chloe insisted, a rare flash of anger crossing her gentle face.

Curtis frowned, visibly annoyed. "Stop making a scene. This is a gift to celebrate Sonya's promotion to co-pilot."

Making a scene? His words sent a chill through Chloe.

"What if I insist on having it?" she pressed.

Luke sneered from the side. "I've always said Chloe isn't good enough for you, Curtis. She's greedy and untalented—you should just divorce her. Only a woman like Sonya belongs by your side."

Though Curtis and Chloe had a private marriage known to very few, many people were aware that Sonya was his cherished first love.

"Don't be ridiculous. I have no interest in being anyone's mistress," Sonya spat haughtily, then removed the necklace and casually tossed it at Chloe's feet.

She'd discarded a necklace worth millions of dollars on the floor like trash. It was something Chloe's mother, Jenna Knight, had treasured deeply.

Chloe's eyes burned as she slowly knelt, her hand closing tightly around the sharp, cold edges of the necklace. Each facet dug into her skin.

Contemptuously looking down at her, Sonya commented, "A true woman should value knowledge and vision. Instead of fighting me over a necklace, you should focus on improving yourself!"

"Knowledge and vision? She scraped through some third-rate college, and if Curtis hadn't kindly given her a job at the company, she'd probably be sweeping the streets," Luke said mockingly.

And through it all, Chloe's husband, Curtis, said nothing in her defense.

Ignoring Luke, Chloe rose and fixed her gaze squarely on Sonya. "You insist you're not a mistress, so why are you accepting a necklace worth millions from someone else's husband?"

Sonya snorted. "I see it as just a casual gift from a friend. The price tag doesn't matter to me."

"Oh, really? Since when do friends casually give each other million-dollar necklaces? Luke is your friend too. Has he ever given you anything worth millions?" Chloe's words cut sharply.

Sonya fell silent, and even Luke's expression stiffened.

"Enough," Curtis snapped, cutting in impatiently. "It's just a necklace. Stop making a big deal out of it."

Just a necklace…

The words echoed hollowly in Chloe's mind as her grip tightened around the necklace.

Amid the chaos of war in a foreign land, this was the very necklace Jenna had traded for medicine and food, saving the lives of 50 orphans.

To Chloe, it was far more than just a necklace; it represented Jenna's faith and values.

Taking a deep breath, Chloe remembered the call she'd received just before she'd entered the office. Her parents' ashes had been placed on a flight and would arrive in Corvessia the next day.

Looking up, she met Curtis' eyes and demanded, "Fine, forget the necklace. My parents' ashes are being sent from abroad tomorrow, and I want you to come with me to receive them."

In life, their greatest wish had been to see her married and settled down. She wanted Curtis by her side when she brought their ashes home, granting both them and herself a moment of dignity.

Curtis was briefly stunned. He recalled the story Chloe had once told him about her parents' deaths when they first got married. Her parents, Jenna and Walter Quall, had died in an accident abroad.

A subtle gleam flickered in Sonya's eyes, while Luke chimed in scornfully, "You're unbelievable, Chloe. You'll fabricate any excuse just to drag him with you."

Ignoring him, Chloe kept her eyes on Curtis, who replied after a moment's hesitation, "Alright. I'll come with you tomorrow."

Without another word, she turned and left the CEO's office.

As the door closed behind her, she caught Luke's voice. "Are you really going with her?"

"No matter what, she's my wife. I should be there when she receives her parents' ashes," Curtis replied.

"She's clearly lying! Who would go through the trouble of sending an orphan her parents' ashes all the way from abroad?"

Each mention of the word "orphan" stabbed at Chloe's heart. Looking down at the necklace in her hand, she murmured, "Mom, Dad, I'll bring you home tomorrow."

…

The next day, Curtis still hadn't shown up as the clock struck at the agreed hour.

A sense of unease crept into Chloe's heart. She called him, only to be greeted by his impatient voice. "Sonya's mom sprained her ankle, and I'm at the hospital with them."

"Come quick, Curtis! My mom needs help!" Sonya's voice sounded from the other end of the line.

"Be right there," Curtis replied, his voice gentle and warm. Before Chloe could say another word, he ended the call.

A pang of coldness struck her, and her throat felt constricted, as though something was caught there. She wanted to scream and protest, but not a single word would leave her lips.

How ridiculous! Curtis could accompany Sonya's mother, Carla Bishop, to the hospital for a minor sprain, yet he wouldn't stand by Chloe, his wife, to accept her parents' homebound ashes.

Drawing a steadying breath, Chloe resolutely got up and left the villa before driving to the military camp. Guards in uniform with rifles in hand flanked the solemn, imposing gates.

Chloe firmly stepped out of the car with her back straight. Even after three years out of service, her posture remained every bit that of a soldier.

Step by step, she approached the gates and came to a halt. Raising her right hand, she delivered a formal, perfect military salute.

She would take Jenna's and Walter's ashes home even if she had to do it alone.

In a clear, strong voice that carried across the camp, she announced, "Former Shadow Hawks Special Forces soldier Chloe Quall, reporting to receive the ashes of former peacekeeping officer Walter Quall and military doctor Jenna Knight!"

With that, the heavy gates of the military camp slowly opened…

Chapter 2 Ashes and Homecoming

Two rows of soldiers marched out in perfect unison, lining up at the gates of the military camp. They raised their right hands and saluted Chloe.

She watched as the senior commander, Allen Jackman, dressed in a full military uniform, approached her, holding a blackwood urn draped with Alverton's national flag.

Vibrant colors of the national flag stung Chloe's eyes. To her, they were a symbol of Jenna and Walter's belief and faith.

Years ago, Walter and Jenna had accepted the call of duty to join the peacekeeping force abroad, knowing full well that it might cost them their lives.

"When your parents' remains were found, they were inseparable, so the authorities cremated them together and placed both of them here," Allen gently explained, his voice carrying a hint of apology.

"That's alright," Chloe said as her gaze fixed on the urn with the flag draped over it. "They loved each other so much. I think they would've wanted to be together even in death."

Allen nodded solemnly, then straightened and formally presented the urn to her. "Honor to the fallen. May their spirits live forever."

As one, the soldiers behind him echoed those words, their voices booming under the sky. "Honor to the fallen! May their spirits live forever!"

Tears welled up in Chloe's eyes as she stood straight, saluting Allen and the soldiers with deep respect.

"Chloe Quall, here to bring her parents home!" she declared loudly, taking the urn in her arms. It felt heavy in her hands, yet it also brought her a strange sense of peace.

After three years, Walter and Jenna, who'd died in a foreign land, were finally home.

Only after the handover was complete did Allen notice that Chloe was alone today. He knew she was married.

"Where's your husband? Didn't he come with you?"

Chloe lowered her eyes and murmured, "He was busy and couldn't make it."

Allen sighed. He'd watched her grow up; once bright and spirited, she now seemed tired and worn out after three years of marriage.

Patting her shoulder, Allen said, "Come to me if you ever run into trouble. This old man might still be of some use."

"Thank you, Mr. Jackman," Chloe replied.

"And remember, you can always come back here if life out there gets too tough. The gates of the camp will always be open for you, and this will always be your home."

Chloe nodded gratefully. After saying her goodbyes, she carefully carried the urn back into the car. Placing it gently on the passenger seat, she started the engine.

"Mom, Dad… Let me take you home."

…

When Chloe stepped into the villa, a voice drifted from the living room. "Now that Sonya's back—and as a female captain, no less—you should divorce Chloe and marry her."

It was Curtis' mother, Helen Foster.

"Sonya and I are just friends," Curtis flatly replied.

"Just friends? Everyone knows you've always loved Sonya. She's highly educated, has a great career, and is the first female captain at AeroQuest Airlines. Chloe's got nothing and is nowhere near good enough for you!" snapped Joanne Green, Curtis' younger sister.

A cold ache spread through Chloe's chest.

For three years, she'd supported Curtis in growing his company—working late, pushing through illness, and even going to the office hooked to an IV drip—only to hear that she was "nowhere near good enough".

Just then, Joanne spotted her. "You're utterly shameless, Chloe. How dare you eavesdrop on us?"

"I wasn't hiding, so how is this eavesdropping?" Chloe shot back as she stepped forward.

"Well, you heard me. Do the right thing and divorce Curtis so you won't stand in the way of him and Sonya!" Joanne retorted, her tone dripping with contempt.

"Joanne, that's enough!" Curtis berated.

But she wouldn't stop. "I'm not wrong, am I? Chloe has nothing, and she only managed to marry you because Sonya was away! She took advantage of the timing, that's all!"

Curtis' expression darkened. "Are you done?"

She pouted and fell silent as Helen stepped in to comfort her.

Curtis frowned and walked over to Chloe. His eyes fell on the blackwood urn in her hands draped in the national flag. "What's this?"

"My parents' ashes. I brought them home," Chloe said quietly.

A flicker of guilt flashed in his eyes. "I'm sorry I couldn't go with you today. Sonya's mom sprained her ankle, so I had to—"

Before he could finish, Helen sharply interrupted him, glaring at Chloe. "What? Ashes? How could you bring something so unlucky into the house?"

Unlucky?

Chloe stared at Helen in disbelief. "These are my parents' ashes. There's nothing unlucky about them!"

Walter and Jenna were heroes who'd died serving Alverton. They deserved to be treated with respect.

"I don't care whose ashes they are; they're bad luck!" Helen snapped. "Now get out, and don't you dare bring that thing inside!"

Chloe held the urn tighter. "I won't leave. This is my home; Curtis and I bought it together after we got married."

"Bought it together? That was Curtis' money!" Joanne shouted before turning to Curtis. "Mom just had eye surgery, and the doctor said she shouldn't get upset. Make Chloe leave!"

Curtis hesitated before he finally said, "Maybe you should just leave and keep the ashes somewhere else for now."

Chloe's heart sank. How could he say that?

"Do you think my parents' ashes are bad luck too? That they don't deserve to rest here, even for just a little while?" Her eyes locked on his as she demanded an answer.

Curtis remained quiet, but his silence spoke volumes.

"What if I refuse?" Chloe pushed. "Curtis, in all our three years of marriage, I've done nothing but stand by you and your family. I worked right by your side day and night when you first started your business.

"When Helen had cataracts and the doctors said her eyes couldn't be saved, I was the one who took her to every hospital in Corvessia. I leveraged every connection I had to get her an appointment with the best ophthalmologist in Corvessia, and that's how her eyes were saved!

"I've always treated your family as my own, but have any of you ever respected mine?"

Her words left the Greens speechless and uneasy.

Joanne barked, "You saved Mom? Curtis is rich, and that's how he could afford the best doctor in Corvessia for Mom! As for helping him with his company, that's just an excuse for you to leech off him! Green Tech went public because of his talent, not you. So stop acting like it was all thanks to you!"

Chloe kept her eyes fixed on Curtis. "We've been married for three years now. I'm just asking to keep my parents' ashes here for a few days. Is that too much?"

Curtis frowned. "Stop being unreasonable, Chloe."

She stepped forward. "What if I insist?"

In a fit of rage, Helen rushed up and slapped Chloe hard across the face. "Not while I'm alive! You will not bring those ashes into this house!"

Chloe stumbled, her cheek stinging from the blow.

Before she could steady herself, Helen violently shoved the urn in her hands. It tipped over, threatening to spill the ashes.

Chapter 3 Let's Get Divorced

Chloe's eyes widened in shock. Instinctively, she clutched the urn tightly against her chest and shielded it from any harm.

"How could you do that? These are my parents' ashes!" she cried out, her voice filled with fury.

"This is my son's house! If you dare bring that unlucky thing inside, I'll smash it into pieces myself. We'll show your parents what a vicious daughter they raised—one who'd even curse my family with misfortune!" Helen spat venomously.

Rage filled Chloe's eyes as she held the urn protectively. "Even if you're my mother-in-law, you have no right to insult my parents like that!"

Curtis stepped in and said, "Just take the urn outside, Chloe. Don't upset Mom when she's barely recovered from surgery. I'll never forgive you if anything happens to her."

Chloe's hands trembled as she held the urn, her rage burning hotter than ever.

Even after three years of marriage, he couldn't show Jenna and Walter the smallest shred of respect!

When she refused to leave, Curtis' expression darkened. "Why are you still standing here? Do you need me to throw you out myself?"

Chloe was so angry that she laughed, lowering her gaze to the urn in her arms. It seemed like she'd married the wrong man.

Three years ago, Curtis had looked at her nervously and asked, "I don't have a car or a house. Will you really marry me?"

And she'd nodded. After all, on the day she lost Jenna and Walter, Curtis was the one who'd sat beside her quietly, wiping away her tears.

After their deaths, Allen had earnestly told her, "Chloe, your parents were always worried about you settling down. Special forces are too dangerous, and I don't want you to end up like your parents or Daniel. I believe they would've wanted you to live a long, peaceful life."

After Walter and Jenna died and her elder brother, Daniel Quall, went missing in action, Chloe was the only one left in their family of four. So, she'd resigned from the military and married Curtis.

She used to believe that even if they didn't love each other as deeply as her parents had, they could at least treat each other with respect.

But now, Curtis was stripping away even that last shred of dignity.

Did he not remember that, back when he'd had nothing, the very first funds for his company had come from Walter and Jenna's death gratuity money?

If they were looking down from heaven, how would they feel knowing that their son-in-law had used their sacrifice to build his fortune but wouldn't even allow their ashes into his home?

"Fine. I'll leave!" Chloe raised her head, standing straight.

She refused to let her tears fall. She could make sacrifices and even bleed, but she would never cry for a man this ungrateful. With that, she turned on her heel and walked out without looking back.

Joanne seemed almost surprised. "Is she leaving… just like that?"

"Of course! This is Curtis' house, so she has no say in it. She's just an orphan! Who does she think she is to do as she pleases?" Helen grumbled.

Curtis watched Chloe leave, feeling a strange hollow ache in his chest as though something important had just slipped through his fingers.

…

Chloe carried the urn to a funeral home for temporary safekeeping.

She planned to take Walter and Jenna's ashes back to Warlington for burial, but preparing the headstone and arranging everything else would take some time. So for now, she had no choice but to keep the ashes there.

"Just wait a little longer, Mom, Dad. I'll take you home soon," she whispered, draping the folded flag over the urn reverently.

"One day, I'll find Daniel, and we'll visit both of you together. I believe he's still alive."

Daniel was a soldier as well. Five years ago, he'd vanished along the border during a mission and had been missing since then. Chloe had searched for him during her own service, but she hadn't managed to find any clues.

Once she laid Walter and Jenna to rest, she vowed to go back to the border and search for him again.

After placing the urn in the funeral home, Chloe prepared to leave. Rain drizzled steadily, pattering against her umbrella. As she walked, she overheard the passersby talking.

"There are so many cars outside, and even government officials showed up. Someone important must have died."

"Haven't you seen the news? Mr. Steele Senior died, and his memorial is today."

"The Steeles? Who's going to take over now?"

"That powerful madman from the Steele family, of course. If not him, who else would do it?"

At that moment, Chloe realized why there were police barricades and heavy security outside the funeral home. It was Martin Steele's funeral, after all.

The Steeles were a towering force, dominating all of Corvessia. Everyone knew them, yet no one dared to provoke them.

Stepping out, Chloe saw the long procession of sleek black cars lined along the street, each one a display of the late Martin's influence.

Just then, the door of the nearest car opened. Someone stepped out with an umbrella and then a tall, lean figure slowly emerged from the car.

The black umbrella covered the upper half of the man's face, but Chloe could make out his sharp jawline, the prominent, narrow bridge of his nose, and thin, slightly moist lips. With long fingers and sharp bones, his hands looked as though they were made for killing.

Then, he lifted his gaze, and his dark eyes locked with hers. They were beautiful eyes, tilted at the corners like a falcon's but cold and utterly devoid of life. It almost seemed as if nothing in this world could stir him.

Though he was there for a funeral, his expression showed no sign of grief or any other emotion.

The man holding the umbrella for him respectfully gestured. "This way, please, Mr. Steele."

Steele? Chloe's heart jolted. Was this man one of the Steeles?

While she was briefly caught up in her thoughts, he'd already walked past her. It wasn't until she was back in her car that she realized her palms were clammy with cold sweat.

She took out her phone and saw a message from Curtis. "Mom and Joanne have left. Come back after you've arranged everything for your parents' ashes. We need to talk."

After giving the text a cold glance, she started the car and drove back to the villa.

In the villa, Curtis was waiting on the couch. He approached her the moment she stepped in and asked, "Did you arrange everything?"

"Yes, it's done," she replied flatly.

He reached out and gently pulled her into his arms. "Mom's old and probably has her superstitions. She didn't mean to make things difficult for you. I'm sorry I hurt you today. I promise I'll make it up to you."

His words "make it up" stirred a wave of sorrow in Chloe. Even though his embrace was warm, it left her feeling utterly cold.

Rather than her, it was Walter and Jenna who'd truly been wronged and disrespected. They were heroes and yet, their ashes couldn't even be kept in their own daughter's home. What could Curtis possibly do to make up for that?

Once, Chloe had craved the warmth of his arms. But now, she wanted no part of this false comfort.

She pushed his arms away and looked up at the man she'd once loved. "Let's get divorced, Curtis."

Chapter 4 The Divorce Agreement

Curtis frowned. "Divorce? Just because Mom didn't want your parents' ashes in the house today?"

His tone made it sound like a trivial squabble.

A chill settled in Chloe's chest. She decided she shouldn't hold onto any more hope for him.

"It's not just that. There's also the matter of Sonya. Once we get divorced, you'll finally be free to marry her," she replied.

"I told you that Sonya and I are just friends. Stop overthinking it," Curtis said impatiently.

Chloe almost laughed. No one believed Sonya and Curtis were just friends, yet he kept using that label to cover up his infidelity.

"I'm tired, Curtis. I don't want to keep this marriage going any longer," Chloe said.

There was no grief greater than the death of love, and her love for him had already withered away.

Curtis' expression fell. That strange feeling that something was slipping from his grasp grew stronger than ever, and, for the first time, he truly felt Chloe might leave at any moment.

Suddenly, he suggested, "If you're still worried, why don't we have a child?"

"What?" Chloe stared at him in shock.

In all three years of their marriage, he'd never once touched her. At first, he'd claimed he was busy with work and that they should let things happen naturally. So, she'd never pushed him.

Over time, it became the norm for them. He never made a move, even when they shared a bed.

"We've been married for three years. It's time we start a family," Curtis murmured, leaning in to kiss her cheek.

Chloe found it ridiculous. An absurd, almost sorrowful laugh rose in her chest.

Once, she'd dreamed of having children with Curtis, but he'd always said, "I'm not ready yet. Can we wait a little longer?"

So, she'd waited and assumed that he just wasn't prepared to be a father.

Yet, the truth was that his heart belonged to someone else—he'd been saving himself for Sonya, his precious first love.

Chloe thought her love, loyalty, and sacrifices would eventually move him, but all of it ended up being nothing more than a pathetic joke.

Now, when she'd finally chosen to leave, Curtis suddenly wanted to give her a child.

Chloe shoved him away, scrubbing the back of her hand against the cheek he'd kissed.

"You disgust me, Curtis."

Curtis' expression darkened. "When we got married, I promised I wouldn't let you down. I'll pretend I didn't hear what you just said. As for the child, if you're not ready for one yet, we can wait."

"There's nothing to wait for," she snapped. "I'll never have a child with you."

He'd just opened his mouth to argue when his phone rang sharply. As he answered the call, Chloe heard Sonya's voice coming from the other end.

"...Alright. I'll be right there," Curtis said gently.

After ending the call, he glanced back at Chloe. "I need to step out. Take some time to cool off."

With that, he rushed off, leaving Chloe alone in the villa. Through the window, she watched him drive off, no doubt heading to Sonya's place.

Did he even realize that he'd already failed her every time he'd left her for Sonya?

Back then, Chloe had loved and married Curtis because he'd promised he would never let her down. But now that her love for him had completely died, there was no reason to continue this marriage.

…

To Chloe's surprise, Helen called and asked to meet her before she could even draft divorce papers.

Helen demanded aggressively, "I'll give you 100 million dollars. Divorce my son!"

"Sure."

Chloe agreed without hesitation, leaving Helen taken aback. She eyed Chloe suspiciously and asked, "Are you sure you'll divorce Curtis?"

"100 million dollars, and I'll sign the agreement immediately."

Since Chloe was already planning to get a divorce, why shouldn't she take the money?

100 million dollars could send countless children back to school and give many sick patients a chance to live.

Seeing her agree, Helen quickly slid a document across the table. It was a divorce agreement that had already been signed by Curtis.

Recognizing his signature, Chloe asked, "Did he send you to discuss the divorce with me?"

"That's none of your business. I know he wants this divorce, so just sign it," Helen urged.

The flicker of guilt on her face told Chloe that Curtis knew nothing about the divorce agreement. Somehow, Helen had forged his signature or tricked him into signing the document.

But either way, it made no difference to Chloe. She picked up the pen and signed her name.

"It'll take a month for the divorce to be finalized. Until then, keep quiet, and don't you dare breathe a word of this to Curtis."

Chloe raised an eyebrow. So, was she supposed to keep the fact that she'd signed the divorce agreement a secret from Curtis?

"Also 100 million dollars might be too much. 20 million dollars is more than enough for an orphan like you." Helen ruthlessly bargained.

To her, even 20 million dollars was too much to spend on someone like Chloe.

"If we go through a normal divorce proceeding, I'm entitled to half of Curtis' marital assets. If you think 100 million dollars is too much, shall I take 1.5 billion dollars instead?" Chloe retorted sarcastically.

Helen nearly passed out from fury. In the end, she gritted her teeth and finally gave in. "Fine! 100 million dollars it is, but no backing out!"

Chloe smiled coldly. There was no way she would ever back out. Right now, all she wanted was to free herself from this marriage as soon as possible.

…

That afternoon, Chloe met her close friend, Lena Hansen, for some shopping.

When Lena heard about the divorce, she rejoiced. "It's about time you divorced him! The tabloids are filled with Curtis and Sonya's scandals. That cheater and homewrecker flaunt their relationship like it's true love."

Chloe sounded calm as she replied, "Let them do whatever they want. None of it will matter once the divorce is finalized anyway."

"When will you take your parents' ashes back to Warlington for the burial?" Lena asked.

"I'll do it once the divorce is finalized in a month."

For dinner, Lena took Chloe to an upscale restaurant. They'd just settled down when laughter erupted from the next table, and Chloe caught the mention of a familiar name.

"Curtis, when's your wedding with Sonya? Don't forget to invite us!"

"Should be soon, right? Chloe's just a no-name graduate from a trash college. She'd probably be starving out there if Curtis hadn't taken pity on her. How does she have the nerve to cling to him?

"Sonya's different. She's a graduate from a top college. She was the campus belle in college, and now she's the first female captain at AeroQuest Airlines. That's going in the history books!"

The group chattered in high spirits, oblivious to the fact that Chloe was seated at the table right behind the partition.

Lena nearly threw her spoon in anger. She was about to storm over when Chloe stopped her.

"They're talking about me, so I'll handle it."

She rose and walked around the partition. "Why wait for the wedding? Why don't I buy you all a drink right now?"

Every head at the table turned to look at her. Seeing her there, Curtis frowned.

Chapter 5 I'm Done With You

"Stop causing a scene. They were just joking around and meant no harm," Curtis said.

Disappointment flashed in Chloe's eyes. Even when she was being mocked and humiliated in public, Curtis never said a single word in her defense.

"What counts as 'harm' to you then?" she sarcastically shot back. "Should I kneel right here, slap myself, and say that I should've never married you? Don't forget that you were the one who proposed, Curtis."

Curtis' friends exchanged uneasy glances, and even Sonya shifted uncomfortably.

Curtis clenched his jaw as he grabbed Chloe's wrist. "Let's talk about this at home."

"No, we'll talk right here," she spat, yanking her hand free. "To be honest, you and Sonya actually make a good match—one's a cheater and the other's a mistress. I wish you both a long and happy life together."

Curtis' expression darkened, while Sonya's face went pale.

Off to the side, Luke sneered. "What right do you have to talk like that, Chloe? You're nothing compared to Sonya, and did you really think that Curtis would love an orphan from some no-name college over her?"

"That's bullshit!" Lena snapped, stepping forward. "What no-name college? Chloe graduated from the National Defense Academy!"

Laughter erupted around them. "You're claiming that the no-name college she attended is the National Defense Academy?"

"Chloe, you and your friend are the same—shameless, pathetic liars!"

Sonya regained her composure and got up, smirking. "If you're going to boast, at least have the credentials to back it up. Lying about your education will only make you a complete fool."

"Lying?" Lena fumed. "All it takes is one search in the registry, and you'll see it's the truth!"

Chloe held Lena back and fixed her cold, steady gaze on Sonya. "I don't need your opinion on my education."

Sonya frowned. Why did Chloe still seem so confident even when she'd been caught in a lie? She was so calm that it was unnerving.

Just then, she noticed a group that had entered the restaurant and was about to pass by their table. Recognizing one of them, she warmly called out with a wide smile, "Professor Ostling, what a coincidence to see you here!"

Recognizing Sonya, Gerald Ostling smiled politely. "It's been a while, Ms. Miller."

Gerald was acquainted with the Millers, so there were frequent interactions between both parties.

"You're a professor at the National Defense Academy, and as it happens, someone here claims to have studied there. I wonder if you know her," Sonya said sweetly.

The others joined in, eager to see Chloe humiliated. "Yeah, Chloe. Since you claim to be a graduate from the academy, surely you should know professors, right?"

Chloe calmly stepped forward. "It's been a long time, Professor Ostling."

Mocking whispers broke out around them.

"Wow, she's really putting on a show!"

"As if she actually went to the academy!"

"There's no way Professor Ostling knows her!"

But the taunts died abruptly when Gerald gently patted Chloe's shoulder and said, "I didn't expect to see you here either. It's been years since we last met."

"Yes, it's been a while. How have you been, Professor Ostling?"

"I'm well. I heard about your parents. My condolences," Gerald said with a soft sigh.

The onlookers, who'd been looking forward to a show, stared in stunned silence. Even Sonya's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Professor Ostling, d-do you actually know her?"

"Of course! She was my student, so how could I not know her? She was the top science student in Corvessia that year. When she enrolled at the academy, it caused quite a stir."

The people who'd been ridiculing Chloe now looked indescribably gloomy, their expressions turning ugly.

The top science student in Corvessia… Anyone who'd ever studied knew how tough it was to earn such recognition. Someone with that title could even be labeled a genius.

Besides, the National Defense Academy was said to be more difficult to get into than the top-tier universities. In order to get accepted, one needed to demonstrate excellence in both academics and physical fitness.

Sonya's face flushed with humiliation. Just moments ago, she'd called Chloe a fool, but now, she looked more like one instead.

Even Curtis looked astonished. He'd never known about any of this because Chloe had never once boasted about her achievements.

Even though they'd been married for three years, she suddenly felt like a stranger to him.

"Is this your student, Professor Ostling?" A cool, calm voice cut through the tension, drawing everyone's attention back to reality.

"Yes," Gerald said, turning around to introduce Chloe. "This is my student, Chloe Quall. Chloe, this is Mr. Brian Steele from Steele Group."

The name "Brian Steele" dropped like a bomb in the room, and everyone's expressions shifted. After all, everyone knew that Brian had been declared Martin's successor.

Everyone's faces lit up with eagerness. If they could form even the slightest connection to Brian, it could bring them immense benefits.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Quall," Brian said politely, extending his hand.

Chloe recognized him as the man she'd seen outside the funeral home. Now, without an umbrella hiding his face, she could clearly see his face.

His hair was swept back, revealing more of his sharp, chiseled facial features and deep, penetrating eyes that seemed both calm and dangerous.

Although he spoke gently, it was impossible to guess what he was really thinking.

"Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Steele," Chloe replied, shaking his hand.

His hand was clean, yet the moment she touched him, she instinctively sensed danger, as though his hands could kill at any moment.

Their handshake only lasted a moment before they drew away.

The others nearby were practically jumping with excitement, eager to speak with Brian, but he seemed uninterested. "Professor Ostling, shall we proceed to the private room?"

Gerald nodded, said a few more words to Chloe, and then followed Brian away.

Once they were gone, Curtis approached Chloe. Clearly displeased, he asked, "Why didn't you ever tell me that you were a top science student and a graduate from the National Defense Academy?"

She gave him a calm look. As far as she could recall, he'd never asked either.

"Did it matter?" she murmured.

Just as Curtis was about to respond, gunshots suddenly rang out in the restaurant. Chaos erupted, and screams pierced the air as someone opened fire in Brian's direction.

Chloe stumbled and nearly fell over as she was suddenly shoved aside. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Curtis holding Sonya tightly and shielding her behind a partition.

He was the one who'd pushed her away!

In that moment of danger, Curtis had chosen to save Sonya and not Chloe, his wife. Just how many times would he let her down?

A cold numbness seeped into Chloe's heart as she stared at Curtis expressionlessly. Had he even considered that he might've exposed her to stray bullets when he shoved her aside?

As if sensing her gaze, Curtis looked over, guilt flickering across his face.

When he'd heard the fired shots, his first instinct had been to protect Sonya, and by the time he snapped back to his senses, he realized he'd pushed Chloe away.

Still, he told himself he would make it right later. After all, Chloe was easy to coax. In the past, regardless of what he'd done wrong, a few gentle words had always been enough to calm her down.

Just as he was reassuring himself with that thought, his eyes suddenly widened. He froze, watching as Chloe's lips moved slowly and clearly, forming words meant for him.

"Curtis, I'm done with you."