Chloe Reed’s lovely brows furrowed. "Is he dead?"

Nathaniel Monroe gave an awkward laugh. "Come on, Chloe, don’t joke like that."

"I’m not joking." Chloe Reed looked at him, her expression perfectly calm. "I used to think about how we were together for eight years. I wanted to break up peacefully. But now, I’m starting to hate him. I wish he were dead."

Nathaniel Monroe: "..."

’How was he supposed to respond to that?’

Chloe Reed turned her head, her voice growing even colder. "Go tell him I’m not feeling well and I’m going home to rest."

Nathaniel Monroe could only nod helplessly. "Okay."

Chloe Reed hailed a taxi and went straight back to Maplewood Gardens.

It was already very late when she got home. She took a shower, washing away her exhaustion, and then lay down on her bed.

Just then, her phone chimed.

She took it out and saw it was a message from Preston Vance.

Preston Vance: [Are you just getting back?]

Chloe Reed: [Yes, Mr. Vance. You’re still awake?]

Preston Vance: [I just finished a meeting. I was on the balcony getting some fresh air when I saw your lights were on.]

Preston Vance: [If you ever run into any trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out.]

Chloe Reed stared at his messages for a long moment. Her heart stirred, but she held back.

’It’s easy to make impulsive decisions at night. Better to wait until morning.’

But she didn’t sleep well that night. She was plagued by nightmares, and when she woke up, she felt even worse than she had the night before.

She looked at her haggard reflection in the mirror, her brow furrowing. She hated seeing herself so defeated and worn.

She took out her makeup bag and began to put on her face. The makeup helped; her complexion looked much better. Only then did a satisfied smile touch her lips.

She glanced at the time. Seven in the morning.

She sent Miles Hawthorne a message, telling him she would bring him breakfast. He replied with a simple "OK."

When Chloe Reed arrived, she found Miles Hawthorne staring eagerly at the door. The moment he saw her, he exclaimed, "You’re finally here! I’m starving."

"Sorry, traffic was a bit heavy."

Chloe Reed hurried over and unpacked the breakfast.

He could only eat soft foods that wouldn’t upset his stomach right now. Seeing the porridge in front of him, Miles Hawthorne took a deep breath.

"I feel human again."

Chloe Reed handed him a spoon and sat down beside him.

Miles Hawthorne asked, "Did you eat?"

"Yeah, I had some steamed buns," Chloe Reed nodded.

Suddenly, Miles Hawthorne remembered something. "Didn’t you get a paternity test done? Have the results come in yet?"

’If he hadn’t mentioned it, she would’ve completely forgotten!’

Chloe Reed thought for a moment. "The results should be out today, I think?"

Miles Hawthorne nodded. "Let me know when they’re out."

"Okay."

Just then, a deep, cool voice cut in. "Chloe, are you feeling any better?"

Chloe Reed’s body went rigid. She shot to her feet, instinctively taking a protective stance, her clear eyes filled with ice as she stared at the man walking in.

’Walker Grant. He was here again!’

Miles Hawthorne continued to eat his porridge, completely unconcerned by the newcomer.

Chloe Reed asked, "What do you want?"

Walker Grant walked up to her. His gaze fell on her carefully applied makeup, and a flicker of coldness crossed his eyes.

’She even put on makeup just to come see Miles Hawthorne?’

’Is he that important to her?’

"Chloe, you look especially beautiful today," Walker Grant said, his voice deceptively light.

But Chloe Reed’s back was ramrod straight, her entire body on high alert.

"I wanted to see you last night, but Nathaniel Monroe said you weren’t feeling well, so I didn’t disturb you. But seeing you today, you seem to be doing just fine, don’t you?" he said, his voice slow and deliberate, a dangerous undercurrent lacing his words.