Chapter 103 No Shame
“What?” Chloe blinked at Curtis, stunned, only to hear him continue.
“We founded Green Tech together, and there are so many employees you know well. How could you bear to see it collapse and watch your colleagues get laid off?”
Chloe didn’t hold back and snapped, “If the company collapses and people get laid off, that’s on you, not me. Don’t try to stand on some moral high ground and dump the blame on my shoulders.
“Besides, I remember you’ve always told the press that you built Green Tech entirely on your own. How come you’re suddenly saying ‘we‘ founded it?”
Curtis‘ face burned in embarrassment. He’d always believed he’d founded Green Tech and led it to success through his own brilliance and that Chloe’s work was no different from what any project manager could do.
But now, he wasn’t so sure anymore.
If he wanted any chance at the island development project, he absolutely needed the upgraded version of her patent.
“I understand that it’s all my fault, but don’t punish the company for my mistakes. We need that island development project, so you’ll ruin everything if you sabotage it just to get back at me.”
“Get back at you?” Chloe echoed and almost laughed. “How exactly am I getting back at you? You used my patent and proposal, and I just pointed it out at the conference. How is that considered me taking revenge?”
Curtis froze before he stubbornly insisted. “If you’re not trying to get revenge, just give me the upgraded patent!”
For the first time, Chloe realized the man in front of her was more shameless than she’d thought. “Why should I?”
“For the sake of our marriage-”
“And what did that marriage ever give me?” Chloe cut in with a sharp question. “I worked endless nights and countless overtime hours building that company, but when we achieved success, I got none of the credit or even a single share of the profits.
“When your mother, sister, and friends mocked me, you never once stood up for me. And now you want to bring up our marriage?”
Curtis‘ face flushed. Hearing those words from Chloe filled him with shame because he knew that he’d failed her during their three years of marriage.
“I’ll make it up to you,” he declared.
Chapter 103 No Shame
“I don’t need it!” she coldly replied before turning to leave.
“Wait-” He reached out to grab her, but another hand was faster and clamped firmly around his wrist.
“What do you think you’re doing, Mr. Green?” Brian’s cool voice, paired with his detached expression,
radiated intense pressure.
“That should be my question, Mr. Steele. What are you doing?” Curtis hissed through gritted teeth, wincing
in pain. It felt like his wrist might break under Brian’s grip.
“Nothing. I just don’t like you touching Chloe,” Brian said calmly.
The casual intimacy in his words stung Curtis. “And what gives you the right to stop me, Mr. Steele? Who
are you to her?”
“Her boyfriend. Is that enough?” Brian replied.
“What?” His answer left Curtis stunned, and even Chloe looked at him in surprise. She only remembered agreeing to give him a chance; she’d never said anything about officially dating.
But with Curtis there, she couldn’t bring herself to correct Brian. So, she pressed her lips together, which
was as good as agreeing to it.
Seeing her silent agreement, Curtis‘ expression darkened. He’d always believed Chloe had feelings for him no matter how close she seemed to Brian.
But now, she was actually dating Brian, and that too, so soon after their divorce?
An ache twisted painfully in his chest as he asked, “Chloe, are the two of you dating?”
“And what if we are?” Chloe shrugged indifferently before turning to Brian. “Let him go. I have something
to ask you.”
“Fine.” For once, the cold, unshakeable Brian compliantly released his grip. Chloe took his hand and led
him away.
Watching them leave, Curtis felt a sense of panic and unease he couldn’t explain. Why did he feel this
way?
He and Chloe were divorced, and if she’d moved on so quickly, didn’t that just prove she didn’t value relationships and was fickle? Shouldn’t he be glad to be rid of a woman like that?
Then why did he feel so… unsettled?
Chloe led Brian to a quiet spot and asked, “Why did you tell Curtis that you’re my boyfriend?”
“Because one day, I will be,” he answered in a firm, confident voice.
“What if I feel nothing for you when my mission to protect you is over? I told you that we’d go our
Chapter 103 No Shame
separate ways when it’s over and not bother each other. You agreed, didn’t you?”
Brian’s lashes fluttered a little before he leaned closer and fixed his eyes intently on hers. “So, am I not
allowed to make you fall for me?”
His handsome face was suddenly so close that Chloe couldn’t help swallowing hard.
Was he seducing her?
And could she promise not to develop feelings for him?
She couldn’t even be sure herself, especially when he looked at her with those eyes. Gone was the usual cool detachment in his eyes, replaced instead by raw yearning.
This version of Brian could easily move any woman’s heart.
“Forget it. Just don’t say that again,” she said.
The light in Brian’s eyes dimmed, but he nodded and went along with her wishes. “Alright. I understand.”
Once the investment conference and charity gala came to an end, the attendees began to leave the island.
Chloe and Brian left by boat the next day. When they returned to Brian’s villa in Yarfdale, they were welcomed by an unexpected guest–Liam.
Though Chloe had never met him in person, she’d seen his photos online and immediately recognized him. After all, the Steeles‘ striking looks were almost impossible to forget.
The moment Brian saw Liam, his expression hardened. “What are you doing here? I told you not to show your face in front of her.”
He moved protectively in front of Chloe, as if shielding her from harm.
Liam chuckled. “So defensive, huh? Are you afraid I’ll hurt your beloved? I heard that you dove into the sea after her to save a child on the island. It left me so intrigued that I had to see her for myself.”
Brian’s expression remained tense, and he frantically tried to hold Chloe back when she stepped out from behind him. But she gave him a reassuring look and walked right up to Liam.
“Well, have you seen enough?”
Liam arched a brow. “Not bad.”
“Good. Since you’re done looking, it’s my turn then.”
As the words left her mouth, she swung her fist straight at Liam.
