Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

 © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Chloe's unexpected shout of "Mom" left everyone in stunned silence, including Chloe herself. Her heart was racing with excitement, so much so that when she heard Winston say it, she blurted it out too. As the realization hit her, her face turned beet red with embarrassment.

Ruby turned her eyes to Chloe. There was something about this girl that caught her off guard. Chloe's face was like a burst of sunshine, lighting up the room. And those eyes-bright as peach blossoms, yet pure and clear like a mountain spring-stirred something deep within Ruby. It felt like a tiny bug had nibbled at her heart, leaving it itchy and a little sore. Looking into those eyes, she felt an inexplicable urge to cry. Maybe it was their innocence that struck a chord with her.

Neil, watching Ruby's reaction, couldn't help but smile. He recognized that look. It was just like his own when he first saw those eyes all those years ago. Even now, those eyes were unforgettable. He immediately recognized Chloe as the baby from back then, grown up exactly as he had imagined. The more he looked, the more content he felt.

Amid the silence, Lisa's voice cut through like a knife. "Chloe, have you no shame, calling her 'Mom' like that? Do you think Mr. Neil and Ms. Ruby will just take you in as their goddaughter? Your nerve is astonishing..."

"Quiet," Jacob snapped from beside her. Lisa had embarrassed them enough for one night. He needed Chloe to patch things up, not let Lisa ruin it further. But Lisa wasn't having it. "Dad, look at Chloe. It's obvious what she's up to. She calls Ms. Ruby 'Mom' right off the bat. She's been planning this forever."

"Lisa, one more word and you're

going home, Jacob warned, wishing

he could shake some sense into her

Ine

He knew Lisa was trying to drag

Chloe down with her, but today Chloe seemed uncharacteristically disoriented, unlike her usual composed self.

Chloe finally gathered her thoughts and said, "I'm really sorry, Ms. Ruby. I was just overwhelmed. You're my

idol. I don't know if you remegfel

the Riverbrook kindergarten

kidnapping case years ago, but we

met then. Ever since, I've dreamed of becoming someone like you."

11

Lisa scoffed, "Chloe, you're such a suck-up. Ms. Ruby, don't fall for it. She's just trying to cozy up to you."

Ruby didn't spare Lisa a glance,

focusing instead on Chloe with az warm smile. She reached out and clasped Chloe's hand, her eyes bright and inviting. "Did you follow through on that dream?"

Chloe nodded, "I went on to study communications and became a journalist." She hesitated for a moment. “But due to some complicated reasons, I left my job about two weeks ago."