Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Connor froze.

Chloe told the story like it was nothing, her voice calm and almost casual. But Connor couldn't stop the memories from flooding back-scenes from that night flashing in his mind, sharp and vivid. He could see the pain Chloe must have felt, the despair that drove her to carve her own name into her chest with a piece of glass. The kind of heartbreak that would make someone willing to go down with Grant, no matter the cost.

Connor understood-maybe better than anyone that Chloe did it all to protect him, to keep Grant's revenge away from him. She'd risked everything for him.

He had always been the one people hated, even his own birth whispered about as some kind of curse. He'd grown up surrounded by privilege, but he had never felt love like this raw, fierce, and protective.

His eyes stung with tears. He pressed kiss after kiss to the scar on Chloe's chest, his words breaking, "I love you, Chloe. I'll love you, always. Forever."

The room was cloaked in dim light. On the ceiling, their tangled shadows moved together, rising and falling.

Connor's voice was husky in her ear. "Let's promise we'll never be apart, okay?"

Chloe's reply was soft, almost cracked, "... Yeah... okay."

When morning finally came, Chloe woke up nestled in Connor's arms. He was already awake, lying on his side, just watching her. There was something so bright in his eyes, a kind of happiness he couldn't hide, like he was looking at something precious he thought he'd lost forever.

Chloe rubbed her eyes and grumbled, "Why are you staring at me like that?"

Connor leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Good morning, beautiful."

It wasn't even morning, really. They'd been up so late last night that even Chloe was exhausted.

She nudged him, half-laughing. "You're looking at me like you're starving or something. Like a big, hungry tiger."

Connor chuckled. "Relax, I won't eat you."noveldrama

He knew how tired she was. Last night, he hadn't exactly held back But now, he just wanted to keep her close, skin against skin, soaking in the quiet happiness that filled the room.

He twined his fingers with hers, playing with her hand. "I haven't felt this happy in

a long time."

а

This just being together-felt like happiness that couldn't really be put into words. They both wanted to

hoo it for as long as they

But after a few minutes, Chloe patted his chest. "Come on, we need to get up. My brother's going to be here soon."

And, sure enough, ten minutes after they'd gotten out of bed, Kash showed up at the old Sartori family house.

He gave them an update on Grant. Even though Grant had connections, he hadn't been able to reach anyone he was still stuck in the holding cell.

Thinking about everything Chloe and Connor had gone through, Kash's face was tight with guilt and anger. This time, no matter what kind of pressure came down, he wasn't letting Grant get off easy.

Chloe cut in, "Did you bring the thing I asked for?"

Kash nodded and handed her a small box. Inside was just a folded piece of paper.

Chloe opened it. On the paper, written in dried blood, were a few chilling words:

"What goes around comes around. The vengeful will come for what's owed. The innocent will pay the price. May you live a long, long life."