Since the business deal didn't go through,we returned home shortly after.
This time,Chloe didn't even bother hiding—she flew on the same flight as us.
"Well well,isn't this our CEO Claire?"

Chloe teased,flaunting her luxury bag in front of me.
"Why are you still carrying a worn-out Chanel?Can't afford crocodile leather?"
I gave her a side-eye and pulled out my leather factory purchase records.
"This one's still fake.If you like it,I can give you one."
She waved dismissively.
"I don't do fakes.My boyfriend says I deserve only the best.Unlike some people who walk around with counterfeit bags and shamelessly parade them in public."

As she spoke,she exchanged flirtatious glances with Ethan sitting beside me.
I snorted.
"Is that so?Then I guess you've found yourself quite the boyfriend."
Chloe beamed proudly.

"Of course!He's the best man in the world."
I glanced at how Chloe leaned affectionately on Ethan and smiled faintly.
"Then I wish you two eternal happiness and eternal togetherness."
May you truly stay together for lifetimes.
When we got off the plane,Chloe left first—but she didn't notice that two men had been watching her the entire flight.
The same men from the Southeast Asian hotel lobby.
Back home,Ethan grew erratic,constantly on calls and texts.
One day,he pulled me into the study,secretive.
"Honey,I found an investment—emerald trading.I want to try.Can you front some cash?"
I stiffened.
"How much?"
He held up two fingers.
"Two million?"
He shook his head.
"Twenty million?Ethan,you've got nerve!Forgot how much you lost before?And you're still investing?Are you brainless?"
I shoved him,angry.His face darkened.
"Claire,don't underestimate me.This time,I'll make it.You saw the emerald profits. Nail this,and you'll call me CEO Grant."
Looking at Ethan's smug expression,I felt a chill run through me.
I refused him,claiming the company needed funds for ongoing projects.
We ended up arguing bitterly,and our relationship sank even deeper into the ice.
Meanwhile,Chloe had started selling off her assets—house,car,everything.
Over the years,Ethan had funneled most of our money to her.
With the previous property boom,she could probably scrape together around twenty million.
All set,Ethan approached me again,asking me to join him in Southeast Asia to negotiate.
But I knew exactly what he wanted—not my help,but for me to never come back.
On departure day,Chloe,predictably,tagged along.
"Claire,Ethan said he's going to talk business and invited me and Sophie along too. We're just going to relax.You don't mind,do you?"
She pretended to be polite,but her arm had already wrapped naturally around Ethan's.
He patted her hand,smiling indulgently.
"Why would she mind?She hasn't even apologized for last time.This trip's her apology."
He scooped up Sophie,leading Chloe to the gate,a picture-perfect family,while I trailed with luggage like a maid.
Ethan dropped all pretense,his mask off,lost in dreams of riches.
"When I'm in Southeast Asia,I'll buy an imperial green bangle,make those hags jealous.No one'll dare look down on me or Sophie!"
"Good.I'll get you matching imperial green earrings—make you a true lady."
On the flight,they planned their lavish future.
At the airport,Ethan sent Chloe and Sophie to the hotel,taking me to the gem market to pay the deposit.
His hands shook in the car,oblivious to Chloe being dragged into a van at the airport.
At the market,Ethan met the contact,wired$20 million,then left me there,claiming he'd inspect a factory.
Once gone,the contact smirked.
"You're the first person I've ever seen pay someone to sell themselves.Want to know how much you're worth?"