billion book
Chapter 89
Lucas looked up at the newcomer. The moment he saw who it was, the fury in his eyes turned to sheer astonishment. He was utterly dumbfounded.
"Mr. Connor?" he stammered.
Lucas' first instinct was disbelief. It couldn't be possible. Yet, there was Connor, casually wrapping his arm around Chloe's slender waist.
"Are you hungry? What do you feel like eating later?" Connor asked Chloe, his tone casual.
Chloe pondered for a moment. "I'd love some of your spicy ribs."
"Alright, let's hit the supermarket and get some ribs then," Connor replied without missing a beat.
Lucas watched their easy, intimate exchange, still struggling to believe his eyes. But this was the King of Eldridge. Moncada International hadn't secured the Paradise Resort project yet, and Lucas knew he had to tread carefully.
"Mr. Connor? What exactly is your relationship with my wife?" Lucas questioned, trying to keep his emotions in check.
At Marian's birthday banquet, Lucas and Chloe had shown up as a married couple. How could someone of Connor's stature be involved with a married woman knowingly?
Connor kept his arm around Chloe, a taunting smile playing on his otherwise cold face. "Isn't it obvious?"
Lucas felt a surge of anger. "Mr. Connor, you do realize Chloe is a married woman, don't you?"
Connor sneered. "A married woman? Then, Mr. Lucas, please kindly produce the marriage certificate."
Lucas' face turned pale. Clearly, Connor knew they hadn't officially registered their marriage.
"Though we haven't got a marriage certificate, we are married in every other way that matters. We've hosted guests and had a wedding and Chide has lived with me ever since. A piece of paper doesn't define our marriage," Lucas retorted, his voice icy.
"My wife is undoubtedly beautiful, but I trust you won't let her looks or words deceive you. Mr. Connor, you wouldn't risk the dignity of the Sartori family and make both our families a laughing stock," he added.
Lucas had a suspicion. They must've crossed paths during the interview. But he hadn't expected him and Chloe's lack of a marriage certificate to become Chloe's ticket to flirt with other men. Yeah they didn't have marriage certificate, but did that mean they were not married? Could it erase three years of their life together?
Connor's face was a mask of mockery. "Mr. Lucas, your shamelessness is truly astonishing. If your marriage is as legitimate as you claim, then as husband and wife, you should be loyal to each other. So, what about you and Ms. Linda's child?"
"And as for the Moncada family's dignity, you lost that when you eloped with your lover. Why worry about your marriage now?"
Connor stepped forward, positioning himself between Chloe and Lucas. "Mr. Lucas, Chloe is now my girlfriend. From now on, stop bothering her, or don't blame me for shutting Moncada International out of the Paradise Resort project."
Then, he took Chloe's hand and led
her to his car Lucas' anger surged, but he still struggled to accept it. How could Chloe be involved with Connor? Maybe it was just a
coincidence? Perhaps Conte
had
just passed by, witnessed their argument, and decided to play the hero? These rich guys loved that kind of scenario, didn't they?
The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Yet, as he watched Chloe leave with Connor, his heart was in turmoil.
Linda arrived just as Chloe was leaving. She approached Lucas hesitantly. "Luca, do you still love Chloe?" she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty. Linda had often asked such questions whenever she felt insecure.