fantishu
Chapter 213
Though Chloe's heart was a storm of emotions, she kept it all under wraps. After a brief pause, she asked, "Could I stay here occasionally?"NôvelDrama.Org © content.
Ann was taken aback for a moment, but then her face lit up with joy. "Of course! I'll get a room ready for you right away."
The house was a cozy three-bedroom place. Besides the master bedroom and Lisa's room, there was a spare room available. Ann quickly tidied it up. "Ms. Chloe, this room is yours now. Anytime you want to join me for a meal, just come over."
Chloe nodded, "Thank you."
As she left Sundance Heights, her phone rang. It was Jacob. "Chloe, come home for dinner tonight. Your mom misses you. Jade's making your favorite cream puffs. It's been ages since I saw you."
This was the first time Jacob had called since Chloe severed ties with the Meadows family. His tone was incredibly gentle, almost pleading.
Chloe's voice was surprisingly calm, "Mr. Jacob, we have no relationship anymore. Please stop calling me."
"Chloe, why hold a grudge for so long? I know I wronged you on your birthday, but is it worth cutting ties over something so small?
"You were the apple of our eye. Think about how we treated you. Can't parents make mistakes?
"Besides, we didn't adopt Linda as our foster daughter, and Lisa apologized to you. What more do you want?
"Stop being stubborn and come home tonight. I need to talk to you."
Chloe hung up. She already knew what Jacob wanted.
Registration for the Paris Design Contest was closing soon. Every year, Chloe competed under the Belle Époque brand. Even after she left the Meadows family three years ago, Jacob would reach out every year around this time.
Chloe knew Jacob wouldn't give up easily. Belle Époque hadn't had a hit in years. They relied on Chloe's international awards to boost their recognition. Whenever she won, Belle Époque's stocks would soar.
The next day, Antonio called Chloe, inviting her to dinner at the Hyatt to celebrate his and Tara's anniversary. Chloe accepted and even prepared a gift for them.
But when she arrived, she found not just Antonio and Tara but also Jacob's family. And Lucas.
Chloe hadn't seen Lucas in almost a
month. He looked darker and thinner sitting quietly. He glanced up when Chloe entered but quickly looked away, his face showing deep fatigue.
Lucas' presence wasn't a surprise, given it was his parents' anniversary. But with Jacob, Tara, and even Lisa there, Chloe understood what was going
on.
Antonio jumped up when he saw Chloe, "Chloe, it's a rare chance to get everyone together. I invited your parents. Come join us."
Tara rolled her eyes at Antonio but said nothing. The Moncada and Meadows families were old friends because Antonio and Jacob grew up together.