Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover novel Chapter 675

"What did you just say?" Chloe's face clouded over a bit. She could sense Connor's hostility toward her friend, but to her, this unprovoked animosity seemed completely irrational. Connor noticed the shift in Chloe's demeanor and let out a deep sigh.

Grant had openly confessed his feelings for Chloe. As a man himself, Connor could pick up on the ambition and aggression in Grant. Yet, he couldn't quite wrap his head around some things. Why, if Grant had feelings for her, had he never made a move, not even a small attempt? Their camaraderie as peers should hold as much weight as the bond Chloe shared with Lucas from childhood.

Yet here was Grant, a man with a naturally aggressive streak, who had done nothing. And he claimed his love would remain a secret from Chloe forever. It just didn't add up. Connor felt like Grant was carrying some heavy burden, something that held him back, unable to break free or let his true feelings come to light. Of course, if Grant wasn’t going to talk about it, Connor had no desire to pry into it unnecessarily.

"It's nothing, I just wanted to say, whenever you make a decision or run into something you can't handle, think of me first, alright?" Connor's voice softened, full of resignation and compromise. Chloe, unaware of the emotional rollercoaster he’d been on, just smiled. Casually, she reached over and scratched Connor's chin. "Okay, okay, got it, my lord."

For the first time, Connor turned his head away. Chloe's fingers froze for a moment. This was their little flirting ritual. For three years, she'd often done this—scratching his chin. Even when he was upset, it would quickly cheer him up. But today, something was different.

Chloe pulled her hand back and settled into her seat. Connor started the car and merged back into the traffic. He wasn't put off by Chloe's teasing. In fact, he used to love it, enjoying the way she played with him and sought his affection. But suddenly, Connor realized something. Even though they were married, even though he was her husband in every legal sense, Chloe's attitude hadn't shifted. Connor always felt like Chloe still saw him as her Trophy Boy. She never burdened him, and he'd never seen her get jealous over him.

It wasn't a huge deal, perhaps it's just how she was. But today, seeing her act differently around her friend, Connor had to admit it stung more than he expected. Instead of heading back to the Sartori family estate, Connor drove to a garden villa he owned. The car soon came to a stop in the courtyard. Chloe rolled down the window, poking her head out. "Another one of your places?"

Connor nodded, then stepped out of the car. Chloe followed him. The villa wasn't huge, but it was in a prime spot, with a private drive and surrounded by tall trees. Chloe wasn't even sure if there were other villas nearby. She chuckled, "True to form for the King of Eldridge, a perfect hideaway for a secret rendezvous."

Connor's steps hesitated for a moment, his posture stiffening. They walked into the house, one after the other. Connor shrugged off his coat, casually tossing it onto a cabinet in the entryway. Meanwhile, Chloe was still taking in her surroundings. "Connor, how many of these secret spots do you have? Come on, spill it—ever hide any secret lovers here?"