Chloe wrapped up the small tasks she had on hand and tried to slip out of the office. But in the elevator, she ran into Frieda.
Upon recognizing Chloe, Frieda's face filled with concern. "Are you okay, Coco? Joe told me everything."
"Huh? What happened to me?" Chloe asked, confusion creasing her brows.
Frieda studied Chloe's weary face and dry lips, sensing that her usual vibrant spirit was subdued. Compassion welled within Frieda. "You’re a good girl, Coco. Whether you end up with Joe or not, I hope you’re blessed with health and happiness. Don't force yourself to be with someone you don't love."
Chloe nodded but misunderstood Frieda's intentions. She responded with solemn assurance, "You're a good person too, different from Joseph. I have no ties to him anymore. I'll treat you as any other employee at work and won't make things hard for you because of a certain person."
Frieda's expression froze. She was unsure how to reply. Chloe's words were not wrong, but they struck her as odd, almost jarring.
Ding.
The elevator doors slid open. Chloe adjusted her hair and stepped out. Unknown to her, her every move was captured by the surveillance camera overhead. Noah stared at his phone, watching the feed transmitted to it, before tossing the phone onto the table. He closed his eyes and leaned back into his chair, gathering his scattered emotions. He did not wish to harm the innocent, but some people were ticking time bombs—unhelpful and perpetually at risk of betrayal.
"Frieda, you only have yourself to blame for your misfortune," he muttered.
Noah opened his eyes as a newfound resolve took hold of him. He had already secured Cyrus' number. However, he had not had the opportunity to meet him because of the issue with Chloe over the past few days. But now, the time was right.
As Chloe departed from Exotic Star, Noah set up a meeting with Cyrus at a cafe situated close by.
"Father, are we simply going to stand idly by while that brat tries to manipulate us?" Otto grumbled. The frustration in his voice was evident as he poured himself a coffee. "What if he knows nothing about the madam's whereabouts and is just using us to handle Joseph?"
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