Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 1181

Khloe would need to focus on prenatal care, childbirth, and eventually postpartum recovery.

As a soon-to-be mother, her priorities would naturally shift away from the company.

Besides, she wasn't exactly hurting for money—and her biological brother Barney was a heavyweight in Heatherton City's circles. Forget this lifetime; even in her next life, she wouldn't need to worry about a career.

As Ethan mulled it over, he started to feel like he'd been projecting his own sense of drama onto her. He'd actually thought her handing over the Morrison Group was some grand, tragic gesture.

But really—had she been planning her retirement all along?

What if she'd seen this coming from the start and used her enemy's move to kill two birds with one stone?

She'd get to step away from the company with perfect justification, and at the same time, earn even more respect from everyone at the Morrison Group.

Ethan stared at Barney for a long moment. Barney simply smiled and offered him the slice of apple again.

This time, what Ethan saw in Barney's eyes wasn't calm detachment—it was the quiet, calculated composure of someone who'd already seen ten moves ahead.

He pursed his lips and shoved the apple into his mouth.

Khloe laughed. "Ethan, I didn't peg you for such a sentimental guy. If that's the case, I feel even better about leaving the Morrison Group in your hands.

"Back when the Hunt and Morrison families were joined by marriage, and with everything else going on, I had to be in the public eye way too often. Truth is, I'm a pretty low-key person. I don't really like the spotlight..."

As she spoke, Khloe looked down and gently touched her rounded belly. Her voice grew softer, her gaze turning warm and fluid.

"I think my baby would want their mom to be fully present, stable, and by their side."

Watching her like this, Ethan felt something squeeze his chest—a mix of ache and tenderness, a swirl of complicated emotions.

Khloe really was something else. Her journey hadn't been easy. She'd weathered failures and heartbreak, and now, pregnant and alone, she was facing all of this...

And yet, she seemed to carry a light within her—a warmth and hope that never dimmed.

"You're right. My little nephew or niece needs you right now. So here's the deal—I'll take on the burden of the Morrison Group, and in exchange, you'd better become one hell of a good mom."

Ethan chewed on his words for a while before finally delivering them in the same lighthearted, teasing tone.

Khloe shot him a glance and curved her lips. "Don't you worry about that."

Khloe lowered her head, and suddenly her eyes felt warm and misty.

"Do you think..." She started, then stopped. "Never mind. I want to rest now. You should go."

Even though she didn't finish the question, Barney could guess what she'd been about to ask.

What she cared about most wasn't the insults or the accusations—it was what Nick thought of her.

Even if they never spent their lives together again, even if she knew he resented her, she still hoped she'd left something beautiful in his heart.

Barney held back what he wanted to say, nodded, and left.

The day had been far too long, especially the night.

Khloe hadn't even fallen asleep yet when a new video surfaced online—a clarification about T7.

And the one who posted it was none other than Nick.