He Cheated I Rose Making Him Regret Everything (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 238

**A Promise Hidden in the Quiet Rain by Adrian Hale**

**Chapter 238: The Strike and the Catch**

Hiss…

The sharp sound sliced through the stillness of the first-aid tent, a sudden interruption that sent a ripple of tension through the gathered crowd. All eyes turned, drawn to the source of the disturbance.

Chloe instinctively yanked Oralia close, her heart racing as the force of the pull sent them both crashing to the ground. Oralia found herself pinned beneath Chloe, the weight of her friend a protective barrier against whatever danger lurked nearby.

Oralia shook her head, trying to clear the fog of confusion that enveloped her. Dazed, she struggled to comprehend the unfolding situation.

“Baby, what is it?” she managed to ask, her voice laced with concern.

“Stay still,” Chloe commanded, her tone brooking no argument.

Oralia froze, her body tense with uncertainty. It was only at that moment that the onlookers noticed the green snake, its tongue flicking in and out, poised with an air of menace. It was not just beside Oralia; it was coiling around Chloe’s wrist, its body tightening like a noose. The sight sent a chill down Oralia’s spine.

What was happening? Oralia’s mind raced, piecing together the fearful expressions etched on the faces surrounding them. Whatever was going on, it was something dreadful.

A soft gasp rippled through the crowd, the word “snake” barely escaping someone’s lips, filled with a mix of awe and terror.

No one dared to make a move, paralyzed by the danger that hovered in the air.

Carolyn’s voice trembled as she issued a warning, “Stay quiet. Don’t startle it.” Her eyes were wide, mirroring the fear that gripped them all.

The snake had wrapped itself around Chloe’s wrist, its grip tightening with each heartbeat. Oralia’s mind raced back to the moment Chloe had pulled her away—was that when the snake had been ready to strike? Had it been aiming for her?

The atmosphere was thick with tension, so palpable that it felt as though the entire world had paused. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the inevitable.

Tears welled in Oralia’s eyes, and she bit her lip hard to suppress a sob, her body trembling uncontrollably beneath Chloe’s weight.

Chloe’s focus remained unwaveringly fixed on the snake, which was poised to attack with a lethal precision. How long could they endure this standoff? The uncertainty gnawed at her.

Her wrist was beginning to feel numb under the snake’s constricting hold. They couldn’t linger in this state of inaction. She had to do something—anything.

“Oralia… don’t move,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, yet charged with urgency. Her gaze remained locked on the serpent, and she subtly shifted her hand, testing the waters.

Eugene stood before her, blocking the sunlight. The rays seemed to halo around him, casting an ethereal glow. For a brief moment, she couldn’t see his face—only his tall figure braced protectively in front of her. In his hand, he held the very snake that had just attacked.

When had he moved so swiftly? How had he managed to catch it? His grip was firm, fingers locked onto the snake’s vital spot, rendering it helpless as it thrashed about.

“You…” Chloe found herself momentarily speechless, her mind racing to comprehend the scene unfolding before her.

“You’re a mother now. Still this reckless?” Eugene’s voice was calm, yet there was a hint of reproach in his eyes as they locked onto hers.

He almost smiled, but there was an unmistakable seriousness in his tone that left no room for argument.

Chloe blinked slowly, the reality of the moment washing over her like a wave. She released her hold on the snake’s tail, her body still trembling from the adrenaline. A crew member stepped forward, helping her rise to her feet.

“Eugene, you—” Landon rushed to his side, his face pale with concern. But one look from Eugene silenced him, the authority in his gaze unmistakable.

Chloe stood there, watching as Eugene held the still-struggling snake with a mix of awe and gratitude.

Bruce approached quickly, now clad in thick gloves, and gently took the snake from Eugene’s grip. Other staff members moved in swiftly, sealing the creature into a secure container, ensuring that the threat had been neutralized.