He Cheated I Rose Making Him Regret Everything (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 366

**TITLE: A Promise Hidden in the Quiet Rain by Adrian Hale**
**Chapter 366: The Bruise Tells All**

The moment was charged with an unexpected warmth, a spontaneous expression of affection that could easily be misconstrued. To the untrained eye, it might have appeared rather forward for a young child to reach out and tenderly caress the face of an elder, kissing his forehead with such innocent familiarity. It bordered on the audacious, a gesture some might deem overly intimate.

Madilyn felt the urge to chastise the child for such boldness, but before she could voice her thoughts, Charles intervened. His tone was gentle, infused with a warmth that seemed to envelop the room. “Alright. Whatever my dear boy says. I will be good and listen.”

Robert’s face lit up with a bright smile, his excitement palpable. He turned his gaze toward Chloe, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Your turn, Mommy!” he declared, his voice ringing with enthusiasm.

Chloe’s lips curled into a soft, affectionate smile. She took a moment to observe the bustling scene on the stage, her attention flickering momentarily to Eugene. He met her gaze with a subtle, almost imperceptible nod, a silent reassurance that bolstered her resolve.

Without any further hesitation, Chloe pivoted gracefully, her heart racing under the scrutiny of the entire assembly. She ascended the steps to the stage with a calm determination, walking directly toward her father, Scott.

Once face-to-face with him, she chose to disregard Monique and Carolyn, who stood beside him like shadows. “My apologies,” she stated, her voice steady and clear, cutting through the tension in the air. “There was an accident on the road. The car is a total loss. Fortunately, I ran into Lawrence and his party and was able to ride with them.”

Scott’s expression shifted dramatically as he processed her words. The mention of a “car accident” drained the color from his face. “What?” he gasped, concern flooding his features. “Are you alright? Were you hurt?”

Chloe managed to keep her tone light, though the weight of her words hung heavily in the air. “It would seem someone didn’t want me at this banquet,” she replied, her voice echoing through the now silent hall, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes.

A low murmur rippled through the crowd, a collective realization dawning upon them. This was not an act of arrogance or a simple snub; Chloe had indeed been involved in a serious accident. The notion of a totaled car conjured images of a catastrophic crash, sending shivers down the spines of those present.

Chloe held her father’s gaze, unwavering. “Mr. Lewis, I hope my delay hasn’t interfered with your plans.”

All of Scott’s earlier frustration evaporated, replaced by an overwhelming sense of relief. “Not at all. You’re right on time. Chloe, I’m just so glad you’re here.”

With a subtle nod, Chloe moved to stand beside Scott, their connection palpable.

In that moment, Monique and Carolyn were instantly overshadowed. In terms of height, grace, and sheer presence, Carolyn seemed to shrink beside Chloe.

Chloe was breathtakingly beautiful. Her presence commanded attention, regal and unforgettable. The dress she wore was exquisite—what designer had crafted such a masterpiece? No one in the room could recall ever having seen anything quite like it.

The men were captivated, utterly spellbound by her allure and the quiet authority she exuded. Even the women found themselves glancing back, unable to resist the magnetic pull she radiated.

Here stood Chloe, seemingly untouched by the chaos that had transpired. The only evidence of her ordeal was a minuscule scratch on her cheek, hardly worth noting, a mere whisper of her supposed misfortune.

Damn it. Damn it all!

Jennifer trembled with rage, her fists clenching involuntarily. If she had possessed a knife in that moment, she might have lunged at Chloe without a second thought.

Just you wait.

Her anger consumed her so completely that she barely registered her own actions, her grip tightening painfully around Madilyn’s arm.

“Ow!” Madilyn yelped, jerking her hand back as Jennifer’s nails dug in, the pain jolting her back to reality. “What is wrong with you?”

Jennifer snapped back to the present, her heart racing as she met Madilyn’s furious glare. A wave of realization washed over her, and she quickly forced an apologetic smile. “Madilyn, I’m so sorry!” she whispered, leaning in closer to convey her sincerity. “Seeing that woman show up like this… It just made my blood boil. You understand, don’t you?”

Madilyn, equally annoyed, felt her own irritation simmering beneath the surface. The explanation had somewhat placated her, and she offered a terse, quiet nod, swallowing her own frustration.