He Cheated I Rose Making Him Regret Everything (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 606

"Are you out of your mind?" Landon blurted as he walked in and took in the scene.

Two open liquor bottles sat on the table—one completely empty, the other nearly drained, with only a swallow or two left.

Had Eugene really gone through all that... on an empty stomach?

Something was clearly eating at him. Was it Nance? That didn't add up. If Nance were the reason, Eugene would never have agreed to stay behind in the first place.

So why call Landon over now?

Surely not just to have an audience for his drinking.

Eugene wasn't that type. Landon studied him for a long moment, then finally landed on the only explanation that made sense.

"This is about Chloe, isn't it?"

At her name, Eugene finally reacted. He lifted his head, his expression flat. "She's trying to break things off. Came up with some unbelievable excuse."

"What'd she say?" Landon's curiosity spiked. Chloe breaking up with Eugene? He had to hear this. A guy like Eugene—successful, sharp, the whole package—was what most women dreamed of. What possible reason could she have?

"She told me she's interested in Nance now. Says she doesn't want me anymore." Eugene let out a hollow laugh. "Of all people... Nance. The guy who might as well be married to his camera."

"Interested in Nance?" Landon gritted his teeth. Seeing Eugene's dead-serious face, he couldn't help but frown. His own joke from earlier had accidentally hit the mark.

Unlike Eugene's under-the-radar style, Nance was anything but low-key. He'd blown up as a top-tier influencer—wave at his followers online and get millions of likes, with fans sobbing in the comments. If Eugene ever decided to put himself out there like that, he'd probably be even bigger. But that just wasn't who he was.

"Look, man, about Chloe... don't let it get to you. Things might not be what they—"

"Clang!"

Before Landon could finish, Eugene slammed his glass down hard on the table.

Landon jumped. One look at Eugene's face told him he'd struck a nerve.

"You think I give a damn about what she said?" Eugene's voice was low, his eyes turning frosty.

"It was all an act. Every word. She's deliberately pushing me away. But do I really look that easy to fool?" Eugene's grip on his glass tightened, knuckles bleaching white. He was holding back—barely.

"What pisses me off isn't her words.

"I don't care who it is or what organization they're with," Eugene said, his voice dropping to something low and dangerous. "If they come after her, they'd better be ready for the kind of welcome I have in mind."

*****

On the fourth day of Nance's exchange visit, the group toured a historic cultural district in Capaville.

The Binghams had been invited to join as local hosts. Noah and Amber were there—and Chloe arrived right on time with them.

While the guide was explaining a landmark façade, Nance spotted her. A casual smile touched his lips as he made his way over.

"Ms. Bingham. We meet again." He extended his hand, polite and polished.

Chloe returned a measured smile and shook it briefly. "Mr. Hawk."

Her attention, though, was already fixed on the pink diamond pinned to his lapel. It was impossible to miss—a record-setting stone, dazzling even in the soft daylight.

How am I going to get it off him?

Time was slipping away. She only had half of it left.