I Stopped Loving Him When He Let Me Bleed Out novel Chapter 116

It was late afternoon by the time Chloe arrived at the hospital looking for Paxton.

She had been unable to reach him by phone for days. It had taken an enormous amount of effort just to track him down to this hospital.

Once she got the address, she rushed over immediately.

Paxton was standing in the lobby of the administration building, discussing color palettes with the mural crew. When he turned around, he spotted Chloe hovering anxiously near the entrance.

She was dressed in an elegant cream maxi dress, her hair flowing freely, sporting minimal, delicate makeup.

She looked no different than the innocent woman she had always played.

But Paxton noticed the way her fingers were trembling and how remarkably pale her complexion was.

"Paxton," she murmured.

Paxton ignored her, turning his back to continue instructing the crew.

Chloe cautiously walked over and stood beside him, waiting for a long moment.

Eventually, the crew dispersed, leaving the two of them alone in the vast lobby.

"Paxton, we grew up together. You know me better than anyone. Please, don't be mad at me anymore. I'm begging you," she pleaded softly, her tone dripping with calculated desperation.

"Stay the hell away from me," Paxton spat, his voice freezing cold.

Chloe's eyes instantly welled up, looking as though she were about to burst into tears.

"Paxton, please don't be like this. After everything my dad did for you, I'm begging you."

Paxton stared her down.

"Begging me for what?"

Chloe opened her mouth, then promptly snapped it shut.

She couldn't say it.

She didn't even know how to begin.

Ever since the disaster at The 5th Precinct...

The very next day, Paxton had revoked all her access to the bookstore, completely overhauling the management and cutting off her lifeblood without an ounce of mercy.

She had hated him with a burning passion, furious that he dared to act so ruthlessly!

When news of his failed exhibition broke online, she had gleefully added fuel to the fire, anonymously posting nasty rumors to kick him while he was down.

But then, just five days ago...

Yolanda had suddenly suggested bringing her elite socialite friends to the bookstore for tea.

He was someone with strong convictions about loyalty and betrayal.

Highly emotional and, ultimately, soft-hearted.

So, as long as she cried, pressured him, played the nostalgia card, and brought up her father...

Paxton was bound to cave and eventually hand the bookstore's management back to her.

Paxton stared at her, silence stretching between them for several seconds before he finally spoke.

"You're here because you want the bookstore back, aren't you?"

Chloe feigned hesitation before giving a reluctant nod.

"That's only part of it. Mostly, I came to give you a genuine apology. I haven't slept a wink since that day. I kept thinking about our years of friendship, and how we couldn't let it all fall apart just because—"

"The bookstore is completely off the table," Paxton cut her off ruthlessly.

Chloe froze, her eyes widening in sheer disbelief.

Paxton was thoroughly exhausted by her sickeningly fake facade.

Did she honestly think he didn't know the truth?