My Rise and My Ex's Fall (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 3

Despite his young age, Robert possessed an extraordinary aptitude for learning. Computers were his playground—he could breach any system with effortless ease, having taught himself everything through sheer talent. In certain circles, he was known as the legendary "Mr. Caesar", a digital ghost who could uncover any secret.

This time, he had hacked into the national medical database and run comparisons with all available records. Yet, the search returned nothing—no useful matches at all.

The result left him deeply frustrated.

He desperately wanted to help his mom, but the trail had gone cold.

If the medical database held no clues, then only two explanations made sense. Either his biological dad was already dead, or he was someone so secret his records were locked away.

But if he was dead, Robert still wouldn’t feel satisfied. He'd want to make him suffer.

Robert's fingers danced across the keyboard. Seeing the newly upgraded Dark Web system crumble once again under his assault, a faint smirk tugged at his lips.

Seriously, who was in charge of Dark Web security these days? They were slacking. The so-called "upgraded" system was still garbage—they hadn't learned a thing from last time. Some people never change.

Hidden deep within the Dark Web was the top-tier Genetic Database. If he could access that, he could uncover anything he wanted.

Of course, that was only possible if the man was still alive.

His small hands moved swiftly until suddenly, his expression tightened.

Lines of garbled code flashed across the screen—he was also being traced. A cool, confident smile curved his lips.

Not bad—they were quicker this time.

It seemed they were finally improving. He was just about to counter and break through their defenses when a servant's voice drifted upstairs.

Arthur had returned.

Hearing the commotion, Robert immediately logged off, shut down the computer, and hurried downstairs.

In the lavishly decorated living room, Chloe sat at the table, gracefully steeping a pot of coffee. That was the scene Arthur walked in on.

Seeing her enjoy coffee gave him pause. In his memory, Chloe had never liked such things. Today was... different. He recalled her words at the airport and glanced at the shopping bag in his hand.

Inside was a limited-edition purse. His assistant had originally sourced it for Jennifer's homecoming, but after Chloe saw him with Jennifer and made a scene, he'd ordered another one—for her.

Women loved bags, didn't they? He thought. Give her one, and she'd calm down.

"Mr. Myers," the housekeeper greeted respectfully.

Arthur nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes still fixed on Chloe. He had expected her to be furious—yelling, crying, making a scene the moment he returned. But she wasn't. She was quiet, so unnervingly quiet that the entire room felt heavy with silence.

Arthur dismissed the housekeeper. Soon, only the two of them remained in the living room.

Over the years, she had always played the part of the CEO's wife dutifully—staying out of the public eye, never interfering in his affairs, focusing solely on raising their child.

Chloe had always been sensible—the ideal wife.

Charles adored her.

Clearly, she was protesting his lack of attention.

"Jennifer's health isn't good. She has a chronic condition and needs constant medication. Raising a child alone hasn't been easy for her." Arthur paused, then added solemnly. "Back then, I nearly died in that accident. Jennifer risked her life to save me. I owe her."

Chloe watched his performance of unwavering loyalty and almost laughed aloud.

How easily those cold, cruel words rolled off his tongue. The mistake had been hers—she had been blind enough to bind herself to him in marriage.

"You don't owe me any explanations. The moment I said it's over, it's over. Arthur, now that your dream girl is back, I'm making room for both of you. You should be thanking me." She pushed the divorce papers back toward him. "Just sign it. I'm sure she's waiting for you to finalize this."

"Chloe! That's enough!" Arthur snapped.

He was furious. He stared at her, searching her calm face for any trace of anger. He had expected an explosion, but all he found was icy resolve.

For the first time, a voice in his head screamed—She isn't bluffing. She really wants a divorce...