My Rise and My Ex's Fall (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 4

Chloe had always been the picture of compliance—the dutiful wife who never questioned his comings and goings. So why did she suddenly feel like a complete stranger?

Arthur took a steadying breath, forcing his tone into something more measured. "I'll admit, I've been preoccupied with the company and haven't given you the attention you deserve. I'll do better." He softened his voice further, pushing the designer bag toward her. "This is the latest limited edition—I bought it just for you. If there's anything else you want, just get it." As he spoke, Arthur produced a card from his wallet and set it before Chloe—a supplementary card linked to his primary account with no spending limit.

This was Arthur's idea of a peace offering. When it came to finances, he'd never been stingy with her. In many ways, Chloe had been the ideal wife—quiet, undemanding, never making scenes.

Throwing tantrums simply wasn't in her nature.

Arthur's brow furrowed slightly, genuine irritation flickering in his eyes.

"Arthur, I think you're missing the point." Chloe looked at him, her beautiful eyes cold and detached. "I'm not here to negotiate. I'm officially notifying you—you're out of my life for good!"

That was the last straw for Arthur.

"Chloe, don't push me. Jennifer saved my life. I'm your husband. Is this how my wife treats the person who saved me? Picking fights over every little thing, incapable of showing an ounce of generosity. Aren't you worried what people will say if this gets out?"

He slammed his palm on the table, the sound echoing through the room. It was the first time in years he'd raised his voice at her.

Chloe studied his furious expression and actually smiled. "I don't owe Jennifer a thing. Why should I be generous? Who is she to me? You want me to worship her? Fine—when she's dead, I'll put up a memorial tablet for her."

"Aren't you afraid people will call you petty and say you're unfit to be the CEO's wife?" Arthur was barely containing his rage.

Watching how easily Arthur flew into a rage over Jennifer, Chloe felt a bitter irony. So this was his true love. For six years, she had stood by his side as his wife. Arthur had only married her because Charles insisted, and because she was pregnant. He'd arranged for someone to look after her while he buried himself in work. Those very years had seen his company rise to become the most powerful conglomerate in Capaville.

They'd probably had fewer conversations during their entire marriage than they'd had today.

"Word gets out?" Chloe's lips curved into a mocking smile. "Even if it does, I won't be the one who's embarrassed."

"Chloe... Don't go too far." Arthur's voice boomed through the room. His fists were clenched so tightly his knuckles cracked.

Noticing Robert coming down the stairs from the corner of her eye, Chloe lowered her voice. "That's all I have to say. I've already signed the papers. If you want to keep this civil, just sign them. If not, my lawyer will be in touch."

With that, she stood up. The moment she decided she no longer wanted Arthur, he became nothing to her.

Now, Robert was her only concern.

"Chloe! Don't blow this out of proportion. You want a divorce over something so trivial? You're being unreasonable! If you actually go through with this, do you think you'll survive out there? Don't forget who you are." Arthur grabbed her wrist.

He was reminding her—Chloe was just a country girl who'd been brought back to play the role of a wealthy heiress. If she stopped being the CEO's wife and returned to her family, what would become of her?

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