My Rise and My Ex's Fall (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 601

"Did Mom say anything?" Robert asked, trailing a few steps behind Eugene.

Eugene let out a low breath. "She's not admitting to anything." Without another word, he headed inside.

Robert stayed put for a moment, not following. He turned the words over in his head.

"So now Mom's the one playing dumb... Sounds like she had her fun and now she's acting like it never happened." He sighed quietly. "Man, Eugene's got his work cut out for him if he wants to win her back."

"Kid, you sure talk like you know a lot for your age," Landon said, having overheard from nearby. There was a teasing tone in his voice.

Robert shot him an irritated look. "Why would I even try to explain it to a single guy like you? You wouldn't get it anyway."

With that, he hurried off toward his room.

Landon stood there, momentarily speechless. Being called single was one thing—but being told he didn't understand relationships? That stung. That little punk... He'd better not say that to my face again.

Chloe stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the city lights scattered across the night skyline. Her mind was elsewhere.

"Clo, the Master wanted me to remind you—you know what's at stake. If you break your word first, he'll break his promise to you too."

That was the message the bodyguard had relayed once she returned.

Vincent had other business to attend to and would be gone for a few days. For now, she was alone here. No one would disturb her.

Seven days total. Two were already gone. Five remained.

She needed that pink diamond.

Once she had it, one task would be done. Two more after that. Complete all three things Vincent asked for, and she could walk away clean.

Leave everything behind. Get back on track. She could handle things on her own—no need to drag anyone else into this.

That was the plan, at least.

She remembered what Eugene had said while they danced—how he'd accused her of refusing to acknowledge what happened, of sleeping with him and then pretending it never occurred. The hurt in his eyes. She'd wanted so badly to grab him and say, "I'm not pretending. It's just... right now, I don't have a choice."

Robert had been staying with Eugene. He was probably doing fine.

She felt surprisingly at ease knowing her son was with him. No second thoughts. Just quiet relief.

For some reason, that man made her feel safe.

But Vincent was unhinged. If pushed, he was capable of anything.

Whether she lived or died didn't matter much to her. What she couldn't bear was the thought of people around her getting caught in the crossfire—especially Eugene.

Five days left. She had to move.

That pink diamond.

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